September 2, 2010
 EPCOR spokesman DAVID RECTOR
What were the numbers in White Rock compared to Walkerton’s outbreak of E.Coli.
I seem to remember at the press conference the number mentioned here was 2 parts per million? Is that correct and how did that compare to Walkerton’s water problem in 2000.
The levels that we have found in the distribution system were 1 and 2 counts per 10 mL of water. I do not have the actual data on the levels that were experienced in Walkerton. I have the data somewhere and I will look for it. The strain of E coli here was identified and is not the same strain as the pathogenic strain found in Walkerton (O157:H7)
Walkerton’s water problem came about as a result of chlorine not being added to the water with the proper care? So when people talk about White Rock and Walkerton in the same breath it seems to be slightly mis-leading. I remember the survey that came with a recent bill regarding adding chlorine to our drinking water, and I was lead to believe and it was confirmed this morning in your interview on CBC that there is a strong resistance to chlorine being added. Could you please provide me with the number of responses and what the breakdown was on the replies?
Our customers are passionate about the water supply and there are many opinions and ideas regarding what should be done. Once this event is over we will be reviewing the event, the risks and options going forward and prepare a report in response to a request from Fraser Health.
Is there any other acceptable way to treat our water besides adding chlorine? IF so what method could be used, and what would the cost be. I am assuming chlorine is probably the most cost effective way of ensuring there are no further incidents like the one we are just gong through
In order to answer this question we need to go back to first principles; why is chlorine added to public water supplies? There are three reasons. First, it is added to kill pathogens (things that make you sick) at the source. Examples here include Giardia or E coli found in surface water supplies. In White Rock we are blessed with a confined aquifer source that has shown no signs of contamination from surface runoff. The second reason that chlorine is added is to minimize the potential for re-growth of biofilms in the water supply. Naturally occurring bacteria such as iron bacteria or sulphur reducing bacteria can colonize a distribution system and lead to taste and odour problems ort increased coliform counts. The third reason is to protect the system should an intrusion occur at a reservoir or in any section of pipe throughout the distribution system. Although the focus of this event has been on the reservoir, all sections of the system including the pipes, are vulnerable to cross contamination.
So for the first issue, killing pathogens at the source, one can use a number of methods including UV, Ozone, or chlorine. For the other two issues one must obtain a ‘residual’ that travels through the system and that cannot be accomplished with UV or ozone and this is why chlorine based disinfectants are used.
It has been identified during this latest problem that WHITE ROCK has had a problem with higher than normal arsenic levels. How harmful can that be to ones health?
Recently Health Canada reduced the Maximum Level of Arsenic is water supplies from 25 micrograms per liter to 10 micrograms per liter. This was based upon an evaluation of all relevant health data and follows a similar logic as the U.S. EPA strategy. In our water supply we have two wells that sometimes test as high as 12 micrograms per liter, well below the old standard, but just above the new standard. We have completed two studies on Arsenic, one to evaluate options in our water and one to determine what are the species of arsenic (i.e. the oxidation state and whether it is combined with other compounds). There is great information available on the Health Canada’s website regarding the rationale for the new standard.
I understand EPCOR crews hit a gas line Friday or Saturday evening in the eastern portion of the city. Can you confirm that and why were you digging in that area? Was this in the same area where the first negative test originated?
Yes there was a main break and during the excavation a line was hit. It was not in the same area nor related to the Boil Water Notification.
Would adding chlorine to the water dramatically reduce the insurance rates that EPCOR presently pays?
No.
Thank You For Your Co-operation
D.Chesney Editor/Publisher
Wi-Fi Why?
 For the past few weeks since its introduction, White Rock's "BlueZone" has come under fire from a sector of the community relating to its negative impact on their health.
BETINA ALBORONOZ the Director of Tourism sticks by her decision to offer free internet along the White Rock waterfront.
Recently we forwarded the following questions to BETINA with hopes of shedding light on the service.
QUESTIONS
 Betina Albornoz White Rock Tourism
Betina could you please provide the readers of THE WHITE ROCK SUN a bit of background about yourself. What is your title with White Rock Tourism and what are some of the initiatives you have implemented and are presently working on to increase tourism to White Rock.
It has been publicized recently the installation of the WI FI Bluezone along the East and West Beach district of White Rock came about as an initiative of White Rock tourism. Is this correct?
From reading the White Rock Tourism website you have partnered with a private company for the installation of the WI FI along our beach district. Was there any cost that was incurred by the city or Tourism White Rock?
Very recently it has become quite evident a number of people are very much affected by being in areas where there is wireless internet in operation. Merely passing by some of the high powered towers that are dotted throughout White Rock and South Surrey also makes these people very sick. Was there any condiseration by you or the Board of Directors or City Council given to researching the concerns expressed by citizens prior to implementing this free service.
There is a rumour there are plans to spread the BLUEZONE to other districts in WHite Rock IE: Uptown White Rock. Are you in a position to go on record about the expansion of BLUEZONES in other areas of White Rock?
If the public outcry becomes loud enough is there any chance you as the Director of TOURISM WHITE ROCK may rethink the BLUEZONE initiative and possibly remove it from White Rock.
BETINA'S RESPONSE
Tourism is a key economic driver for the White Rock community. Part of Tourism White Rock’s (TWR) mandate is to promote the community and support the local economy. As the Executive Director of Tourism White Rock I work with a Board of Directors and community stakeholders on planning and implementing various initiatives to promote what the community has to offer. These initiatives include marketing campaigns focused on key sectors of our community: hospitality, retail, arts & culture, outdoor activities, festivals and events, etc. On an annual basis, Tourism White Rock participates in a number of tourism events and publications where our primary focus is to raise awareness about our community and provide prospects with the information they need to plan their next visit. The TWR website www.TourismWhiteRock.com has been designed and continues to be developed to assist in this process.
Recent tourism trends confirm that the 21st century traveller plans on-the-go, often choosing where to stay and what to do based on information they can glean from one click of a button. With this in mind, Tourism White Rock, Blue Jamb Media and Allscenes Media collaborated to create an exciting and very innovative platform – under the White Rock BlueZoneTM brand umbrella - to attract tourists and locals to the area and keep them informed with in-the-moment community events, live performances and entertainment, business specials, etc. As part of this initiative, a new White Rock mobile application is available to users for free where they can get regular updates on community information. It is simply accessed by typing www.TourismWhiteRock.com on a smart phone’s browser.
The technology used to provide Wi-Fi service includes widely-used off-the-shelves routers which comply with standards set by Industry Canada. No poles, no towers or structural antennas have been installed anywhere for this project. The network uses existing regular internet connection available at businesses along the promenade. Most of these businesses already provided free internet to their customers. The FREE City Wi-Fi simply connects them under one brand and provides the service for free while promoting community content. Power lines and cell phone towers found nearby have been there for years and are NOT part of the White Rock BlueZoneTM network.
The hardware, installation and software development costs for this project were covered entirely by the commercial enterprises involved. Tourism White Rock has been the facilitator to connect businesses and organizations in the community with an opportunity to promote themselves through mobile technology. Tourism and community content give this online network and mobile application a focus, with information that is relevant to the community and those who visit here. This vision is shared by community stakeholders and was an important motivation behind the decision to launch this project in conjunction with Blue Jamb Media and Allscenes Media – both local White Rock/South Surrey companies.
To date, the White Rock BlueZoneTM initiative has received an overwhelming amount of responses in support of this project, from community leaders, community organizations, local businesses and residents. For individuals that may have further questions or inquiries regarding this technology, they can direct them to Industry Canada: www.ic.gc.ca.
The Naked Gun
Ocean Park resident DON PITCAIRN has been a valued contributor to the pages of The White Rock Sun for the past year with his weekly column titled THE NAKED TRUTH. Known in some circles as "the nudie guy" I think it is now safe to say we can add the moniker THE RIFLEMAN.
Don - WE SALUTE YOU.
The British Columbia Rifle Association (BCRA), one of the province's oldest sporting groups that was formed in 1874, held its 126th annual competition during a four day rifle shoot at the General Volkes 600 m. rifle range in Chilliwack. This international competition and its large collection of historical trophies dating back to the last century attracted teams from Great Britain and the United States plus individuals from as far away as Australia.
Don Pitcairn was the top B.C. resident, earning him the coveted B.C. T.R. Champ title along with the "Tiger" pin identifying him as the man to beat when this crown will once again be up for grabs during the fall's Navy shoot being held in Nanaimo. Don was presented the B.C. Bond Corporation Ltd. cup (awarded since 1929) by Major General Edward Fitch, along with the BCRA gold bullion badge and a silver Governor General medal for marksmanship that is given to the top shot in each province.
A shoulder to shoulder international team match was fired over the final three days between Britain, the United States and Canada with the strong U.K. team coming out on top and the Canucks having to settle for silver this year. On an interesting note, the first woman in 126 years of competition was "chaired" as the winner of the Lieutenant Governor Match, with Jane Messer, the team captain of the Great Britain Rifle Team, being carried aloft on the shoulders of her teammates from the firing point to the prize ceremony.
For more information on the BCRA, target rifle shooting in B.C. and complete match results that will be posted in the next few weeks, visit their website at www.bcrifle.com.
It's A Banner Day In White Rock
The White Rock BIA and White Rock Tourism put their heads together when it came time to replace the worn, torn and tattered banners that hung from the street poles in White Rock.
Cyndie Richards
BIA Director CYNDIE RICHARDS contacted BETINA ALBORNOZ who had enlisted local artists to contribute for a 2010 calendar that was sold throughout the Peninsula this past December. CYNDIE RICHARDS tells the story behind the story in the choice of artwork for this years banners. "When I contacted BETINA I had already looked at her calendar and the artwork for June really caught my eye. I went to see BETINA and explained to her the artwork I had chose. BETINA kind of teared up and I asked her what was wrong. She said the artist SANTO DE VITA had passed away since his artwork was chosen for the calendar. DE VITA'S wife was so grief stricken she returned to Italy to live. BETINA thought this would be a beautiful opportunity for SANTO'S artwork to continue on in the city he loved so, White Rock."
The other touching part of the story is the title of the artwork the banners came from. It is called THE GIFT.
When BETINA first approached DE VITA at the Oxford Art Studios where he was in residence, she asked him if he had ever painted the totem poles on White Rock's waterfront. DE VITA explained he had taken a couple of tries at it but was not satisfied with either result. But for BETINA he would give it one last try.
So next time you are sitting at an intersection in town and you glance up at the artwork look skyward and give "thanks" to SANTO DE VITA.
 SERGE DUBE owner of the Oxford Art Studios holds the original art used for the street banners. The original art is for sale at DUBE'S studio.
SANTO DE VITA
(CLICK HERE) to see more of Santo's art
There's A Change A Comin'
The renovation and/or replacement of the City washrooms at Oxford & Marine and Balsam & Marine will begin this fall and carry on into early next year, so that public access to the washrooms during the peak summer months will not be disrupted.
Temporary washroom facilities will be provided during the construction period.
Starting in June of this year, the City initiated periodic and thorough cleaning of the Marine Drive washrooms, in addition to the regular cleaning by janitorial services, in order to address odor issues. This additional cleaning will be maintained until the replacement/renovations commence this fall.
White Rock invites buskers to perform with new licence
South-Surrey celtic fiddler Kiérah Raymond and Cloverdale crooner Joe Given are used to playing in front of an audience. Raymond has been busking at Granville Island for 10 years, while Given is a regular at festivals, community events and coffee houses.
But this summer both artists will bring their talents to a new venue on the Peninsula: the street corners of White Rock. As holders of the City of White Rock’s new busking licence, Raymond and Given have been approved to perform in White Rock from now till October 31, entertaining tourists and locals alike.
To date, more than 15 licences have been issued—and the City is inviting additional performance artists to audition between August 3-16 (by appointment). The seasonal licences sell for $20.
Four areas of the city have been approved for busking performances: White Rock Museum and Archives (West Plaza); Whale Wall (corner of Russell Avenue and Johnston Road); East Beach (Marine Drive at Finlay Street); and Five Corners (Pacific Avenue and Johnston Road).
“There’s something about live street corner performances that brings life and vitality to a city,” says Mayor Catherine Ferguson. “As a Council we felt it would be a great addition to our community and an opportunity for people to become more familiar with high-quality local performers.”
Council liaison to the Cultural Committee Helen Fathers agrees, and hopes passersby will show their appreciation for the free shows by giving generously to the artists.
“The buskers are not paid by the City,” she explains. “They buy the licence and then it’s up to us—the people watching the shows—to thank them for their efforts. The more the community gives, the more performances we’ll all enjoy.”
“If I make a difference in someone’s day or make someone smile, that’s great,” says 18-year-old Given, who performs covers of classic songs by artists like the Beatles, as well as an expanding repertoire of his own tunes. “I just feel like it’s great to be out there.”
“I love performing for big crowds,” says Raymond, who at 14, has already had a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for her first album Irish Madness. “I get more into playing when there’s a larger audience—I really do feed off the crowd.”
Performance artists of all ages interested in applying for a licence can review the busking guidelines on the City’s website (www.city.whiterock.bc.ca) and can schedule an audition through White Rock Leisure Services. Video auditions will also be accepted.
 Visit KIERAH RAYMOND'S website (CLICK HERE)
Train Keeps A Rollin'?
Amtrak Cascades, which operates trains from Seattle to Portland and Seattle to Vancouver, B.C. this week released promising rider ship numbers on the twice daily service between Seattle and Vancouver. The rider ship has broken monthly records and shown double digit increases.
Through the three months of April, May & June over 200,000 passengers made the trip. The highest since 1994.
The first quarter of 2010 also had record rider ship with an increase of nearly 34,000 riders since 2009.
Total rider ship on Amtrak Cascades is 398,414 through June 30, or nearly an 18 percent increase over 2009.
Officials are attributing some of the increased rider ship due to the Olympics in Vancouver. Which was the impetus to add a second train through the White Rock/South Surrey corridor.
Presently the nearest station to this area is Bellingham or a trip into downtown Vancouver. A local group spearheaded by White Rock Councillor DOUG MCLEAN will continue to push for a stop in White Rock. With the planned refurbishing of the museum which for years operated as a train station, perhaps there is some hope we can one day catch the train into Vancouver locally, or plan our trips to America on the Amtrack Cascades.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Trophy Girl
Joelle Numainville with HANS STEIDA trophy
Shortly after the TOUR DE WHITE ROCK began some 31 years ago the father of cycling legend ALEX STEIDA , HANS STEIDA offered his support to the City of White Rock and the organizers of the TOUR DE WHITE ROCK.
STEIDA offered his expert advice in re-organizing the route and teaching the race organizers how to successfully stage a racer friendly course.
The trophy had been handed out in the past to the winner's of the TOUR but went missing and efforts to locate them were unsuccessful. This year it was decided to purchase new trophies and place the name of past winners on the trophy when it was presented this year.
Now you know.
Editor: Re: “Tourism White Rock unveils free Wi-Fi”
I live in White Rock, on the hill above West Beach, and I am highly distressed. Tourism White Rock has, in one fell swoop, adversely affected the citizens of this gem of a city in a way that stifles thoughtful input and participation while threatening our health and well-being. It seems that White Rock Council members have approved, carte blanche, the deployment of Bluetooth technology all along our waterfront. An around-the-clock "BlueZone" with fourteen "hot spots" now exists outside my home.
Those who currently find pleasure and convenience in wireless access may find the new direction exciting. However, I am part of a growing percentage of the population that is aware of the adverse effects of the microwave radiation that these antennae emit. To be "part of the mobile-technology wave crave," is far from appealing to me. That "no one's ever done it anywhere in the world," is not reassuring either. It is most certainly not a source of pride to the many who now cannot go for a walk on the beach or the pier, dine, shop, socialize or even live safely, anywhere near the radiated zone that this creates along Marine Drive. The effects actually extend up the hill for at least a kilometer from the antennae. To be blanketed, without informed consent, with free "access points" and "hot spots" to "what's happening” shows a profound lack of acknowledgement given to the health of those who live and work here. While tourists come and go, residents have a more permanent interest in the area of concern.
A growing number of people, not only in this community but on this planet, are sensitive to the radiation that is emitted by this technology. I am only one of them. Children and senior citizens and people with pre-existing health issues are particularly vulnerable and at-risk. The vital considerations connected to a decision like this go far beyond convenience and monetary gain. They require assurances that we can live safely in a healthy environment.
Thousands of scientific studies now confirm that wireless technology is not safe. If this BlueZone Project is being launched on a trial basis, then we need to re-think it. Hopefully it is not long-term.
If our City Manager is, indeed, responsible for implementation of Council policies and directives, and if her job is to assist Council in providing input and advice on policy-related issues, how could she have allowed this to happen without meaningful consultation with White Rock residents? By approving the BlueZone Project, Council has encouraged a silent monster to arrive unchallenged and uninvestigated.
I hope that Council will be open to further input about this matter. Concerns and issues surrounding health and welfare will only increase as people become aware of the Pandora's box that has been opened with this initiative.
Anne Platt McGinn, a senior researcher at the Worldwatch Institute in Washington, DC, says it well: "Adopting the Precautionary Principle is a way to take out an insurance policy against our own ignorance. We rarely understand environmental risks until after the damage is done."
Linda Ewart, White Rock
White Rock City Manager Peggy Clark's response
Hello Linda,
Thank you for your email regarding the Tourism White Rock's initiative using wireless. The City of White Rock was not involved in this project and cannot approve or deny a project such as this because municipalities have no control over any kind of transmissions as this is federal jurisdiction. The Community Charter has no provisions for a municipality to regulate transmissions of any kind.
• WiFi is an unregulated and widely available wireless technology that can be found in our homes, places of business and even in many public areas. This technology enables computers, smart phones and similar devices to connect to Internet, to each other, etc. Unregulated means that one doesn’t need a government license to use or operate in that frequency. It is somewhat similar to the wireless technology used by cordless phones. Wireless networks can private or public (free of on a subscription). It is a technology of convenience and a way to attract customers or to even increase revenue.
• Bluetooth is also an unregulated and widely used wireless technology that is generally found in consumer devices such as: printers, smart phones, headphones, digital cameras, etc. The short definition is: Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. Unlike WiFi, one has to be within close proximity of a Bluetooth transmitter in order to be able to receive the signal. The headphones we’re using to connect to our cell phones are the most common Bluetooth enabled devices in use. As of late, it appears that marketing companies are using it to send advertising to smart phones or computers.
The article in the newspaper made it sound like the initiative that Tourism White Rock is undertaking is the first in Canada to be using wireless. This is not true. Many businesses in White Rock and elsewhere presently use the wireless to advertise their businesses. However, what is unique about the Tourism White Rock initiative is not the technology but that the content is Tourism driven and that the messages are about promoting community events such as Canada Day and Spirit of the Sea Festival.
Surrey Bans All Fires Due to Hot Spell
The hot temperatures and dry weather has resulted in hazardous fire conditions throughout the region. As a result, the B.C. Wildfire Management Branch has banned open burning in the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes the City of Surrey.
Therefore, pursuant to the City of Surrey Fire Prevention By-law #10771, and in conjunction with the ban implemented by the B.C. Government, the Surrey Fire Chief has cancelled all burning permits and is prohibiting all types of outdoor fires until further notice. Charcoal barbeques in City parks and beaches are also prohibited, but cooking appliances such as propane barbecues are permitted.
By following a few simple rules you can enjoy the hot weather and help prevent fires:
· Dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure they are completely extinguished.
· Don't leave barbecues unattended and ensure they are turned off properly after you have finished using them.
· Explain to children the dangers of playing with and lighting fires.
· Properly dispose of bottles and broken glass you find outdoors to avoid them magnifying the sun's rays and starting a fire.
For more information, visit www.bcwildfire.ca
The Future Lives Where?
The city of Surrey used a lot of taxpayer money to replace the old "Welcome to Surrey" freeway signs featuring the iconic beaver, replacing them with the modern "The Future Lives Here" signage and its futuristic skyscrapers. Unfortunately the first set of signs were camouflage green with raised letters that cast large shadows making them illegible and useless. These signs were taken back to the shop for a change in colour and lettering before the Winter Olympics and repositioned throughout the city along with in-ground lighting, all at cost unknown.
As part of this signage campaign, landscaped beds with brightly coloured flowers were to have been planted in front of the signs to attract visitors attention to them. Unfortunately someone at City Hall must have been asleep for this part of the presentation as the sign at the Pacific Border Truck Crossing at the south end of 176 St. is so overgrown with six foot tall weeds that it has all but disappeared. What a great way to welcome people to the second largest city in B.C. than with a weedy eyesore (if you managed to glimpse it) whose motto should instead be "The Future Lives Where?"
Hopefully the City of Surrey will quickly remedy this problem and ensure that in the future this important welcoming sign to Surrey for our neighbours from the United States doesn't appear as unkempt and uninviting as the front lawn of a Whalley - sorry - Surrey Central crack shack.
White Rock Councillor LYNNE SINCLAIR
Dear Friends and Neighbours
I've just asked the Canadian government to protect our oceans from serious disasters, like the one we're seeing right now in the Gulf of Mexico. Would you join me and ask the federal government to invest more effort into keeping our oceans healthy and productive?
Our oceans need to be healthy and stable - our coastal communities, plus our whales, otters, fish, and seabirds, all depend on it.
Join me and the David Suzuki Foundation and call on our government to protect our oceans from dangerous activity.
White Rock Councillor
LYNNE SINCLAIR
Business Leaders Join Mayor Ferguson In Charting The City's Future
Mayor forms new committee on investment and revitalization
The economic climate in White Rock needs to change. That’s the message Mayor Catherine Ferguson is sending today with the announcement of a new Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Investment and Revitalization.
“The committee is being created to provide advice to Council on possible initiatives that would create a more sustainable business climate in White Rock,” says Ferguson.
In particular, the committee will help develop a vision for the Town Centre and waterfront business districts, guided by the economic development strategy, the OCP and other strategic City documents.
“The committee will be reporting back to Council with specific recommendations on how to generate increased investment in the community and attract new businesses and employment,” says Ferguson, who will serve as chair.
Other members of the committee will be Councillor McLean, chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, Councillor Campbell, chair of the Economic Committee, and 10 individuals from the community representing a variety of sectors including banking, investment, arts, tourism, and education.
“The committee members bring a broad range of experience and expertise to the table,” says Ferguson. “They’re not only knowledgeable in the local community, but have proven business and investment acumen. I’m looking forward to working with them to address the challenges that are clearly facing us.”
Ferguson also stressed the committee will waste no time in fulfilling its mandate and bringing forward its recommendations to Council.
“I don’t think any of us are interested in generating more paperwork,” says Ferguson. “We’re interested in generating results.”
The following individuals have been named to the committee.
Dr. David Atkinson,Bob Bezubiak,Peter Dakha, Robert Genn,Len Doray, Nancy Shewfelt, Mike Somme, David Young, Peter Simpson.
Councillors Doug McLean & Councillor Alan Campbell
Surrey Artist's Work Comes Home
Now On Display Along Johnston Road north of 16th Avenue
Surrey Joins With World Renown Haidia Artist Robert Davidson
Internationally acclaimed Haida artist Robert Davidson has been commissioned by the City of Surrey to design a set of street banners. A recipient of the 2010 Governor General’s award of excellence in visual art, and a recipient of the Order of Canada, Davidson is one of Canada’s most respected contemporary artists.
The design of the banners planned for Surrey reflects Davidson’s ongoing interest in printmaking, as well as abstraction. Early in his career Davidson mastered traditional Haida forms such as circles, ovoids and u-forms, and now as a master artist, is innovative in the use and abstraction of these forms and his choice of bold colours.
These banners were developed as a partnership between the City’s Civic Beautification and Public Art Programs. They will celebrate one of the City’s most acclaimed artists and enhance the streets capes of Surrey. The banners will be seen in Surrey City Centre along King George Boulevard and Old Yale Road, in South Surrey on 152nd between 16th and 20th Avenues and around the City’s Municipal Centre.
The installation of these banners will be concurrent with a major exhibition of Robert Davidson’s prints “Eagle Transforming” opening at the Surrey Art Gallery on April 17.
For more than thirty years, Robert Davidson has worked as an artist and has produced an internationally acclaimed body of work. “The City of Surrey is proud to support and showcase the work of one of its most celebrated residents,” said Councillor Villeneuve, Council liaison to the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee.
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