White Rock Sun - [ Local ]

The City of White Rock invites residents to review the City’s draft financial plan and provide comments as the City prepares for a budget public meeting on March 8.

The City’s proposed 2021-2025 Consolidated Financial Plan will be presented to the City’s Finance and Audit Committee for public consultation and review during a virtual meeting at whiterockcity.ca/agenda on Monday, March 8 at 5 p.m.

The City prepares a Five-Year Financial Plan each year showing the City’s operating and capital programs and how they are funded. According to B.C.’s Community Charter, the City must adopt its 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw by May 15, 2021.

How to Give Input
Here are some options for providing comments about the draft Financial Plan. A copy of the draft plan is available for review at whiterockcity.ca/budget .

Submit your comments by noon on March 8, 2021

Speak at the meeting by phone or call into the meeting live

Multiple charges laid in $1.8M fraud investigation of Surrey boat dealer

Thirty-three charges have been sworn against Aaron Fell, owner of Breakwater Marine, following a complex investigation spanning a year and eight months.

The Surrey RCMP Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) began their investigation in June 2019, after numerous reports were received alleging fraudulent business practices by Breakwater Marine, a boat dealership located in the 16000 block of Fraser Highway. (See previous release 2019-08-08)

The investigation included a search warrant executed at the business on August 8, 2019, that resulted in the seizure of multiple boats and documents.

This was a multifaceted investigation involving more than 100 victims who were allegedly defrauded out of approximately 1.8 million dollars combined.

On 25 February 2021, 50-year-old Aaron Michael Fell of Surrey was charged with thirty-three counts including 30 counts of fraud related charges and 3 counts of theft of property charges.

This was a complex investigation that required our team to sort and examine a significant number of business and personal records and documentation in order to gather all the evidence, says Sergeant Ryan Forbes, of the Surrey RCMP Financial Crimes Unit. Thanks to our federal and provincial partners who assisted with this investigation.

Pretty In Pink

White Rock has started a new tradition of altering the lighting on Canada's Longest Pier to honour local organizations and events.

A Sure Sign Spring Is Around The Corner

DAVID HANCOCK of the Hancock Wildlife Foundation over on 0 avenue passed along this information last night. Yesterday @ 4 p.m. the first sighting of an eagle sitting on an egg was recorded by one of his cameras.

The ‘ Surrey Bald Eagle Reserve’ female on her first egg of 2021 – at 402PM.today.

Our local Surrey Bald Eagle Reserve pair laid their first egg today at 4:02PM -- with a little snow lining the nest but lots more due tonight. I sure hope she sits tight to keep this first egg warm. Will she wake up under a blanket of snow in the morning? The second egg will likely arrive Saturday afternoon. You can watch the laying at www.hancockwidlife.org on our Live CAMS. This is three days earlier than last year and that was 10 days earlier than the year before.

With the Fraser Valley still hosting a large number of high tundra and boreal forest nesting eagles of northern Canada that winter in our valley, many eagles are visible to our valley residents. The two or possibly three eggs will take 36 or 37 days to hatch, so we should have a young eaglet April 1 – my birthday! Yes yes, lots of good things happen that day!

The Surrey Bald Eagle Reserve is the product of a willing flexible developer, an adaptable Surrey Council and Wildlife Branch and our effective Mitigation Plan -- that enabled the HWF to build the eagles a new artificial nest. This is its third year of producing young at this artificial site -- two each year so far. Quite rewarding to have these eagles nesting in a condo development.

Normally April is the month of eaglet hatchings. Let’s hope this is a good year for them. Happy eagle watching.

David Hancock

Hancock Wildlife Foundation.

Surrey To Construct Indigenous Carving Centre @ Stewart Farmhouse

The City of Surrey has received a $400,000 grant from the Government of BC for the construction of an Indigenous Carving Centre at Elgin Heritage Park/Historic Stewart Farm. The grant, through Heritage BC, will help to build a one-of-a-kind venue that fulfills objectives of the City’s vision for reconciliation, while supporting the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage in Surrey.

Mayor Doug McCallum. “The new Carving Centre will be a showcase venue to come learn and explore the art and history of Indigenous carving. I look forward to welcoming everyone when we officially open the doors of the Indigenous Carving Centre at Elgin Heritage Park next year.”

City of Surrey Tree Sale

The City of Surrey is excited to announce the first dates of its expanded 2021 tree sale program, which enables residents to purchase quality trees at an affordable price. The first tree sale opens February 26 and closes March 10, with a pickup date of March 14. The second opens on April 23 and closes May 5, with a pickup date of May 9. There will be more opportunities to buy a tree as two additional dates have been added for the fall.

“Our tree sale program was so popular last year that we have decided to hold it four times in 2021,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “Residents will have the first two windows to participate in our tree sale beginning this week, with the second round in late April. I encourage everyone to buy and plant a tree. By doing so you are helping to keep our City green and grow our urban forest.”

All trees are $20. Varieties include maples, dogwoods, magnolias and assorted fruit trees which all grow well in Surrey. Inventory is limited. Residents can purchase and register for tree pickup using their MySurrey account, on a first come, first served basis.

“Investing in tree planting supports the City’s priority to be a leader in Green initiatives, which include increasing our tree canopy coverage across Surrey,” said Councillor Allison Patton, Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Investment Committee. “I am delighted to see this program expanding this year as the tree sale also helps support the City’s Climate Adaptation Strategy and Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.”

The tree sale program is managed by Surrey Parks Division. It provides Surrey residents access to quality trees, at an affordable price, to help grow the City’s tree canopy coverage.

White Rock Public Art

A very creative artist over on East Beach has created a beautiful piece of public art, who doesn't want their very own MEGATRON that lights up at night? The metal statue is created from old car parts . WOW!

February 22,2021

Know When To Fold Them

Surrey RCMP COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team (CCET) issued 14 tickets to a group of individuals gambling at a local business, in Whalley.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on February 18, 2021, Surrey RCMP CCET attended a business in the 13500-block of 105A Avenue, which was closed to the public at the time, to complete a proactive compliance check. As the officers were knocking on the front door, they observed multiple individuals leaving the business through the back door. Through further investigation, officers noted additional people inside the business without masks and playing cards.

Upon entering the business, further evidence supporting a private gathering was taking place was located. As such, 13 attendees were issued violation tickets for $230 for attending a non-compliant event and the host was issued a ticket for $2300 for hosting a non-compliant gathering, totaling just over $5000 in fines.

“It was evident that this was a full house of non-compliant individuals,” says Sergeant Elenore Sturko, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer. “We are not bluffing when we say we intend to enforcement the public health orders.”

Surrey Police Service (SPS) Forging Ahead: Chief Lipinski’s First 60 Days

The Surrey Police Service is well beyond a concept and is now a policing organization forging ahead in the building and development process toward operational readiness.

The initial advanced planning and preparation of City of Surrey staff has not only facilitated the processes for transition but has laid the foundation for forming the Surrey Police Service from both legal and tangible perspectives.

Key milestones in building the organization were the appointment of the Surrey Police Board members and their appointment of Norm Lipinski as the Chief Constable of the Surrey Police Service.

To date, Chief Lipinski has accomplished the following: From an operational perspective;

created a draft organizational structure that will ensure a community responsive police service
appointment of two (of three) Deputy Chief Constables and recruitment of senior leadership is

well underway
actively working with all three levels of government and police partners in developing a

Deployment Model for the transitional period from RCMP to Surrey Police Service operations
design of Crest that has been sent for Royal Assent
police vehicle decal design

From an administrative and risk management perspective;

sought and successfully secured approval by RCMP National Police Services in Ottawa for Surrey Police Service as a Category 1 Police Agency with access to mandatory federal systems - this includes Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC)
Organizational Policy identified and moving through approval process
secured MOU with the Independent Investigations Office

It is important to note that some of the administration accomplishments can only be achieved if the organization is recognized as a police agency.

Surrey school board confirms 3 cases of COVID-19 variant at 3 schools

Three COVID-19 cases at three schools in Surrey have been identified as the variant first reported in the U.K., which officials in B.C. have been watching closely as it is more transmissible.

Jordan Tinney, the superintendent responsible for 73,000 students and 130 schools in Surrey, said in a tweet on Saturday that the cases were at AHP Matthew Elementary School, Tamanawis Secondary School and Ecolé Woodward Hill Elementary School.

All the cases were previously announced as exposure events at the schools in either late January or earlier this month.

Tinney said in letters sent to families of those schools that on Saturday it received testing results from Fraser Health that confirmed the three cases were of the variant first reported in the U.K., which has been shown to be around 50 per cent more transmissible than the common strain of COVID-19.

"Testing for the variant takes longer than standard COVID-19 testing, which is why we have received this information now," read the letters.

Big Changes For South Surrey

A Rezoning, Subdivision, and Development Permit application has been submitted by the Semiahmoo Shopping Centre owner, First Capital, to the City of Surrey, for a mixed-use development on the northern portion of the Semiahmoo Shopping Centre site.

First Capital is proposing to develop 3 mid to high-rise residential buildings ranging in heights from 12 to 24 storeys, with ground floor commercial uses, potential community amenity space, and a public park to be dedicated to the City.

Stick Your Hand(guns) Up

With the announcement this week by Prime Minister Trudeau that he was turning over the possession of handguns to the local government, it didn't take long for the simmering war on Surrey council to blow up.

Surrey City Council Proclaims Heritage Week in Surrey

Recognizing the importance of preserving and providing access to Surrey’s rich and diverse heritage, Surrey City Council has proclaimed the third week of February as Heritage Week in Surrey.

“Heritage brings people together, allows for the sharing of knowledge, defines our city’s unique character and connects us with our past, present and future,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “This annual event will help shed light on the significant and important role heritage plays in our communities and I invite you to learn more about it.”

Visit surrey.ca/museum for virtual tours of its feature exhibit, Nature’s Clothesline, to book a free pre-registered, self-guided visit Wednesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Special family activities will also be offered online February 15.

Visit surrey.ca/stewartfarm to book a free 30-minute guided, outdoor visit Thursdays through Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visits are limited to six people or less from the same household. Highlights include the 1894 farmhouse, the Pole Barn, heirloom gardens, root cellar, boat building and former threshing shred. Visitors can also experience the farm from home by taking avirtual tour of the farmhouse. Virtual Family Day activities will be offered online on February 15.

Explore Surrey’s heritage digitally using Surrey Archives’ online tools a surrey.ca/archives. Browse the archives' photo collections, see historical photos pinned to present-day locations, and view all of Surrey from above with the 1949 aerial map.

To explore some of Surrey’s more than 200 heritage trees using Surrey Parks. interactive map, visit urrey.ca/parks.

Former Councillor, Mayor, MLA and MP for White Rock GORDIE HOGG sits down with long time resident VIN COYNE to revisit how White Rock became a city on its own, the first NO Dogs on the pier sign and so many other interesting historicla milestones in our history.

IHIT Investigating suspicious death in Surrey last night

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is calling on the public to help further its investigation into the homicide of a Surrey man.Â

Surrey: On February 12, 2021 at 7:19 p.m., the Surrey RCMP responded to a report of 31-year-old Adrian Golofit found dead inside his home near 194 Street and 66 Avenue. He had injuries indicative of homicide and IHIT was called in.Â

The last time Golofit made contact with friends was around 8 a.m. on February 11, 2021. Investigators will be working to build a timeline of Golofit’s activities from that point forward.Â Â Â Â Â

IHIT is working closely with the I-Teams along with the Surrey RCMP to gather evidence.Â

“Adrian Golofit was not known to police and the motive behind his murder is not yet clear,” says Sergeant Frank Jang of IHIT. “In cases such as this where police records about the victim is minimal, there is greater importance and urgency for friends and associates to reach out to police and offer whatever information they can.”Â

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email atÂ ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.Â Â

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Premier John Horgan Says He Can't Do Anything About Peace Arch Park

The concerns of Surrey-area residents about the potential spread of COVID-19 as people from British Columbia and the United States meet at a cross-border park should be directed to the federal government, Premier John Horgan said Wednesday.

The premier said managing the international border at Peace Arch Park is a federal issue, but he's prepared to take up the matter with Ottawa.

"If we see persistent concerns around Peace Arch, I'll certainly raise that with the federal government and they can take action with their counterparts in Washington, D.C.," Horgan said at a news conference.

"This is not an area that's regulated by the states and the provinces and I'm hopeful that those people who are coming together to see loved ones in that international space are doing so safely."

B.C. Liberals Stephanie Cadieux and Trevor Halford say in the letter Horgan must demand that Washington Gov. Jay Inslee close public access to the park until it is considered safe for non-essential cross-border travel.

"I live right by the park and I can tell you that they're concerned, frustrated and they're nervous," Halford said in an interview. "Basically, Peace Arch Park on the American side has turned into a tent city."

Halford said local residents counted 75 tents in the park last weekend. They also reported seeing people not wearing masks as they entered and left the tents, he said.

"We're talking about a piece of land that is just a little bit bigger than a football field," he said.

Last June, the province shut down the B.C. side of the park, citing public safety concerns with increased visitors.

"Obviously, the premier agrees with what we're saying here because the premier took steps to shut the Canadian side down, which is a provincial park," Halford said.

The White Rock RCMP 2020 Annual Report

This past Monday evening White Rock Staff Sergent KALE PAULS appeared before city council and staff to deliver his annual policing report

Transit Money To Flow Into Surrey

As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, building new transit infrastructure is a massive priority for the City of Surrey. When it comes to new rapid transit, Surrey has been lagging behind for decades. That is why I wholeheartedly applaud this morning’s announcement by Prime Minister Trudeau. His commitment of $14.9 billion to public transit projects over the next eight years makes good sense. Despite the current malaise of the COVID pandemic, it will not last forever, and things will eventually return to normal. When that happens, people will once again turn to public transit to get them to and from work or play.

With today’s announcement by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Horgan’s promise to fully fund SkyTrain through Surrey all the way to Langley, I am now more confident than ever that Surrey is no longer left behind on rapid transit. Surrey’s new SkyTrain extension is shovel ready, will create well-paying jobs immediately, and will take more cars off the road with the built-in ridership from the growing cities of Surrey and the Langleys. Let’s get moving on it!

Mayor Doug McCallum

Grandview Aquatic Centre Limited Opening

Twenty-six COVID-19 violations issued after Surrey RCMP bust illegal nightclub

The Surrey RCMP COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team (CCET) executed a search warrant and issued nearly $6000 in COVID-19-related fines, at an illegal after-hours nightclub, in Whalley.

The illegal nightclub located in the 10600-block of King George Boulevard, has been the subject of previous police investigations for defying public health orders. Individuals associated to the illegal club were issued COVID-19-related fines on three prior occasions. This weekend the COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team returned to the premises with a search warrant, which was executed shortly after 1 a.m. on February 7, 2021.

Twenty-two individuals were inside the club when police attended; resulting in twenty-six tickets with fines of $230 issued for attending the non-compliant event, failure to wear a face covering, and belligerent behavior. Fines totaled just shy of $6000. The host of the event was not issued a $2300 fine but was issued a notice to appear in court for hosting a non-compliant event contrary Section 4(1) of the Emergency Program Act.

The Surrey RCMP CCET issued four other violations related to COVID-19 over the weekend. On February 6, 2021, Officers issued a $1150 fine under the Quarantine Act for a man who did not abide by the conditions of his entry into Canada.

On February 6, 2021, Surrey RCMP attended a restaurant in the 7000-block of 138 Street for a report of a public health order violation. Upon attendance, members determined a wedding was occurring in a private room at the restaurant. Officers observed at least 20 people in attendance. Members issued the owner of the restaurant a $2300 VT for hosting a non-compliant event.

On February 7, 2021, Surrey RCMP attended a residence in the 14800-block of 61 Avenue for a report of a gathering. The property representative was handed a $2300 VT for hosting a non-compliant event.

Residents wishing to report a violation of a public health order can contact the City of Surrey Bylaws Call Centre at 604-591-4370, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, seven days a week or the Surrey RCMP non-emergency line at 604-599-0502.

Surrey Police Service Board Loses First Appointee

BOB ROLLS a 33 year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department and the first appointee by Surrey Mayor DOUG MCCALLUM to his newly created police board is leaving.

Former White Rock massage therapist faces 12-day hearing

Leonard Krekic

A former B.C. massage therapist is facing a hearing over allegations he molested six patients and defied an order to have a chaperone in the room whenever he treated a woman.

Leonard Krekic, who has practised in Penticton, White Rock and Surrey, is scheduled to go before a disciplinary committee of the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. for 12 days beginning March 8.

A citation posted online this week details the claims that six women have made about Krekic's behaviour, including placing his hands under their underwear, massaging their genitals and breasts, making inappropriate comments, pressing his groin against them and even inserting his fingers into one woman's anus.

Krekic was first told in April 2019 that he needed to have a chaperone in the room for any appointments with female patients while the college investigated a complaint of sexual misconduct.

In his response to the claim, Krekic says that he "expressly denies that he took any actions that were inappropriate, sexual in nature, or in any way contrary to the CMTBC's code of conduct." He says all of the treatment he provided was "appropriate and provided with the express consent of the plaintiff."

None of the claims in the lawsuit have been proven in court. Krekic has not responded to media interview request.

The Night The Lights Went Out On Johnston

Free Waterfront Parking Ends

The city of White Rock's FREE waterfront parking, an annual event to support local business, comes to an end this Sunday. Come Monday the parking regulations return to normal Winter prices.

Please remember and remind visitor to THE ROCK there is a giant parkade behind the Keg Boathouse that usually sits empty while visitors drive around and around looking for parking.

VIEW PAST LOCAL NEWS STORIES - click here)

Gang War Continues

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is requesting public assistance to further its investigation into the shooting death of a man in Langley, B.C.

Langley: On January 26, 2021 at 11:38 p.m., the Langley RCMP responded to the 5300-block of 207 Street for a shooting. Officers arrived to find a 22-year-old man dead inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds. A second man in his early twenties, also with gunshot wounds, was taken to hospital and is expected to survive.

At 11:52 p.m., the Surrey RCMP received a report of a burning vehicle in the area of 180 Street and 19A Avenue. Investigators are working to determine if there is a connection between this and the earlier Langley homicide. Anyone with dash cam video from the Langley scene and/or the Surrey scene is asked to contact IHIT immediately.

The investigation is in its early stages and IHIT is working closely with the I-Teams along with the Langley and Surrey RCMP to gather evidence and further the investigation.

“This has all the hallmarks of a targeted hit. The victim was known to police and his murder may have ties to the drug trade,” says Sergeant Frank Jang of IHIT. “It is not yet clear if this incident is linked to any of the other recent acts of violence.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Multiple checks and five vehicles seized part of ongoing-targeted gang enforcement

The Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement Team (SGET) has undertaken numerous checks, drug investigations, and vehicle seizures over the last 13 days of targeted enforcement against gang activity in Surrey.

Surrey RCMP is currently engaged in an action plan designed to disrupt and suppress gang activity in Surrey. This action plan was implemented in response to the increase in gang related violence across the region earlier this month (see previous news release – 2021-01-12).

Between January 11 and January 24, 2021, the Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement Team (SGET) conducted:

- 26 establishment checks for the Inadmissible Patron Program (IPP)
- 11 curfew checks of LMDGC participants currently living in Surrey
- 28 Outlaw Motorcycle Gang clubhouse checks
- 11 drug investigations that resulted in the seizure of five vehicles
- Enhanced police presence at three funerals of individuals connected to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict, to ensure the safety of attendees.

Violent crime and gang violence continues to remain a priority for Surrey RCMP, says Inspector Mike Hall, Surrey RCMP Proactive Enforcement Officer. We will continue our efforts to suppress gang activity in our community and provide ongoing updates on our efforts.

Help further mischief investigation

Surrey RCMP is seeking witnesses and dash-cam footage related to two mischief incidents that occurred in South Surrey.

Shortly before 1 p.m. on January 25, 2021, Surrey RCMP received a report of graffiti spray-painted along the gym and courtyard at Semiahmoo Secondary School, located in the 1700-block of 148 Street. A second report was received of graffiti spray-painted on a church in the 14800-block of 24 Avenue. (See attached photo.)

Officers believe the two incidents may be related and occurred sometime during the evening of January 23, 2021.

“The content of the graffiti message at the church is particularly concerning,” says Superintendent Manly Burleigh, Surrey RCMP Operations Officer. “As part of the investigation, officers will seek to identify whether this mischief was motivated by hate.”

Anyone with information about this incident or dash-cam footage from the area of the school or church on the evening of January 23, 2021, is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.

White Rock Council - Rewind

- Council received a report on the future of special events for the upcoming year. Virtually every regular event/festival has been cancelled with the exception of the scheduled performance by the SNOWBIRDS aerial flight team is still on the calendar for mid-July.The just completed White Rock Festival of lights on the waterfront was approved for 2021. Two new festivals which will be operated by the BIA will take place this year. A chalk art festival in May and a Buskers Festival for the summer months throughout the city were approved.

- Council turned down the application for a 6 storey condo at the corner of Fir street & Russell Avenue. Councillor Fathers/Chesney voted in support of the project with Mayor Walker casting the third vote.

- The first two hours of last evening's proceedings were dedicated the the long process of creating an operating budget for the city of White Rock for the upcoming year, with an eye to the following four years. Council will reconvene within the week to finish the first look over the budget before a public session is scheduled to allow residents to have input in the operating budget.

Watch the live stream of last night's proceedings of White Rock council (click here)

7:00 p.m. - Regular Council Meeting (click here for agenda)

Around Town

THE BUND A Shanghai Cuisine Bar joins the new Mexican restaurant (see below) in the same block on Marine Drive on the waterfront.

A new FRAME IT SHO[P has opened in the 1300 block of Johnston Road uptown.

Work is now complete on the reworked lanes on Thrift avenue west of Johnston Road. This week the buses that have been staging (parking) on North Bluff on the south side of the road will be moving to Thrift Avenue. The new staging/layover bus location ill be in front of the street level condos in the newly completed Miramar village Phase II.

Around Town

New hotel and convention centre complex to replace Pacific Inn Resort in South Surrey

There are far more ambitious plans to renew the hotel and meeting facilities at Pacific Inn Resort in South Surrey. There will also be a four-storey convention centre with 41,200 sq. ft. of conference and meeting space — more than four times the space of the existing building.

DoubleTree by Hilton was announced as the hotel’s new post-renovation brand, and they have been retained as the brand for this latest redevelopment concept.

The City of Surrey is in the early stages of reviewing a rezoning application to turn the 4.8-acre site at 1160 King George Boulevard into two new hotel buildings reaching 10 storeys and six storeys.

The beautiful sunshine the last two days in TWHE ROCK has afforded us a walk around our city by the sea to see what's new. SEMIA the tower located @ George Street and Thrift Avenue is close to opening for occupancy. Workers recently installed a giant piece of public cart at the entrance to the building.

Vancouver's PORTE Realty which owns a number of 70's style apartments in White Rock is constructing a 6 storey rental building on Johnston Road in South Surrey, next door to the South Surrey library. One would assume if the market dictates a strong response to this new building PORTE will no doubt consider future developments on the Semiahmoo Peninsula.

No Conflict

A resident of Langley Township was so concerned about members of Township Council taking contributions from developers then sitting in judgment of applications before council by said developers, has had his petition denied by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

The challenge had many members of councils throughout the Lower Mainland sitting on pins and needles, as it is a very common practice for candidates for local councils, filling their campaign jars with tens of thousands from developers.

Mark Underhill, representing 10 Township voters, argued in favour of a petition to the court to remove Mayor Jack Froese, Councillors Bob Long and Blair Whitmarsh from office. The petition also named former Coun. Angie Quaale, who lost her seat in the 2018 election.

Municipal elections should be 100% publicly funded. No developer money, declared or otherwise. Municipal elections do not need to be expensive - private money is not required to make them happen.

Semiahmoo Nation's CHIEF CHAPPELL Speaks Out

The Semiahmoo reserve nestled between White Rock and the Peace Arch border crossing is about to get clean, fresh water after living with a boil water advisory since 2005. And with it comes new hope for the growth of the community and its economy.

"It’s time to bring our community back, develop a community core, housing, community centres, a longhouse, a canoe shed, to rebuild a community and a nation.”

Chappell, who lives in Chilliwack on the Skowkale First Nation with his wife, said he hopes to move back when housing is available for his family.

You're Up!

We want to hear from you! An Official Community Plan (OCP) is the city's blueprint for managing change to achieve our shared goals. It contains policies that guide Council's 'land-use' decisions for where and how we grow in the future, helping to conserve what we love about the city as well as improve the quality of life for current and future residents. The OCP Review seeks to ensure that this important policy document is in alignment with the values, priorities, and aspirations of the community. While not all communities have OCPs with policies that guide building heights, it is recognized as an important topic in White Rock and is currently in our OCP; re-examining the policies for this important issue is part of the OCP Review.

This survey builds on feedback that was provided in Phase 1 of the OCP Review, and presents options for revising the maximum building heights in the OCP for three areas in the community: the primarily apartment neighbourhoods east and west of the Town Centre (the "Town Centre Transition" areas), the "Waterfront Village" area (both West Beach and East Beach), and a section of the area east of Peace Arch Hospital. The map of these "Outside the Town Centre" areas, also included below, can be downloaded by clicking HERE(External link).

Options for the Town Centre area itself (red area below) have been considered in a separate process, and more information about the Town Centre changes can be read in the staff report by clicking HERE. Future changes to the Town Centre development bylaws will be brought forward in Winter/Spring 2021.

White Rock Resident's Number Comes Up

White Rock resident Evan Monk got a surprise delivery last Thursday when an unexpected parcel showed up in the mail.

When he opened it, he discovered he is one of the Canadians randomly selected to take part in a nation-wide study by Statistics Canada to determine how many people have had COVID-19, and whether they had symptoms or not.

The questionnaire portion asks about COVID-19 exposure, experiences and symptoms. The finger prick kit allows for participants to leave spots of dried blood on a card that is then mailed back for lab testing.

Monk plans on taking part, and is interested to learn his antibody testing results. .”

The federal government has invested $7 million dollars in the study through the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force. Only people who receive the survey kits are able to take part.

Marine Drive stabilization construction finishes in January

Construction to stabilize Marine Drive at White Rock’s Waterfront will be finished at the end of January, weather permitting, with the closed portion of the eastbound lane at “the hump” reopening for traffic.

The City of White Rock is performing retaining wall stabilization and road improvement works on Marine Drive between Johnston Road and Cypress Street. The work includes installing micro piles and reconstruction of the roadway, curb and sidewalk on Marine Drive between Johnston and Cypress.

An investigation of the metal bin walls located on the slope below Marine Drive was included in the scope of this project.

The project’s geotechnical engineer recommended that the bin walls be strengthened within five years. Future failure of the bin walls could result in materials sliding down the slope onto the railway and Promenade below.

City Council awarded $500,000 to the companies finalizing the Marine Drive stabilization project to repair the bin walls as part of the current project.

Temporary Roadwork
The contractor will schedule temporary roadwork repairs in January and return in March to repave the road for the final product.

First Nations Acknowledgment Shot Down

First time Surrey councillor JACK HUNDIAL tried to put forward a motion at Surrey's Monday council meeting to acknowledge the meeting was taking place on the land of the traditional territories of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen First Nations.

The motion dies on the floor as the remaining members of Mayor DOUG MCCALLUM'S SURREY FIRST COALITON OF COUNCILLORS ALLL LOCK STEP VOTED AGAINS THE MOTION.

Councillors BRENDA LOCKE, STEVEN PETTIGREW and LINDA ANNIS voted in support but the motion fell to a 5-4 vote against.

Editor's Note - White Rock council has acknowledged our First Nations neighbours the Semiahmoo people at the beginning of every public meeting including all council meetings.

To listen to councillor HUNDIAL and LOCKE discuss Monday's council meeting (click here

Peace Arch Hospital Director Accused Of Jumping Vaccine Queue

Two hospital directors and two other Fraser Health staff members are being accused of jumping the queue and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of front-line health workers in B.C

A director at Peace Arch Hospital in Surrey, whose colleagues tell Global News is not involved in day-to-day direct patient care, ultimately received one of those doses. That director’s son and son-in-law, who work at the hospital as a porter and a screener, respectively, also received doses before many front-line workers did.

Days later, another director assisting with an on-site immunization clinic at Peace Arch also received one of the leftover vaccine doses. Public health officials had recommended that director receive the vaccine, sources told Global News, but the reason why was not shared.

Fraser Health confirmed in an email to Global News that three family members — the Peace Arch director and her son and son-in-law — were vaccinated in December. A spokesperson said regional staff regularly reaches out to “priority staff” in the instance of leftover doses to avoid vaccine wastage.

When asked if any other directors, board members or their relatives have received the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of front-line workers, Fraser Health would only say no other members of its “senior executive team” had.

Public Health Orders & Anti-Mask Customers

We understand that a group called "Action4Canada" has approached several businesses with a letter that claims, amongst other things, that businesses could be held "liable for up to $35,000 in damages per incident" for following the Public Health Order regarding mask wearing indoors.

I've included a photo of the letter below.

Regarding this letter, I reached out to the City of White Rock and the RCMP Detachment for clarification & advice. The City of White Rock pointed me to the order for mandatory mask wearing. You can find that order here.

Backgrounder on ACTION4CANADA

Action4Canada is a grassroots movement reaching out to millions of Canadians and UNITING our
voices in opposition to the destructive policies tearing at the fabric of this nation.

Through Call To ACTION campaigns, we equip citizens to take action. We are committed to protecting…FAITH, FAMILY and FREEDOM.

Action4Canada is commencing legal action against the BC government.

We have retained Rocco Galati, a top constitutional lawyer,

who is willing to take on the defence of our Charter rights and freedoms in response to the

extreme and destructive emergency measures and Bill 19.

But we can’t do this without you!

IHIT investigating fatal shooting of Gary Kang

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is calling on the public to help further its investigation into the shooting death of a man at his residence in the Morgan Heights neighbourhood of Surrey, B.C.Â

Yesterday morning (Wednesday January 6, 2021), just after 5 a.m., 24-year-old Gary Kang was shot several times at his home near 161 Street and 30 Avenue. He was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries.Â

At 5:41 a.m., the Langley RCMP responded to a car fire near 229 Street and 78A Avenue. Investigators are working to determine if there is a connection between this and the earlier Surrey homicide. Anyone with dash cam video who was driving around the Morgan Heights area of Surrey and/or the area of Langley around 232 Street and Highway 1 between 5 a.m. and 5:40 a.m. this morning is asked to contact IHIT immediately.Â

IHIT is working with the I-Teams, the Surrey RCMP, the Langley RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service to gather evidence. An extensive canvass for video evidence and witnesses is underway. It is believed there is more than one suspect involved in the shooting.Â

Gary Kang was known to police and his murder is believed to be a targeted event with linkages to the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.Â

“It is too early to offer a motive behind this morning’s shooting but given what we know of Kang’s history with gang activity, we will be engaging with our gang enforcement partners,” says Sergeant Frank Jang of IHIT.Â

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email atÂ ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.Â Â

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

How High Is High?

Digital Public Open House - How Tall Should Buildings Be in White Rock? OCP Review

Thursday, January 14, 2021 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

The #1 topic for residents for the past decade has been high-rises in the city of White Rock. The constant OCP amendments that allowed the hight of buildings in certain areas of the city to change on a whim, have all been hot topics in guiding future development in White Rock.

This is your chance to be heard. Have your say online via the survey or requesting an actual form that can be mailed in.

WE NEED TO HEAR YOUR VOICES NOW!!

This digital "public open house," part of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Review, will present options for building heights outside the Town Centre - the Town Centre Transition areas (north of Thrift Avenue, both east of George Street and west of Martin Street), the Waterfront Village area (along Marine Drive between Stayte Road and Oxford Street), and the East Side Large Lot Infill area.

A survey to obtain input on these options will be available on January 15 at www.talkwhiterock.ca/ocp-review. Your input will form part of a report to go to White Rock City Council in Spring 2021, and may result in changes to the OCP, which guides the overall development of the city in setting policies for future development application decisions. A public hearing will be held before a bylaw is approved.

For more information, visit https://www.talkwhiterock.ca/ocp-review. A paper survey can be mailed to those who prefer that option. Email planning@whiterockcity.ca or call 604-541-213

That's How They Roll(s)

The White Rock RCMP were performing a routine curfew check in the 15600 block of Thrift Avenue over Christmas when they noticed a Rolls Royce Phantom (see pic above) in the home's garage. The market value for the car is $350,000.00. The car seemed out of place and out of character for the resident they were checking on and the residence itself.

A vehicle registration check turned up the car had been stolen in West Vancouver late last year.

At this point, no charges have been recommended, however the investigation is continuing.

Back To School?

Nearly 50 people associated with five different classes at Earl Marriott Secondary School in Surrey have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a letter from the school district's superintendent to members of the school community on Sunday.

In the letter, Surrey schools superintendent Jordan Tinney writes that the school district sent out several coronavirus exposure notices as winter break was approaching and into the break itself.

"We had some classes and individuals who were required to self-isolate over the holidays, which is not how we would want anyone to spend their winter break," Tinney writes in the letter.

"We have subsequently met with Fraser Health to learn more about those closing days and how we might review and adjust our plans as we open for January."

The letter goes on to outline "a few things" the school will be doing differently when classes resume, including reminding parents to complete their children's daily screening for COVID-19, encouraging mask use at secondary schools even in classrooms where they're not required, and adjusting protocols related to staff common spaces and physical education classes.

Bus Service To Increase To Semiahmoo Peninsula

TRANSLINK Increases South Surrey White Rock Service starting today (January 4), Despite the current pandemic bus ridership on the Peninsula has not dropped like most other regions in the Lower Mainland

To find the exact change for each route and information on all upcoming service changes, customers should visit translink.ca/servicechanges.

White Rock punk pioneer among Order of Canada recipients

Back in the 70's ART BERGMANN camped out in a rundown apartment on White Rock's East Beach section of Marine Drive. As Art's local musical circle began to expand eventually new accommodations were needed.

Somehow an old farmhouse on 16th avenue near the Langley border was soon home to a wild collection of local ne'er do wells. From those humble beginnings ART'S first band the Mount Lehman Grease Band was born.. The band later morphed into The Shmorgs.
From the resulting all night and sometimes all weekend musical parties the locale soon became known as SHMORG MANOR. Eventually the Valley had nothing to offer ART and his band of musical merry-men so it was off to Vancouver as the punk scene was just beginning. Numerous bands and albums later ART eventually moved to the slower pace of an Alberta farm where he currently still resides.

Art Bergmann, a self described anti-hero-iconoclast, was pivotal in establishing Canada's punk rock scene in the late 1970s. He released several albums both as part of a group and as a solo artist.

Canada chose Bergmann as a recipient because of his contributions to Canada's punk music scene, as well as his "thought-provoking discourse on social, gender and racial inequalities."

Sticking true with the Order of Canada's motto, 'they desire a better country', Bergmann hopes that his appointment helps promote social change.

Surrey Streets On Fire - Second Slaying In Two Days

The victim was known to police but his name wasn’t disclosed. He has been identified by his father, however, as Tequel Willis of Burnaby.

UPDATE December 30, 2020

A 14-year-old boy from Burnaby was killed in Surrey Monday night, according to an update from police.

This boy’s death came less than 24 hours after another fatal shooting of a young man in the city, 19-year-old Harman Singh Dhesi. Police say they do not believe the two shootings are connected.

In both cases, police say burned-out vehicles were found shortly after and are being investigated as potentially linked. However, they are describing both victims as “known to the police” and both shootings as “targeted.”

The 14-year old was found with multiple gunshot wounds around 7:30 near 148A Street and 110 Avenue.

Police say he was gunned down almost immediately after being dropped off by a taxi. The driver witnessed the murder, and is traumatized but cooperative, according to investigators.

“Most of us can’t begin to fathom that someone as young as 14 years old could be shot and murdered. It’s very disturbing,” says Sgt. Elenore Sturko.

“It’s likely the public has many questions about how someone so young could be involved in a lifestyle that would put them at risk for such a violent and tragic death. Regardless of their background or circumstances, the senseless loss of life is a tragedy.”

RELATED STORY: Two men killed in two shootings in Surrey in less than 24 hours

Sgt. Frank Jang with The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says Dhesi was found Sunday with gunshot wounds in his vehicle, but later died of his injuries in hospital.

Dhesi was known to police, and IHIT’s number one priority is to determine a motive, Jang says.

“One of the things we’re doing is to look back into Harman Dhesi’s past and those specific interactions he had with police, and if he was with anyone during those interactions — we’re going to look into their backgrounds as well,” Jang says.

“It’s a tragic event. Harman Dhesi was 19-years-old. He was barely an adult,” Jang says, adding the man’s family is devastated to lose their son, especially given it’s happened during the holiday season.”

Surrey RCMP are supporting IHIT as they investigate a second fatal shooting in Surrey in the past 24 hours

Another fatal shooting is under investigation in Surrey, less than 24 hours after a 19-year-old was gunned down in the same city.

Last evening ( Monday ) Surrey Mounties said they were called to 148A Street near 110 Avenue. Upon their arrival they found a man who was suffering from gunshot wounds.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called in and is working with Surrey RCMP's major crime section.

Sgt. Frank Jang with IHIT said a vehicle was found on fire in Langley after the incident.

"It is certainly too early to tell or to say that it is in fact linked to this latest homicide," he said, adding that investigators are treating the vehicle as possibly connected. "We are going to be working with our partners there, with the Langley RCMP, to determine further details."

The fatal incident was announced just hours after investigators released details about a shooting that happened Sunday night. At about 10:30 p.m., a 19-year-old had been gunned down near 137A Street and 90 Avenue, which is about six kilometres away from Monday's shooting.

First responders rushed the man to hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. Sunday's victim has since been identified as Harman Singh Dhesi, a young man who was known to law enforcement.

Christmas Is A Time For Giving

When SAVE ON foods heard the need for a little something special for today's hot Christmas Lunch for the needy in our community, they quickly reached out to the White Rock Rotary club and made a sizable donation.

The White Rock Rotary Club has promoted and operated a free lunch program in the little house on the parking lot next to the White Rock Playhouse. Six days a week MOTI BALI and a host of volounteers distribute hot meals to over three dozen less fortunate in our community.

Today a full Christmas dinner will be packaged up and distributed to the need in the noon hour today

Taking The Plunge

The gentleman in this picture has amazed visitors to the White Rock waterfront for a couple of weeks now, by going in for a swim with his dog. Last week White Rock RCMP arrested the man for making inappropriate remarks to women along the promenade and pier.

He was released later that day with an order to not be in the area of the White Rock waterfront.

Despite that warning from the police this young man continues to return to the waterfront. If you see him on or near the waterfront over the holidays please help him by calling the White Rock RCMP non emergency phone#

Phone: 778-593-3600

Election Results For Semiahmoo First Nations

Sixty plus members of the Semiahmoo First Nations exercised their right yesterday to cast a vote for the council that will lead the band for the next two years,

Band leader HARLEY CHAPPELL was re-elected as was long time councillor JOANNE CHARLES and first term councillor JENNINE COOK were both re-elected.

Election Results

EVACUATION: Crude oil train derails and catches fire in Custer

Too close for comfort.

A BNSF train carrying crude oil to the Cherry Point refinery just south of us in Washington state, derailed causing a number of oil cars to derail and catch fire.

Whatcom County Emergency Management reported a number of cars caught fire near Main and Portal Drive in Custer.

Law enforcement has evacuated everyone from the Custer Area, and people were kept away from the area.

I-5 was closed for hours between Grandview and Birch Bay Lynden Road and traffic is being diverted around the incident.

UPDATE DECEMBER 24

A spokesperson for the company in Texas sent CBC News a brief statement, saying the two crew members aboard the train weren't hurt and that it was traveling northbound.

The railway crosses the border into B.C., traveling through White Rock, but according to BNSF, the 108-car train was carrying crude oil from North Dakota to a refinery in Ferndale, Wash.

BNSF updated the number of cars that derailed, putting the number at 10, three of which caught fire.

Local Outbreak

Locally a full lock-down was put in place yesterday for EVERGREEN Baptist Seniors Care Centre in White Rock.

Most residents will now be locked down in their private rooms over the Christmas holiday to bring the outbreak under control.

Not So Happy Anniversary

The afternoon of Dec. 20, 2018, a violent windstorm pummeled White Rock's Semiahmoo Bay with 90 to 100-kilometre-an-hour winds. Canada's longest pier, a wooden structure built in 1914, was torn in half, and winds tossed damaged boats, trees, wood planks and other debris onto the shoreline.

TIM SHIELDS former media liaison for the RCMP was there and documented the destruction of CANADA'S Longest Pier.

December 20, 2020

Water Begins To Flow To Semiahmoo First Nations

The Semiahmoo First Nation held a water ceremony Friday, December 18th, 2020, at 1:00 PM PST in recognition of the City of Surrey opening the Semiahmoo Water Tie-in Connections to the Semiahmoo water distribution system. The ceremony to be held at Hwy 99 and Beach Road is a celebration of the work that has been accomplished to date and a blessing over the water.

SFN band council - Chief HARLEY CHAPPELL and councillors JOANNE CHARLES and JENNINE COOK

“In cooperation with the City of Surrey, we want to celebrate the next step to secure reliable access to potable drinking water on Semiahmoo First Nation,” said Harley Chappell, Chief of the Semiahmoo First Nation. “While the water and sanitary sewer connections still need to be connected to the houses and other work to be completed, the ceremony today celebrates hope and new beginnings for our community to have reliable access to potable drinking water. We are proud of what we have accomplished, and this is a momentous occasion for our Nation to improve the health and wellbeing of the Semiahma.”

City of Surrey official turns the tap

The Semiahmoo First Nation is under one of the longest Boil Water Advisories in Canada. An agreement was made between the Semiahmoo First Nation and the City of Surrey to provide potable water and sanitary sewer on July 23, 2018. Work has been ongoing on the nearly 2 km of pipes to form the connection since March 2019 with funding from Indigenous Services Canada. Though delayed due to the global pandemic, the project is expected to be completed in the new year.

Election Time For Semiahmoo First Nations

The sixty plus registered voters of the Semiahmoo First Nations will go to the polls on Tuesday (December 22) to elect a band council that will govern the nation for the next 2 years. The three members of the current council Chief HARLEY CHAPPELL and the two members of council JOANNE CHARLES and JENNINE COOK will stand for re-election.

ROXANNE CHARLES (a former band council member) and MIKE COOK will challenge HARLEY CHAPPELL for the position of band leader. JENNINE COOK and JOANNE CHARLES face one challenge for the two council seats by newcomer GARRETT MCMARTIN.

Online applications open for BC Recovery Benefit

Online applications are now open for British Columbians to apply for the BC Recovery Benefit.

“I’d like to thank the B.C. public service for getting this program up and running so quickly and to the hundreds of Service BC call centre staff who will be helping British Columbians apply for their BC Recovery Benefit,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance. “Please be patient and respectful to staff over the holidays as call volumes may result in longer wait times.”

An estimated 3.7 million individuals and families, or 90% of all B.C. adults, are eligible for the benefit. Eligibility includes:

Applying online is the easiest way to receive the BC Recovery Benefit. To apply, British Columbians can visit:Â gov.bc.ca/recoverybenefit

He Know When You've Been Sleeping & He Knows If You Are Having Company Over!

This weekend is the last weekend before Christmas and traditionally it is a busy weekend full of holiday celebrations and parties. Surrey RCMP is encouraging everyone to abide by current provincial public health orders â€“ and reminding rule breakers of the consequences of defying those orders..

Current provincial public health orders have placed restrictions on gatherings â€“even within private residences. Event organizers are subject to a $2,300 fine and anyone attending an event is subject to a fine of $230. This applies to dinner parties and cocktail parties, including with extended family and close friends â€“ even if it’s just a few. One common misconception is that gatherings are still allowed in yards, on decks, or in residential garages. This is incorrect.

Owners and operators of establishments that serve food and liquor can receive violation tickets and fines of $2300 for not abiding by provincial public health orders related to their businesses.

Masks are required in public indoor settings. Individuals are subject to a $230 violation ticket if they do not wear a mask in an indoor public setting, unless they are exempt. A fine can also be issued for anyone refusing to comply with the direction of an enforcement officer, including the direction to leave the space, or to those who engage in abusive or belligerent behavior.

More information on province-wide COVID-19 restrictions can be found on this provincial government webpage.

Anyone who would like to report a concern regarding contravention of provincial public health orders in Surrey can call the COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team: 604-591-4370 or 604-599-0502

Porch Pirate arrested, Christmas gifts recovered

White Rock RCMP executed a search warrant in the 15300 block of Pacific Avenue on December 16th, recovering numerous stolen packages from White Rock and South Surrey.Â Â Police viewed surveillance video from residences where packages were stolen, and quickly identified a suspect.Â Â Â A 59 year-old female, known to police, was arrested during the execution of the search warrant.Â Â Â She has been released awaiting court and has conditions not to attend her victims residences.

“This is a case of greed,” advised Constable Sears “she is gainfully employed and has the ability financially to purchase the items she stole.”

Light Up Your Life

The Festival of Lights (wrfl.org) has returned for a second year to the White Rock waterfront. ( see announcement below )

Due to the current concerns for COVID the city had worked with the organizers through the difficult time waiting for approval from the Province of Victoria on whether the light display could not be categorized as an "event per se"

The beautiful light display will light up the are of Memorial Park well into the New Year.

Lost Item

A White Rock resident is reaching out to see if anyone can help locate a rosary that was lost at the Peace Arch Hospital last week.

LOST - my grandma's rosary, It was in a little black velvet pouch, over 100 years old and blessed and passed on to me at my mothers funeral.Â It has a relic in the cross.Â made of olive seeds.Â I was admitted to emergency at peace arch hospital last week and may have dropped it getting in or out of the car.Â Might easily be lost in the mud. It would have no monetary value to anyone who finds it.

If you have any knowledge or perhaps found this item please contact us here @ The White Rock Sun and we will put you together with the owner.Â

Feeling A Little Sad?

Seasonal Affective Disorder Lamp

Sunshine Lamps are new to the FVRL Playground. Now available for loan â€“ free with your FVRL card.

https://youtu.be/Rn87jKjrmCM

The Playground at FVRL â€“ Sunshine Lamps

Sunshine Lamps are light therapy boxes that emit a bright light (10,000 lux). They are meant to reproduce the effects of natural sunlight. Many people use light therapy to combat the winter blues or cheer up on cloudy days. Sunshine Lamps replace lost sunlight exposure and can help to balance hormones and reset the body's internal clock in healthy adults. They can enhance mood, energy, sleep and focus â€“ but without the harmful UV rays.

Want to borrow a Sunshine Lamp? It’s easy!

Motor vehicle collision North Bluff Road and Best Street

Surrey RCMP is at the scene of a motor vehicle collision on North Bluff Road and Best street of Surrey.

OnÂ December 14, 2020,Â at approximatelyÂ 07:10 PM, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a pedestrian motor vehicle collision on North Bluff Road and BestÂ Street. A vehicle was involved in a collision with a pedestrian at the intersection of North Bluff Road and Best Street.

TheÂ pedestrian hasÂ been transported to local area hospital in serious condition with life threatening injuries.

The driver of the vehicle stayed on the scene and is co-operating. The incident is still under investigation.Â The intersection of North Bluff Road and Best Street will be closed for traffic forÂ the next few hours while investigators gather evidence.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has further information is asked to call the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 orÂ www.solvecrime.ca,Â quoting file number 2020-192764.

How High Can You Go?

Lawyers for the City of White Rock and GSR Limited (Calgary company) were back in the Supreme Court of British Columbia yesterday attempting to resolve the future of the Lady Alexander highrise (pictured above).

Both sides presented their case before Justice GROBERMAN. At the end of the very long full day of submissions by the two lawyers, the court has decided to hold off rendering its decision on whether or not the highrise can proceed until after the holiday season. Judge GROBERMAN has requested the lawyers for GSR submit how they feel the problem can be remedied if the decision rests in their favour. This must be submitted by January 08, 2021. The lawyers for the city of White Rock must have their submissions into the courts one week later on January 15, 2021.

Government Approves White Rock Festival of Lights

Email notification from GARY GUMLEY the organizer of the second annual White Rock Festival of Lights.

WRFL 2020 got an exemption from Ministry of Health Wednesday.

We were able to convince MOH that our activities are "light displays" with no "event" activities associated with the displays.

I am working with city hall officials City Staff today and tomorrow to define parameters.

Oooooohh Canada

Last week White Rock's MARK DONNELLEY was summarily fired from his job as the Vancouver Canucks MR O CANADA, via text no less.

DONNELLEY chose to appear at an anti mask/anti vaccine rally held over the weekend on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Here for the first time MARK DONNELLY gives his side of the story and explains why he chose to be part of what he refers to as a Pro Science Rally.

White Rock Council Recap

White Rock council and staff convened for the final session of council for 2020 last evening.

HIGHLIGHTS;

- No final decision was arrived at regarding the future of the second annual FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS on the White Rock waterfront. The cit and the organizers will be waiting for direction from Victoria on whether or not he festival is able to proceed. The decision is expected this week.

- Recreation director ERIC STEPURA informed council the tennis courts at Centennial Park have now been padlocked preventing any use for wither tennis or pickleball until further notice due to the pandemic.

- Council created a by-law to allow for $4 million dollars from the CAC fund (Community Amenity Contributions from developers) to be directed towards social/supportive housing.

- The engineering department requested an additional $693,000.00 for extra work on shoring up Marine Drive along the are known as the hunt. The figure would be added to the original budget of $1.1 million dollars. The request passed with Councillors Treveylan/Kristjanson and Chesney voting against the request. The extra work will force the closure of Marine drive for another month until Mid-January 2021.

- a motion by Mayor WALKER to rescind the original motion to comply with TRANSLINK'S request for tree removal and tree pruning to accommodate the new double decker buses that run on the 354 bus route through lower White Rock was defeated with only Mayor WALKER voting in support.

Budget 2021 holds the line on property taxes and invests in community infrastructure

At last night’s Regular Council meeting Surrey City Council adopted Budget 2021, which includes a five-year financial plan through to 2025. For the third year in a row the general property tax increase has been set at 2.9%, which is among the lowest among Metro Vancouver municipalities. A Capital Parcel Tax increase of $200 has also been introduced for the express purpose of building new facilities and upgrading existing amenities. The following is a list of projects that the Capital Parcel Tax will directly fund.

“As Surrey continues to grow and prosper, and with more and more people moving here it is important that our public amenities keep pace with our growth,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “Council has adopted a Budget that funds 16 new capital projects that will benefit everyone in Surrey, which include a new community centre in Newton, a new sports complex in City Centre and new Pickleball Courts and Bike Park at Sunnyside. All 16 of these projects are funded so work can get underway next year.

Despite the challenges that have been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Surrey’s Budget 2021 is balanced in accordance with the Local Government Act and the Community Charter

“City Council has also made sure that Budget 2021 pairs strong community investment with fiscal responsibility, said Mayor Doug McCallum. “When it comes to property tax rates, I am very proud to say that Surrey continues to be in the bottom third of all Metro Vancouver cities. On behalf of Council, I want to thank all our citizens for making Surrey the liveable and great city that it is. Council shares your civic pride and we will continue to work hard to bring our City to even greater heights.”

Now & Then

HUGH ELLENWOOD down at the White Rock museum has been busier than Santa's elves this holiday season. HUGH has put together a collection of pictures around White Rock showing what is there now and what used to be there.

Covid Restriction Remain In Place Until January 08, 2021

British Columbians will still need to adhere to COVID-19 orders over the holidays now that the provincial health officer has extended the restrictions into the new year.

The orders brought in last month to slow the spread of the virus will continue until Jan. 8, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Monday. This means, with a few exceptions, British Columbians should not be gathering indoors with people outside their immediate households over the holidays, and Henry is still advising against non-essential travel.

“We can’t lose sight of the fact that we continue to have very high levels of transmission and community spread here in British Columbia,” she said “We can still be festive. We can still connect with family, and with friends in a safe and virtual way.”

Under the renewed order, there is an exception for drive-thru and drive-in events, like light displays and toy drives. Drive-in-and-stay events with less than 50 vehicles in attendance are also allowed.

Henry noted the restrictions have been making a difference since new infections have been leveling off recently. However, hospitalizations have raised dramatically, tripling over the course of November. There are currently 349 patients in hospital, with 77 in critical care. She added the health-care system is feeling the strain and measures are needed to lower the numbers.

Drive Thru - Opening This Week

For the past week commuters leaving the Peninsula have watched as giant tents were being erected on the seldom used TRANSLINK parking lot on the West side of the King George Highway @ the Park N' Ride.

Move set? Homeless shelter? Neither. FRASER HEALTH will open a drive thru COVID testing station next week on the vacant parking lot.

Tests can be booked online one day in advance through an online booking tool on the Fraser Health website, otherwise testing without an appointment can be accommodated as space allows.

Fraser Health says, on average, seven out of their 10 testing sites have wait times of less than one hour.

Christmas Lights Tour

Wish Upon a Star
Where: 19367 62A Ave., Surrey
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 4-11 p.m. nightly
Info: facebook.com | bcchf.ca/wishuponastar
This annual Christmas display will be back for 2020, and will be accepting donations for BC Children’s Hospital. The display features 40,000 lights with Santa and his sleigh, an interactive musical snowman, a light show, many animated characters, Rudolph, Bumble and friends, a free toy draw for the kids, hot chocolate with a sanitizing station and more.

Perhaps if you bundled up the family, made a thermos of hot chocolate and took a drive around the Lower Mainland to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations you would feel better.

Drive Thru - Opening This Week

Move set? Homeless shelter? Neither. FRASER HEALTH will open a drive thru COVID testing station next week on the vacant parking lot.

Tests can be booked online one day in advance through an online booking tool on the Fraser Health website, otherwise testing without an appointment can be accommodated as space allows.

Fraser Health says, on average, seven out of their 10 testing sites have wait times of less than one hour.

Christmas Lights Tour

Perhaps if you bundled up the family, made a thermos of hot chocolate and took a drive around the Lower Mainland to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations you would feel better.

Now & Then

Judge hears Langley development case that could end in mayor, councillors booted out of council

The conflict of interest case was launched by local voters a year ago

December 01, 2020

Slope Stability Almost Complete

The Marine Drive Stabilization Project is ahead of schedule and will be substantially finished by mid-December.

Full two-way traffic access will be restored using temporary asphalt surfacing between mid-December and spring, with final road resurfacing in the spring. Portions of the sidewalk will also be temporarily restored in asphalt.

For more project info and videos, visit http://ow.ly/mHCC50CyH2J

IHIT called to fatal shooting outside Surrey commercial plaza

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is calling on the public to help further its investigation into the shooting death of a man at a Surrey commercial plaza.

On November 29, 2020 at 7:41 p.m., the Surrey RCMP responded to numerous calls of shots fired outside a Shopper’s Drug Mart near 152 Street and Fraser Highway. Officers arrived to find 29-year-old Riyad Rasheed with multiple gun shot wounds. He was pronounced dead at scene. A dark colored sedan left the area immediately following the shooting

At 9 p.m., the Richmond RCMP received a report of a vehicle fire near Cambie and No 7 Road. This vehicle is believed to be the suspect vehicle from the earlier shooting in Surrey. Anyone with dash cam video who was near the areas of the shooting in Surrey and the car fire in Richmond is asked to call IHIT immediately.

Riyad Rasheed was known to police and his murder is believed to have been a targeted incident with links to the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.

IHIT is currently working closely with its partners from the Surrey RCMP, the Richmond RCMP, the Lower Mainland I-Teams and the B.C. Coroners Service to gather evidence.

“This was a brazen shooting in a commercial plaza with numerous members of the public in the area at the time of the incident,” says Sergeant Frank Jang of IHIT. “The perpetrators of this violence need to be held to account. They will now be targeted for prosecution.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

November 28, 2020

Surrey Councillor Receives Death Threat

On November 20th, 2020 the image below was posted on the Facebook page Doug McCallum’s Safe Surrey Coalition.

Surrey Councillor Jack Hundial received a death threat. The RCMP made an arrest earlier this week.

Doug McCallum has not spoken with Jack Hundial or made a public comment on the matter.

The ad still appears on the Safe Surrey Coalition Facebook page.

UPDATE

Man arrested in connection with threats against Surrey councillor Jack Hundial

The alleged death threats were made on social media to Hundial and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Mounties in Surrey have arrested a man after death threats were made toward a member of Surrey city council and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday.

RCMP said they arrested a man later that day on two counts of uttering threats. The suspect, a 42-year old man from Surrey, has been released on conditions with a court date scheduled for the new year.

City of White Rock: Sales agents testing water in homes

Test Your White Rock IQ

HUGH ELLENWOOD from the White Rock Museum returns with the second installment of "Test Your White Rock History IQ."

South Surrey Town Centre Future - Have Your Say

The City of Surrey is looking for input on the Semiahmoo Town Centre plan.

I think it's REALLY important we all have a say, so please complete the survey:
https://www.cityspeaks.ca/c/r/semiahmootcp2

The city of White Rock is also engaging residents to create a new development "guideline", often referred to as the OCP Official Community Plan

New Top Cop In Surrey

Norm Lipinski

Surrey Police Board Appoints first Chief Constable

Friday the Surrey Police Board (SPB) appointed Norm Lipinski to be the first Chief Constable of the city’s municipal police service, the Surrey Police Service (SPS).

In the coming weeks, Norm Lipinski will assume leadership of the SPS, bringing over 25 years of experience serving within large, urban Canadian municipalities. Prior to joining the Surrey Police Service, Chief Lipinski served as Deputy Chief of both the neighbouring Delta Police Service and the Edmonton Police Service, as well as Assistant Commissioner for the RCMP.

“I am honoured to lead Surrey through this important transition towards a more modern, inclusive, accountable, and community-based policing model,” said Chief Constable Lipinski. “I look forward to working closely with Surrey’s diverse communities to learn more about their priorities and building a service to meet the needs of this rapidly growing and dynamic city.”

“We are confident Chief Norm Lipinski is the right leader to bring Surrey into a new era of modern and progressive policing while staying attuned to the priorities of this growing community,” said Surrey Police Board Chair, Doug McCallum. “A city like Surrey needs a locally governed and accountable service and I am thrilled we are delivering on a promise we made to this city’s residents and business community.”

Chief Constable Lipinski was selected through a rigorous recruitment process led by a third-party professional search firm and vetted through objective decision-making criteria framework that placed particular emphasis on leadership experience, demonstrable experience promoting progressive policing policies, including commitment to de-escalation training and ability to foster a diverse and inclusive environment.

The Chief Constable’s first order of business is to start recruiting officers. The Chief Constable and Surrey Police Board will also immediately get to work developing Surrey Police Service’s first Strategic Plan that will outline the priorities, goals and objectives of the SPS.

The Return of the Lady Alexandra

When the current White Rock council was elected two years ago (October 2018) council requested staff to provide a list of any current projects that received an OCP amendment that had not yet been issued building permits.

One of the projects caught in limbo was the proposed LADY ALEXANDRA development at the corner of Roper and Johnston road. 1310 Johnston road.

Council put the developer on notice the law stated they had 7 days to submit the necessary paperwork to receive a building permit. When the developer was unable to meet the deadline the projected was stopped.

The developer immediately booked a date for the Supreme Court of British Columbia to have the decision reversed. The court case proceeded with the city winning the case in a judgment released by the Supreme Court;

The B.C. Supreme Court has ruled that the City of White Rock was justified in putting the the Lady Alexandra project for lower Johnston Road on hold.

In a decision handed down on March 31, Supreme Court Justice Carla Forth ruled in favour of city council’s decision, made in November, 2018, to halt the 12-storey highrise previously approved for 1310 Johnston Rd., pending an OCP review.

Also upheld was council’s subsequent down-zoning of the property to six storeys.

The city of White Rock three months ago received notice of an appeal of the decision rendered March 30, 2020.

That appeal will now proceed December 12 in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Someone decided to pain our city's namesake over the weekend. I trust the city operations has already or will attend to it first thing Monday morning.

Today Is The First Day of CULTURE DAYS

Join us for a national celebration where arts, culture, and creativity intersect. Indoors, outdoors, and onlineâ€”discover the world of arts and culture across Canada.

Reimagined to engage and delight despite the times, Culture Days has extended beyond the traditional Weekend to a 4-week interactive, immersive arts and culture experience happening across Canada in-person where possible, and online.Â From September 25 to October 25, 2020, lose yourself in a labyrinth of hundreds of virtual concerts, live shows, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops and more - every option is free. Creators have been waiting to unleash their works and reconnect with the world, and it’s finally time for the curtain to rise. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure of artistry you won’t soon forget.

White Rock Water Manager Honoured

The White Rock Peace Arch Rotary club recently awarded DR. SAAD JASIM the "Paul North Harris Fellowship Award DR. JASIM joined Rotary International in 1993 and has been active with Rotary since arriving in White Rock to develop our world class water treatment centre.

Dr. Jasim arrived in White Rock in 2017 as the city was beginning the process of upgrading the newly purchased water system from EPCOR. Through his tireless efforts and expertise Dr. Jasim invented a water treatment centre that could remove any minerals from a ground water system source.

The system was the first in the world. The City of White Rock this year through the graciousness of Dr. Jasim was able to patent the system with plans to monetize the sale of the intellectual property in the future.

City of White Rock

Give Me Your Money....Please

During January and February 2020, the City of White Rock asked residents on how they would spend $13M on amenities for the community.

This occurred primarily through a Community Forum (information session and workshop) on January 20, 2020, two subsequent pop-up events on February 4, and February 9, and an online survey available throughout the period after the Community Forum until February 18, 2020. A robust interaction on the topic also occurred on a related post on the City’s Facebook page, with over 274 reactions, comments and shares. Details regarding the level of public engagement through these various channels are attached in a summary document provided as Appendix A to this corporate report.

Last evening (Wednesday) councillors MANNING/CHESNEY/TREVELYAN/KRISTJANSON & JOHANSON received the report from staff and began the first stage of deciphering the information submitted by the residents

Council identified 3 main areas they would like to receive further information from staff reports.

1. Affordable Housing

2. Centre Street Walkway-upgrade

3. Park on the White Rock waterfront.

City of White Rock’s first Economic Development Officer

The City of White Rock has hired its first Economic Development Officer. Carolyn Latzen will lead the refresh of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and develop strategies to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Latzen, who begins in the part-time role on Sept. 28, has extensive retail and business experience in leadership roles. She teaches marketing at a private college in Surrey.

Latzen is familiar with business in White Rock. She volunteered on the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee and was chairperson of the Marine Drive Task Force.

In her role as Economic Development Officer, Latzen will collaborate with the City’s Planning and Development Services team, the White Rock BIA, the South Surrey-White Rock Chamber of Commerce, Explore White Rock and local businesses.

Quotes

Carolyn Latzen
Economic Development Officer
City of White Rock

“This is an amazing time to serve in the Economic Development Officer with the City of White Rock. We are all challenged by COVID-19 in our day-to-day lives. At the same time, it has caused us to accelerate so many trends in the world, including for businesses, which are adapting and innovating at a rapid pace. I look forward to collaborating with my business partners to update the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and to support businesses during and after the pandemic.”

Thank You White Rock Rotary

Members of the White Rock Rotary club Tuesday were proud to present a cheque for $63,000.00 to White Rock elementary. The money raised by the local service group will go a long ways to funding a new playground for the children who attend White Rock elementary.

Let There Be Light

A large portion of White Rock was without power this morning for a few hours. BC HYDRO crews quickly identified a tree coming down on the wires on the west side tore out the lines and caused a short in the transformer.

Now don't you wish you had put that transistor radio and flashlight somewhere that you could quickly find them?

One Month Before Provincial Election

Premier HORGAN has called a Provincial election for Saturday October 24. Where that leaves the local LIberal riding is anyone's guess, The riding does not have a viable candidate at the present time.

STEPHANIE CADIEUX will be running to once again serve the other local riding in the Peninsula area.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

- Following a meeting with B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Janet Austin, Premier John Horgan announced a provincial general election will occur on October 24, 2020.

“I have just met with the Lieutenant Governor and she has agreed with my request to hold an election on October 24,” John Horgan said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything — the people of British Columbia deserve a say in the direction of our recovery and the future of our province.”

From his community of Lanford, John Horgan spoke about his decision to call an election and his government’s record during its first term. The BC NDP minority government lasted over three years, much longer than most minority governments.

“We’ve made a lot of progress for people over the last three years. We invested in healthcare and schools. We build transit, housing and childcare centres. We eliminated the MSP—the largest middle-class tax cut in BC history—and during this pandemic, we kept people safe while staying focused on what matters,” Horgan said.

“The BC Liberals are pushing for changes that benefit the wealthy and well-connected—at your expense. We have a plan to keep you safe, and to make life better and more affordable for people. We’ve accomplished a lot on what matters most to people, and there’s a lot more work ahead of us.”

Horgan also addressed how this election will have additional public health measures informed by the Provincial Public Health officer to ensure the safety of everyone.

“Like a lot of things these days, this election is going to look different than previous ones. I know we can do it safely,” Horgan said. “There will be new opportunities for people to vote in advance or by a mail-in-ballot from the comfort of their homes.”

Local Riding In An Uproar

Let There Be Light

Now don't you wish you had put that transistor radio and flashlight somewhere that you could quickly find them?

One Month Before Provincial Election

Premier HORGAN has called a Provincial election for Saturday October 24. Where that leaves the local LIberal riding is anyone's guess, The riding does not have a viable candidate at the present time.

STEPHANIE CADIEUX will be running to once again serve the other local riding in the Peninsula area.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Local Riding In An Uproar

Police seek help with identifying an individual

Surrey RCMP is requesting assistance from the public with identifying a man associated to a suspicious occurrence that happened in South Surrey.

Surrey RCMP is releasing photos of an unidentified man who was seen in the area of a townhouse in the 2900-block of King George Boulevard on August 30, 2020 (see attached photos). Police believe this man may have information regarding another on-going investigation and are seeking to make contact with him in an effort to advance that investigation.

Massey Tunnel Upgrades

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is in the process of identifying property necessary for future infrastructure improvements on Highway 99 near the George Massey Tunnel, as an initial step while the business case for the new crossing is being completed.

These improvements will release traffic congestion, helping traffic flow more easily heading into the crossing.

“We continue to make progress toward selecting the right solution for a new crossing of the Fraser River on Highway 99 that aligns with regional plans,” said Ravi Kahlon, MLA for Delta North, on behalf of Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “I know people want traffic congestion relief at the George Massey Tunnel without having to pay unfair tolls. Today’s announcement shows our government is taking action on much-needed improvements.”

Identifying property required for future infrastructure improvements along the Highway 99 corridor does not mean that the preferred solution for the crossing has been determined. That decision will be made by government following the business case review.

In the interim, safety improvements are underway inside the existing tunnel for drivers who use this route every day. As part of a suite of $40 million in improvements to the existing tunnel, lights on the tunnel walls and ceiling are being converted to an LED standard to increase visibility and better illuminate the tunnel for drivers, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Tunnel drainage is being improved to prevent ice buildup and water from pooling at the entrances. The ventilation and electrical systems will also be upgraded. These additional safety improvements are scheduled to be complete by spring 2021.

Campbell Heights Shooting incident – One male injured after calls of shots fired

Last evening (Thursday) Surrey RCMP received calls of shots heard in the area of 194 Street and 34 Avenue. Surrey RCMP Frontline officers were immediately dispatched to the area.

Once on scene, officers located a male in the area suffering from gunshot wounds. The male has been transported to a regional trauma hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.

The investigation is still in its early stages. Officers are conducting neighbourhood canvassing and speaking with several witnesses to obtain further information. At this time this incident does not appear to be a random act, but rather targeted at this male.

The area of 194 Street and 34 Avenue will be closed for the next few hours while investigators gather evidence.

Anyone with further information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.

Do you know what dooring is?

..best you learn

To better protect cyclists who are traveling on B.C.’s roads, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is reminding everyone that the fine for “dooring” is about to go up.

The new fine for anyone who opens the door of a parked car when it is not reasonably safe to do so (known as “dooring”) will be $368 as of Monday, Sept. 21, 2020.

Dooring is a common safety issue for cyclists in all communities throughout the province. The higher fine is about quadruple the current fine of $81. It will help increase safety by making drivers more aware of how opening their car door unsafely can seriously injure an approaching cyclist. At the same time, a public education and awareness campaign is being launched.

Dog Days

Commencing October 01 leashed dogs will once again be allowed on the promenade in White Rock. The 2 metre leash length and no dogs on the pier will once again be in effect. During the trial period city by law officers did not issue many tickets.

That changes with this now no longer being a "trial period." Keep your dog on a leash and clean up any mess left by your dog or it will turn into an expensive outing.

OFFICIAL CITY OF WHITE ROCK RELEASE

The City of White Rock will allow dogs on two-metre leashes on White Rock’s Promenade between Oct. 1 and March 31.

On Sept. 14, City Council voted to continue the bylaw approved in 2019 for the pilot project. The trial took place from Oct. 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, and was monitored by the Dogs on the Promenade Task Force, formed to plan and evaluate the trial.

The task force, chaired by Councillor Scott Kristjanson and comprised of community representatives, will have one further meeting and report to Council.

The City encourages people to use the off-leash park at Ruth Johnson Park. For more information about dogs in White Rock, visit www.whiterockcity.ca/dogs.

Semiahmoo Lawyer Honoured

I grew up in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii; a beautiful small village, with the support and encouragement of my extended family and community. I started representing the Haida Nation in 1996, and would not have ever dreamed of being recognized as one of the 25 most influential lawyers in Canada.

Oh my, as my Aunties say!

I dearly hope that this recognition encourages Haida, and indeed, all youth, that with hard work, it is possible to do what you love and work for what you love (Haida Gwaii, culture and Indigenous rights).

Many, many thanks to all of you for your support and votes. And, special thanks to Elizabeth Bulbrook and Lisa Fong for the nomination.

Terri-Lynn Williams Davidson

School Zone

The White Rock RCMP and the Community Police have been out in full force in our school zones.

Drive with care everyday but especially during the first few weeks back to school when children are not paying close attention.

Pickleball Is Back @ Centennial Park

The wait is over. The city of White Rock has completed the resurfacing and painting of the pickleball and tennis courts @ Centennial Park.

What Does The Future Hold?

SPECIAL MEETINGS of the GOVERNANCE AND LEGISLATION COMMITTEE will be held at the WHITE ROCK COMMUNITY CENTRE located at 15154 Russell Avenue, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 starting at 5:00 p.m. and to be continued FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 8:30 a.m. for the transaction of business as listed below.

The City of White Rock is committed to the health and safety of our community. In keeping with Ministerial Order No. M192 from the Province of British Columbia, these meetings will take place without the public in attendance at this time until further notice.

Note: The meetings will be recorded and placed on the City Website as soon as possible following their conclusion, online www.whiterockcity.ca/councilmeetings

COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES PLANNING SESSION

Jerry Berry, JB Consultants Inc. to facilitate discussion in order to bring forward an enhanced / new list of Council Strategic Priorities (second portion of the Council term).

Current 2018 – 2022 Council Strategic Priorities:

Official Community Plan (OCP) Review
Semiahmoo First Nation
Water Community Advisory Panel
Multi-Family and Commercial Waste Pick Up
Economic Development Strategies

Parking Task Force
Marine Drive Task Force
Zoning Bylaw Review
Council Policy and Bylaw Review
Next Priorities (Sign Bylaw Review, Policing Service Review, Funicular Feasibility,

Community Amenity Contributions Review, City Hall and Civic Precinct)
Advocacy Items (Vacant Property Tax, Totem Pole Restoration, Peace Arch Hospital Expansion, Rail Safety/Whistle Cessation/Passenger Train Stop, Homeless Reduction

Strategy, Protection of Semiahmoo Bay)

(click for more information)

Crescent Beach Pier Reopens

Surrey Libraries Reopening All Branches with Limited Services

Beginning Wednesday, September 9, eight Surrey Libraries branches (City Centre, Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford, Newton, Ocean Park, Semiahmoo, and Strawberry Hill) will reopen to the public for borrowing and returning materials, computer access, and picking up holds. Port Kells branch will offer curbside holds pick-up service, returns during library hours, and other staff-assisted services. Access inside the building is not available due to limited capacity.

Safety precautions in line with directions of the Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafeBC regulations have been implemented at all branches such as access to hand sanitizer, physical distancing signs, enforcing occupancy limits, erecting plexiglass barriers at service counters, frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and enforcing a 72-hour quarantine for all returned library materials. To help contribute to a safe environment for everyone, visitors to the library are encouraged to wear a mask and are also asked to stay home if they have any symptoms of illness.

Services available at all branches except Port Kells include: picking up holds and brief browsing of shelves to select material, computer access (45-minute limit), printing, self-checkout, washroom access, and book drops.

The following services will not be available: in branch programming, reading or studying in branch, scanning, booking meeting rooms, and toys and games for children. Patrons are asked to limit their time in the library (up to an hour) and for parents to remain with their children at all times.

Opening hours at the branches are 10 am to 6 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 am to 8 pm on Wednesdays, and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. Branches will be closed Sundays and Mondays. Port Kells hours will be the same as they were pre-pandemic: Tuesdays 10am to 12pm, 1 pm to 5 pm; Wednesday 1pm to 5pm, 6pm to 8 pm; Thursdays and Fridays 1 pm to 5 pm; Saturdays 12 pm to 5 pm.

More information can be found on Surrey Libraries’ website, www.surreylibraries.ca.

Peace Arch Hospice Executive Director Resigns

The Board of Directors of the Peace Arch Hospice, staff and volounteers were saddened to receive last week news BETH KISH the current Executive Director of the hospice society will be leaving in the next few months.

KISH has been at the helm of the society for the past 7 years. Amongst her accomplishments were guiding the hospice's construction of the new hospice supportive care centre on 16A avenue in South Surrey.

We wish BETH the very best in her next endeavour. The active search for a replacement is currently underway. KISH has agreed to remain in her position until a new director is chosen and will assist with the turn over to the new leadership.

Better Safe Than Sorry

A member of our Uli’s team has tested positive for covid-19 and is currently recovering under isolation. We have contacted health authorities with all information, they have not determined this to be a risk to our staff or customers. However, for your safety and our comfort, the rest of our team have been tested of our own volition. All tests have come back negative.

Despite having clearance from health officials to be open, all staff have agreed to self-isolate for two weeks since contact to be absolutely certain we can ensure the safety of our co-workers, families, and valued guests. We will be back open Tuesday September 8th.

WHITE ROCK, B.C.—Aug. 31, 2020—The City of White Rock’s 2019 Annual Report is available for public review, giving the public 14 days to provide submissions and comments or ask questions in time for the City Council meeting on Sept. 14.
Under B.C.’s Community Charter, municipalities are required to produce an annual report that states their goals and objectives for the coming year and demonstrates what progress has been made toward the preceding year's goals and objectives.

White Rock’s 2019 Annual Report is an 86-page document that includes a summary of 2019 milestones, a progress report on the 2018-2022 Council Strategic Priorities, financial reporting, and statements from the Mayor and CAO.

To read the 2019 Annual Report, visit whiterockcity.ca/annualreport.

Submissions, Questions and Comments regarding the 2019 Annual Report
The City of White Rock is committed to the health and safety of our community. In keeping with Ministerial Order No. M192 from the Province of British Columbia, City Council meetings will take place without the public in attendance at this time. For submissions, comments and/or questions related to White Rock’s 2019 Annual Report:

1) Please address submissions, comments and/or questions to Mayor and Council by noon
(12:00 p.m.) on Sept. 14, 2020:
· Email clerksoffice@whiterockcity.ca with 2019 Annual Report in the subject line; or
· Drop off or send mail to the City of White Rock’s Corporate Administration Department at 15322 Buena Vista Ave., White Rock, B.C., V4B 1Y6. Deliver mail in person to the City Hall Drop Box outside the front door of 15322 Buena Vista Ave., left side.

2) There is also an opportunity for the public to provide comments or ask questions in person at the regular Council meeting.

Meeting Date: Monday, Sept. 14, 2020
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Ave., White Rock, B.C.

The City has put in place measures to support physical distancing while allowing interested members of the public to speak to Council, through the use of digital resources. The public may attend the White Rock Community Centre at 7 p.m. to register to speak during the meeting regarding the 2019 Annual Report. City Council will participate from City Hall where Council members will hear from the public, located at the Community Centre, through electronic means.
The meeting will be streamed live and archived through the City’s web-streaming service.

What Business Is Your Favourite?

It's time for you to Nominate your favourite businesses, people and services that make White Rock so great. The nomination period is open from June 9 to October 9.

Nominations

Painted Promenade

The city of White Rock in an attempt to keep walkers moving along correctly on the waterfront promenade, have now take to painting arrows and a centre line in an attempt to keep social distancing in effect.

Shape Up Without Leaving Home

Move for Life! The City offers FREE online recreation classes including body works, Zumba and yoga.

Riding High Come September

On September 07 (following the Labour Day long weekend) TRANSLINK will commence serving the South Surrey/White Rock with double decker buses on certain routes.

Route 351 (Bridgeport Station/White Rock Centre) will terminate at White Rock Centre instead of Crescent Beach; a new Route 350 (Crescent Beach/White Rock Centre) will serve customers traveling between Crescent Beach and White Rock Centre.

Route 352 (White Rock Centre/Bridgeport Station) will start and end at White Rock Centre, operating on 16 Avenue instead of 144 Street, 20 Avenue and 148 Street “to provide customers in that area with a one-seat ride to or from Bridgeport Station.

Happy Anniversary Hospice

The first cannabis store A LITTLE BUD is now open in the location of the former laundromat in the 1400 block of Johnston Road. Stop in and talk with the friendly staff. They can answer all your questions about whether or not cannabis is for you.

Keep Right - No Passing

When visiting Canada's Longest Pier, practise physical distancing and stay in your lane.

Enjoy the waterfront views safely by keeping 2 metres (6 feet) apart and staying within your bubble.

Lines will also be added to the promenade to encourage physical distancing.

Two Local Positive COVID Cases

Sobeys Inc. whch purchased the Safeway chain two years ago, has reported that two employees in South Surrey outlets have tested positive for COVID-19.

The food retailer confirmed that an employee who was working at the Safeway at 8860-152 Street in Surrey has tested positive.

This staff member last worked on August 1. This location has had two other employees test positive prior to this, their last shifts were on July 30 and August 1, according to the company’s website

Another staff member working at the Safeway located at 12825-16 Avenue in Surrey has tested positive as well. The last time this employee worked was August 1.

Sobeys outlines that after each case is reported, they ensure the store where the individual worked is deep cleaned and sanitized.

The company also says it is working closely with public health officials to investigate these teammate’s known points of contact and recent shifts and will notify all teammates who require self-isolation for two weeks.

In participation of Culture Days, Surrey Fusion Festival will host a 90-minute virtual livestream on September 26 followed by a four-week long cultural campaign on social media from September 25 to October 25.

Presented by Coast Capital Savings, this year’s family-friendly virtual livestream will feature a series of segments that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home, including cultural performances, musical entertainment, art lessons, cultural history, Indigenous education, dance lessons, cooking segments, and kids’ cultural activities. The online cultural campaign will feature up to 30 educational videos including “how-to” cooking, dance, arts and craft activities from participating cultural pavilions from previous years. Additionally, the campaign will see participation from City of Surrey’s museum, heritage, and performing arts centres.
For more information about the event and how to be featured in the cultural showcase visit surreyfusionfestival.ca

Cross-Border Wing Wave Brings Family Together

A little cross-border cooperation allowed a Seattle dad who’s been separated from his four-year-old son just across the border in White Rock, British Columbia, to come within 1,000 feet of his boy on Friday, much to the surprise of others in the Vancouver suburb. Air Force Reserves Lt. Col T.K. Minzak flew an Air Force C-17 over the waterfront of the Canadian community at 1,000 feet while his son Ethan Fritz waved and waved an “I Love You Daddy” sign up at him from the pier below. “He did a air show for me. He tipped his wings at me,”

Job opportunities include a Parks Foreman, Engineering Inspector and Plumbing Facility Maintenance Worker. Apply here: https://www.whiterockcity.ca/Jobs.aspx

TransLink to make masks, face coverings mandatory on transit

TransLink will require passengers to wear non-medical masks or face coverings while on board transit vehicles, as of Aug. 24.

The decision is meant to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 as physical distancing is not always possible on transit.

People with underlying health conditions or disabilities, as well as children under five years old will be exempt.

Transit Police officers are to enforce the new policy, while new signs will outline it. TransLink will focus on education regarding the new policy into it is enforced.

Customers who are exempt will have the option to request a TransLink branded card, denoting such.

B.C. health officials had been pushing for a mandatory masks policy for transit, although the union representing bus drivers had enforcement concerns.

Surrey Police Board Inaugural Meeting Yesterday

The first meeting of the Surrey Police Board was held yesterday at Surrey City Hall in downtown Whalley. It seemed the only dissension the meeting was when board member Semiahmoo First Nations leader HARLEY CHAPPEL asked for details on the actual cost of switching from the RCMP to a private police force. CHAPPEL was directed to the city of Surrey's website where all this information has been made public.

White Rock Library - now open to customers.

Customers can count on finding friendly staff and access to much of the library’s public space and services including:

For customers who prefer a more contact-free experience, an adapted FVRL Express – Click, Pick, Go service will continue to be available during open hours.

Rockin' In The Free World

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and I have teamed up to record a song about standing up to racial intolerance and promoting diversity, it's called You Won't Stand Alone. Burnaby is one of Canada's most diverse communities and the Mayor and I believe that is a great strength. It's time that we as Canadians stand up to racism anywhere, anytime, any place.

I wrote You Won't Stand Alone as an anthem to celebrate diversity and about how we must all stand together against the scourge of racism. The Mayor and I are accompanied by D.O.A. drummer Paddy Duddy, I hope you enjoy the song. I have a attached a press release

Burnaby City Councillor Joe Keithley

Truckers Rest Stop Coming To North Surrey

Work will begin this month on a new commercial truck parking facility in North Surrey, providing another safe, convenient place in the Lower Mainland for commercial truck drivers to pull over and rest.

The new truck parking facility is being built on provincial land on the north side of Highway 17, below and just east of the Port Mann Bridge. When completed, the facility will have room for about 100 trucks. It will include washrooms, fencing, lighting and other security measures.

“This facility will help alleviate the shortage of commercial vehicle staging and parking in the Lower Mainland,” said Claire Trevena, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The North Surrey Truck Parking Facility will support the commercial transport industry by providing operators with a safe, convenient location to stop, take a break and turn off their engines.”

A $4.97-million contract for the first phase of work has been awarded to Jacob Bros. Construction.

Culture and public transit integral for Surrey's momentum to become a "world-class" city

Real estate marketing mogul Bob Rennie reiterated common assertions that Surrey, with its current rate of growth and significantly larger land mass, will exceed Vancouver’s population by 2030.

Second Quarter Crime Stats - White Rock

East Beach Police Incident

Saturday evening residents on White Rock's east side witnessed a heavy police presence. The Vancouver based SWAT team and the Emergency Response Team ERT were called in by the local RCMP detachment to help diffuse a dangerous situation.

A resident who police believed was armed and would not respond to their request to exit the residence was finally removed when the ERT team and the SWAT team extracted the troublesome resident.

There have been no charges laid yet but the file is still very active with the White Rock RCMP.

White Rock Sea Tours To The Rescue

Approximately 6:30 p.m. Friday evening Coast Guard issued a Mayday distress call for 14-foot overturned sailboat with one man in the water clinging to the boat approximately 1 mile south of Crescent Beach in Boundary Bay. White Rock Sea Tours Spartan 01 responded to the distress call arriving on scene within 10 minutes. The wave height was three feet and the wind was blowing out of the southeast making recovery challenging. The man in the water was told to swim to the boat which maneuvered nearby however he was unable to make it due to the cold and started to ingest water. The crew maneuvered the boat around upwind and quickly took the man out of the water. First aid was administered Coast Guard advised. The patient was transported to Crescent Beach lifeguards who had established a triage. Police helicopter RCMP ambulance fire and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue also attended. The man was treated by paramedics for hypothermia.

Andrew Newman/White Rock Sea Tours

White Rock Council Rewind

- Council last evening in a 4-2 vote to reopen the waterfront parkade. The move came as a re3commendation from the COVID task force sighting the increased waterfront parking on the waterfront is necessary to support waterfront business owners. Mayor Walker and councillor Chesney voted against the recommendation.

-- Approved an expenditure of $1,000,000.00 to shore up the slipping hillside of the BNSF property which separates East & West Beach.

- Delayed a decision on the proposed 6 storey condo development which would be located @ Maple street & North Bluff. The matter was deferred until all members of council are in attendance. Councillor Fathers was absent from last night's council meeting.

- Rescheduled the Official Community Plan update/review until council reconvenes in September.

- Council in a 5-1 vote approved the expenditure of over a Million dollars to stabilize the BNSF hillside along Marine Drive's "The Hump."

- Unanimously denied TRANSLINK'S request to trim trees along the 354 bus route in White Rock to facilitate operation of the double decker buses on that route. TRANSLINK will have to stay with the normal 354 buses along this route.

Lifestyles of the Rich

One of the most expensive homes to be listed in the South Surrey/White Rock footprint is back on the market. The spectacular residence is located west of White Rock on Marine drive. The home is nestled behind gates which sport brushed aluminum dolphins.

BCBusiness takes you inside one of the most outrageously upmarket real estate offerings in the province

White Rock residents invited to join Alzheimer Society of B.C.

Each September for the past eight years, committed individuals and teams have climbed North Vancouver’s Grouse Grind® as part of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s annual fund raiser, the Climb for Alzheimer’s. Things look different in 2020, and the Society is pleased to announce that the Climb for Alzheimer’s is still going ahead in a virtual capacity, and for the first time ever, will be open to anyone, anywhere in the province.

The Society is inviting residents from White Rock to come together to hike a total of 70,000 kilometres—one kilometre for each individual living with dementia in B.C.— to raise funds and show people on the dementia journey that they are not alone. This year’s event will include hikes across B.C.—from Mount Douglas in Victoria to the Summit Peak Trail in Fort Nelson or the legendary Grouse Grind® in North Vancouver.

“Although the location has changed and adapted, the heart of the event remains,” says Maria Howard, Alzheimer Society of B.C. Chief Executive Officer. “The Climb continues to be a challenging, fun, invigorating event that makes a real difference to people in our province affected by dementia. It shows people living with dementia that they are not alone.”

In a time where travel restrictions are the norm, this challenge also offers an opportunity to take advantage of the province’s endless trails, natural beauty and potential for adventure, while raising money and awareness for the thousands of people living with dementia. Participants can register as individuals or as a team and are encouraged to share their hiking and climbing challenges online, which will help to galvanize the community spirit and energy that makes the event so special.

Participants will be raising money to for research and to ensure people affected by dementia can access programs and services through the Society’s First Link® dementia support, which provides support and education for people who are affected by dementia. This programming is crucially important for British Columbian families to feel connected and supported during these unusual times.

If you are planning a hike, please adhere to the current physical distancing recommendations. The Society highly recommends that you check the BC Parks website or another online resource before you leave for your outdoor adventure as some trails may be closed or adapted.

Peace Arch Cleanup

The famous Peace Arch located at the Douglas Border crossing just south of here is getting a major face lift. In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the famed arch, work crews are busy fixing any damage a fully repainting the famous structure.

Construction of the 20.5-meter (67 ft) tall arch was headed by American lawyer Sam Hill and dedicated in September 1921.

UPDATE

Dubious documents supporting pot shop's appeal to city hall

CHOOM has found itself appealing their attempt to secure a license to operate in the Coal Harbour district of Vancouver. The present situation appears to have affected their application and withdrawal of application here in White Rock.

Last night's public hearing regarding a cannabis store proposal was cancelled

The public hearing regarding an application for a temporary use permit to operate a cannabis store at 1550 Johnston Rd. has been cancelled.

The applicant, Choom Holdings Inc., informed the City of White Rock’s Planning and Development department on July 20 that the company is withdrawing its application.

The meeting was to be held at White Rock Community Centre starting at 6 p.m.

Keeping Our Surrey Clean and Beautiful

Love Where You Live is Surrey’s beautification and clean-up initiative. Learn about ways to get involved in keeping Surrey beautiful and clean. Whether you want to clean your street, neighbourhood, park or school, we have resources to help you get it done safely.

This year we are encouraging you to help clean up Surrey, but also to observe the Provincial government's guidance on physical distancing. Even if we have to stay apart, cleaning up and beautifying your neighbourhood is a great way to show you care about your neighbours and community.

So You Think You Are A White Rock Expert?

A half-hour game-show on the topic of White Rock History, hosted by the Archives Manager of the White Rock Museum and Archives, the inimitable Hugh Ellenwood

Mail theft suspect charged with 17 offences

Following a four-month investigation, charges have been laid against a 30-year-old Surrey man in relation to a series of mail thefts that occurred in multiple Lower Mainland jurisdictions.

The investigation began on March 24, 2020, when Surrey RCMP received a report of a break and enter and theft of mail that occurred in the 16300-block of 64 Avenue. Officers with the Surrey RCMP Property Crime Target Team (PCTT) took conduct of the investigation, identified a suspect, and linked the break and enter to a series of other similar offences in Surrey, Delta, Richmond and North Vancouver.

On July 2, 2020, Nickolas Kelly was charged with 17 counts of mail theft related offences and warrants were issued for his arrest. Nickolas Kelly was arrested on July 7, 2020 and has remained in custody since.

This was a complex investigation with multiple offences in different jurisdictions, said Staff Sergeant Ryan Element, acting Proactive Enforcement Officer. Mail theft isn’t just inconvenient for victims, it can put them unknowingly at risk for identity theft. Our investigators were quickly able to connect the dots between numerous files resulting in the arrest and charges.

Surrey RCMP is reminding the public of the importance of securing your mail to prevent being a victim of mail theft and identity theft:

White Rock Shows It's True Colours

Suspicious fire and death on Langley/Surrey border

An investigation is underway after a deceased person was found in a wooded area along the border of Langley and Surrey.

Shortly before 11:00 am yesterday morning, July 15, 2020, Langley RCMP and the Langley Fire Department responded to the report of a brush fire in the area of 46A Avenue and 196A Street. The fire was extinguished and a deceased person was located in the area. The cause of death for this person has not been established, as such the death is being investigated as suspicious.

It was determined that this incident occurred within Surrey boundaries, and conduct of the investigation was turned over to the Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit.

Police are currently in the evidence gathering phase, no further information will be provided at this time.

Anyone with information about the circumstances surrounding the fire or death of the individual, please call and report the incident to Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if you wish to make an anonymous report, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca

Waterfront Food Carts Return to White Rock Beach

The City of White Rock is carefully and gradually reopening its Waterfront to residents and visitors, with five food cart vendors approved to begin selling food and drinks at the Waterfront starting (July 15).

City Council approved the carts after confirming the vendors have temporary food permits and safety plans. All five businesses are associated with local restaurants or buy their food products from local companies.

The vendors will be in various locations on the Waterfront to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained. With picnic tables provided by the City of White Rock and the White Rock BIA installed in Memorial Park and on the East Beach, Waterfront visitors can enjoy more food options on the beach and have a place to enjoy it with family and friends.

We're #2 We're #2

Last week we were informed The White Rock Sun had been voted into the Top 5 businesses on the Semiahmoo Peninsula to receive a $15,000.00 website from FLINNWEST SOLUTIONS. Your voting pushed us right to the second place behind Laura's Coffee Corner.

The winner of the website was our favourite lady and business owner LAURA CORNALE of Laura's Coffee Corner fame located on Pacific Avenue in White Rock.

Yesterday afternoon after presenting LAURA with her prize cheque, the staff of FLINNWEST completely blindsided me out front of city hall. Under the guise of wanting to interview me regarding this weekend's TOUR DE WHITE ROCK I settled in for the interview on the lawn of city hall.

BAM! Videographer BROOKE GODIN had set the whole thing up for Grady Flinn to appear out of nowhere with a cheque and the news the White Rock Sun had come so close to Laura's in the voting they felt the right thing to do was to dedicate $7500.00 to the White Rock Sun for a website makeover.

I would like to personally thank each and everyone of you for voting for THE SUN.....because after all THE SUN IS ALWAYS OUT IN WHITE ROCK!!

Unhappy Anniversary

Today marks the third anniversary of the 5 Corners Fire. The blaze displaced over 100 residents of the Ocean Ridge condo development and a number of local business owners.

Let's look back. Here is the time-line story we published the day after the blaze broke out. The White Rock RCMP state the file is still active and progressing.

RCMP Investigating Arsons

There has been no official word on the cause of the blaze that destroyed the two condo complexes at 5 Corners Sunday.

What we do know is there were no less than four fires set throughout the city of White Rock and close proximity Sunday morning.

A children's playground constructed from wood and plastic and located on the Cypress street road end @ Victoria avenue was set ablaze in the early hours Sunday morning, No injuries. Fire quickly extinguished

Sandpiper Liquor store is broken into @ 5:10 a.m. Owner confirmed the CCTV cameras captures clear pictures of two suspects robbing the liquor out of the window.

10:30 a.m. a fire is started in an alleyway off of Pacific avenue near Stayte road. Fire quickly extinguished no major damage. No injuries

12 noon residents of the Semiahmoo First Nations witnessed an individual attempting to start a building on fire behind the band's office. The Surrey RCMP responded to the 911 call and took the suspect into custody.

The suspect taken into custody Sunday appeared in Surrey Provincial court Tuesday morning where he was charged with arson damaging property.

The accused is 18 year old JAMES DYER of Surrey was released on his own recognizance.

RCMP Investigating Arsons

There has been no official word on the cause of the blaze that destroyed the two condo complexes at 5 Corners Sunday.

What we do know is there were no less than four fires set throughout the city of White Rock and close proximity Sunday morning.

Sandpiper Liquor store is broken into @ 5:10 a.m. Owner confirmed the CCTV cameras captures clear pictures of two suspects robbing the liquor out of the window.

10:30 a.m. a fire is started in an alleyway off of Pacific avenue near Stayte road. Fire quickly extinguished no major damage. No injuries

The suspect taken into custody Sunday appeared in Surrey Provincial court Tuesday morning where he was charged with arson damaging property.

The accused is 18 year old JAMES DYER of Surrey was released on his own recognizance.

Mayor Caught Between White Rock & A Hard Place

That's the headline you will see when you pick up your copy of THE PROVINCE today.

White Rock mayor WAYNE BALDWIN and former White Rock resident and council candidate DENNIS LYPKA go head to head on the pro's and con's of White Rock rejoining Surrey.

Eye In The Sky

White Rock resident and traffic reporter for WX1130 DARREN "Danger" GRIEVE sent along this picture taken yesterday afternoon. The fire started at the rear of the condo project under construction pictured in the top left hand corner of photo.

No official announcement has been made yet on whether or not it will be possible to rebuild or if the whole structure will have to come down.

Five Corners Fire

Smoke could be seen for miles as the fire ripped through the condo structures. This shot was taken by a reader from the Inn @ Semiahmoo in Blaine.

The fire broke out early this morning around 5 a.m. in a wooden three storey condo under construction on Royal Avenue in the 15200 block. The fire quickly jumped to the condo located at 5 Corners. The fire at one point threatened the Star of the Sea hall located next to the condo. Firefighters fought the fire from the roof of the Star of the Sea in order to prevent the fire from spreading. Surrey and White Rock fire crews fought the stubborn blaze for hours before eventually bringing it under control at 8 a.m.

The cause of the fire is unknown as the investigation is in the very early stage.