Like many natural cycles, the arrival of the spawning salmon depend on fall rains to help swell river levels, allow for safe passage and flood spawning grounds. What most people do not realize is the level of drought that we have been experiencing here in the Lower Mainland for the past year. Going back to October 2024, we have not had a single month where the average rainfall rate was reached. Last winter was wet but still on the dry side with 468 mm of precipitation falling from Oct to February when 716 mm would normally be expected, or 65% of normal. From March on this year we have seen a precipitous decrease in precipitation with only 190 mm of rain falling from March to Sept. when 421 mm is the historical average rainfall, or 45% of normal. Our October has been unusually dry as well up to last weekend when it poured rain on Saturday night. You can check out the monthly precipitation numbers and bar graphs on the rainfall figures at https://vancouver.weatherstats.ca/charts/normal_rain-monthly.html
With the sudden deluge of rain, the local rivers have suddenly filled up to their banks, allowing spawning salmon to finally enter the Serpentine, Nicomekl and Little Campbell river systems. At the Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club (SFGC), they were inundated with a huge number of salmon showing up at the fish fence adjacent to the Little Campbell Hatchery on Sunday. An emergency call was put out and volunteers managed to count, sex and identify over 800 salmon that all had to be netted out of the river one by one before being put back into the water to continue their spawning journey. The SFGC (SFGC.info) has put out a further urgent call for volunteers to man the fish fence for this week. This was for Club members but it is also a great time to join the SFGC and get in on the action with schools of spawning salmon swimming upstream. The following is the email I received with volunteers urgently needed to deal with the number of fish that are suddenly arriving at the hatchery.
Help is greatly needed this week at the Little Campbell Hatchery. THE FISH ARE HERE! Volunteers needed now.
The much-anticipated fall rains are here and with it an influx of fish! The Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club’s Little Campbell Hatchery is in a bit of a pickle and urgently needs a few more enthusiastic volunteers to lend a hand at the fish fence this week -- Monday, Oct. 20 to Friday, Oct.24.
This is your chance to roll up your sleeves and make a splash by helping us identify and count the Coho and Chinook making their way upstream. Yesterday (Sunday, Oct. 19), more than 800 fish came through the fish fence—imagine the thrill of being part of that action!
Whether you can spare a few hours in the morning from 8:30 to noon or prefer the afternoon shift from noon to about 5ish, we would really appreciate your help. No experience needed. Just show up at the hatchery: 1284 - 184 Street, Surrey. So, come out, enjoy the great outdoors, and help us celebrate the wonders of nature! Lunch will be provided.
If you want to show up on the property and simply take in this amazing spectacle of nature, there are viewing areas at the hatchery and from many areas along the banks of the river that stretches through the 30 acre property. This can be a great family experience and the kids love seeing the large schools of salmon as they make their way upstream to the spawning grounds. Some of the fish even breed in the gravel bars along the river and in the smaller tributaries on the grounds that are now swollen with runoff water from the fall rains. With more wet weather in the forecast for later this week, you can expect the Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club to be packed with volunteers, visitors, media and lots of Coho, Chinook, Pink and Chum salmon. I should include that fundraising is continuing to help build a new fish hatchery on higher ground away from the river that is increasingly flood prone.
Naturally yours,
Don Pitcairn
I wish to acknowledge we live work and play on the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo People.
Local News
October 20, 2025
White Rock Council Today
Monday's council meeting will welcome the two newly elected council members.
A huge thanks to White Rock artist Jim Davidson for bringing his creative magic to the front windows of Blue Frog Studios!
He’s a muralist, painter, and mixed-media wizard – and one of the good guys who truly gets what live music’s all about.
We love how this piece brings new life to our home of live music.
Kelly Breaks/Co-owner Blue Frog
October 18, 2025
Proposed Costco Development and 24th Avenue Interchange Improvements Advancing to Council
The City of Surrey is advancing two significant items for consideration at the upcoming Council meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The first relates to a land-use application submitted by Costco Wholesale Canada for a proposed new Costco store in South Surrey. The application is being presented for first and second reading as part of the land use agenda. If supported by Council at that stage, the proposal would proceed to a public hearing, where residents will have the opportunity to share their views before any decision on third reading is made.
The second item on Monday’s agenda is a corporate report on planned upgrades to the 24th Avenue overpass, developed in partnership with the Province of British Columbia. These improvements are intended to include Highway 99 access and egress, relieve congestion in South Surrey, and support the rapid growth and mobility of the area.
Both items reflect Surrey’s ongoing efforts to supporting thoughtful growth and improving transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of residents and businesses.
October 16, 2025
The Christopherson Steps at the west end of 24 Ave. leading to Crescent Beach and the more rugged Crescent Rock beach will be closed again for repairs. The posted dates are Mon., Oct. 27 to Fri., Dec. 6.
Please note that the last repairs done in August were scheduled to take 5 days but instead took 19 days to complete.
Join ShakeOut BC:
White Rock Fire Rescue Encourages Everyone to Drop, Cover, and Hold Today
White Rock Fire Rescue invites residents, local businesses, and the broader community to participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m.This province-wide initiative offers a valuable opportunity to practice essential earthquake safety steps: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
According to ShakeOut BC, British Columbia is the most seismically active region in Canada, with more than 3,000 earthquakes occurring annually. During the drill, residents may receive a cell-phone broadcast message via the City’s Alertable App to prompt participation.
White Rock Fire Rescue urges everyone to follow these four key steps during ShakeOut and in the event of a real earthquake:
DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you).
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table and protecting your head and neck.
HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
STAY THERE for 60 seconds, allowing unstable objects time to settle.
White Rock residents can register for Alertable, the City’s emergency notification system, which delivers emergency alerts via text, email, or phone. For earthquake preparedness resources, including how to build an emergency kit or grab-and-go bag, visit PreparedBC.ca.
To participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill and learn more, visit ShakeOutBC.ca.
Free tickets will be available starting Oct. 21 for Bear Creek Lights, Surrey’s popular after-dark nature experience running from Nov. 7-21. This year’s event offers a new one-kilometre walking path decorated with dazzling light displays, a lighted tunnel, and music celebrating the park’s natural beauty.
Visitors can enrich their experience with free guided nature walks and live performances on select nights. Food trucks serving hot chocolate and mini donuts will also be on site each night.
With nearly 40,000 visitors last year, pre-booking free timed-entry tickets is highly recommended. Drop-in availability will be limited, especially on weekends. Entry times are available every 30 minutes from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 4:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The event will go ahead rain or shine (subject to extreme weather) and will be closed Nov. 11 for Remembrance Day. For easier access and traffic flow, guests can enter from the parking lots off 88 Avenue and 140 Street.
Now in its 13th year, Bear Creek Lights is one of the many events hosted by Surrey Parks to encourage residents and visitors to connect with nature, celebrate the beauty of our parks, and promote environmental stewardship in support of a healthy and vibrant community.
The City of White Rock is celebrating Halloween with a series of family-friendly events designed for some spooky seasonal fun.
Halloween Skate at Centennial Arena
October 29, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Centennial Arena, 147
Family skate rates apply. Pre-register.
Wear your costumes, enjoy some treats, and skate to spooky festive tunes. Register online.
Haunted House: Art with Grand Kids
October 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Kent Street Activity Centre, 1475 Kent Street
Workshop $41, register online
Construct and decorate a haunted house – this is a great activity for a grandparent and grandchild to do together. Instructed by the Semiahmoo Arts Society.
Spook-tacular Halloween STEM Workshop
October 27, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Avenue
Workshop $42, register online
Children will design and build their very own light-up jack-o'-lantern using simple electronics and building blocks. Each participant will take home a one-of-a-kind mini jack-o'-lantern.
Pro D Day Pumpkin Paint
Oct. 24, 1 to 2 p.m.
Free, pre-register online
White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista Avenue
Enjoy a fun ‘crafternoon’ of painting mini pumpkins! The White Rock Library provides the supplies, you just need to bring your creativity.
Halloween Green Screen
Oct. 29 & 30, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Free
White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista Avenue
Pop by the White Rock Library for a Halloween photo experience using our green screen setup! Strike a pose and create the perfect photo to share with family and friends.
October 15: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day - Pink & Blue
