IHIT has announced charges of first degree murder against four men in the death of a 19 year-old Abbotsford man who was kidnapped and later found severely injured at Crescent Beach in late January who died four days later at SMH. Here is the edited media release on this crime from IHIT:
On January 27, 2025, at 1:52 a.m., the Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) responded to a suspicious occurrence in the 2900-block of Victoria Street in Abbotsford. Witnesses reported seeing a man being assaulted before being taken away in a vehicle. Around three hours later, the 19-year-old victim was located in the Crescent Beach area of Surrey with severe injuries. On February 1, 2025, the victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) assumed conduct of the investigation. Based on the initial investigative steps, IHIT believed this to be a targeted incident, not related to the BC Gang Conflict.
Over the past six months, IHIT has been working in close partnership with AbbyPD, RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit, Surrey Police Service, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service, BC Coroners Service, the Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba RCMP Division Major Crime Unit to advance this investigation. On August 1, 2024, the BC Prosecution Service laid charges against five men in relation to the incident and homicide of the 19-year-old. The following four individuals have been charged with first-degree murder and forcible confinement, in relation to the homicide:
• Ravdeep Gill, 21-years-old, residing in Winnipeg
• Harmandeep Gill, 26-years-old, residing in Brampton
• Jaskaran Singh, 20-years-old, residing in of Surrey
• Bipanpreet Singh, 22-years-old, residing in Surrey
Additionally, Inderpreet Khosa, a 19-year-old residing in Abbotsford has been charged with forcible confinement in relation to this incident.
2. Bayview Ave. Fence Fiasco
In a long line of our "You can't make this stuff up" files, the Crescent Beach Railway Fencing Project continues to go off the rails and be a giant black hole that constantly sucks money out of the coffers of Surrey City Hall. In case you missed the TNT's already written about this ridiculous and asinine topic, scroll on through the TNT archives to read "Seriously Shameful" - March 24, "Moving The Fenceposts" - March 17, and "Offensive Fence", Feb. 10. Just when you thought this project could not get any more stupid (they are fencing off the fields of blackberries lining the tracks to stop trespassing), the braintrust at the Surrey Engineering Dept. suddenly realize the fence they installed does look like Alcatraz. In an effort to appease local residents and to likely stop legal action, they decided to change the chain link fence from silver to black only months after it was installed.
The issue here is that the fence is 655 metres or 2150 feet long. Unbelievably, they paid a contractor not to paint the structure, but to take the new fence down, take it away, and replace the entire fence with black chain link. From talking to fencing contractors, this likely ran in the neighbourhood of $50,000. They also had to go along the entire length of Bayview Ave. and remove the garrish waffle strip reflectors they had previously attached, replacing them with cats-eye reflectors instead. Much of the stupid blue walking path signs they had originally installed were also removed at that time as it was determined they served no purpose and again were an eyesore. As if that is not enough, there are plans to spray paint the 250 concrete curb blocks they installed a dark grey in order to make them less noticeable. There is still no decision on the "artwork" that is to be attached to the fence (lipstick on a pig anyone?) or what that will cost. I hope it doesn't resemble the metalwork on the new KGB Nicomekl bridge that is even uglier than chain link.
3. Closure Is No Option
I learned this week that the City of Surrey has put up posters on the Christopherson Steps staircase (west end of 24 Ave. leading to Crescent Beach and Crescent Rock beach) notifying of an upcoming closure. This comes as no surprise to me since I wrote about how these stairs were sinking noticeably in one section and would need to be repaired or replaced in the near future. Surrey also had a camera at the top of the stairs last month monitoring pedestrian traffic heading to the beach, which they recently removed. Their sign on the staircase reads as follows: "Christopherson Steps will be closed for maintenance from Monday, August 11 through Friday, August 15. We invite you to explore our newly upgraded stairs at 1001 Steps during this closure. They are located at the 12500 Block of 15A Avenue."
There are a couple of problems with this announcement. Firstly, does this repair need to be done so urgently that it has been scheduled for the middle of August when the weather is hot, kids are out of school and many people are on holidays? I wonder why they did not consider September or even October when the weather turns wet and cold and the beach is quiet and empty? I realize people can still access this area from Crescent Beach but with the new fencing along Bayview Ave. eliminating many parking spots, where are people supposed to find parking? Just like the fencing project, this stairway repair project appears to not have been properly thought out. If the repairs take longer than expected, like what happened at the 1001 Steps, it is likely they may be closed for the weekend of the 15th and 16th and beyond. There is also the issue of not telling people that the 1001 Steps are not dog friendly anymore due to their construction and that these stairs lead directly to the nude-friendly Crescent Rock beach. I would think this would be important information for residents and visitors to know about.
4. Painting the Town Red
If you missed my TNT last week (July 29 - Foxtail Barley, Spear Grass and Your Dog) I took the City of Surrey to task for opening up the Crescent Beach walkway to dogs without first checking the area for foxtail barley that is dangerous to pets. At the end of that column I promised to take a walk through Crescent Beach and Blackie Spit using fluorescent red marking paint to mark any spear grass that I found. These spray cans are very large and are designed to be used upside down to paint the ground. I like to keep my promises and I did just that starting at Blackie Spit, heading west along the Crescent Beach pathway, and heading south to Christopherson Park and the staircase there. Along the way I painted thousands of these noxious plants hoping to make it easier to identify and alert dog owners to its presence. I emptied an entire can of marker paint, using the very last of it on clumps of this spikey grass at the very west end of 24 Ave. Will the City of Surrey now send their parks maintenance crews there to cut it all down? Sorry to say but my guess is probably not. For all dog owners, be extremely careful with your pet near Blackie Spit as it is infested with foxtail barley. Whatever you do, don't take dogs for a walk through the unmowed grassy meadows.
5. Om Sweet Om
It has been reported that an un-named religious group is holding prayer meetings in the picnic area of Wickson Park near the sailing club in Crescent Beach on Sunday morning. It apparently begins at 3:30 a.m. and continues for four hours. This is in an area that is a Surrey park next to quiet residential neighbourhoods. It would not be so bad but they are using a microphone and sound amplifying system so the noise can be heard halfway across Crescent Beach. A non-emergency police officer allegedly told a person reporting this disturbance that the group had the required permits for the sound system. This whole thing seems bizarre considering that the Surrey noise bylaws regulates noise levels to ensure residents can enjoy their peace and quiet. There is no construction noise permitted on Sunday and yet this unidentified religious group gets to raise the dead in Crescent Beach early every Sunday? The Permit Department at Surrey City Hall is closed until Tuesday but hopefully we will then get some answers to what is going on. If it was me they woke up, I'd be there in my house coat pulling the plug and telling them to shut the heck up or to expect the wrath of my vengeful God.
A launching gantry is a specialized lifting machine made up of two girders, which are long yellow beams that are assembled on the ground. The girders are then lifted in tandem by two cranes, and placed on front and rear supports that rest on completed sections of the elevated guideway, or a bent (a horizontal support structure).
Movement
The launching gantry uses a combination of rollers and hydraulic systems to move guideway segments into place and to advance the gantry itself along the alignment.
Now introducing…
Fleetwood Flyer
Langley Launcher
Surrey Sprinter
Clayton Clipper
This map shows the journey each launching gantry will take as they work together to build the elevated guideway!
Prime Minister CARNEY was in Vancouver on the weekend to meet with Premier EBY to discuss forward tarriff steps in the negotiations with the U.S. President.
Newly elected MP for our area ERNIE KLASSEN was front and centre as the Prime Minister and his travelling entrouage visited the Vancouver Pride Parade.
Congratulations
For the second year in a row The Silver Diamond Dancers picked up an award for Mayor's Choice Best Float Award.
Thus is one our the best parades in lower mainland and everyone is do kind and organized!! Thank you City of White Rock!!
August 02, 2025
Charges laid in homicide of 19-year-old Abbotsford man
Charges have been laid following an investigation into a January 2025 homicide in Abbotsford
On January 27, 2025, at 1:52 a.m., the Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) responded to a suspicious occurrence in the 2900-block of Victoria Street in Abbotsford. Witnesses reported seeing a man being assaulted before being taken away in a vehicle.
Around three hours later, the 19-year-old victim was located in the Crescent Beach area of Surrey with severe injuries. On February 1, 2025, the victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) assumed conduct of the investigation.
Based on the initial investigative steps, IHIT believed this to be a targeted incident, not related to the BC Gang Conflict.
Update:
Over the past six months, IHIT has been working in close partnership with AbbyPD, RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit, Surrey Police Service, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service, BC Coroners Service, the Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba RCMP Division Major Crime Unit to advance this investigation.
On August 1, 2024, the BC Prosecution Service laid charges against five men in relation to the incident and homicide of the 19-year-old.
The following four individuals have been charged with first-degree murder and forcible confinement, in relation to the homicide:
Ravdeep Gill, 21-years-old, residing in Winnipeg
Harmandeep Gill, 26-years-old, residing in Brampton
Jaskaran Singh, 20-years-old, residing in of Surrey
Bipanpreet Singh, 22-years-old, residing in Surrey
Additionally, Inderpreet Khosa, a 19-year-old residing in Abbotsford has been charged with forcible confinement in relation to this incident.
July 31, 2025
White Rock Makes The Top 10
Top 12 British Columbia Towns To Visit In 2025 according to World Atlas
Between glistening turquoise lakes, jaw-dropping coastal scenery, and mesmerizing mountainous landscapes, Canada's Pacific Province is renowned for its diverse landscapes. When you combine fascinating cultures, incredible eateries, world-famous vineyards, and various outdoor activities, this extraordinary province makes for the picture-perfect getaway for all kinds of travelers.
White Rock, a breathtaking beach town on the Canada-US border, is another of the top British Columbia towns to visit in 2025. Soak in the stunning views of Semiahmoo Bay as you wander down the White Rock Pier. Stretching 470 meters into the bay, this extraordinary landmark has a sign marking itself as “Canada’s Longest Pier.” Listen to live music at Blue Frog Studios, a state-of-the-art venue where concerts are held in an intimate and immersive setting. Taste mouthwatering, authentic Mexican food or enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients at two local restaurants.
Whistler, Tofino, Nelson, Osoyoos, Pemberton and Golden also made the list as the best cities in BRITISH COLUMBIA to visit.
Police arrest man with firearm in South Surrey
Police have arrested a man armed with a firearm in South Surrey (District 5).
On Wednesday (July 30, 2025), at approximately 2:15 pm, Surrey Police Service (SPS) was notified by Richmond RCMP of a man allegedly armed with a firearm in a residence near 158 Street and 20 Avenue, Surrey.
SPS members attended the area and contained the residence with assistance from Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS) and RCMP Lower Mainland Urban Patrol Helicopter (AIR1).
SPS trained negotiators made contact with the man and after successful negotiations, he exited his residence and was arrested.
SPS Frontline Investigative Support Team (FLIST) were contacted and are assisting with the investigation.
The man is currently in custody and the investigation is ongoing.
July 30 2025
Soft Opening
Surrey's newest facility, Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex, is conveniently located in the heart of Cloverdale's community.
Parks and Rec. GM Laurie Cavan told Mayor Brenda Locke and Surrey City Council July 28 the city will start putting the building through its paces mid-August.
This facility has two sheets of ice with a third sheet planned, skate and helmet rentals, skate sharpening, multipurpose rooms, food services, and free parking.
This fully-accessible facility offers registered and drop-in arena programs for everyone in the community from preschool to seniors.
Call 604-501-5100 Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm
In person at any recreation facility
Drop-in schedules
Sign up for most drop-in activities 72 hours in advance
Join your favourite drop-in activity or find a new hobby! Seniors services and youth membership drop-in activities are exempt. Please note: public skating and swimming do not require 72 hour early sign up. Payment can be made at the time of visiting recreation facilities.
A new radio station has launched in Surrey. Goodbye SPICE RADIO hello SWIFT.
Sudhir Datt launched Spice Radio in 2005 she became the first Canadian woman to receive a broadcasting license from the CRTC. She's also been named Broadcaster of the Year by the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters and is a Member of the Order of British Columbia.
SPICE RADIO signed off this past Friday and instantly the airwaves were filled with a dynamic mix of news, talk shows, music, current affairs, and community programming in a variety of South Asian languages—including Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and more. The new radio station will be known as RADIO SWIFT and is located at 1220 on your am radio dial.
We’re thrilled to announce our annual Walk & Roll 2025 is happening on September 27th at the South Surrey Athletic Track!
This inclusive, family friendly event brings our community together to celebrate Harmony - our newest inclusive housing project currently under construction. Whether you walk, roll, or cheer from the sidelines, everyone is welcome.