There will be a partial road closure on Johnston Road and Pacific Avenue (Five Corners) starting Monday, September 18 to Friday, September 22 for Fortis BC who will be working on valve maintenance. Signage and traffic control people will be in place.

The rainbow crosswalk will be affected during maintenance and will be restored once the work is completed.

Artist: Elena Markelova (Vancouver, BC)

White Rock City Map - art print

• Size 12x12 inches (print only - no mat or frame)

• Printed with archival pigment inks on a heavy weight, acid free paper very similar to watercolor paper

(click here to order yours)

• City staff working in the basement of the Annex Building –it was suggested that space be found for these staff upstairs at the Annex Building or elsewhere; and

• Permissive Tax Exemptions – questions around the requirements for this to be granted for the Centre for Active Living (stated that the Division of Family Practice would not be a not-for-profit organization). 

• Policy 325 – Business Travel and Expense Policy (to establish a framework and guidelines for the purchase and reimbursement of travel expenses incurred on behalf of the City)

• Policy 310 – Investment Policy (to provide management framework for its investment portfolio and to ensure that the investment of public funds in handled with due care)

• View the Parking Strategy Report.

• Metro Vancouver – Northwest

• Metro Vancouver – Southwest

• Metro Vancouver – Northeast

• Metro Vancouver – Southeast

• Central Fraser Valley

• Eastern Fraser Valle

The following items were discussed and voted on:

• 2023 Sanitary and Storm Rehabilitation Contract Awards

  Passed Unanimously

• Hump Maintenance Update

  Passed Councillor Chesney voting in opposition

• Housing Accelerator Fund

  Passed Councillor Trelveylan voting in opposition

You can watch an archived version of the meeting starting at whiterockcity.ca/agenda 

• Please visit https://www.surrey.ca/news-events/news/staying-cool-during-extreme-heat for more information about heat response resources in Surrey.

• Please visit Heat Event | White Rock, BC (whiterockcity.ca) for more information about heat response resources in White Rock.

• Links to Heat Response Resources:

  • Extreme heat and people experiencing homelessness - Fraser Health Authority

  • Health Checks During Extreme Heat Events

  • Planning and Communicating with Tenants | BC Housing

  • Preparing for heat events (bccdc.ca)

  • Emergency Notifications:

    • Surrey and White Rock residents can also receive emergency notifications through the Alertable app. 

    • This app is free and notifications can be received through text, email, phone, social media and more.

Picnic On The Pier

Gregory Scruggs

Seattle Times staff reporter

City work crews have been busy this week adding more names on plaques to be placed on the pier as a direct result of FRIENDS OF THE PIER selling name plaques to help offset the cost of the pier repair which is still in the millions.

 

 

Wednesday July 19, 2023

Surrey To Move To Private Police Force

Public Safety Minister/ Solicitor General MIKE FARNWORTH

The Province is securing safety and providing certainty for people in Surrey and throughout British Columbia by directing the City of Surrey to move forward with the Surrey Police Service.

The minister of public safety and solicitor general has carefully considered the city’s corporate report on moving back to the Surrey RCMP. The minister has determined that for the second time, the city has failed to demonstrate that moving back to the RCMP will be safe and not affect other communities throughout the province, thereby not meeting the requirements imposed on the process.

This decision was made under Section 2 of the Police Act, which states that the minister of public safety and solicitor general must ensure that adequate and effective law enforcement is maintained throughout the province. The decision was made to avoid a crisis in policing in Surrey, which would have pulled officers from other parts of the province as officers are redeployed to fill critical gaps.

“People’s safety, in Surrey and across the province, is non-negotiable. The city has failed to meet the requirements I placed to prevent a situation where there are not enough police officers to keep people safe in Surrey,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “We cannot allow people in Surrey or in other communities to be put at risk. British Columbians need to know that when they call the police, help will come – and people in Surrey want this uncertainty over who will police their city to end, and to know that they will be safe in their community.”

Based on documents provided by the city, the minister concluded that the city failed to meet the requirements to prevent an exodus of Surrey Police Service officers, or to staff up the Surrey RCMP without pulling RCMP officers from other communities. The RCMP continues to experience a critical vacancy problem in British Columbia and across Canada. This issue is longstanding, and the RCMP has been unable to produce officers to fill vacant positions or implement solutions to meet expected growth.

“The Surrey Police Service is the only path forward to ensuring the safety of the people of Surrey, as well as people across the province, and for putting in place the long-term, stable policing they need,” Farnworth said. “Effective collaboration between the city, the Surrey Police Service and the RCMP is essential to continue the transition, and I have made it clear to all parties that I expect them to work together to achieve our common goal of safety for people in Surrey.”

In order to facilitate moving forward with the Surrey Police Service, the minister has appointed Jessica McDonald as the strategic implementation advisor, fulfilling a key requirement put in place by the minister. McDonald has extensive experience in organizational transformation as well as federal and provincial public-sector leadership. In this role, she will aid parties in meeting timelines, facilitate dispute resolution, and ensure effective communication and completion of the transition to the Surrey Police Service. 

The Province has recommitted to providing the city with $150 million to help offset the costs of moving forward with the Surrey Police Service, so that costs are not passed on to residents and businesses. Further, this summer the minister will begin consultation on legislation being considered for the fall to ensure that this type of situation never happens again.

Quick Facts: 

• The Surrey Police Service is the second largest municipal police department in the Province after the Vancouver Police Department with 400 sworn officers and support staff.

• In 2018, City of Surrey council decided to move away from Surrey’s RCMP police model and opt for its own municipal police department, the Surrey Police Service.

• The minister of public safety and solicitor general approved the city’s transition plan in February 2020, and the City of Surrey has been implementing the transition since that time.

• The integrated RCMP/Surrey Police Service transition period began in November 2021 with the first Surrey Police Service officers being operationally deployed .

• In November 2022, the City of Surrey’s newly elected mayor and council decided to maintain the RCMP as its police model and reverse the transition.

• The ministry commissioned an independent financial analysis that concluded that Surrey Police Service would cost approximately $30 million more per year than the RCMP.

• The Province remains committed to providing $150 million to help offset these additional costs.

Learn More:

To read the Police Act, visit: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96367_01

To learn more about the Province’s recommendation to continue the transition to the Surrey Police Service, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSSG0033-000623

To read the director of police services’ public report, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Police_Model_Transition_Report.pdf

 

Semiahmoo Peninsula - Rocks Canada

It goes like this: millions of records, a couple dozen hits, a Juno Award for ‘Band of the Year’ and sold-out shows across Canada.

Universal Music acknowledges them as “one of Canada’s top five selling bands of all time” and the Vancouver Sun has called them “Canadian rock heroes of the first order … the best performing band in Canada”.

A Once-In-A-Lifetime Celebration where 13 of the Most Influential Rock Legends  from the ‘70s and ‘80s will be in attendance for their induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame

CAPTION L-R from the top row: April Wine, Chilliwack, Glass Tiger, Lee Aaron, Lighthouse, Loverboy, Max Webster, Michel Pagliaro, Platinum Blonde, PRISM, Rough Trade, The Parachute Club, Trooper)

Thursday, September 28 at Toronto’s Massey Hall — the first of two induction ceremonies in 2023 as part of Canada’s Walk of Fame’s 25th anniversary celebrations

PER CAPITA White Rock/South Surrey have the best representation of rock n rollers set to be enshrined in Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.

TROOPERS'S Ra McGuire, LOVERBOY'S Mike Reno and Doug Johnson and recent concert at the pier performer LEE AARON all make their home on the Semiahmoo Peninsula.

Rock On!!

 

Tuesday July 11, 2023

At Monday evening's Regular Council Meeting,Surrey Council received its first monthly Progress Report on maintaining the RCMP as Police of Jurisdiction (POJ). The Progress Report updates the status of the restaffing plan, confirming the following:

·         15 Surrey Police Service (SPS) Officers are in the hiring process or already hired

·         81 SPS Officers have indicated they will join the RCMP

·         8 RCMP cadets are joining the detachment by August 2023

·         2 Experienced Police Officers are transferring to the Surrey RCMP.

“I am pleased to see Surrey RCMP’s restaffing plan is well underway, and I welcome the SPS members who have chosen to continue their policing careers in Surrey with the RCMP,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The City is committed to working with the Province and the SPS to meet the Minister’s binding conditions as we return to a single Police of Jurisdiction in Surrey with the RCMP. It is time to move forward and do what’s right for our City, what’s right for taxpayers, and what’s right for future generations.”

On June 15, 2023, Mayor Locke announced the decision of Council to maintain the RCMP as POJ in Surrey following consideration of a confidential report prepared by staff. On June 19, 2023, following Council direction, staff’s confidential report was forwarded to the Province for review. Staff are currently working with all parties to prepare a redacted version of the confidential report. The redacted version will be released to the public once completed.

  

Highway Happenings

Commuters along HWY 99 through South Surrey have been witnessing a flurry of activity along the foreshore of Mud Bay.

With the anticipated impacts of climate change and a rising sea level, the City developed a Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy (CFAS) to help Surrey become more resilient to coastal flooding including reinforcing dykes and adapting critical infrastructure. This process entailed extensive community consultation from 2016 to 2019.

   

The Mud Bay Nature-based Foreshore Enhancements Project is one of the recommended actions in CFAS. It will help protect Surrey’s residents, farms, critical infrastructure including Highway 99, BNSF Railway, regional power and sewer lines, and internationally recognized bird and wildlife habitats from sea level rise.

It is part of Surrey's Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) Program which consists of 13 coastal flood adaptation projects that received a funding investment of over $76 million from the Government of Canada's Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. All projects must be completed by end of 2027 to receive funding.

The Mud Bay Nature-based Foreshore Enhancements Project is a partnership between City of Surrey, City of Delta and Semiahmoo First Nation. The project involves a nature-based approach to flood protection known as a living dyke.  The project will begin with Pilot Studies to test stabilization techniques for the living dyke in two locations in Mud Bay.

We will build the Living Dyke in Mud Bay, immediately south of Highway 99, by Mud Bay Park and the Boundary Bay Dyke Trail.

The Living Dyke will be created within the core territory of Semiahmoo First Nation and the traditional territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Sto:lo, and Tsawwassen First Nations. 

We plan to first pilot the living dyke concept at two locations. One in front of the Boundary Bay Dyke in Delta (not shown on the map), and the other on the shore immediately west of Mud Bay Park in Surrey. The Living Dyke will extend along the shoreline for a combined length of approximately 790m of linear shoreline.

    

 

Three males arrested after threats with knives on pier

File Photo

On Friday July 7th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. White Rock RCMP police received 911 calls reporting a dangerous situation involving a group of males, brandishing knives and making threats towards the public with knives. White Rock RCMP beach patrol officers were on foot nearby and gave chase along the promenade. After a short foot pursuit three males were arrested and their knives seized.

This dangerous situation could have had a very different outcome, fortunately due to calls from the public and quick response by officers, no one was injured in this incident. Having officers on foot on the promenade when this occurred helped in the quick identification and arrest of these suspects. Said White Rock RCMP officer, Constable Chantal Sears who added, throughout the summer months we will regularly have a visible police presence on foot and bicycles to support our regular patrols.

Two youth males, were released from police custody with conditions and future court dates, into the care of their parents/guardians.

An adult male who is known to police was held for court and released on court-imposed conditions with a court date of September 13th, 2023.

We thank the witnesses who called, provided descriptions and statements to police. If you witnessed what occurred and have yet to speak to police, or have CCTV or dashcam footage please call 778-545-4800 and quote file number 2023-4053."

  

Did You Know We Have A Clothing Optional Beach?

For a number of years now Crescent Rock beach in Crescent Beach area has been attracting hundreds of nude sunbathers.

If you would like more information and directions visit their FACEBOOK

Crescent Rock Beach Naturists

 

Sunday July 09, 2023

Reported seismic-like event - Second of Two This Past Week (likely no quake): 

Date & time	Jul 7, 2023 15:31:41 UTC -  1 day 8 hours ago
Local time at epicenter	Friday, Jul 7, 2023 at 8:31 am (GMT -7)
Status	disregarded
Magnitude	unknown (3?)
Depth	10.0 km
Epicenterlatitude / longitude	49.21244°N / 122.65276°W
Antipode	49.212°S / 57.347°E
Shaking intensity	Weak shaking
Felt	1 report
Primary data source	VolcanoDiscovery (User-reported shaking)
Nearest volcano	Garibaldi (75 km / 47 mi)
Nearby towns and cities	24 km (15 mi) NNE of White Rock (British Columbia) (pop: 66,500) | Show on map | Quakes nearby

 

 

July 09, 2023

Local Boy Gets His Kicks

White Rock born and raised SEAN WHYTE has kicked off the 2023 CFL is style by completing 10 of 11 field goal attempts. 

In the second week alone WHYTE kicked five field goals leading the BC LIONS to a 22-0 win over Edmonton.

WHYTE looks to continue his Honour Roll numbers tomorrow (Sunday afternoon) when the MONTREAL ALOUETTES visit BC Place for an afternoon game.

UPDATE

(Whyte kicked three conversions in Sunday's game to add to his season total. Lions defeated Montreal 35-19)

 

 

Waterfront Comings and Goings

ALEBRIJES Mexican restaurant has closed up shop on West Beach. The space will soon be an Indian restaurant called ROOTS OF PUNJAB "where we can taste our memories?"

....and

Over on East Beach PRAIRIE DONAIR is now open. During the busy hours of the day staff is out front offering up samples to those that do not know what a donair is. A great grab and go meal for the beach. Try it out this weekend.

 

 

 

 

July 06, 2023

Have Your Say In Designing Surrey's Newest Park - In South Surrey

There is a new park being constructed called Nicomekl Riverfront Park. I am reaching out in the hopes that you fill out this survey, and when doing so, request that the park be fully wheelchair accessible, including the docks, boardwalk and public gathering areas. (False Creek in Vancouver is a perfect example!) South Surrey has an opportunity to be a leading community in universal design, and I would so much appreciate any support possible! Let's ensure that anyone and everyone can access public spaces.

(click here to have your say)

 

Street racing leads to multiple vehicle impoundments 

Six vehicles were impounded by Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit during enforcement in Campbell Heights, an area known for street racing and stunting.

On May 12, 2023, during a large gathering in the 2700-block of 192 Street, a 1937 Chevrolet was stunting when the driver lost control and collided with a Semi-truck. The collision was captured on video and widely shared on social media. Fortunately, the driver was not seriously injured. The Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit investigated the collision and have submitted a report to BC Prosecution Service recommending criminal charges against the driver.

On June 16, 2023, Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit conducted proactive enforcement in the same area along 192 Street, as it is a known location where people gather to street race.

In total, 21 violation tickets were served for speed, excessive speed, vehicle defects and other traffic infractions. Five of the tickets were for excessive speed which is accompanied by an automatic 7-day vehicle impoundment. One driver was found to be under the influence and received a 3-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition with vehicle impoundment.

 

July 06, 2023

Have Your Say In Designing Surrey's Newest Park - In South Surrey

There is a new park being constructed called Nicomekl Riverfront Park. I am reaching out in the hopes that you fill out this survey, and when doing so, request that the park be fully wheelchair accessible, including the docks, boardwalk and public gathering areas. (False Creek in Vancouver is a perfect example!) South Surrey has an opportunity to be a leading community in universal design, and I would so much appreciate any support possible! Let's ensure that anyone and everyone can access public spaces.

(click here to have your say)

 

Street racing leads to multiple vehicle impoundments 

Six vehicles were impounded by Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit during enforcement in Campbell Heights, an area known for street racing and stunting.

On May 12, 2023, during a large gathering in the 2700-block of 192 Street, a 1937 Chevrolet was stunting when the driver lost control and collided with a Semi-truck. The collision was captured on video and widely shared on social media. Fortunately, the driver was not seriously injured. The Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit investigated the collision and have submitted a report to BC Prosecution Service recommending criminal charges against the driver.

On June 16, 2023, Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit conducted proactive enforcement in the same area along 192 Street, as it is a known location where people gather to street race.

In total, 21 violation tickets were served for speed, excessive speed, vehicle defects and other traffic infractions. Five of the tickets were for excessive speed which is accompanied by an automatic 7-day vehicle impoundment. One driver was found to be under the influence and received a 3-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition with vehicle impoundment.

 

July 05, 2023

Thunder & Fire

Our southern neighbours in Blaine outdid themselves last night. The 4th of July symphony of fire over Drayton Harbour was incredible. The best vantage point was Canada's Longest Pier.

Bill Hawke photo

 

Watering Restrictions Reminder

 

 

July 04, 2023

Sunday night's moon over Semiahmoo Bay

• 

• Beverly Malcolm photo

  "Sky alert! There’s a full moon tonight.

  Traditionally, this full moon is called the Buck Moon because a buck's antlers are in full growth mode at this time. This full moon was also known as the Thunder Moon because thunderstorms are so frequent during this month.

  This is also the first of four supermoons for 2023.

  The Moon will be near its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual."

  -HR MacMillan Space Centre

 

July 03, 2023

Sand Doodles

 

It's A Sin To Squish Old Tin

Hundreds of hot rods and custom cars were on display Saturday at the old defunct Langley Speedway. It is an annual event hosted by Jellybean Autocrafters of Surrey.

Look but don't touch or drool.

Mike Herrick photo

 

July 02, 2023

You Can't Park There

Thousands of visitors poured into White Rock last night to watch the spectacular 20 minute fireworks display over Semiahmoo Bay. As the warning blast signaled the fireworks were set to begin, the time honoured tradition of JUST PARK HERE kicked in.\

Generally speaking everyone was well behaved, and surprisingly there was very little mess left over considering the thousands that descended on our "city by the sea"

...meanwhile in Surrey

Thousands turned up at the amphitheater in Cloverdale for Western Canada's largest Canada Day Celebrations.

A big salute to the City of Surrey for having the two official and one unofficial languages represented on all their signs at the event.

 

June 28, 2023

White Rock Council Update

Monday evening White Rock council dealt with these agenda items:

Surrey Parking Passes

Staff has been requested to bring forward a report on the viability and demand for Surrey residents to secure pay parking passes.

14937 Thrift Avenue and 1441, 1443-45 And 1465 Vidal Street – Zoning Bylaw Amendment (CD-68)

Council directed that a Public Hearing take place for an updated application for a multi-unit residential project consisting of purpose-built rental and affordable housing apartments. 

 

Security Guard at the Parkade

Council directed that a security guard be placed in the evenings at the parkade at the waterfront in the months of July and August.

Encroachment Updates

Council received a report regarding encroachments in the City. To learn more about the different types of encroachments and how Council has directed the staff to handle these matters view the report here. A bylaw will come forward in future to outline this process.

Solid Waste Update

Council received an update report on the City’s Solid Waste collection to facilitate collection to now include from properties with fifteen or less units. An amendment for the Collection, Removal Disposal and Recycling of Solid Waste Bylaw came to Council later in the meeting and received its first three readings. Final approval for the bylaw will be considered on July 10th.

 

June 27, 2023

The City of White Rock Has now created a Heat Alert Page

The page will work closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada in alerting the public on temperatures that are harmful to your health.

When the temperature climbs to a level that is deemed harmful to your well being, the City of White Rock will open two cooling stations for y our safety and enjoyment.

1. Corner of Russell Avenue and Johnston Road, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Guests will be able to sit and cool off in an enclosed tent, and will be provided with bottled water, cold compresses, fans, sunscreen, first aid, and access to a water mister. Pets are permitted.

2. White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Avenue, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

An air-conditioned space, chairs, and bottled water will be provided. Pets are permitted.

The City’s heat event resource page will be kept up to date with days of operation at whiterockcity.ca/heatevent

 

June 26, 2023

Motor Vehicle Collision 3300 block of 176th street

Update: Three dead following fatal motor vehicle collision in South Surrey 

Police are updating the public that a third person has died following a collision in South Surrey early Sunday morning.

On June 25, 2023 (Sunday morning), at approximately 2:45 am, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision in the 3300-block of 176 Street.

On Monday afternoon, the third occupant of the Hyundai, who was previously in critical condition succumbed to their injuries. 

The driver of the Volkswagen was initially detained for an impaired driving investigation, and has since been served documents prohibiting him from driving and released pending further investigation. 

Police will be looking at all the circumstances of this collision; at this time speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors in this collision.

“The Surrey RCMP Criminal Collision Investigation Team is actively working to gather crucial evidence and piece together what led to this tragic collision that has now claimed three lives, ” says Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer, Corporal Vanessa Munn. “Investigations of this nature are complex and can take time to complete, but our officers are committed to conducting a thorough investigation and providing the families who lost loved ones with answers about what transpired.”

Surrey RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in a motor vehicle collision that occurred on June 25th, 2023, in the South Surrey area of Surrey.

On June 25th, at approximately 0245 hours, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a two vehicle collision in the 3300 block of 176th street (Highway 15). A Volkswagen was northbound on 176th street past 32nd avenue, when it collided with a Hyundai sedan that was also north bound. Both vehicles were knocked from the roadway and suffered extensive damage.

The three occupants of the Hyundai, two males and a female, were all transported to a local area hospital in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. The lone occupant of the Volkswagen is currently in police custody.

Alcohol and speed have not been ruled out as contributing factors to this collision.

The investigation is still in the early stages and 176th street is blocked to all northbound traffic at 32nd avenue. The roadway is expected to be closed for several hours, as the investigation progresses, and motorists are asked to avoid the area 

Anyone with morning information, including dash cam footage around the area of 176th street and 32nd avenue, is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file number: 2023-104042.

If you wish to make an anonymous report please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or www.solvecrime.ca

 

June 23, 2023

Goose Crossing

There is an area along 16th avenue/North Bluff road that sees a lot action from geese crossing over to the White Rock side from the WATERWISE ponds the city of Surrey has created for all to enjoy.

Regular commuters along that strip of the road that borders the two cities often see a procession of geese big and small making their wave to and fro from the ponds. For the most part drivers slow down and even stop to let the procession cross. At times drivers will get out of their cars to stop traffic to ensure the fowl's safety.

A couple of day ago three lanes of traffic was stopped to allow the geese to cross, sadly one vehicle chose not to stop and mowed down a number of the geese before fleeing. Those that saw the goose massacre were stunned. Some of the birds were instantly destroyed some were still alive bu injured.

The city of White Rock a couple of years back erected the sign you see above to warn drivers of what wildlife they may encounter on that section of the road. A concerned citizen made their own sign and erected it on the Surrey side of 16th only to have the city of Surrey remove the sign.

Last evening the same individual created another sign (below) and fastened it to a pole on the Surrey side of the road. Will Surrey remove it, will they finally put up their own sign? Time will tell.

The City of White Rock now has plans to install a new sign (below) that they feel may be a little more effective in slowing down drivers.

Julia Harnett

 

Memorable In Memorial

Wednesday morning around 11 a.m. a gentleman's friends set up this lit up MARRY ME sign in Memorial Park. Within in minutes the gentleman with his lovely lady on his arm came around the corner of the museum and walked into Memorial Park. The young lady who the question was directed to couldn't believe her eyes

Her reply...YES YES YES!!!

 

 

June 22, 2023

 

June 21, 2023

Local musician and now acclaimed author JOHN CODY has a winner on his hands.

Released worldwide today.

Still sitting at #1 on Amazon New Music Books, and fantastic reviews are coming in every day.

This book was a long running passion project – took well over a decade to write - and it’s a joy to see Mark getting the love he so deserves

John Cody

John performs locally on a regular basis with ALEX BROWNE & HIS BOULEVARDIERS.

He will also be behind the drum kit on July 06 when he backs up his lovely and talented wife LEE AARON as she kicks off this years Concerts At The Pier live in Memorial Park.

 

June 20, 2023

Mayor Brenda Locke Releases Press Release Updating Press Conference

 

I have subsequently been advised by staff that, although a list of persons at the Province who require a copy of our Corporate Report was provided to us as of 11:27 a.m. today, we have yet to receive signed NDAs from those individuals. Upon receipt of the signed NDAs, the Corporate Report will be immediately sent to the individuals. 

The Police Act is clear, Surrey Council decides on its municipal police force. Surrey has. There is no public safety crisis in Surrey, and the path the City has chosen is the safest and most effective option for both Surrey and the Province.

If the Minister’s concern is the Surrey Police Service walking off the job, which is a dereliction of their duty as peace officers, then he should order them not to do so as it would most certainly compromise public safety in Surrey. To date our requests for such assurances have fallen on deaf ears.

Mayor Brenda Locke

 

White Rock Council $5.7 Million

(Interesting to note it was exactly 4 years ago the final touches were being put on the rebuilding of our pier)

The majority of council yesterday afternoon voted to distribute $5.7 million dollars Growing Communities Fund Grant from the Province, virtually the way two staff reports recommended.

The only variation to the original plan to allocate the funds was to keep a rainy day fund of $500,000.00 from the 5.7 million dollars in the event of an emergency.

The other 5.2 million will go to :

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND

COUMMUNITY HUB

PIER RESTORATION

You can watch a livestream of yesterday's meeting at whiterockcity.ca/agenda. 

 

 

June 18, 202

South Surrey Indigenous Learning House

Grand Opening Yesterday @ Stewart Farm House

Representatives from Semiahmoo, Katze and Kwantlen nations stood shoulder to should yesterday as they opened th beautiful arts hub now located on the ground of the Stewart Farm House on Crescent Road in South Surrey.

The event included:  

• Ribbon cutting ceremony   

  

• Demonstrations 

• Performances 

• Site-wide activations

• Food vendors

• Indigenous artisan market

  

  It was a perfect lead in to National Indigenous Day this Wednesday.

  Join White Rock and the Semiahmoo Nation @ Pi'quals (the White Rock on the beach) for a honour ceremony Wednesday @ 11 a.m.

   

Jazz Blues Festival

ALEXANDER BROWNE AND THE BOULEVARDIERS drew a large crowd to the Semia courtyard yesterday afternoon for their White Rock Jazz Blues performance. Locations scattered throughout White Rock yesterday afternoon filled the air with beautiful music enhancing a walkabout in our City by the Sea.

The music continues today (see below)

 

 

June 17, 2023

As The Badge Turns

Thursday in a closed meeting Surrey Council voted 6-3 to keep the RCMP as the police of record for Surrey moving forward, and disband the Surrey Police Services. IN that the meeting was held in camera beyond the prying public and media's eyes the actual way the vote went has not been made public. With that said one can come to the natural conclusion opposition councillor LINDA ANNIS has come out swinging publicly that the meeting should have been made public give the importance of the decision.

It this the end of the story? Not exactly, SOLICITOR GENERAL & SAFETY MINISTER MIKE FARNWORTH is now on record saying the Province will have the final decision. FARNWORTH informed the media yesterday he will wait to see the document the majority of Surrey council approved in making the decision to stay with the RCMP>

Surrey mayor BRENDA LOCKE and FARNWORTH seem to be at odds who will have the final decision.

Don't touch that dial!

 

Brenda Locke's Official Statement

(click here)

 

Minister’s statement on City of Surrey’s police transition report

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement about the City of Surrey’s report on the Surrey policing transition:

“As solicitor general, I am required to ensure effective and adequate policing in Surrey and across B.C. When people call the police, they need to be confident that help will arrive.

“I must be satisfied that the City of Surrey’s plan will ensure effective and adequate policing is maintained in Surrey and throughout the province. Once staff have been able to review the city’s report, I will be able to determine if the plan achieves this objective.

“The City of Surrey has offered their corporate report under a non-disclosure agreement. We will review all information provided by the city quickly to ensure that the people of Surrey remain safe.

“We continue to require a comprehensive plan from the city to meet the requirements I laid out as necessary. In the absence of such a plan, this could quickly destabilize an already precarious situation in Surrey and significantly decrease police presence in other areas of the province.

“I want to assure the people of Surrey, and all British Columbians, that I will fulfill my duty to keep our communities safe. People in Surrey want to be safe and they want this to be over.”

 

Statement from Chief Lipinski on Surrey Council Vote

 

“Surrey Police Service (SPS) is extremely disappointed by the Surrey City Council decision to transition back to the RCMP, despite the fact that three years’ worth of financial and human investments have gone into building a local, independent police service for Surrey.

“It is concerning that Council has made this decision, despite the Province of BC’s clear and evidence-based recommendation that the City of Surrey continue its transition to SPS in order to ensure public safety for Surrey and across BC.

“While the City has rendered its decision, it is important to note that the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General has not yet approved a transition back to the RCMP. As per the BC Police Act, the Minister is responsible for ensuring an adequate and effective level of policing is maintained throughout BC – he would need to be satisfied that can occur with a transition back to the RCMP. The Minister must also be satisfied that the City’s plan to transition back to the RCMP meets the binding, non-negotiable conditions laid out in the Director of Police Services’ report. 

 

June 16, 2023

Going Dark Next Year

 

 

June 15, 2023

Project to improve travel for Highway 99 commuters hits milestone

A request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued to replace the aging George Massey Tunnel with a new eight-lane, toll-free immersed tube tunnel that will save people time and help move goods faster.

Learn More:

For information about the Highway 99 Tunnel Program, including a video that explains the Fraser River Tunnel Project and corridor improvements, visit: https://www.highway99tunnel.ca

The business case for the Fraser River Tunnel Project and related documents and updates can be found at: https://www.highway99tunnel.ca/document-library

 

This week TRANSLINK'S BUZZER BLOG has published a list of day trips on transit to great summer outings. Our iconic pier in White Rock is featured.

Check out the other CAR FREE day trips on TRANSIT (click here)

 

Summer TRANSLINK change for White Rock

362 Seaside / White Rock Centre

Say hello to seasonal service on the 362, shortening wait times in the afternoon and evening by 10 minutes on weekends and holidays.

Weekends and Holidays

• Every 20 minutes from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (from 30 minutes)

 

 

Johnson (152 Street) Road Upgrades Project Breaks Ground

L-R Surrey Councillor Doug Elford, Surrey-Newton MP Sukh Dhaliwal, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Surrey Councillor Pardeep Kooner, TransLink Director of Infrastructure Programs Shezana Hassko and Surrey Councillor Linda Annis celebrate the groundbreaking of the 152 Street Road Upgrades on June 13, 2023.)

The City of Surrey has broken ground on the 152 Street Road Upgrades project including the twinning of the Nicomekl River Bridge crossing to improve public safety and the movement of people, goods and services on this major north-south route. The project involves raising and widening of 152 Street between the Nicomekl and Serpentine Rivers, which will increase flood protection and increase the resilience and safety of communities.

152 Street upgrades include four travel lanes (from two lanes), a multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians, transit and bus shelter improvements, and the twinning of the Nicomekl River Bridge crossing. The project is part of the first phase of implementation of Surrey's award winning Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy (CFAS) to build community resilience to coastal flooding and sea level rise. The project cost is $44.4M and is funded in part by TransLink and the Government of Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

The project is expected to be completed by 2025/26. Learn more at surrey.ca/152Upgrades.

 

June 14, 2023

 Police investigate report of shots fired in South Surrey

 

Surrey RCMP is on scene investigating following a report of shots fired on Crescent Road in the early morning hours yesterday (Tuesday) morning. Reports of gunfire came in at approximately 3 a.m.

Police attended and located evidence of shots fired on the roadway. No injuries or damage to any surrounding properties have been reported.

The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has conduct of the investigation and will be conducting additional canvassing in the area. Crescent Road is closed in both directions between 130 Street and 132 Street while the scene is being processed.

Anyone with any information, dash camera footage from the area or residential CCTV footage is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.

 

 

June 11, 2023

Prairie Donair is soon to open in the old DELUXE Restaurant location on Marine Drive. Whether of not the second floor will be open for din in remains to be seen. A Donair is a perfect grab and go to the beach type of meal. Good luck and welcome.

A few doors east of Prairie Donair we find BEAVER TAILS (since 1978 somewhere) opening in the previous locale of Poultry in Motion. It too is scheduled to open just in time for summer beach dining.

Beaver Tails are deep-fried dough pastries that are stretched to resemble the shape of a beaver's tail. So don't worry, no part of actual beavers are used! It is topped with either sweet or savory ingredients, but the classic Beaver Tail is dipped in a combination of cinnamon and sugar.

 

June 09, 2023

Opening Locally

 

Bones of Crows is a 2022 Canadian drama film, written, produced, and directed by Marie Clements. The film stars Grace Dove as Aline Spears, a Cree woman who survives the Indian residential school system to become a code talker for the Canadian Air Force during World War II.[1]

The film's cast also includes Summer Testawich and Carla-Rae as Aline Spears in childhood and older age, as well as Phillip Lewitski, Rémy Girard, Karine Vanasse, Michelle Thrush, Glen Gould, Gail Maurice, Cara Gee, Joshua Odjick, Jonathan Whitesell and Alanis Obomsawin in supporting roles.

The film premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2022, before going into commercial release on June 2, 2023.

It will be followed in 2023 by a five-hour CBC Television limited series, which delves more deeply into Spears' extended family history over 100 years.[4]

The film was shot partially at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Although the revelation of 215 unmarked gravesites at the school took place just one week before shooting was to start, the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc nation encouraged production to proceed because of the importance of getting residential school stories publicized and told.[5

(click here for Surrey and Langley showtimes today)

 

 

South Surrey RCMP / DISTRICT 5 Crime Stats May 2023

LEGEND

Blue Dots Auto theft / Yellow Triangles Theft From Autos

 

June 07, 2023

City Council helping to bring Team Ukraine to the Canada Cup in Surrey

 

At last night’s Regular Council Meeting, Councillor Gordon Hepner introduced a motion to help bring the U19 Ukrainian Women’s Junior National Softball team to the Canada Cup International Softball Championship in Surrey. 

“I want to commend Councillor Hepner’s motion to bring the Ukrainian U19 Women’s Softball team to the Canada Cup,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The motion, which was enthusiastically supported by all of Council, ensures that the fundraising goal to bring Team Ukraine to the Canada Cup in Surrey will be achieved. This small gesture will allow the women of the U19 Ukrainian Junior National Team a respite from the strain caused by the unjust war waged against their country. I look forward to cheering them on when they take to the field next month.”

City Council unanimously voted to make available up to $5,000 from the Council Initiative Fund to ensure the fundraising goal is met to bring the Team Ukraine to Surrey. 

“Sport is a vehicle to show support and unity,” said Councillor Gordon Hepner. “The women of Team Ukraine will be a welcome presence to the Canada Cup and it will be a chance for all of us to show our support for them and their country during this difficult time.”

More information on the fundraising effort can be found here .

 

June 06, 2023

Sources Community Resources Society

Opens Up its Harvest Gleaning Services to Reduce Food Waste and Feed the Community

Community Harvest Gleaning Services by Sources Community Resources Society (SOURCES) is back in season for its fifth year. The service is offered to anyone with excess crops/fruit and wants help with harvesting or reducing waste on their farm field or backyard. Run by Sources Food Hub Program, the service involves volunteers who assist with harvesting, in exchange for a share of the produce that goes to Sources food banks. To date, nearly 12,500 lbs of produce, including berries, lettuce, beans, apples, and pears, has been harvested.
“We are happy to be offering this service again this year. By choosing to use us, farmers and tree owners are not only able to manage their produce better but also help increase access to fresh, nutritious foods for those who might not be able to regularly afford it, while reducing food wastage in our backyards,” says Carrie Belanger, Program Manager at SOURCES. “It’s truly a win-win situation for our community.” 
The harvest is equally divided among the owner, the volunteer team, and Sources food banks or other community meal programs. SOURCES volunteers are equipped with all the supplies necessary to harvest the produce. They are also trained to responsibly discard the green waste and clean up the area when they are done.

In addition to harvest gleaning, Sources Food Hub has been rescuing and redistributing food since 2019. This work addresses two major issues at once - food insecurity in our community and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from wasted food.

If you have excess crops in your farm field or backyard that can be redirected to those who need it, please register for Community Harvest Gleaning Services by filling the form available at SourcesBC.ca/Our-Services/Food-Hub or calling 604-596-0973.

People who enjoy active outdoor work and are interested in supporting their community can contact volunteerservices@sourcesbc.ca to volunteer.

June 05, 2023

Happy Birthday To You

l-r Bill & Pete

June 03, 2023

MIKE FARNWORTH Losing His Patience With Surrey

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General MIKE FARNWORTH has sent a letter to Surrey council urging them to stop stalling and make a decision on policing in Surrey. The Province has informed Surrey the time has come.

FARNWORTH is urging all members of council to sign a NDA Non Disclosure Agreement in order for them to read the fully unredacted report on the RCMP vs private police force document. MAYOR LOCKE has struck back at VIctoria saying she will not be bullied by Victoria. LOCKE is on the record as saying she is waiting for a full report from staff on the Province's report on policing going in to the future. The members of council that are not part of LOCKE'S supportive council members have all agreed to the terms of the NDA.

Surrey council meets on Monday

 

June 01, 2023

Our Worst Nightmare

Photo courtesy GLOBAL TV

Yesterday afternoon a gravel truck pulling a pup trailer rolled right up on top of a vehicle stopped at the intersection of 200th street and 16th avenue. The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and his passenger in the gravel truck received minor injuries.

Travellers on 16th avenue for years have been calling for something to be done about this rural road that now operates as an east west corridor for giant trucks.

The RCMP are investigating the accident and have released no details of how the accident occurred. or whether any charges will be laid.

 

White Rock RCMP riders cycling for Tour de Valley

White Rock RCMP Constable Emma Dyer is back for a third season cycling and raising money for Cops for Cancer. Her passion and commitment to ending childhood cancer was so infectious that Corporal Tarmii Miskiw is joining her. Cst. Dyer will be at our open house on June 10th, 2023 selling baked goods and will be available for photos by donation.

More information about them can be found on their specific fundraising links- Cst. Dyer and Cpl. Miskiw

About Cops for CancerCops for Cancer Tour de Valley and Tour de Coast are annual fundraising events in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Law enforcement and emergency services personnel cycle across British Columbia, engaging communities enroute to raise money for childhood cancer research and support services. Cops for Cancer cycling tours have raised over $52 million since 1998.  

In total there are four cycling tours in BC, and the program is evolving and spreading across Canada. Hundreds of law enforcement and emergency services personnel have raised awareness and funds to support children and families affected by cancer. Because of the Cops for Cancer program, $16.4 million has been invested in pediatric cancer research in the last 5 years, and last year alone over 500 BC children, youth and parents were able to attend sessions at the inspirational Camp Goodtimes.

Website: www.copsforcancer.ca 

 

Will Langley Lead The Way?

 

May 30, 2023

Have Your Say On White Rock Policing

 

May 27, 2023

 

The local business community came together in a truly incredible night for the Business Excellence Awards. It was an inspiring event where we shone a light on the incredible businesses, organizations and the people who make our community such a special place.

 

May 25, 2023

It was seven years ago last Tuesday that our city by the sea was woken by many emergency sirens breaking the silence of an early Sunday morning. Word spread quickly a giant fire had broken out at Five Corners engulfing the condo building, commercial shops and Laura's Coffee Corner. Fire investigators quickly identified the source of the fire was arson

The culprit who set the fire evaded capture until last year when charges were finally laid. There is no set date for the trial of James Adrian Dyer, 24, of Surrey.

 

Eight Years Ago

Under the guise of "vegetation control" the WAYNE BALDWIN led council orchestrated a massive clear cut of the vegetation along the section of Marine Drive now referred to as THE HUMP.

When the chain saws were finally turned off dozens of mature tree logs laid beside the rail line. Below is a picture of the hillside before the devastation took place.

With the exception of a few residents on Marine Drive, the city of White Rock was outraged at the scarred hillside.

Over the past 8 years Mother Nature has done an admiral job of bringing the hillside back to life. Despite repeated requests by residents on the hillside who wish to have their unobstructed views replaced, the last two councils have rebuffed all requests, with the exception of some very minor blackberry bush trimming which occurred last week.

Interestingly enough this past week a quick thinking photographer caught a pair of deer hanging out amongst the vegetation on The Hump.

 

Tired of Waiting

Open Letter from Surrey Police Service to Council and Residents

As the wait for a final decision on the future of Surrey policing continues into its fourth week, Surrey Police Service (SPS) is expressing concern over the impact these continuing delays are having on law enforcement personnel and effective policing in Surrey.

In an April 28th news release, the Province of BC recommended the City of Surrey continue its transition to SPS “because it ensures public safety”, while the City and RCMP plans were found to “present significant risk to adequate and effective levels of policing in Surrey and province” due to RCMP recruitment challenges and vacancy issues across BC. While the Province was definitive in its recommendation for SPS and provided evidence-based rationale in a public report to support this direction, the City of Surrey continues to weigh its options with no identified timeline for a decision.

On August 6, 2020, SPS was established as a bona fide police service in BC. However, since that time, our organization and our employees have been under a cloud of uncertainty as various individuals and groups began to advocate for a reversal of the transition, resulting in our employees having the future of their jobs questioned both online and in person on a daily basis. Despite this pressure, our employees – now 400 strong – have continued to serve Surrey with professionalism.

The continuing delays weigh heavily on SPS employees and their families. No doubt this is true for staff who serve with the Surrey RCMP as well. As the weeks, months, and years tick by, individuals who work in policing in Surrey are increasingly distracted by worries about their futures. As we have often said before, the physical and mental wellness of police officers and support staff is a critical element in their ability to effectively take care of the community.

It is unfortunate that Surrey’s policing model continues to be debated, despite the fact that the transition to a municipal police service was requested by the City of Surrey in November 2018, approved by the Province in February 2020, and recommended for completion by the Province in April 2023. Furthermore, it is extremely concerning that changing a municipality’s policing model after one election cycle can even be contemplated by various levels of government.

It is critical that those in a decision-making position understand some key facts of Surrey’s current policing situation:

• Completing the transition to SPS has been identified by the Province as the only option that will ensure public safety and provide adequate and effective levels of policing in Surrey.

• SPS already has 46% of the police officers currently required to police Surrey. Deployed SPS officers currently comprise over 25% of the Surrey RCMP’s total detachment strength, and 50% of its frontline officers.

• Making a change in policing is a decision for generations of Surrey residents, not for only four years.

• SPS’s modern policing model is already showing early signs of success: 

• Increased transparency on policing for Surrey residents including the posting of monthly financials, staffing levels, public board meetings, and collective agreements.

• Enhanced de-escalation training and low use of force complaints.

• Unprecedented application numbers in a time when police recruiting has been challenging across North America.

• Indigenous Engagement Strategy and consultation is well underway.

• 98% officer retention rate.

SPS has done its best to stay out of the politics of this policing transition, however, as the delays continue and the merits of SPS are debated, we have to speak up. Policing is too consequential to the community and to our 400 employees for this debate to not include SPS’s voice.

After almost three years of uncertainty – it is time for a clear and safe path forward for policing in Surrey.

Ian MacDonald | Media Liaison

 

Reported seismic-like event (likely no quake):

1.7 km southeast of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington, USA, Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 2:01 am

38 km (24 mi) SE of White Rock (British Columbia)

 

May 20, 2023

Rodeo Protest

May 19, 2023

 

May 18, 2023

He's Here For A Good Time

l-r Brian Smith / Ra McGuire

This past Thursday evening in a special ceremony in Calgary the rock band TROOPER was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. For the past 40 years TROOPER has rocked Canada from sold out arena shows to towns so small they don;t warrant being on a map of Canada. Size never mattered to TROOPER.

Lead singer RA MCGUIRE has made his home in White Rock for decades. Night after night when he introduced the band members and where they were from, he saved the best for last and stated he lived in the most beautiful city in Canada....WHITE ROCK BRITISH COLUMBIA.

As a matter of fact when I pushed for the city of white Rock to acknowledge we were home to Canada's longest pier, after searching tirelessly on the internet, I opted for a phone call to RA to ask him in all his travels, had he ever seen a pier that even came close to our majestic structure. Without hesitation he replied, "I have never seen any pier that can compare to ours." This from a man who has seen ever square inch of Canada numerous times.

So to the best ambassador this city by the sea has seen- we salute you RA MCGUIRE a proud resident of Cosmic Alley.

Check out today's video below. RA & SMITTY recently sat down at Crescent Beach to set the stage for tonight's ceremony.

 

Best Deal On Waterfront Parking

Waterfront ParkingÂ	10 a.m. to midnight	$4.50 per hour All west beach parking east of Oxford Street is limited to 4 hours maximum, except parkades. Please observe posted signage at all pay parking areas.
Montecito and West Beach Parkades	10 a.m. to midnight	$4.50 per hour or $16.00 per day

If you are planning a day at the beach this summer the best parking deal is a DAY PASS from the Parade and the underground parking at the Montecito across from the parkade n Vidal Street.

Just $16.00 for the whole day 10 a.m. - midnight

 

 

 

 

 

May 16, 2023

White Rock Council Rewind

The regular council meeting start time of 4 p.m. was adjourned to deal with a Public Hearing on an application by the developer of the twin towers located at 1454 Oxford Street. The application for change is requesting the shape and size of the twin towers remain the same, but the suites would be made smaller due to what the developer is referring to as a market change. The new plan will see an additional 73 units in the one tower.

The council chambers were to capacity as residents of White Rock ans Surrey presented their views. At the end of the day the letters of protest and individuals attending the meeting were close to a 50/50 split for and against. The main reason for opposition was the increased traffic more suites will bring to the area. If you wish more information on the proposed development change please click the link below

Council Meeting

Question & Answer Period

A resident living on Buena Vista avenue appeared before council requesting clarification on why he had been targeted and told to remove a stove from the lower suite in his home. The resident stated the stove was in the home when he purchased it 18 years ago. The resident then went on to ask why with the city collecting $250.00 annually from well over a hundred residents that have "mortgage helper" uninspected suites had he been singled out and issued a $500.00 fine. The matter was referred to staff by the mayor.

An application for a Pickleball Tournament complete with a beer garden was approved by council./ The White Rock Fire department will host the event as a fundraiser on June 03.

Council received a revised application to raise the approved height of a proposed rental building in the 1400 block Vidal street. The previous council approved a 4 storey building and now the developers are back asking for two more floors. A number of council members had concerns about the lack of parking included in the new application and returned it to staff for more consultation with the developer.

Council in their new position as adjudicators over the GRANTS IN AID dealt with a number of requests from local organizations for funding. The complete list of grants approved will be published on the city's website later this week.

You can watch the full council meeting and read the agenda by clicking the link below.

(click here for agenda)

 

Memorial Garden Dedication Staff and members of council joined the public and Victims Services staff yesterday morning for the dedication of a Victims Memorial Garden located in front of the White Rock RCMP detachment. The ceremony was conducted by Officer CHANTAL SEARS and ROMY DeVRIES from the detachment's victim services. Three local residents talked about their tragedies which included domestic violence, loss of a child to a drunk driver and the loss of both parents to a murderer.

 

 

 

May 13, 2023

Smoke 'Em

For a number of years hot rodders and custom car aficionados have cruised over to the Campbell Heights area of Surrey for an impromptu gathering of beautiful cars.

The roar of the hot rods doing "burnouts" on Latimer road when leaving has drawn huge crowds lining the side of the street to watch the "smoke shows."

Having witnessed this on a number of occasions I have held my breath as cars twisted turned and roared up and down the street to wild applause.

The RCMP have also been in attendance on numerous occasion. To no avail the hot rodding continues. Last night had it not been for a semi trailer truck passing the other way when this beautiful burgundy sedan lost control, we may have been reporting on multiple deaths. Thank the Lord no one was hurt.

...meet the Saviour.

 

May 11, 2023

 

May 09, 2023

South Surrey resident and co-founder of the Canadian Walk For Veterans Marc Burchell, teamed up with renowned Canadian singer/songwriter Terry Kelly to debut a new song they co-composed, “Heroes of the Homefront” in a performance at the 10th Annual Sam Sharpe Breakfast on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 2. Inspired by the theme of this year’s Canadian Walk For Veterans, the song pays tribute to military families who hold down the fort when our troops serve abroad, and then provide compassionate support when they return, often with physical and mental health injuries. “As the song says, ‘Homefront Heroes play many roles’”, states Kelly. “Our police officers, fire fighters, paramedics and all first responders in uniform who dedicate themselves to keeping our homeland safe and secure face similar challenges and they too are Heroes of the Homefront.” 

The event’s namesake, LCol Sam Sharpe, was first elected to the House of Commons in 1908 and was a sitting Member of Parliament for Ontario North at the start of the First World War. He organized and raised the 116thBattalion which he commanded during its operations in the field from February 1917 to December 1917 when he fought in famous battles at Vimy Ridge, Avion and Passchendaele. The loss of men he recruited from his riding, and the toll of war, led to operational stress injuries and a return to Canada. Fearful to return home because of the stigma of mental health injuries, Sharpe felt isolated and died by suicide on May 25, 1918 at a Montreal hospital.

 

left to right: Marc Burchell, Terry Kelly

Terry Kelly of Halifax Nova Scotia has released seven full-length recordings resulting in seven East Coast Music Awards and a JUNO nomination. He has received the Canadian Music Association’s Humanitarian Award, proudly served as Honorary Colonel of 14 Wing Greenwood and has been appointed to the Order of Canada. Among his many patriotic songs that are dedicated to Canada’s serving men and women in uniform, Terry Kelly is best known for his inspirational song “A Pittance of Time” which is played at Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country.

Click here to listen to Heroes of the Homefront

 

 

 

May 11, 2023

 

May 09, 2023

South Surrey resident and co-founder of the Canadian Walk For Veterans Marc Burchell, teamed up with renowned Canadian singer/songwriter Terry Kelly to debut a new song they co-composed, “Heroes of the Homefront” in a performance at the 10th Annual Sam Sharpe Breakfast on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 2. Inspired by the theme of this year’s Canadian Walk For Veterans, the song pays tribute to military families who hold down the fort when our troops serve abroad, and then provide compassionate support when they return, often with physical and mental health injuries. “As the song says, ‘Homefront Heroes play many roles’”, states Kelly. “Our police officers, fire fighters, paramedics and all first responders in uniform who dedicate themselves to keeping our homeland safe and secure face similar challenges and they too are Heroes of the Homefront.” 

The event’s namesake, LCol Sam Sharpe, was first elected to the House of Commons in 1908 and was a sitting Member of Parliament for Ontario North at the start of the First World War. He organized and raised the 116thBattalion which he commanded during its operations in the field from February 1917 to December 1917 when he fought in famous battles at Vimy Ridge, Avion and Passchendaele. The loss of men he recruited from his riding, and the toll of war, led to operational stress injuries and a return to Canada. Fearful to return home because of the stigma of mental health injuries, Sharpe felt isolated and died by suicide on May 25, 1918 at a Montreal hospital.

 

left to right: Marc Burchell, Terry Kelly

Terry Kelly of Halifax Nova Scotia has released seven full-length recordings resulting in seven East Coast Music Awards and a JUNO nomination. He has received the Canadian Music Association’s Humanitarian Award, proudly served as Honorary Colonel of 14 Wing Greenwood and has been appointed to the Order of Canada. Among his many patriotic songs that are dedicated to Canada’s serving men and women in uniform, Terry Kelly is best known for his inspirational song “A Pittance of Time” which is played at Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country.

Click here to listen to Heroes of the Homefront

 

May 08, 2023

Busy Sunday For Surrey RCMP

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision Grandview Corners District

At approximately 6:15 Sunday evening hours, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a multi vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on 24th Avenue and 164th Street. Police attended and found the driver of the motorcycle with life threatening injuries who was later pronounced deceased at scene.

The other driver remained on scene and is cooperating with the police investigation.  The investigation is in it’s early stages and road closures are in effect.

Anyone with more information, including dash cam footage around the area of 24th Avenue and 164th Street at the time of the incident  is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file# 23-71556  

If you wish to make an anonymous report please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

 

Two Vehicle Car Crash - One Vehicle Lands In Nicomekl River

An on-duty RCMP member, as well as a bystander and the female passenger of the submerged vehicle removed the driver and began providing first aid. The driver was conscious and breathing on his way to a local hospital.

152nd street was be closed between 36th Avenue and 40th Avenue for some time as police investigate. Drivers are asked to avoid the area for the next several hours.

Anyone with more information, including dash cam footage around the area of 152 street and 36th avenue at approximately 1330 hours, is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 2023-71416.

The accident happened at around 1:30 p.m. in the 3600-block of 152nd Street, when a driver appeared to suffer a medical event and struck a southbound vehicle before leaving the road and plunging into the Nicomekl River.

 

 

Hike For Hospice

l-r Korki The Klown/Lori Ishikawa/Jill Martyniuk/Dave Chesney/Gayle Boutilier/Hospice organizer Emiko Angus

Hundreds of walkers and their supporters turned out to Crescent Beach yesterday for the annual Hike For Hospice. When the walk was over and all the pledges were tallied organizers announced there was $52,000.00 raised to enable the organization to continue its work in our community.

White Rock resident DAVID WEBB only days before he passed away in the Peace Arch Hospital pledge to match money raised up to $20,000.00 The winning team GAYLE & DAVE (with very special guests Lori Ishikawa and Jilly Martyniuk) collectively raised over $10,000.00 thanks to the generosity of Mr. Webb.

 

 

 

May 05, 2023

 

Surrey RCMP is releasing two short videos of suspects in an assault in order to advance an ongoing investigation.

Surrey RCMP is releasing two short videos of suspects in an assault in order to advance an ongoing investigation.

The assault occurred during a protest on March 19.

The assault occurred during a protest on March 19. See the videos and our news release here: http://ow.ly/7PXy50OglsO

 

May 03, 2023

Shooting with male victim confirmed deceased.

 

Last evening ( May 2nd, 2023, at 8:02p.m.,) Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a shooting in a parking lot in the area of 108 Ave and 148th Street, Surrey.  A male victim was transported to hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries.

Initial information indicates this was a targeted incident. IHIT has taken conduct of the investigation and are working in partnership with the Surrey RCMP to gather evidence. 

Any witnesses or anyone with dash camera video who were in the 14800 block of 108 Avenue on May 2nd between 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm or who have any information regarding the shooting, are asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at tinfoil@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. 

The shooting follows a stabbing and another shooting in the same area of Whalley on Sunday evening. 

 

 

 

May 02, 2023

White Rock Council (Monday)

3 p.m. In Camera Meeting

4 p.m. Regular Council Meeting

(click for full agenda)

 

Council Recap

- Darin Bentley of the United Velo Cycling Club appeared before council with a proposed cycling event to be held in White Rock on Saturday June 24. The proposed race would be time events of riders to see who can ascend the historic Oxford Hill in White Rock in the fastest time. The current proposal would only call for one lane of Oxford to be closed which caused some council remembers concern. Staff has been asked to bring a report on the feasibility.

- Council with the exception of councillor Christopher Trelveylan voted to approve the 2023 Financial Plan.

 

April 28, 2923

Surrey Policing Announcement

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

In a special announcement this morning from Victoria, Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General MIKE FARNWORTH announced Surrey has been recommended to follow the course on transition from RCMP to the Surrey Police Force. There will be more information in the weeks to come.

This is only a strong recommendation and it will be interesting to hear what Surrey Mayor BRENDA LOCKE makes later this morning.

Surrey Mayor BRENDA LOCKE held a press conference @ 11 a.m. LOCKE explained to the press gallery she was unhappy with the information package she received from Victoria.

LOCKE went on to explain all of council will now sit down and review the recommendation and supplied documentation. In answering questions from the media, LOCKE indicated she would continue to move towards keeping the RCMP. LOCKE also said the recommendation documentation from Victoria was heavily redacted making it doubly difficult to make an informed decision.

Former Surrey mayor DOUG MCCALLUM has scheduled a press conference for 11:30 a.m.?

 

Surrey Councillor LINDA ANNIS says IT’S TIME FOR SURREY VOTERS TO DECIDE ON POLICING

The provincial government’s report recommends the SPS and provides the information voters need to make a decision: Councillor Linda Annis

Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis says the provincial government’s report on policing in Surrey provides the sort of details needed for a public referendum on who should police British Columbia’s second largest city.

“Like so many of our residents, I’m frustrated that while the province has done tremendous work on getting the facts and doing the comparison, including recommending we stick with the transition to the SPS, the issue has been returned to us for a final decision,” said Annis.

“I’ve always believed that the choice of police departments is too big, too costly, and too fundamental to be decided by city council alone. Surrey residents have been ignored and sidelined on this issue for five years. Now, they should be given the facts and the options and allowed to have the final say, rather than nine people on city council.”

Annis said the lack of transparency surrounding the policing issue has angered and confused Surrey residents, and the provincial government report is the first serious look at the facts and options.

“I would have preferred a decision one way or the other, so that we could get the issue behind us and move on,” added Annis. “That didn’t happen today, but I’m grateful for the serious review the province has done, and I think this is the sort of information voters should have so they can decide who they want to police their city.”

Annis said the policing issue has “been a political football” far too long, all because voters were never given their say.

“The best way to resolve this issue is to let voters decide, something they should have done four years ago. Without a referendum, I worry that this issue will continue to be divisive, politically motivated, and foster resentment for years to come. A referendum gives all of us our say, and the ability to respect a decision that we make together when we hear the facts and the options.”

 

April 26, 2023

That's A Wrap

Two quick goals last night by the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs put our Surrey Eagles on their heels. The local lads were simply out muscled by a larger team. The Bulldogs now head to Chilliwack to take on the Chiefs for the 2023 BCHL supremacy.

Thank you to the team, staff and owners for an exciting playoff series.

See you next year.

 

Unidentified human remains 

The Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance with identifying a deceased individual located in the Clayton area of Surrey.

On February 15, 2023, unidentified human remains were located on an empty lot in 19100-block of Fraser Highway. Criminality is not believed to have been a factor in this death. (media release 2023-02-15).

The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has been working in partnership with BC Coroners Service to identify the individual. At this time, investigators have not established any connections with any ongoing missing person’s investigations and despite a number of investigative steps, the person’s identity remains unknown.

The BC Coroners Service Identification Team provided the following description of the individual:

• Male

• 20-50 years old

• 5'8" to 5'9.5"

• Short black hair

  

• Tattoo on left upper chest: Angelica in cursive (see attached photo of tattoo rendering)

• Tattoo on right shoulder: green and red sleeve

• Surgical plate on right ulna bone

• When located, the deceased was wearing:

  

  • Blue baseball cap (see attached photo)

  • Blue denim jeans

  • Black Globe brand men's skate shoes

  • White short sleeve t-shirt (see attached photo)

  • Blue Cheetah brand steel wrist watch

     

 

April 25, 2023

Whale Of A Time

Perry Paulsen photos

Early morning visitors to our pier yesterday morning were thrilled to watch a grey whale slowly cruise by the end of the pier. Keep your eyes peeled on the bay for the next couple of days there is a good chance the whales will be around for a few days.

 

 

Building for the Future

 As the City moves forward to restart Surrey City Development Corporation (SCDC), Surrey Council has approved the appointment of Michael Heeney to the position of Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, effective April 17. The appointment was made during Closed Council on April 3, when council also approved Directors on the Board of SCDC, effective May 1, including Howard Nemtin, Bruce Joyce, Christine Lundvall, Scott Dutchak, Sukhi Sekhon. City Manager Vincent Lalonde and Director of Strategic Initiatives Jeff Arason have been appointed as City Directors.

During its Regular Council Meeting on Nov. 28, 2022, Council moved to restart SCDC and directed staff to prepare a report outlining options for re-operationalizing the for-profit development company. A Council resolution in 2020 had directed staff to dissolve SCDC.

SCDC was formed with its own management team and board of directors in 2007 to optimize the value of surplus city-owned lands. SCDC is a for-profit entity whose mandate is to develop City-owned surplus lands in ways that advance the City into a more modern and complete community. The City of Surrey has been the sole shareholder of SCDC.

 

April 21, 2023

When Push Comes To Shove

During Prevention of Violence Against Women Week, Surrey RCMP is shedding light on the important work of the Surrey Intimate Partner Violence Unit, and their ongoing partnership with Surrey Women’s Centre in providing comprehensive support, referrals and safety planning for victims of intimate partner violence.

In 2022, there were 947 assaults reported to Surrey RCMP that involved violence between intimate partners. This accounts for 28% of total assaults reported to police in Surrey, This statistic includes only incidents reported to police, and police recognize that intimate partner violence is often under-reported.

While intimate partner violence affects people of all demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds, the majority of victims are women.

The Surrey RCMP Intimate Partner Violence Unit is a multidisciplinary team, with support workers from the Surrey Women’s Centre co-located in the detachment to ensure wrap around services for victims throughout the investigative and court process.

Surrey Women’s Centre focuses on safety and care for women and children escaping violence by connecting them with key services. Support services are available directly through the Centre regardless of whether or not a police report is made.

Victims of Intimate Partner Violence - Who to Call

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1. The first priority is to get you to safety. We encourage you to contact police, but if you choose not to, there are other options.

The following services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• Surrey Women’s Centre - Crisis response team over the phone or in-person. Call 604-583-1295

• VictimLink BC - Toll-free, confidential, multilingual telephone service. Call 1-800-563-0808.

• Fraser Health Crisis Line - Immediate, confidential emotional support to people of all ages. Call 604-951-8855 or 1-877-820-7444.

More information is available through our website.

 

 

April 18, 2023

Stolen Vehicle Causes Power Outage

A driver behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle lost control of the car and hit a power pole on 20th avenue just off of Johnston Road. Power was out for a period of time. The driver of the vehicle escaped. The RCMP that arrived on the scene wondered why there was 5 propane tanks in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

 

IHIT Make Arrest In Fatal Stabbing On Surrey Bus

Victim Ethan Bespflug

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has arrested a 20-year old man in relation to the stabbing death of Ethan Bespflug.

Background: On April 11, 2023 at 9:23 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a young man suffering from life threatening injuries resulting from a stabbing in the 9900-block of King George Boulevard. Surrey RCMP officers responded along with BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and emergency first aid was provided. Sadly, the victim, later identified as Ethan Bespflug of Abbotsford, died as a result of his injuries shortly after being transported to hospital. IHIT took conduct of the investigation and has been working closely in partnership with the Surrey RCMP Detachment, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section to advance the investigation.

On April 16, 2023, with the assistance of the Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT), IHIT officers located and arrested 20-year old Kaiden Mintenko in relation to the homicide.

On April 17, 2023, the British Columbia Prosecution Service (BCPS) laid a charge of second degree murder against Mintenko, who remains in custody.

“We would like to thank all members of the public who provided information that helped advance this investigation,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “Though we are still working to determine the exact nature of the relationship between Mr. Bespflug and Mintenko, we can confirm that this was not a random attack.” 

IHIT is asking that any witnesses who have any information and have yet to speak with police regarding the incident, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.  

 

White Rock Council Rewind

- During question period two residents who's homes are adjacent to the Helen Fathers Centre Street Walkway came to council to question the letters the homeowners recently received from the city. The letter has issued order to remove all and any encroachments on city property by May 08. Both residents questions the tone of the letters stating the project has been of and on for years and wondered when work was going to being. Staff informed the residents work will commence once the city receives a work plan for the greatly reduced budget of $100,000.00.

- council and staff welcomed the Semiahmoo Secondary Thunderbirds to the council chambers. IN a special ceremony the members of the senior boys team were presented tokens of council's appreciation. The Thunderbirds recently won the BC High school Provincial championships. This is the third time in the school's history the team won the provincial championship.

 

Homeowners Tax Rate 6.59%

- the final step in changing the time of regular council meetings took place. Regular council meetings will now be on every other Monday with a start time of 4 p.m. The change from the regular start time of 7 p.m. will begin Monday May 01.

-council gave final approval for and expenditure of one million dollars for city road paving projects this year.

- staff were directed to schedule an OPEN HOUSE regarding Galaxie Beer's request for a second location in White Rock/. IN addition to the existing craft beer location on Marine Drive waterfront, the new proposed facility will be located on Russell avenue in near proximity to White Rock Beach Beer, Three Dogs Brewing and The Beer Shack. Residents in the area will receive notification of the public hearing via a mail out.

WE ARE 66 years old

On April 15, 1957, a special warrant from the Government of British Columbia created the City of White Rock within its present boundary.

 

April 15, 2023

New Fast Bus Route in Surrey

TransLink, the City of Surrey, and the City of Delta have started construction for a new RapidBus service on the Scott Road corridor – the busiest bus corridor south of the Fraser River with over 30,000 bus boardings each weekday. The R6 Scott Road RapidBus will provide more convenient and reliable service with fewer stops to help Surrey and Delta residents better connect with SkyTrain, making their commute faster by up to ten minutes in each direction.

The new R6 service will be TransLink’s largest service expansion since 2020. It will help keep up with rapidly growing demand for transit in Surrey and Delta, which is now exceeding pre-pandemic ridership levels and experiencing Metro Vancouver’s strongest ridership growth.

R6 improvements compared to current bus service will include:
• Fewer stops
• Articulated buses with more capacity
• All-door boarding at bus stops
• More bus priority lanes along the corridor
• Improved bus stops with live next-bus digital signage that can also read next-bus information out loud for customers with sight loss.

 

April 14, 2023

Multiple reports of mischief and arsons in Elgin/Crescent Park area 

Surrey RCMP is encouraging residents to be on the lookout and report any suspicious activity, following ongoing acts of mischief and arsons to property at or near a school, pottery studio and neighboring park in South Surrey.

Since September 2022, there have been numerous reports of vandalism, including arsons, reports of broken windows and other damages in the area of Elgin/Crescent Park area, including Elgin Park Secondary and a pottery studio within the park.

The majority of the incidents occurred during evenings and weekends, when the school, pottery studio and park areas are closed. The arsons involved fires being lit to melt garbage cans, glass doors/windows, and security key pads.

The Surrey RCMP Community Response Unit has assumed conduct of all the investigations and will be working to identify possible suspects in coordination with the Youth Unit, Arson Coordinator and actively liaising with the Surrey School District and City of Surrey.

We are encouraging residents, the Elgin Secondary School community, and park users to be aware of these acts of vandalism and arson, and report all suspicious activity to police, says Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer, Corporal Vanessa Munn. The damage from these criminal acts is very costly and with arsons the potential for harm to people is always present.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502. If you wish to make an anonymous report, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

 

32 Avenue Diversion at Highway 99 to close for six nights for paving

The 32 Avenue Diversion and Highway 99 on-ramp and off-ramp (Exit 8B) in Surrey will be closed for six nights for paving work as part of the Highway 99 and 32nd Avenue Interchange Improvements Project.

The overnight closures begin Sunday, April 16, 2023, and will continue for six consecutive nights through Friday, April 21. Closures are in effect from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.

During the paving work, drivers and cyclists can expect gravel or milled surfaces throughout the day.

During these overnight closures, a detour will be in effect through 152 Street and King George Boulevard. Drivers are instructed to follow posted detour signage and construction speed limits.

For updates, visit: www.DriveBC.ca

 

April 13, 2023

East Beach

Comings and goings on our waterfront along Marine Drive

Out with the old, in with the new.

Starting on East Beach we noticed PRAIRIE DONAIR will soon open in the long vacant location of the old DELUXE restaurant on Marine Drive. We can only hope it last longer than the ABC DONAIR which last less than a month in the old location of POULTRY IN MOTION

Also new to East Beach a Psychic shop (located in the old Thrift Store) and a new "FOODISH" restaurant now in the old locale of Baja Burritos

 

West Beach

PRIMOS Mexican Cantina has vamoosed. This leaves quite a section along our West Beach vacant with no chance tenants will be in place by the summer.

The previous locale of GIRAFFE which was to be the second location for SEED & STONE a cannabis outlet has given up on remodeling and moved on, a few doors up SASQUATCH restaurant has been closed for months with no sign of live there either.

On the upside, the location to the West of JANS ON THE BEACH which has been home to too many failed restaurants to remember any of their names. The location is now open to ZERO PIZZA as well as PRAQUERY who join the ice cream wars on the waterfront.

Judging by their recent announcement of a grand opening this Friday (14th) PRAQUERY is up for the challenge.

 

April 13, 2023

East Beach

Comings and goings on our waterfront along Marine Drive

Out with the old, in with the new.

Starting on East Beach we noticed PRAIRIE DONAIR will soon open in the long vacant location of the old DELUXE restaurant on Marine Drive. We can only hope it last longer than the ABC DONAIR which last less than a month in the old location of POULTRY IN MOTION

Also new to East Beach a Psychic shop (located in the old Thrift Store) and a new "FOODISH" restaurant now in the old locale of Baja Burritos

 

West Beach

PRIMOS Mexican Cantina has vamoosed. This leaves quite a section along our West Beach vacant with no chance tenants will be in place by the summer.

The previous locale of GIRAFFE which was to be the second location for SEED & STONE a cannabis outlet has given up on remodeling and moved on, a few doors up SASQUATCH restaurant has been closed for months with no sign of live there either.

On the upside, the location to the West of JANS ON THE BEACH which has been home to too many failed restaurants to remember any of their names. The location is now open to ZERO PIZZA as well as PRAQUERY who join the ice cream wars on the waterfront.

Judging by their recent announcement of a grand opening this Friday (14th) PRAQUERY is up for the challenge.

 

 

 

April 12, 2023

Victoria And Surrey At Odds

Surrey Mayor BRENDA LOCKE

Last week the city of Surrey released the following press release to the media.

Metro Vancouver Mayor’s Committee unanimously supports retaining Surrey RCMP

For immediate release: April 5, 2023

“At today’s Metro Vancouver’s meeting of the Mayor’s Committee, a motion was made by Delta Mayor George Harvie to support Surrey’s decision to retain the RCMP as the police of jurisdiction. This motion was not only supported, but it was passed unanimously. It is clear the uncertainty of policing in Surrey extends beyond our borders and is adversely impacting neighbouring communities. The Mayor’s Committee is sending a clear message to the Solicitor General that Surrey should not only retain the RCMP, but a decision on this matter must be made promptly. Once again, I respectfully ask the Solicitor General to respect the municipality’s right to choose its police force and to not delay his decision any further.”

Mayor Brenda Locke 

Metro Vancouver confirmed White Rock mayor MEGAN KNIGHT supported the motion when she attended the meeting via ZOOM.

Safety Minister MIKE FARNWORTH

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Locke said the mayors’ committee was “sending a clear message to the solicitor general that Surrey should not only retain the RCMP, but a decision on this matter must be made promptly.”

B.C.’s Public Safety Minister MIKE FARNWORTH, however, said Locke’s characterization of the motion supported by fellow mayors is incorrect.

“The letter that is on its way to me is a letter requesting a decision, not about whether it should be Surrey police service or the RCMP,” Mike Farnworth told reporters in Victoria on Thursday.

The Metro Vancouver board is expected to consider the motion April 28.

 

Meanwhile opposition councillors are calling for Mayor LOCKE for clarification.

Surrey city councillor LINDA ANNIS

MAYOR NEEDS TO TAKE DOWN HER STATEMENT ON THE CITY WEBSITE CLAIMING METRO MAYORS VOTED TO RETAIN RCMP IN SURREY

The motion simply asked Minister Farnworth for a prompt decision, without picking a side: Councillor Linda Annis

Surrey, B.C. (April 11, 2023): Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis says a statement on the city’s website from Mayor Brenda Locke claims that Metro Vancouver mayors had voted unanimously last week to support retaining the RCMP in Surrey. They did not. This is either a misstatement or a misunderstanding by Mayor Locke and needs to be removed.

“Even Minister Farnworth acknowledged that the message he received from the metro mayors simply asked him for a timely decision on the issue, and did not direct him to retain the RCMP,” notes Annis. “It’s hard to understand how that request got interpreted by Mayor Locke as unanimous support for keeping the RCMP in Surrey. Her statement on the city website is wrong and misleading and should be removed immediately. 

Everyone agrees that we need a decision one way or the other because costs are climbing, but I think our mayor owes the metro mayors an apology for getting it wrong in her statement.”

Annis, who ran on holding a public referendum to decide who should police Surrey, says the “entire issue has become a costly fiasco” under both Doug McCallum and Brenda Locke. 

“The public has been ignored and left on the sidelines for more than four years. The result is a costly, chaotic, and divisive political mistake that is costing our taxpayers millions,” says Annis. “The problem is that whenever politicians ignore the community and make a mistake, it is taxpayers who pick up the tab and, in this case, it amounts to hundreds of millions. If anyone wants proof, just check your property tax bill that’s coming in the mail.”

 

Assault with a Weapon - Stabbing incident

– King George Boulevard at 100th Avenue

Surrey RCMP were called last evening to the area of King George Blvd at 100th Avenue, Surrey for a report of an assault with a weapon – stabbing incident. 

At approximately 9:28 pm, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of an assault with a weapon-stabbing incident, in the 9900 block of King George Boulevard. 

Upon arrival, officers located a male suffering from a stab injury who has been transported to local area hospital in critical condition with life threatening injuries.

Initial investigation has revealed that an altercation occurred between two individuals riding a Coast Mountain Bus, resulting in the male victim being stabbed.  Officers are conducting neighbourhood canvassing and are speaking with several witnesses to obtain further information.

The investigation is still in its early stages, but initial indications are that this incident is not related to the LMD Gang Conflict.  A more fulsome media release to follow, as the investigation develops.

South bound lanes on King George Boulevard from 100th Avenue to 98A Avenue are currently closed for an undermined amount of time, and travellers are asked to use alternate routes.

Anyone with more information, including dash cam footage around the area of King George Boulevard between 98B Avenue and 102nd Avenue, is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file# 23-55729.

If you wish to make an anonymous report please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

 

April 10, 2023

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

Since the completion of Miramar Plaza, with the two final towers being built, everyone was wondering what grocery store would be occupying the space next to THREE DOGS BREWING?

Then a year ago word leaked out the space would be home to THRIFTY'S foods. The excitement was palpable.

Now This.

At the end of last week city building inspectors issued a stop work order, as renovations had proceeded without the proper permits. The slow moving planning department at White Rock city hall has been a topic now for months, and one would imagine this will be like gas on a fire. Stay tuned the city will be providing an update and solution this week.

 

April 09, 2023

Do You Know This Guy?

Surrey RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest in relation to a mischief to the Cenotaph located outside the Surrey Museum at 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey. The incident occurred on March 29th, 2023, at approximately 01:30 hours. The suspect was observed dismantling the statue of the Kneeling Solder as well as damaging various items outside of the Museum.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 30-35 years old, medium build, approximately 170 lbs, with brown shoulder length hair, brown goatee beard and wearing prescription glasses (Please see attached photo). He was last seen wearing a black jacket with a blue shirt underneath, black pants, white runners with blue shoe laces.

Anyone with information about the identity and/or whereabouts of this person 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, quoting file number 23-48046.

Kneeling On Guard

 

Blooming Good Time

The cherry blossoms are beginning to show up with their wonderful Spring floral show. The crowds are also beginning to show up on 151A street (south of 24th avenue)

Japan is famous for its Cherry Blossom Festivals and a large amount of visitors to see the local blooms are Japanese.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, have a special place in Japanese culture. They usher in the arrival of spring, the beginning of the farming season, and a time to congregate with friends and family to enjoy the pleasant weather. Many Japanese hold parties to celebrate hanami,the practice of watching the blossoms and contemplating life.

FYI - This Weekend

VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL SAKURA DAYS JAPAN FAIR 2023
Vancouver’s largest celebrations of Japanese culture

DATE: April 15 (10am to 6pm) - April 15 (10am to 6pm)

LOCATION:                 

VanDusen Botanical Garden 
5251 Oak Street, Vancouver

 

April 06, 2023

Cosmos Greek Restaurant

 

April 05, 2023

Ahoy There Matey - Orcas Off Starboard Side

There have been numerous news reports this Spring that the Orca whale population is slowly recovering. You don;t have to travel hundreds of miles to see these beautiful mammals. CAPTAIN ANDY of the White Rock Sea Tours (out of Crescent Beach marina) reports seeing a school of Orcas off of Point Roberts on the weekend.

You can book yourself a day trip out on the Salish sea by (clicking here)

 

April 04, 2023 

Surrey Council Approves 12.5% Tax Increase

Graph courtesy JUSTIN MCELROY CBC radio

Voting along party lines, the BRENDA LOCKE controlled Surrey Council voted last evening to increase Surrey property taxes 12.5% for the coming year. As indicated by the above graph that will mean Surrey residents will pay the highest property taxes in the Lower Mainland.

White Rock since this graph was created has lowered the proposed property taxes to 7.2% which will put White Rock at #6 on the chart of the documented 15 cities in the Lower Mainland.

 

DRUG ALERT

LIGHT PURPLE CRYSTALS sold in capsules as MDA and/or MDMA

tested positive for fentanyl and benzodiazepines in White Rock

Key messages for people who use substances:

• Use less than you normally would

• Do a tester; try a little before your regular amount

• Try not to use alone, and if you do, have someone check on you

• Stagger use with friends so someone can respond if needed

• Know the signs of overdose (early signs may include unusual snoring, or taking less than 1 breath every 5 seconds)

• Call 9-1-1 quickly when you notice something isn't right (the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides immunity from simple possession charges for those who call 911 in the case of an overdose)

• Provide breaths (every 5 seconds until the person regains consciousness or help arrives)

• Get naloxone from these locations: https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/mental-health-and-substance-use/overdose-prevention-and-response/naloxone#.ZCsdFXbMKUk

Key messages for organizations:

• Discuss overdose prevention strategies with clients, as appropriate

• Review the organization's overdose response plan and check first aid supplies including CPR masks

• Frequently check areas where overdoses might occur, including washrooms, stairwells and quiet spaces

• Ensure staff know how to respond to an overdose, including calling 9-1-1, providing breaths and administering naloxone

• Ensure the organization's address is displayed publicly (so it can be provided to the 9-1-1 operator)

• Consider posting a sign informing clients that naloxone is available, and inviting them to contact staff in the event of an overdose

• For more information and videos:

http://towardtheheart.com/naloxone/

Please let us know throughoverdose@fraserhealth.ca if you receive any information about what people might be taking (colour, smell, consistency, packaging).We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.

 

TRANSLINK UPGRADES For White Rock & South Surrey

The changes will take effect on April 17, 2023.

Go to; translink.ca/servicechanges�for more information on specific route changes.

321 White Rock / Newton / Surrey Central Station

Say hello to more service on the 321, shortening wait times by 3 minutes on weekday afternoons and by 3 to 10 minutes on weekends and holidays.

Monday to Friday

• Every 12 minutes from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (from 15 minutes)

Saturday

• Every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. (from 20 minutes)

• Every 20 minutes from midnight to 1 a.m. (from 30 minutes)

Sunday/Holiday

• Every 12 minutes towards White Rock Centre from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (from 15 minutes)

• Every 12 minutes towards Surrey Central Station from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (from 15 minutes)

• Every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (from 20 minutes)

  345 King George Station / White Rock Centre

  Say hello to more service on the 345, shortening weekday wait times by 3 to 10 minutes in the morning and by 5 minutes in the evening.

  Monday to Friday

  • Every 9 to 12 minutes towards King George Station from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. (from 15 minutes)

  • Every 20 minutes towards King George Station from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (from 30 minutes)

  • Every 15 minutes from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (from 20 minutes)

April 03, 2023

WOW Indeed!

South Surrey high school EARL MARRIOTT played host to the annual Pow Wow in their gymnasium over the weekend. The three day event drew massive crowds Friday evening and Saturday/Sunday during the day.

MICHAEL MACKAY-DUNN a retired teacher at the school was in attendance. MACKAY - DUNN along with ANDREW HOLLAND responded to a request by the late Grand Chief BERNARD CHARLES of the Semiahmoo Nation to organize the Pow Wow in 1996. MACKAY-DUNN. In conversation MACKAY-DUNN did the math and with the three year absence due to Covid, this year marked the 23rd anniversary of the EARL MARRIOTT POW WOW.

 Bill Hawke photo

The cultural event goes a long way to building bridges between first nations and the communities of South Surrey and White Rock.

 

“You Etch It. We Catch It”

UPDATE April 04 Surrey City Council approved amendments to its Scrap Metal By-law to curb the theft of catalytic converters. The approved bylaw amendments limit the circumstances under which catalytic converters may be resold; create ticketable offences should businesses purchase catalytic converters contrary to City bylaws; and include a significant increase to the maximum fine from $10,000 to $50,000. The changes also modernize how information about transactions regulated by the Scrap Metal By-law must be transmitted to the police.

“I am pleased to announce these changes that will help drive down catalytic converter thefts,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Thefts of catalytic converters have increased over the past four years in the City and across the region resulting in considerable costs to individuals, businesses and insurers. In fact, catalytic converter thefts made up 45% of all reported thefts from vehicles in Surrey last year, and stealing a catalytic converter can take less than one minute. I am pleased to be partnering with the Surrey RCMP on this strategy to help deter thieves and reduce thefts.”

Changes to the City’s Scrap Metal By-law were developed with input from the Surrey RCMP. The City has also partnered with Surrey RCMP on the recently launched “Your Etch It. We Catch It.” campaign that will allow people to have their VIN etched onto their catalytic converter free of charge when they are having other servicing completed at participating businesses throughout the city. This distinctive marking will make it easier to identify a catalytic converter as stolen and connect it to a victim, while also acting as a potential deterrent for thieves. 

Surrey RCMP and partners launch new crime prevention strategy taking aim at catalytic converter theft. 

The You Etch It. We Catch It campaign will allow people to have their vehicle identification number (or VIN) etched onto their catalytic converter free of charge when they are having other servicing completed at participating businesses throughout the city.

This distinctive marking will make it easier to identify a catalytic converter as stolen and connect it to a victim, while also acting as a potential deterrent for thieves.

Surrey RCMP and community partners are launching a new crime prevention initiative during Auto Theft Enforcement Month aimed at decreasing catalytic converter theft and making it harder for thieves to avoid detection.

You can find out more about the You Etch It. We Catch It program at these upcoming community events:

Saturday April 15, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Guildford Mall (10355 152 St)
Saturday April 29, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Real Canadian Superstore (7550 King George Blvd)
Saturday May 6, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m Save On Foods (17745 64th Ave)
Saturday May 13, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Real Canadian Superstore (2332 160 St)

Proposed Surrey Bylaw amendments can be found at: https://www.surrey.ca/sites/default/files/corporate-reports/CR_2023-R043.pdf

 

March 31, 2023

 

The winter Dogs Allowed on the Promenade ends this weekend. Please adhere to the rules and respect the city of White Rock's wishes.

 

CONGRATULATIONS To Everyone

Cam Keith has signed a five-year, GM/Head Coach contract with the Surrey Eagles.

 

March 30, 2023

White Rock Eagle Cam - LIVE

There are a number of live eagle nest web cams in the Valley, here is the live camera of the White Rock nest (actually in Ocean Park but who cares) Mama Eagle is sitting two eggs this year.

 

 

Police investigating pepper spray incident in movie theatre 

 

Surrey RCMP is investigating an incident where multiple people were pepper sprayed in a movie theatre in Guildford on Saturday evening, and asking for anyone with dash camera footage from the surrounding area to contact police. 

On March 25, 2023, at approximately 5:34 p.m., Surrey RCMP received a report that pepper spray had been deployed inside a movie theatre located in the 15000-block of 101 Avenue. 

The incident occurred at 5:28 p.m. in theatre 6 where approximately 20-30 people, including children, were watching a movie. The male suspect entered the theater, sprayed viewers and fled the scene. 

Police and Emergency Health Services attended and all persons who were contaminated were treated on scene. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.

“Our General Investigation Unit is actively working to identify the suspect, and while the motive for this incident is not yet known, this was a disturbing assault on movie theatre patrons, that will be fully investigated by police, “says, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer Corporal Vanessa Munn. “We are aware of two other recent similar incidents in other provinces and will be liaising with the investigative agencies.”

Anyone who was in the theatre and has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact Surrey RCMP.  Investigators are also seeking dash camera footage from the area surrounding the theater between 5:20 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. on March 25, 2023.  Anyone who has any information regarding this incident please call 604-599-0502.

If you wish to make an anonymous report, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

 

March 28, 2023

White Rock Council Rewind

- The owner and a supporter for the BUENA VISTA LODGE appeared before council requesting the City of White Rock write a letter to Fraser Health to request financial support continues for the care home in White Rock that is due to be shut down in May.

-SARAH ROSS President of Planning for TRANSLINK presented an overview of community contributions and future plans for service in White Rock and South Surrey. TRANSLLINK in the past year has transferred $400,000.00 to the city for sidewalk upgrades and other community amenities. Plans are in place for two new rapid bus services. The first will be a rapid bus from White Rock to Newton. Later a rapid bus is planned for White Rock to Guildford route.

- Approval came for an expenditure of $51,00.00 for this years Sea Festival. The proposed custom car show/hot rod show uptown White Rock during Sea Fest was voted down with Mayor Knight and Councillors Cheung/Lawrence and Partridge voting against the event.

-In a 5-2 vote (Mayor Knight and Councillor Lawrence voting no) council voted to keep QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD in the same format and place on the agenda for forthcomings council meetings. Council also approved moving regular council meetings to 4 p.m. every other Monday.

-The application for a new micro brew pub to be operated by GALAXIE CRAFT BEER was approved to move to a public hearing. Councillor Chesney voted in the negative with concerns about operating hours expressed.

-FOI requests ill continue to be charged $10.00

- A newly created 23 page CODE OF CONDUCT fir council was passed with councillors Chesney & Trelveylan voting in opposition.

-council unanimously supported Councillor Klassen's motion to send a request to the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities to consider a vacancy tax on commercial property in White Rock.

NOTE - The same motion was presented in the past term of council by councillor Anthony Manning, and the UBCM would not even take it to the floor for a vote. No reason was given.

 

 

“Our roster of volunteers driving cancer patients every day to their appointments can’t keep up with the demand, especially in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and the Tri-Cities.” – VCDS president Bob Smith 

Since starting with just a handful of drivers in 2016, the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society (VCDS) has expanded its service exponentially throughout the Lower Mainland. With an urgent need for more volunteers, it has set a goal of seeking “100 new drivers region-wide in the next 100 days”.

Small, but mighty, VCDS delivered 6,000 rides at no cost to cancer patients in its startup year.  The demand has been trending upward ever since and is forecast to reach 29,000 ride requests this year.

VCDS has recruited almost 350 member drivers, largely from the eastern side of the region, south of the Fraser and in the Fraser Valley. All of them volunteer their time and are offered a vehicle allowance by VCDS to help cover car costs.

But only one-fifth of those drivers are in the City of Vancouver, while the BC Cancer outpatient centre there and nearby VGH Blackmore Pavilion account for almost half of all the rides VCDS provides.

Anyone wishing to become a volunteer driver can find more information at volunteercancerdrivers.ca.

 

March 26, 2023

Weather Station

The City of White Rock operates its own commercial-grade micro-weather station on the waterfront.

The weather station reports highly-accurate temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed and direction, peak gusts, and precipitation amount. These are all transmitted at programmable intervals and can be viewed via this page and a dedicated secure portal.

Weather measurements are displayed in generally recognizable values like Celsius, mbar (millibar), kts (knots).

*Data updated every 5 minutes

White Rock Weather Station at East Beach Link

 

March 24, 2023 

IHIT identifies victim in Surrey shooting, seeking public assistance

 

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the victim of the Surrey homicide on March 13, 2023 and is seeking information from the public. 

On March 13, 2023 at 7:54 pm, the Surrey RCMP responded to a report of shots fired in the area of the 2300-block of 167A Street, Surrey, BC. When Surrey officers arrived on scene they found a deceased man in a parked vehicle who died as a result of gun shot wounds.  

The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Aren Alexander Smith of Surrey. Mr. Smith is unknown to police and has no known ties to the ongoing Lower Mainland Gang Conflict. Mr. Smith and his family had recently moved to Surrey.

Investigators learned the suspect left the area in a white Penske Ford Transit van shortly after the shooting.

IHIT is continuing to work closely with the Surrey RCMP, and is pursuing all potential avenues of investigation to determine a motive. 

“We are urging anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage, or who may have witnessed this incident, to please contact IHIT immediately,” says Corporal Sukhi Dhesi. 

Specifically, investigators are seeking CCTV and dash cam footage from areas in the 2300-block of 168 Street and Highway 10 near 144 Street in Surrey, for a white Penske Ford Transit van on March 13, 2023 between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 

We are asking anyone with information about this murder to contact IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

 

March 23, 2023

 

South Surrey MLA ELENORE STURKO quickly sprung into action yesterday to avoid what could have been a very serious incident at the popular coffee shop/restaurant LAURA'S COFFEE CORNER in the city's 5 Corners district.

STURKO relied on her past years of experience of working with individuals who were dealing with mental health issues.

Snowbirds UPDATE

It’s official, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be returning to Vancouver Island skies mid-April to train for their upcoming season.

From April 18th to May 12th, look up to the skies and you might be able to spot the iconic aerobatics team practicing for their upcoming season.

The City of White Rock is in negotiations for the aerial flight team to return to White Rock in August. Cross your fingers.

 

Detect Radon and Thermal Leaks with the Library

Fraser Valley Regional Library expands its Playground lending collection with home testing kits.

 Radon and Thermal Leak Detector kits are the newest tools in Fraser Valley Regional Library’s (FVRL) Playground lending collection. Each respective kit type enables the user to easily and quickly test for radon exposure levels or leaky seals throughout their home.

The kits, partially funded with the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, are free to borrow with an FVRL card. With a radon detector, customers can make informed health choices by testing the radon levels in their homes. With a thermal leak detector, customers can discover areas in their homes that may need better insulation. This knowledge can help reduce household carbon emissions and improve monthly energy spending.

“The vibrant health of our communities and community members is important – and so is the health of the planet we share,” says Heather Scoular, Director of Customer Experience at FVRL. “The world is changing and we are excited to offer new tools to help our customers adapt.”

Learn more by attending our What is Radon events – online on March 29, and in person at the Yarrow Library on March 30. Place a hold to borrow a kit by visiting fvrl.ca/radondetectors orfvrl.ca/thermalleakdetectors.

Visit FVRL’s events page to find other upcoming Playground events.

 

TOP YOUR TREES - Pay The Fine

 

March 22, 2023

 

March 14, 2023

Shots Fired with one Deceased Person

Surrey RCMP is advising the public of a shooting in the Grandview Heights area of Surrey that left one person deceased and requesting anyone with information to contact police.

Surrey RCMP is currently on scene following a report of Shots Fired in the 2200 Block of 168th Street, in the Grandview Heights area of Surrey.

At approximately 1954 hours this evening, Surrey RCMP received a report of possible Shots Fired in the area of the 2200 Block of 168th Street. Upon arrival, Surrey RCMP A Watch Frontline Members located a deceased person, in a parked vehicle who appeared to be suffering from gunshot wounds.

The investigation is currently underway, in its early stages, and Surrey RCMP Officers are canvassing for witnesses in the area.

Any further information will be provided by Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).

Anyone with further information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

 

March 13, 2023 

 

Get Hung Up

For the past week Surrey and White Rock RCMP have been conducting a cell free driving experience. Even though one can use their phone hands free via blue tooth if your vehicle has that capability, the facts still remain the same.

You are distracted when you are driving on the telephone, either hand held of hands free. The fine if found guilty is $368.00

Please seriously consider how important that phone call is. 

ICBC offers a number of tips for safe cellphone use on its website:

•No call, text or email is so important it’s worth risking your life or the lives of others. Let calls go to voicemail and ignore your text messages while driving.

•Turn it to silent and keep it out of reach and out of sight, or turn on “Do not disturb while driving” features that will send automatic replies to incoming texts and route incoming calls to voicemail.

•Assign a designated texter. Ask your passengers to make or receive calls and texts for you.

•Plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need before hitting the road, like programming your navigation and infotainment systems in advance so you’re not trying to do it while driving.

•Pull over to make or receive a call when it’s safe and legal to do so. For longer journeys, look for signs at highway rest areas, some of which now provide free Wi-Fi.

•Avoid looking at screens while driving, even if you’re using your phone hands-free.

 

 

 

March 12, 2023

Nothing.......... Semi About It

The Semiahmoo Thunderbirds are the 2023 BC School Sports 4A Boys Tournament champions after defeating Fleetwood Park in an all-Surrey final. photo courtesy of Vancouver Sports Pictures

There would be no heartbreak in 2023 for the Semiahmoo Thunderbirds.

Finalists 12 months ago, the Thunderbirds defeated the Fleetwood Park Dragons 73-40 on Saturday night in an all-Surrey final in front of a record-breaking sell-out crowd at Langley Events Centre at the BC School Sports 4A Boys Basketball Provincial Tournament.

The title is the first senior boys basketball championship in school history.

Thunderbirds head coach Les Brown said the team’s loss in the 2022 title game to the Burnaby South Rebels was a valuable learning lesson for his team, which returned almost the entire roster, many of whom enter Grade 12 next year.

“We watched the game against Burnaby South from last year and their defence was fantastic. They were hungry, they wanted the ball, and we used that as motivation all year, knowing that we had to be the tougher team, hungry for every possession, especially in a game like this: possession is gold, and you have to take care of the ball,” the coach said.

Saturday’s final between the South Fraser rivals started off tentatively, with neither team able to build much of an advantage as the score was tied on four occasions before Semiahmoo took a slim 16-13 lead. The Thunderbirds would find their bearing in the second quarter, surging late for a 36-22 advantage at the half and then dominating the third quarter 25-10. 

This one will be for the B.C. basketball history books.

Until last night's final no two Surrey school teams have ever met in the final of the top-tier senior boys basketball provincial championships. 

The two Surrey squads last met in the South Fraser regional finals March 3, when the Thunderbirds beat the Dragons 82-56 at the South Surrey school gym.

 

March 11, 2023

Three Years On - National Day of COVID Observation

 

Owners of restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries will have more time to make outdoor seating areas permanent, allowing them to serve more people without disruption during the patio season.

Government is extending existing temporary expanded service area (TESA) authorizations one final time until Dec. 31, 2024. TESAs have enabled thousands of liquor-licensed businesses to create new or expanded outdoor seating spaces, such as patios and sampling areas, and give customers more space to gather. 

The TESA program was implemented in May 2020 as a measure to help the food-and-beverage sector through difficult financial times during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2021, the Province extended existing TESA authorizations to provide time for local authorities to update their patio policies and for licensees to apply to make those areas permanent.

Businesses wanting to make their current TESA permanent must apply through the Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Portal for a new outdoor patio permanent structural change (for indoor TESAs), or a new interior service area permanent structural change (for outdoor TESAs). Permanent approval of expanded service areas must meet all local bylaws and requirements (e.g., related to parking, building codes and the use of public land 

 

 

 

 

 

February 25, 2023

Not So Happy Anniversary

Dozens of members of the Canadian Ukraine community and supporters, commemorated the first anniversary of the invasion of Russia into the Ukraine.

The large group held a candlelight vigil in White Rock's Memorial Park.

(Bill Hawke photography)

 

February 22, 2023

Threat of 17.5 % tax Increase Gives Surrey Residents Sticker Shock

 

 Surrey First Councillors Linda Annis and Mike Bose say former mayor Doug McCallum’s financial mismanagement at city hall “has finally caught up with the city’s finances” and taxpayers are now facing “sticker shock” with threats of a 17.5 per cent tax increase worth more than $400 for the average home.

“Mr. McCallum’s famous and fictitious, 2.9 per cent annual tax increases, his complete lack of a plan to build much-needed infrastructure, his constant deferral of maintenance, a lack of transparency around policing, and the potential cost of shutting down the police transition, have put our city and its taxpayers in a precarious financial position,” said Annis. “At the same time, we’re still dealing with a lot of financial assumptions about the cost of keeping the Surrey Police Service, or continuing with the RCMP, and that lack of solid information has bothered me right from the start. An independent set of eyes on numbers provided by the RCMP and the SPS would have ensured we had the best and most accurate information, something we still do not have, and something that’s critical to making good financial decisions for the city. Facts, not fiction, that’s what we need as we build the 2023 budget.”

Annis said keeping the SPS would save millions in severance costs, but keeping the SPS means higher annual policing costs than those charged by the contracted RCMP.

“The Mayor says the SPS would cost about $250 million more than the RCMP over the next five years, but the SPS disputes that figure,” said Annis. “Again, we don’t have a credible third party checking any of these claims, and as a result, our 2023 budget is being built on sand rather than a bedrock of facts we can count on. For instance, the budget makes a big assumption that if the SPS is disbanded that half of the SPS members would join the RCMP. SPS members are more likely to join another municipal police service, like the Vancouver Police Department, which is looking for 100 new officers. It is unlikely that very many SPS members will decide to join the RCMP, which is a completely different organization and culture. Every police force is hiring, so it is more likely SPS members will go to municipal forces than the RCMP.”

Bose said he wants city hall to look at options, rather than imposing a damaging tax increase on families and businesses in a single year.

“There isn’t a family or business in Surrey that isn’t stretched right now, and the last thing our community needs is city hall making their lives harder,” explained Bose. “This financial mess wasn’t created by the residents of Surrey. But like every mistake made by incompetent and short-sighted politicians, taxpayers are the ones that have to clean it up. So, I’m saying to my colleagues at city hall, we should be looking at ways to limit or reduce the pain.”

Annis said one option would be a more affordable increase brought in gradually over three or four years.

 

Meanwhile In Victoria

MIKE FARNWORTH

Yesterday afternoon when pressed by media MIKE FARNWORTH minister of public safety and solicitor general told reporters the Province would make an announcement prior to when the city of Surrey has to send out tax notices which occurs in May.

 

February 22, 2023

IF you saw someone yesterday walking along in the sunshine with a smug smile on their face, it was probably due to the fact they were one of the lucky ones to get in on the incredible savings at SAVE ON yesterday. Long time residents will flash back to the 60's when the lower mainland had the good fortune of having the Province wide chain of Woodwards stores that pioneered the popular $1.49 days on select Tuesdays. Hats off to SAVE ON to not only l adopt the memorable radio jingle, but to have the good sense of holding their first $1.49 day on the long accepted week day of Tuesday.

SAVE ON will be running $1.49 days periodically for the next year. Guaranteed the lineups out front will be long the next time these kind of savings occur.

(click here for that memory lane trip)

 

February 21, 2023

February 20, 2023

City of Surrey: 

Draft 2023-2027 General Operating and Capital Budgets

The City of Surrey’s 2023-2027 General Operating and Capital Budgets are now available for the public to view. More than half of the property tax increases for 2023 is to fund the costs associated with the police transition.

The 2023 Draft Operating Budget has been built without a decision on policing in Surrey, and the financial model is predicated on retaining the RCMP as the police of jurisdiction. While maintaining the RCMP will cost an estimated $235M less to operate over five years than the Surrey Police Service (SPS), there remains a shortfall of $116.6M created by the transition process. As a result, a proposed 9.5% General Property Tax increase to fund the 2023 Policing.

 "It is now clear just how much this misguided experiment to change policing in Surrey is costing Surrey residents and businesses,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The money wasted by the policing transition, combined with the so-called 2.9% property tax rate for four years implemented by the previous Council, means we are now having to play catch up on core City services, such as the hiring of firefighters and bylaw officers. Surrey can ill afford to continue with the police transition and we are starting to set our finances straight with this budget.”

If the proposed increases are approved, the City’s portion of property taxes for the average assessed single family home in the City of Surrey would be $3,000, which would place Surrey in the middle for property taxes collected for the respective average assessed home in Metro Vancouver.

A public meeting of the Finance Committee will be held March 6 at 2pm to consider the 2023 Budget. The public can provide comment in person at the Finance Committee meeting or through written submissions. The deadline for written comments is noon on Friday, March 3, 2023.

The Draft 2023 Budgets and Five-Year Plan can be viewed here

 

February 15, 2023

Surrey Council Protects Farmland

Surrey City Council has voted to support the addition of 89 hectares of active farmland to the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), as outlined in the Agricultural Land Commission’s (ALC) proposal to add 123 hectares of federally owned lands in Campbell Heights to the ALR. 

“It is crucial that we protect this invaluable, high-yield farmland to help ensure future food security in the region and across British Columbia,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “That is why Council voted in favour of protecting this irreplaceable farmland that yields an estimated 50 million servings of vegetables every year. Not only does this rich agricultural land ensure a resilient local food supply, but its preservation will help reduce our carbon footprint in the battle against climate change. Council is also in favour of keeping 34 hectares, in the ALC proposal, intact and protected in its current state as ecologically valuable forested land.”

The Agricultural Land Commission initiated its proposal to include the subject properties into the ALR in December, 2022. The properties are in the Campbell Heights area of the City of Surrey, bounded by 192 St (west), 36 Ave (south), and the Township of Langley municipal boundary (east). The Government of Canada is considering disposition of the properties, which may leave the lands vulnerable to future changes in land use. Given the longstanding agricultural use of the properties, the Commission considers that the lands may be suitable for inclusion to the ALR.

The Properties have been concurrently leased to local producers for agricultural use dating back to the 1970s, and approximately 89 hectares of the subject Lands are currently cultivated with field vegetable crops. It is these 89 hectares that Council has voted to support adding to the ALR. Council also supports keeping the 34 hectares of intact forested land in the ALC proposal out of the ALR.

There are currently 9,275 hectares of ALR land in Surrey, which was established by the Province in 1973.

Currently, the federal land is leased to Heppell Farm which has farmed the property for some 50 years.

Prior to the last municipal election, city council voted to support keeping the land as agricultural

Click here to read the report to Council.

 

February 14, 2023

White Rock Aids Turkey Earthquake Victims

White Rock Deputy Fire Chief Norm MacLeod is on his way to Turkey to aid in earthquake search and rescue as a part of Burnaby’s volunteer Urban Search & Rescue team.

Deputy Chief MacLeod and the team the very best in helping the Turkish people affected by this devastating earthquake.

Update February 15 2023

DEPUTY CHIEF MCLEOD arrived back home Tuesday evening safe and sound.

WE SALUTE YOU CHIEF!

 

White Rock "All Star" Passes

Eric Froelich, the barefooted German wrestler who helped make professional wrestling more athletic in North America, has died. He was 85. FROELICH for a number of years made his home here in White Rock and was a local figure. He often worked at the nightclub at the border truck crossing, gently showing unruly patrons the way to the door

His wife, Pamela Biddle-Froehlich, posted the news on Facebook on February 10, 2023: “My dear husband, the love of my life, my best friend passed away tonight".. Eric Froehlich my heart is so broken’” How do I live without you I want to know.”

Eric Froelich debuted in the Northwest in 1961. He wrestled well into the mid ’80s. So his main qualification is longevity. However he was also a very good worker and a very exciting acrobatic worker. TV always told us he had been a gymnast turned wrestler to explain his style and he always wrestled barefoot. He did hold the Canadian tag titles once with Guy Mitchell.

Eric's signature move was the nip up, a move that came about when he was laying flat on his back in the ring and would bring his legs up to his stomach and throw himself forward into a standing position. Froelich gained local stardom as a mainstay for years on the BCTV All Star wrestling show hosted by Ron Maurier.

Froelich stopped wrestling in 1982.

 

 

February 12, 2023

Who Spent What On Their Election Campaigns?

Following each civic election, all candidates are required to submit a detailed account of who funded their election campaign finances as well as how they dispersed those funds.

Here is the list for each of the members that were elected to White Rock council as well as all the other candidates.

Click on each name for the link to their filings.

David Chesney

Elaine Cheung

Ernie Klassen

Megan Knight

Bill Lawrence

Michelle Partridge

Christopher Trevelyan

If you are interested in the finances of ALL the candidates that ran for council and mayor this year

(click here)

 

Professional Soccer Comes To The Valley

Vancouver FC teased its modular stadium set to be built at Willoughby Community Park, the club has given fans their first look at what the pieces will look like put together – along with some important stats, too.

The club has posted a sneak preview of the planned stadium, where the Canadian Premier League expansion side will kick off its first home game on May 7 against Cavalry FC.

Expansion Vancouver FC gave fans a glimpse of its new home Thursday at Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre.

The fledgling Canadian Premier League franchise released an artist’s rendering of its planned soccer-specific stadium – a modular design that will accommodate up to 6,560 fans on game day in its inaugural 2023 season.

Think IKEA or LEGO on a stadium-size scale.

 

February 14, 2023

 

 

 

February 08, 2023

Roses Are "Dead", and the violets are too -

...Send us a tip about these Valentines, "Cause they're Not The Ones For You"

 

Hatching A New Plan

 

February 07, 2023

White Rock RCMP Crime Stats

White Rock RCMP have released their most recent quarterly crime statistics. Staff sergeant KALE PAULS will present White Rock council Monday (Feb 13) with a background breakdown on areas of concern for policing in our City By The Sea.

Property, fraud mischief account for over 50% of local crime.

Most residents who live in condominiums or apartments who have had their buildings and or underground parking broken into will not be surprised.

 

February 06, 2023

 

February 05, 2023

Bird's Eye View

 

Local photographer took STACY ASCAH took his drone to the air this past week to afford us a bird's eye view of homes in White Rock. Pictured above are incredible perspective photo of the Semiahmoo First Nations land.

Go ahead, have fun trying to locate y our home. Thank you to STACY and all the wonderful photographers who's work I liberate on a regular basis to post here in THE SUN. A gentle reminder we live in the greatest city in this country.

 

February 04, 2023

Semiahmoo First Nation oppose inclusion of farmland near Langley-Surrey border in ALR

There has been considerable support to protect hundreds of acres of farmland near the Langley-Surrey border by including it in the Agricultural Land Reserve, but three key stakeholders are strongly opposed 

Three Langley-area First Nations have called on the Agricultural Land Commission to stop considering whether to include 300 acres of federal land into BC’s Agricultural Land Reserve. The proposal to protect the land from future development has otherwise received considerable support 

On Jan. 6, ahead of a public hearing, lawyers representing Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo First Nations wrote the Agricultural Land Commission to urge them to “refrain from taking any further steps to advance the proposal.” Despite the letter, the public hearing was held last week€”it was one of only two letters that were opposed to including the land in the ALR.
Roughly 220 of the 305 acres are leased to local producers. Supporters of the proposal sprung into action after it became known the landowner of the five adjoining properties determined them to be surplus and may consider selling them 

KKS (as the three First Nations are referred to by their joint legal counsel) argue that including the lands in the ALR would have ”significant impact on the ability of KKS members to exercise their inherent and constitutionally protected rights in this area, particularly their right to benefit economically from their lands.”

They also noted that the First Nations weren’t consulted before the ALR scheduled the public hearing 

“The Commission has not made a decision on whether or not the lands should be included in the ALR. Consideration of the proposal will be informed by the record before the commission,” Grout concluded in her letter 

Lower Mainland First Nations have increasingly moved to negotiate the return of publicly owned lands that the provincial and federal governments have deemed surplus to their needs. Before selling any land, those governments must consult with First Nations. Over the last five years, First Nations in Mission and Abbotsford have successfully got the governments to return those lands, rather than sell them to the highest bidder.

 

 

February 03, 2023

Charges Laid In Five Corners Fire

Sunday May 20, 2016 is not a day White Rock residents will easily forget. The city was woken to the sounds of fire engines and emergency vehicles heading towards the Five Corners District of the city.

A very stubborn fire engulfed the condominiums and a number of the retail outlets in particular the very popular LAURA'S COFFEE SHOP.

Surrey and White Rock fire brigades took the better part of the day to bring the fire under control

At the time we here at the White Rock Sun put together a chronological order and time frame of the subsequent fires that occurred in sequence that morning.

Late yesterday afternoon White Rock RCMP issued a press release identifying JAMES ADRIAN DYER as the individual that has charged with 7 criminal charges as a result of the arson.

Mounties did not list the other six charges against Dyer in its most recent statement, but online court records show he was charged with the following charges:

• Two cases of arson with property damage

• A case of arson relating to occupied property

• Two counts of theft

• A charge of breaking and entering and committing a criminal offense

• A charge of breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime

All of the alleged crimes occurred at White Rock.

Dyer is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on February 23,

The final fire that day if you follow the chronological order and timeline below occurred on the Semiahmoo First Nations land. At that time charges were laid against JAMES ADRIAN DYER.

As the matter is before the courts there will be no further information released by the city or the RCMP

Surrey RCMP had said at the time that no link had been identified between the two crimes, and that one man, identified at the time as James Adrian Dyer, had been charged in connection with the blaze on SFN land – in which “some guy lit fire to some pallets on a basketball court.”

 

May 20, 2016

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.

#1. 

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

#2

Major condominium fire on Royal and Pacific Avenue. Time 4:30 a.m.

#3

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.

#4. 

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

 

#5

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.

The White Rock & Surrey RCMP continue their very active investigation today.

May 17, 2016

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.

May 15, 2016

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.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

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

Photo courtesy Diana Arnold

Origin of fire in under construction condo on Royal Avenue

Photo courtesy Bill Brooks

 

J

 

January 04, 2023

If We Could Only Get AMTRAK To Stop In White Rock

 

It's Official - THRIFTY'S Is Coming To White Rock

It is finally official, THRIFTY'S will be the grocery store that will occupy space in Miramar Village on Johnston road in uptown White Rock. We informed you months ago ending speculation that was running wild in the community.

The exact date of opening is not yet known but given the amount of work to set the space up one would think it will be in the Spring of 23.

It will be interesting to see what they will do about no loading zone for the store space @ MIRAMAR.

 

Surrey Skytrain-Langley One Step Closer

 

The Government of British Columbia has invited two pre-qualified bidding teams to participate in the request for proposals (RFP) stage to design, build and finance the elevated guideway, roadworks and utilities, as well as active transportation elements of the Surrey Langley SkyTrain.

The request for qualifications (RFQ) was posted through BC Bid and closed on Nov. 1, 2022. After a thorough evaluation of the RFQ submissions, the teams invited to participate in the RFP stage are:  

• South Fraser Guideway Connectors

• SkyLink Guideway Partners

The Province anticipates the successful proponent will be announced in late fall 2023.

 

January 01, 2023

File Under About Time

December 31, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to evolve, the Government of Canada has taken a prudent and measured approach to adjusting border measures to protect the health and safety of Canadians. In response to the surge of COVID-19 in the People’s Republic of China and given the limited epidemiological and viral genomic sequence data available on these cases, the Government of Canada intends to put in place certain temporary health measures for air travellers entering Canada from China.

As of 12:01 a.m. EST on January 5, all air travellers who are two years of age and older, arriving on flights originating from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao, will need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than two days before their departure, to the airline prior to boarding. The test could be either a negative molecular (such as a PCR test), or a negative antigen test that has documentation to show that it has been monitored by a telehealth service or an accredited laboratory or testing provider. Passengers who tested positive more than 10 days before their departure flight, but no more than 90 days, can provide the airline with documentation of their prior positive, in place of a negative test result.

January 02, 2023

Taking The Plunge

Photo by Christopher Trevelyan

A large crowd descended on to the sandy shores of Semiahmoo Bay for the 53rd Annual Polar Bear swim yesterday. Hundreds took the annual out with the old in with the new swim.

Meanwhile over at Crescent Beach, the clothing optional swim at Crescent Rock marked their 15th annual swim

 

White Rock Sun's DON PITCAIRN & JAMIE LEE KWAN

 

Translink Schedule Changes In Effect Starting Today

TRANSLINK will put into effect a few minor bus schedule changes for White Rock effective today. With ridership increasing south of the Fraser over the years TRANSLINK is hoping these changes will help commuters using public transit.

375 White Rock / White Rock South / Guildford

Say hello to more service on the 375, shortening wait times by 10 minutes midday on Saturdays.

Saturday

• Every 20 minutes towards Guildford from 11 a.m. to noon (from 30 minutes)

531 White Rock Centre / Willowbrook

Say hello to more service on the 531 with an additional trip to Willowbrook at 6:15 a.m. on weekdays.

 

 

 

 

ON FILE

WE MUST NEVER FORGET.

We will continue to closely monitor the court proceddings on charges laid in the devastating fire that destroyed residents and businesses at FIVE CORNERS district in uptown White Rock.

From the very early stages it was identified the fire was set by arsons.

Below is the time frame of not only the FIVE CORNERS fire but a series of other events and fires that subsequently occurred.

This May it will be 6 years since the fire ripped through the area.

 

There currently is no trial date set. But we are watching closely.

 

August 01, 2021

Arrests made in Five Corners Fire arson investigation

 

 

May 15, 2019

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.

Follow the bouncing ball.

 

May 20, 2016

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.

 

#1. 

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

 

#2

Major condominium fire on Royal and Pacific Avenue. Time 4:30 a.m.

 

#3

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.

 

#4. 

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

 

#5

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.

The White Rock & Surrey RCMP continue their very active investigation today.

 

 

May 20, 2016

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.

 

#1.

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

 

#2

Major condominium fire on Royal and Pacific Avenue. Time 4:30 a.m.

 

#3

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.

 

#4.

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

 

#5

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.

The White Rock & Surrey RCMP continue their very active investigation today.

 

May 17, 2016

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.

 

May 15, 2016

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.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

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

Photo courtesy Diana Arnold

Origin of fire in under construction condo on Royal Avenue

Photo courtesy Bill Brooks