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.
Three Years On - National Day of COVID Observation
Premier David Eby; Adrian Dix, Minister of Health; and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement to acknowledge the National Day of Observance for people affected by COVID-19:
"Today is Canada’s National Day of Observance. On this day, we take time to remember all those who have died or have had health complications as a result of COVID-19, and honour our health-care and front-line workers who have been working selflessly and courageously since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago.
"It was on March 11, 2020, that the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. Since then, SARS COV-2 virus has challenged people and communities around the world in unprecedented ways. Today, we stand together and observe a moment of silence to remember and honour those people who have lost their lives, while also thinking of their family and friends. This virus has been particularly hard on seniors and Elders in our families and communities and we hold them in our thoughts again today.
“While we may have had different experiences these last three years, the pandemic has profoundly impacted every single person and community in B.C. We will never forget those who died, and we will always be grateful to the front-line heroes who worked and continue to work tirelessly to keep us safe and support us through these most difficult times.
“We are also grateful to everyone in B.C. who stepped forward to be vaccinated and who followed the public health guidelines to protect themselves, their families and their communities. This commitment has allowed us to get back to our lives and once again enjoy the social activities, entertainment, gatherings, sports, in-person work and school that are so important to our health and well-being.
“We know this was no small request and we are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped up to do their part. Your sacrifices – great and small – made a difference and helped British Columbia emerge from the darkest days of the pandemic.
"As we emerge from the pandemic and look to the future, we must continue to work together to keep each other safe and build a healthier future for all of us.”
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.
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.
Surrey police chief calls for audit of city's costings
Surrey Police Service Chief Constable would like to see an audit of the City of Surrey's costs after Mayor Brenda Locke announced how transition costs would affect taxpayers.
The Chief Constable of the Surrey Police Service (SPS), Norm Lipinski, is calling for an audit of the city’s costings, claiming they’re “inflated and mis-characterized.”
The city released a drafted five-year budget Feb. 18, which shows a proposed 9.5 per cent property tax increase in 2023 could go towards policing transition costs, if approved.
Lipinski says Surrey’s financial numbers cause increasing public concern, adding these numbers seem to question the viability of the SPS.
“Surrey residents don’t know who to believe and, quite frankly, I don’t blame them. There are many benefits that municipal policing will bring to Surrey, however, I certainly understand that cost is a significant factor to residents,” said Lipinski.
In January, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said the transition would cost $235 million more than keeping the RCMP as the police of jurisdiction. Although on Saturday, Locke said keeping the RCMP was a $116.6 million shortfall from a transition to SPS.
Lipinski says an audit would help shed more light on the situation for taxpayers.
“SPS would fully support an independent audit involving SPS, the City, and the RCMP in order to ensure taxpayers get the clarity they deserve on the policing transition,” said Lipinski.
SPS spokesperson Ian MacDonald says the newly drafted budget is causing more confusion.
“Some of those numbers are actually costs that would be incurred by the RCMP and so it’s a little bit mind-boggling that it seems the direction of the city and the mayor is to blame SPS for all costs, whether they’re past, present or future.”
MacDonald admits there will be costs regardless of whether the SPS stays or goes.
“What we think is happening is a very broad spotlight is pointed at any of the SPS-related expenditures, but not enough light is being shone on the costs of undoing the transition. And those costs aren’t just financial, those costs — most importantly — speak to public safety, not just for the City of Surrey but also for the province of British Columbia. I would say this is one of the inherent dangers of when you mix things like partisan politics and partisan public safety.”
In a statement from the SPS Monday afternoon, it says the following factors should be considered:
The slowdown of deployments and cessation of RCMP demobilizations since the October 2022 municipal election. This added an estimated $5M in costs without the demobilization of RCMP officers.
The City’s proposed addition of 25 new RCMP officers and 4 administrative staff in 2023.
The retention of the RCMP would actually cost taxpayers $50M more in 2023 than continuing the transition to SPS, as there would be no need for the costs to “wind down” SPS (severance, legal, etc.).
The fact that SPS officers currently make up 45 per cent of the City’s current targeted strength of 734 officers. If SPS was allowed to continue, that would increase to 80-90 per cent by the end of 2023.
If approved, the tax hike would potentially lead to families paying hundreds more in levies and Surrey City Councillor Linda Annis doesn’t think many people can afford it.
“An average household now would face a tax increase of about $400 a year. We need to have a re-look at the budget.”
Annis feels the presented budget is full of “speculation,” and she thinks each party should be in one room to crunch the numbers and then the budget can be nailed down.
“I have no idea. I’ve been asking for the real numbers, what will it really cost if we go back to the RCMP or if we move forward with the Surrey Police Service? I’m getting a different set of numbers depending on who I ask.
When the mayor was running [in the election], she said if we continue on with the Surrey Police Service it would cost $500 million over the next five years, then the number came out that it was $250 million. We then had a report done about transitioning back to the RCMP, the RCMP, and the Surrey Police Service had a different number.”
A decision on what’s happening with the SPS was supposed to come down late last month, instead, the provincial government — which will make the final decision — said it was delaying it because it needed more information.
For now, a transition back to the RCMP hasn’t been approved. Locke said Saturday things will be revisited if the province comes back with something different.
“Council voted to keep RCMP as the police of jurisdiction,” she explained. “We have to go with what we know. Council made a decision to keep the RCMP and that’s how we’re moving forward,” she explained.
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.”
9.5% General Property Tax increase to fund Policing Shortfall (approximately $219 for the average single-family home).
7.0% General Property Tax increase (approximately $161 for the average single-family home) to fund:
General inflationary pressures
Hiring of additional 25 police officers, 20 firefighters and 10 bylaw officers for 2023
City Wide Operations (non-public safety)
1.0% Roads and Traffic Levy. (approximately $23 for the average single-family home).
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
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.
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
White Rock Monday Night Council Rewind
Presentation
Staff Sergeant Pauls provided a 2022 White Rock RCMP year in review presentation.
Council’s Strategic Priorities for 2023 to 2026 were discussed and endorsed.
Now that Council has set their priorities, this information will be used to form the development of the 2023 - 2024 budget, the 2023-2027 Financial Plan and 2022 Annual Report.
Priority focus areas identified through this document include:
Community
Housing and Land Use
Infrastructure
Local Economy
Organization and Governance
Waterfront
During discussion regarding Council Strategic Priorities, Council considered and endorsed the hiring of two (2) new planning staff to help with backlog of applications for review: Building Official 3 and a Clerk Typist 2.
Bylaw 2358 – White Rock Zoning Bylaw 2012, No. 2000, Amendment (RS-4 - 15561/15569 Oxenham Avenue) Bylaw, 2020, No. 2358
Council provided final reading for Bylaw 2358, which permits the subsequent subdivision of two (2) lots into three (3), permitting construction of a new single-family dwelling on each new lots at 15561/15569 Oxenham Avenue.
Draft Resolution Brief Regarding Varied Tax Rate for Residential and Business Classes
Council endorsed a letter of support be forwarded, by the Mayor of the City of Langley, for their “Draft Resolution and Brief Regarding Varied Tax Rate for Residential and Business Classes”, that will be forwarded to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).
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"
LINDA ANNIS Crime Stoppers-executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers/Surrey Councillor
A reward up to $250,000 is available for Rabih Alkhalil - one of Canada’s “most wanted” valentines.
With symbolic bouquets of “dead flowers” and candy boxes containing mugshots at this year’s presentation, Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers has unveiled B.C.’s six “most wanted” criminals and suspects who remain on the lam this Valentine’s Day. They could be far away, or right in your neighbourhood.
RABIH (ROBBIE) ALKHALIL
For fugitive Rabih Alkhalil in particular, Crime Stoppers has partnered with the national BOLO (Be On the Look Out) Program to make available a larger reward of up to $250,000. Alkhalil is wanted for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being unlawfully at large after escaping from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam last July.
“All six ‘valentines’ on this year’s list are wanted for serious crimes ranging from attempted murder and manslaughter to producing controlled substances,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Someone, somewhere knows where these people are and we’re urging them to do the right thing and call Crime Stoppers anonymously.”
“Anonymous tips do work,” Annis adds. “Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers received more than 4,000 anonymous tips in 2022 leading to 73 arrests, 13 illegal weapons seized and $1.4 million dollars in property and illicit drugs recovered. Your anonymity is guaranteed by the Supreme Court of Canada. You’ll never be questioned or called to testify.”
Hatching A New Plan
Tuesday morning was the unveiling of the Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club's sign for their new salmon hatchery.
This modern facility will be built on high ground away from the Little Campbell River that has repeatedly flooded the old hatchery.
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts helped club president Diana Barkley unveil the new sign to a throng of club members, financial donors, DFO officers and assembled media.
To the amazement of everyone in attendance, Rotary International announced they will be donating $500,000 to the building of the new hatchery.
This is on top of the $15,000 already donated by the Rotary Club of White Rock and other funds totaling $130,000 for this project expected to cost $1.5 - $1.8 million.
2023 SFGC memberships are now being sold and donations to help finance the new hatchery graciously accepted. Go to SFGC.info for more information.
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.
Clipped from - The Province newspaper - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 21 May 1912 - Semiahmoo Bay
- There is a beach which stretches for miles; firm and yellow in the glorious summer sunshine. The tide is out and over the wide expanse groups of youngsters are building castles in the sands, while their parents are planning summer homes at White Rock. Handy to the beach are rows of summer cottages, which at this season of the year are filling up with their happy owners from Vancouver, New Westminster and other centres. Three hours later the beach is dotted with laughing group in bathing costumes, for the tide is coming in over the sun-heated sands and the water is becoming nicely tempered for a swim end so into the salt water they dash, family groups exulting in the pure joy of holiday making. It is little wonder that the joys of life at White Rock are appealing to rapidly Increasing circle, for the convenience of the place adds to its attraction, within one hour of Vancouver with four trains each way a day, it forms an ideal spot for either a vacation or a day's outing and there is little doubt that White Rock is going to receive its share of attention from the public.
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.Â
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.Â
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
Â
#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
January 30, 2023
Alex House Flood Fundraiser
Alex House recently suffered a devastating flood during the December 20th snowstorm. The impact was throughout our historic Beach House building, where we host our infant & toddler childcare program and offices upstairs for our team.
What last year would have been a submission to our insurance company and a $12,000 deductible this year is a $100,000 deductible. Emergency restoration is at approx. $40,000 currently, this is without the $50,000 projection for repairs to flooring, ceilings, walls, and equipment replacement.
Every dollar Alex earns through our rentals goes into our operations which supports our work in community. The impact of the flood will have a significant impact on our ability to meet the emergent needs of our community.
If you are able to consider a donation to our fundraiser, it is appreciated!
All funds will go to the repairs, and replacement of equipment, which includes developmentally appropriate toys and furniture, learning materials, computers, and other necessary office equipment.
Here is your recap of some of the items White Rock council dealt with this past Monday evening.
Delegations and Presentations
Members from each of the following organizations provided information to Council:
Members of the White Rock Museum and Archives attended to provide information on the organization and their plans for the future View the presentation.
MLA Trevor Halford attended to discuss the partnership between the City and the MLA’s office View the presentation
Special Events 2023
Council received a report outlining special events that took place in 2022 and returning events for 2023.
Council directed that both the White Rock Sea Festival and Bright Walk in White Rock remain as “Class A” events and the City will continue to organize and produce these events.
Healthy Community Grant Application
Council endorsed the City’s application for a Healthy Community Grant through the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. If awarded, the grant would be used to purchase new cardio equipment for the Horst & Emmy Warner Centre for Active Living.
UBCM Grant Application for Emergency Support Services Modernization
Council endorsed the City’s UBCM grant application for emergency support services modernization
Emergency Support Services (ESS) provide short-term support for people in the community who have been impacted by disasters (apartment fires where people have been displaced, floods or earthquakes). If the grant application is successful, one of the ways the funds would be utilized would be to modernize the ESS system moving from a paper-based reception center to an online system provided by the province.
Land Use and Planning Committee
Council endorsed two (2) recommendations from the Land Use and Planning Committee requesting to have public meetings for two (2) Development Variance Permit applications:
Development Variance Permit No. 448 -1122 Vidal Street (DVP 22-007)Â
Galaxy Brewing, is proposing to install a free-standing canopy which currently does not meet the minimum setback requirements in the Zoning Bylaw.
The homeowner is seeking relief from the maximum permitted height requirement for an exterior architectural feature (decorative chimney and ironwork) on a new single-family home
January 30, 2023
Quit Your Crabbing
Over the past 10 days DFO Department of Fisheries and Oceans have had patrols out in Semiahmoo and Boundary Bay collecting abandoned crab traps left in the water. The traps are picked up annually by officials as abandoned or illegal traps traps
“DFO fishery officers conduct dragging operations at various times in the year to retrieve illegally set gear, that are out of compliance for numerous reasons. These can include crab traps that have been set with no marked floats and actively fishing without proper escape mechanisms or rot cord as required by regulation. Traps that have been lost or abandoned will also be retrieved,” the DFO said.
The commercial crab fishery accounts for almost one-third of the wholesale value of the province’s wild shellfish products, the DFO said.
A large number of crabs were released from the seized and salvaged nets.
A smoldering overnight fire between Friday and Saturday has resulted in the deaths of dozens of exotic animals at the Urban Safari Rescue Society located in South Surrey on 176th street south of 16th avenue. The cause of the fire is believed to be a power surge which occurred when the power came back on after an outage.
The society has posted the following MSG and plea on their FACEBOOK page.
On January 28th in the early morning a fire was started at Urban Safari killing over 60 animals during the night. While we are heartbroken we are all working 24/7 to care for the animals who survived this devastating event. In the meantime we need help, a lot of it! Currently we are in need of any donations such as food, substrates, heat/uv lights, large and mid-size enclosures, temporary homes for some animals who need more intensive care. We have created a GoFundMe https://gofund.me/e4a20a6d where you can donate to us which will help us care for these animals. While we wait for further details we may need to relocate, if anyone can help us find another location temporary or otherwise please email president@urbansafari.ca
January 29, 2023
Freedom Convoy Reunion 2023
With horns blaring and flags flying members of the BC Freedom Convoy reunited on Saturday to celebrate the one year anniversary of trucks and supporters rolling into Ottawa to protest against government overreach, ongoing COVID-19 mandates and loss of freedom.
Over 250 vehicles adorned with Canadian flags and political slogans gathered at the Colossus Theatre in Langley before taking a long circuitous route through out much of the Lower Mainland.
This started with a drive westbound on the #1 Hwy over the Port Mann and Iron Workers Memorial bridges. A southern leg then went through West Van, over the Lions Gate bridge into Stanley Park and along English Bay.
From there the Convoy crossed the Burrard bridge and Arthur Lang bridge, doing a few laps around the YVR airport much to the angst of the RCMP stationed there who started blocking access points just as the line of honking cars left the area.
Heading back east, this red and white parade went through the George Massey tunnel, turning into the Semi-Pen on Crescent Road, through Ocean Park and across the busy White Rock waterfront. The positive feedback from well-wishers along Marine Drive was heartfelt.
East Beach resident showing support
The last destination was the Pacific Border truck crossing where no attempt was made to blockade access into the USA. The final meeting spot was at 8 Ave. and 176 St., named "Freedom Corner" from the constant protests held there a year ago that led to many travel and vaccination restrictions finally being lifted.
Pay Parking Change
Don't Call The Cops
Last week while leaving SAVE ON'S parking lot in White Rock in the middle of the day, I encountered two gentleman who were in the extensive process of boiling down their drugs in a spoon and filling up their hypodermic needles with the concoction. As this was happening in plain view on a bench by Shopper's Drug Mart I thought I would alert our local RCMP detachments. Imagine my surprise when I was informed:
Starting Jan. 31, 2023, there will no longer be criminal penalties for adults aged 18 and over in BC who possess 2.5g or less of certain illegal drugs for personal use. Some exceptions apply. This means that instead of arresting, charging people or seizing drugs, police will offer information to people about local health and social supports, including treatment and recovery services.
January 28, 2023
Get Them In Out of The Cold
A polar vortex is moving into our region this weekend. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for the next few days. The City of White Rock is funding a daytime warming centre which is open from 7 a.m. - 10 p.,m. The centre is located next to the oval track and baseball diamond in Centennial Park.
There is also and overnight warming centre located near the intersection of 24th avenue and 148th street at the Mount Olive Lutheran Church. That cold weather warming centre is open from 10 p.m. - 7 a.m.
If you encounter anyone who appears to be living on the street, please take a moment to make sure they are aware of these two helpful warming locations.
January 27, 2023
Two Sides To Every Story
Surrey Mayor BRENDA LOCKE
Minister Farnworth said in the last hour that policing is Surrey’s decision to make, and Council has made the decision to maintain the RCMP. The City is now considering its options as I do not believe the Province’s reason to delay its decision is justified. The inability to make a timely decision is unfair to SPS and RCMP officers and their families. It also impacts the City’s ability to complete our budget for 2023. The longer two police agencies are operating with this uncertainty, the more taxpayer dollars are being unnecessarily spent. The instability needs to come to an end, and a timely response is critical. The City and the RCMP completed comprehensive plans on the steps forward to maintain the RCMP. We have clearly and thoroughly provided all the necessary details to demonstrate our ability to maintain the Surrey RCMP and can do so in a more cost effective and timely way than continuing with SPS. The RCMP has served Surrey well for 70 years and crime has been trending downward over the past decade.
It is natural to want more information as we put our Plans into effect. It is a waste of time to continue to do that work prior to the Province’s decision. The Minister needs to confirm the City has already made the decision. Now we need to act to get more information and an Action Plan in place. The City is ready to act. The Province needs to do the right thing and confirm the City has the right to this decision.
Mayor Brenda Locke
Mike Farnworth
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement about the Surrey policing transition:
“While municipalities are responsible for local policing and law enforcement, it’s my responsibility to ensure adequate and effective policing is maintained in Surrey, the region and throughout British Columbia, so that people are kept safe.
“Ministry staff have completed a comprehensive review of the submissions we received in December from the City of Surrey, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Surrey Police Service regarding the Surrey police transition.
“It’s clear that considerable work has gone into developing these plans and reports, and I appreciate their timely submission.
“The director of police services has determined that additional information is required to inform further consideration of the matter and has made a request to the parties for that information.
“The policing transition in Surrey is unprecedented and complex and requires a full and in-depth analysis. I am grateful for the work all parties have undertaken to date. We will await their timely responses and look forward to continued collaboration.
“This matter affects not only policing in Surrey, but across the province. The stability of policing is fundamental to ensuring our provincial responsibilities are met. Public safety in the City of Surrey and throughout British Columbia continues to be our core driving principle.”
Delta Police Shocker / Sad But True
On January 23, 2023, shortly after noon, the Delta Police Department (DPD) received a report of an individual who was outside the safety rail on the southbound side of the Alex Fraser Bridge. DPD officers arrived on the scene and began negotiating with the man. Officers actively negotiated with the distressed male from a safe distance, a strategy designed to de-escalate and reduce the anxiety of an individual already in a heightened emotional state.
Unfortunately, southbound lanes on the bridge were closed for the safety of the distressed male and first responders for an extended period. A variety of reasons are considered for closing lanes on the bridge. The bridge deck is a loud environment; the sound of engines, tires, and road noise, is complicated by heavy gusts of heavy wind and the sway of the bridge, elevating the danger to those involved. While the overall decision to close the bridge is complex, it is guided by the DPD's priority to preserve life.
Various distractions impacted the DPD's priority to preserve life, including drivers "rubber-necking" to get a view, honking horns, yelling at the individual in crisis, and even encouraging them to take action. Some impacted drivers walked up the bridge deck, made contact with officers, interfered with the negotiations, and even videoed or photographed the individual in crisis.
During this closure, several commuters were gridlocked on the bridge leading to frustration and causing drivers to take chances and drive aggressively. Additional impacts included secondary collisions.
Just before 6:00 pm, a frustrated motorist went around several highway vehicles managing the road closure, striking a highway vehicle and a concrete barrier, causing several thousand dollars of damage to all vehicles involved. Some DPD officers were forced to disengage from the crisis to deal with this incident.
Shortly after 7:00 pm, another driver ignored a flagger's direction and drove around barricades, placing the flagging staff, highway workers, the individual in crisis, and first responders in danger. Upon further investigation, this driver was found to be impaired and issued a 90-day driving suspension along with a 30-day vehicle impound.
Shortly before 8:00 pm, after standing on a small platform outside the bridge railing and hanging for nearly 8 hours, negotiations with the impacted male concluded with him agreeing to climb back over the rail to safety and surrendering to the officers working to help him. The individual was then provided with the medical attention he needed.
The DPD team worked with various partners to safely manage and resolve this situation, including RCMP officers, a high-angle rescue team from the Delta Fire Department, the Integrated Emergency Response Team, Mainroad highway contractors, BC Ambulance, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Chief Neil Dubord stated, "I am proud of the work and commitment of all first responders, which led to the team saving the distressed individual's life in a mental health crisis. We also recognize that the bridge closure caused frustrations, and our team will review this incident with our partners to determine how we can lessen the future impact on the public."
IMAGINE
You had a long day at work. It’s the usual rush hour traffic until you get to the Alex Fraser bridge. But all of a sudden traffic stops. You wait patiently for traffic to start moving when you hear on the radio that there is a distraught person on the bridge contemplating suicide.
You wait and wait, when you get out of your car and start yelling “JUMP”. “JUMP”.
All of a sudden traffic starts to move. You have no idea what transpired.
You get home, make a drink if that’s what you do and then make some dinner. A little while later your Brother calls. He is breaking down and crying. You wait until he calms down when you ask him what is wrong. He tells you through sobs that his only Son just took his life by jumping off the Alex Fraser bridge.
IMAGINE
Is waiting in traffic more important than a person’s life? That person could be someone you know or love.
IMAGINE
Seen that happen on the Alex Fraser when I was on highway patrol. 06;30 in the morning. People pissed off yelling at him. He jumped. Left his wallet for us to identify him. I can still see him let go. Landed in the parking lot of the pub. Makes one sick at humanity sometimes.
January 22, 2023
Crescent Beach Residents Railroaded - AGAIN
On Saturday morning at approximately 10 a.m. a northbound BNSF coal train broke down near the swing bridge next to the marina, blocking all road access to Crescent Beach.
The cause of this incident was a broken knuckle that connects the coal cars. It took BNSF crews three hours to find and fix the problem. With long trains, curves in the tracks and a 10 mph speed limit at the bridge, the knuckles sometimes snap under the strain.
These track blockages happen on average once a year and generally last 2-3 hours. The railway is supposed to separate the train and clear the road in 5 minutes but this never happens as there are no consequences.
Besides being a major irritant to residents of Crescent Beach and people wanting to visit there, these breakdowns stop all emergency services from entering the village. The northbound AmTrak passenger train leaving Bellingham at 9:52 a.m. for Vancouver was also delayed due to this stoppage.
Over the years there have been proposals from Surrey City Hall for an emergency access road, a tunnel under the train tracks and most recently a bridge over them. With the BNSF trains causing this problem maybe they can help pay the construction costs for whatever remedy is chosen.
Don Pitcairn reporting
January 20, 2023
Our Rock Is Sinking
An interesting before and after shot of our famous White Rock.
These shots show very clearly that the rock was indeed moved at some point and sadly they have to paint it white all the time because of the never ending graffiti.
Here's my forensic photo case for it, that I've made over and over again...
Using the remaining red reference T-shape lines, you can see that the rocks and sand have risen around the rock and beach in this picture, since the 1950's.
No one has sliced off the bottom third of the rock and dropped it down...
Share your feedback with the BC Environmental Assessment Office
We plan to build a ‘living dyke’ in Mud Bay foreshore to protect our coastal habitats, vital infrastructure and community from coastal flooding and sea level rise.
Work will begin in February on testing the living dyke concept in two pilot sites in Mud Bay.
We are also seeking an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) Exemption Order for the fuller living dyke due to the restorative nature of the project and its low likelihood of causing significant adverse effects. The project will still need to meet all the necessary environmental requirements and studies. The advantage of the exemption is that the timeline is more streamlined so that we could begin this innovative project sooner.
As part of the EA process, the Province has commenced its Public Comment Period that runs from January 11 to February 27 and wants to hear from you. You can provide feedback through the Province's website, or attend an upcoming open house to learn more:
In-person Open House at Surrey City Hall on Thursday, January 26 from 3pm to 6pm (registration not required).
Virtual Open House on Wednesday, February 1 from 12pm to1:30pm (registration required).
Council was outfitted with Coldest Night of the Year toques by SOURCES Abby Gemino/Event Planner and Marc Burchell Co-chair of SOUTCES FOUNDATION. The annual fundraising event is one of the largest sources of funding SOURCES draws back from the community.
There are 185 cities in Canada that host an annual COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR walk. White Rock consistently for the past couple of years has raised more money than the rest of the participating communities. Now in it's 10th year White Rock/South Surrey SOURCES has raised close to one million dollars.
For more information and your pledge sheet (click here)
Amtrak is reintroducing a second round-trip on its passenger train service, from Vancouver to Portland. This means the Cascades service connecting Vancouver, Seattle and Portland will be fully operational by March.
Train 517 will leave Vancouver about 6:45 am, arriving in Seattle about 11:00 am and in Portland about 3:00 pm. Train 518 will leave Portland about 3:00 pm, arriving in Seattle about 6:30 pm and in Vancouver about 11:00 pm. Currently the one train service between Vancouver and Seattle leaves Vancouver @ 5:45 pm.
Tickets go on sale in February, when exact schedules also will be announced.
Our station at Crescent Beach lost one of our own over the Holidays.
Dan Savage was an integral piece to making our station the successful organization it is today. Dan officially started with RCMSAR in February 1999. Since joining the station at Crescent Beach, he was not only a member that many others looked to for direction and leadership, but he was also a coxswain and Station Leader. He was the recipient of the CCGA National Leadership Medal as well. Outside of our station, Dan spent many countless hours as a society member, Station Trainer as well as time as an RCMSAR board member. These are simply a handful of the many things Dan accomplished with the RCMSAR community. We will forever be grateful. Dan will be missed by many within our family of volunteers as well as the community.
Rest In Peace Dan
January 13, 2023
Robbie Bachman/BTO Passes
Brother RANDY BACHMAN (and band mate in BTO Bachman Turner Overdrive) made the short announcement yesterday his brother ROBBIE had passed at the age of 69.
I just got a call from Fred Turner and my youngest brother Robbie has joined Mum, Dad & brother Gary on the other side.
Fred said maybe Jeff Beck needs a drummer to play with.
He was an integral cog in our rock 'n' roll machine and we rocked the world together.
BACHMAN made his home in the South Surrey area which is now known as Morgan Creek throughout his whole musical career with BTO. ROBBIE was very much a recluse and only ventured out into the local public realm on very rare occasions.
Robbie Bachman second from right
Robbie was credited with creating the famous gear graphic for the band.
BTO was Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame 14 years ago in a ceremony held in their hometown of Winnipeg.
The city of White Rock has received word from the Provincial Courts the petition by homeowners along the Centre street walkway to allow to maintain their encroachments on city land, has been denied.
The city of White Rock has a number of roadway paths that run from various points on the hillside (mainly from Columbia avenue south to Marine Drive). These north south access routes at one point in time were literally speaking "road ends" that at one point in time were considered to be extension of existing roads.
Over the years, and in some cases dating back over 2 decades residents have encroached on the city property. The most glaring example of literally dozens of encroachments happens to be on the centre street walkway. The resident on the right hand side of the above picture has literally absorbed 3/4 of the city property.
Councillor Fathers / residents meeting 2014
Dating back over 12 years the late city councillor HELEN FATHERS was charged with the task to work with residents of White Rock, including the offending residents who have encroached, to come up with a plan for the reclamation and development of the hillside access owned by the city.
The push back from the residents that had encroached as well as adjoining properties was long and arduous.
The city of White Rock under FATHERS had pans to start with Centre street and then expand the reclamation and development of all of its road ends.
Given the number of years the project has dragged on the costs have increased exponentially. Council in the 2018-2022 term rejected the final ballooned price tag of over $3 million dollars. The new council recently elected will now be charged with developing a scaled back design (money wise).
The new council will receive a full report at Monday's council meeting on what the next steps will be. It is not known if the residents affected will file an appeal with the Provincial court
IHIT execute search warrant on Surrey rural property
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) have executed a search warrant on a Surrey rural residence.
Background: On January 10, 2023, IHIT executed a search warrant in the 18200-block of 83 Avenue in Surrey, BC, as they continue to advance a recent homicide. IHIT is working in partnership with the Surrey RCMP, the Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS) and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS).
“Due to the size of the property, there will be a large police presence over the next few days as we continue to process the property,” says Sgt. Timothy Pierotti, of IHIT. “At this time we can’t say to which file this is relating, as we need to protect the integrity of the investigation and respect the privacy of those involved.”
Further information will be released once available.
Dispute over staffing new unit at White Rock's Peace Arch Hospital
It's a facility supposedly ready to help people in need of mental health support. White Rock's Peace Arch Hospital just completed a multi-million dollar upgrade but it's sitting empty because of a dispute over who's going to staff it.
 Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis says a statement from Mayor Brenda Locke today claiming there would be a 55 per cent tax increase to continue with the Surrey police transition is a scare tactic that continues to muddy the waters and reinforces the need for real, independent financial numbers around the choice of police services.
“I have always wanted the real facts and frankly was shocked that the city identified more than 40 different assumptions that had to be made as it prepared its report on the cost of the transition,“ noted Annis. “That’s a ridiculous number of assumptions and begs the question, just how much of the financial report can we take seriously, and that applies to the mayor’s 55 per cent tax increase statement.”
Annis said there should have been an “independent set of eyes” on the financial numbers around transition.
“Instead, we have numbers from the SPS, the RCMP, and the city, and these multiple versions continue to leave Surrey taxpayers on the sideline and in the dark about the real facts,” added Annis. “As a result, this statement from the mayor about a 55 per cent tax increase adds even more confusion and doubt, and really feels like a last-ditch effort to scare Surrey voters, rather than inform them with the real financial facts and figures.”
Brenda Locke
Surrey mayor BRENDA LOCKE has not responded to media inquiries for a comment. Surrey council next convenes a week from today where this matter will no doubt be front and centre.
Hockey Night In Semiahmoo
The Surrey Eagles of the Junior A BCHL played host to the Coquitlam Express yesterday afternoon at the South Surrey arena. The game afforded the fans in the stands fast paced end to end action. The game ended in a 3-3 tie. There was no score in overtime play, so the two teams went to a shootout with The Express coming out on top.
Our Surrey Eagles now hit the road for a series of games.
The next home game for The Eagles will be Sunday January 29 when the Cowichan Valley Capitals come to town.
Born in White Rock, raised in Surrey CAEDAN BANKIER is bringing home the gold from the Maritimes.
BANKIER has played for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League for the past 3 years. He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2021.
In the past 24 games this year with Kamloops and he has amassed 33 points.
January 04, 2023
If We Could Only Get AMTRAK To Stop In White Rock
Amtrak has revealed the design for its new Cascades trains that will debut in 2026
Amtrak Airo trains will have modern, spacious interiors and panoramic windows, and the trains themselves will be more fuel efficient, travel faster, and have new amenities.
“Amtrak Cascades is eager to welcome new trains to our scenic 18-city route linking Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia,” said Ron Pate, director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight and Ports Division, in a press release
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
The 15th annual Polar Bare Plunge skinny-dip went swimmingly today with a record 23 people braving the icy waters of CRB.
The Mad Hatters Swim Club was out in force with four people completing the triple swims at White Rock, Crescent Rock and English Bay in just 2.5 hours.
Jamie Lee Kwen lead the charge for his record 7th time, Don Pitcairn returned for his 2nd trifecta at age 60, while Helene and Drew likely completed the 3 swims, we are waiting for their photos.
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
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