White Rock Sun - [ Local ]

Based on feedback from the citizens of White Rock during the development of our strategic plan and at our community engagement events, we heard you loud and clear that the unnecessary noise from vehicles with modified mufflers or no mufflers is unwanted.

Section 7A.01 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations prohibits excessive noise from a vehicles engine, exhaust system, braking system, or from contact of the tires with the roadway. White Rock RCMP will be conducting focused enforcement via education, a violation ticket for unnecessary noise ($109), and/or an order for a vehicle inspection.

Motorcycles and cars that have been modified to increase the exhaust sound or do not have a muffler are disturbing the peace in White Rock. Those that are driving around in obvious contravention of the law will be issued a violation ticket and be given a written order to have their vehicle inspected. Others may be subject to a roadside inspection that results in education and/or an order at an inspection facility.

“Although this is the law throughout British Columbia, I want to ensure that the message for residents and visitors to White Rock is loud and clear – loud vehicles are illegal and not welcome – and we will be conducting ongoing enforcement.”

Use It Or Lose It

This past holiday weekend there were nowhere near the number of motor vehicle accidents due to the decreased volume of travelers. Here is a snapshot of what the RCMP in the Fraser Valley were dealing with over the VIctoria Day Weekend.

BC RCMP Traffic Services has announced that traffic enforcement would be returning to pre-COVID-19 levels in light of a noticeable spike in excessive speed offences. This announcement coincided with Canada Road Safety Week and the month of May High Risk Driving Campaign.

BC RCMP Traffic Services can report that, although there were no fatal collisions on provincial highways over the long weekend, the same cannot be said for the number of excessive speed violations over the same period.

Here’s a snap shot from several individual BC RCMP Traffic Services Units from around the province that have reported their enforcement results:

· Lower Mainland IRSU reported 19 excessive speed violations among many other infractions that Unit enforced, including taking an unsafe commercial vehicle out of service.

Of particular note was one individual who was stopped for excessive speed by Lower Mainland IRSU for going 130 km/h in a residential zone, then stopped (in a different vehicle) four hours later by an officer from Fraser Valley Traffic Services (Chilliwack) for driving over 160 km/h on Highway 1. That driver has been referred to RoadSafetyBC to consider a lengthy driving prohibition.

BC RCMP Traffic Services Unit Commanders from every corner of the province are reporting higher than usual numbers of excessive speeding offences:

· BC RCMP Traffic Services Units from Sea to Sky, Port Mann and Fraser Valley Traffic Services collectively reported a total of 42 tickets/vehicle impounds for excessive speed; and
· In total, BC RCMP Traffic Services (including IRSU) across the province impounded nearly 150 vehicles for excessive speed alone over the long weekend.

Driving is a privilege and BC is a leader when it comes to holding drivers accountable for their actions. BC RCMP Traffic Services wishes to remind motorists to make good decisions and drive safely as we enter into an easing of some COVID-19 restrictions. Bend the curve, don’t break the rules!

Ocean Parker

Something to look up to! We are so happy to have our village banners back up. These brand new banners are slightly modified with no tail flap, unlike the old banners. We hope the windstorms will leave less impact on these ones! The banners are a partner project between us, the Ocean Park Community Association and The City of Surrey! We love keeping our village beautified.

He's Back!

Back when our iconic waterfront pier in White Rock was destroyed in a storm, local resident BROOKE COLBY started talk around town that he was going to get an EVIL KNIEVEL type motorcyclist to jump what was left of Canada's Longest Pier.

Then he left for Mexico,. Well he is back in THE ROCK and has a whole new plan for a jump over the length of the pier on a rocket powered motorcycle. He has created a GOFUNDME site for donations. So far he has amassed $21.00 for the jump.

The beautiful town of White Rock has been devastated yet again, and our local businesses have suffered. We need to do a world class event that will get people back to the amazing beaches of White Rock.

My pledge to my community "I, Brooke Colby promise to attempt to jump the length of the famous White Rock pier in a rocket ship to help invigorate this amazing town!"

Many businesses are readying their establishments to welcome back customers ASAP. For restaurateurs it will be an involved process of preparing a complete plan on how seating will work with spacing clearly indicated. This plan will be kept on file with FRASER HEALTH and if there are any complaints about overcrowding there will be an approved plan in place. Restaurants are hoping to open in early June.

Local Lawyer Receives Major Nomination

Terri-Lynn Williams Davidson

Thank You Bonnie

The COVID-19 situation in British Columbia is continually evolving, and the information below is current as of 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2020.

Shedding Light On The Massey Tunnel Problem

Work is underway to improve brightness and visibility in the George Massey Tunnel.

The existing lights on the tunnel walls and ceiling will be converted to an LED standard to increase visibility and better illuminate the tunnel for drivers, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other work includes improving tunnel drainage to prevent ice build-up and water from pooling at tunnel entrances. The ventilation and electrical systems will also be upgraded. These additional safety improvements are already underway and are scheduled to be completed by spring 2021.

Black & McDonald Limited of Vancouver has been awarded a contract valued at $19 million for this work, which is part of a $40-million suite of interim safety and reliability improvements.

To minimize delays for drivers, the majority of work will be done at night. Drivers and cyclists are advised to watch for night-time lane closures and obey all traffic-control personnel, construction speed limits and signs.

Surrey Shows Hospital Workers Love

The critical work of our healthcare workers has been heroic in our fight against COVID-19. As an extension of our gratitude to Surrey’s healthcare workers, the City of Surrey installed healthcare appreciation street banners around Surrey Memorial Hospital and Peace Arch Hospital Tuesday.

“Every night, Surrey residents and staff across our city join the 7pm cheer, as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices healthcare workers are making to battle COVID-19 on the frontlines,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “With the installation of these street banners surrounding Surrey Memorial and Peace Arch Hospitals, our hope is that our nurses, doctors, first responders and paramedics are reminded every day that our community recognizes their dedication and service. Our healthcare workers are among the best in the world, working tirelessly to keep our community healthy and safe, and these banners are a small way of saying thank-you.”

The Peace Arch News Is Asking For Your Support

Black Press the owners of all the community newspapers serving the South of the Fraser region are asking for your financial aid.

Black Press Media multimedia journalists are among the very best in Western Canada, earning accolades for their high-quality, insightful and compelling news coverage and story-telling.

I have had the immense privilege of working with hundreds of these fine professionals over a 40-year-plus journalism career. I can say there are no other more dedicated, more focused and more community-minded individuals in the media industry.

But with great angst, I must report that the damage that COVID-19 is inflicting on businesses is dramatically thinning our ranks. The community news media industry is not in any way being spared the chilling, catastrophic drops in revenues seen across all sectors of the business world.

White Rock Council Rewind

- The Provincial government has indicated we enter PHASE II of the COVID pandemic after the long weekend. It was noted we should not expect restaurants to have diners replacing the current take out system, the start date for this change has not been decided. The same goes for all the other services that have been told they can open in Phase II. Stay tuned.

- Waterfront Parking. The city will open one half of the parking lot at the far western end of the city's waterfront parking. The lot will be for White Rock residents only who display a valid parking sticker. On East Beach the fenced off portion of the lot at the far end of eastern point of our =city parking lots will see a small portion there opened for vehicles with a valid parking ticket available from the dispensers. NOTE: The current 30 minute parking on the North side of Marine Drive is PAY PARKING. You must have a valid paid ticket to park there as well or you will be ticketed.

- The awarding of the million dollar plus contract to shore up the slope stability along Marine Drive (Hump area) has been deferred to a later date.

- Prospect Avenue clock tower has been accepted by White Rock council. The current owner of the property (location of Islands Coffee) generously donated the clock top the city.

White Rock council meets again next Tuesday @ 7 p.m. following the Victoria Day long weekend.

Tips from the public lead to drug bust in South Surrey

Suspected drug trafficking at a South Surrey residence has been quashed thanks to tips from the public.

RCMP began an investigation after being tipped off on a possible illegal cannabis store operating at a residence in the 16400-block of 24A Avenue. The Surrey RCMP Drug Unit executed a search warrant at the residence on April 23, 2020, and located evidence of alleged drug trafficking, including indications of illegal online cannabis sales.

As a result of the investigation, officers located and seized a number of items consistent with drug trafficking including cocaine and MDMA. Police also located drug cutting agents, drug packaging and processing materials. Multiple cell phones were seized along with various packaged cannabis products, and $1700 in cash.

A man and woman were arrested and later released pending further investigation. No charges have been laid at this time.

“This is a great example of Surrey residents helping to address the illicit drug trade in the community,” says acting Proactive Enforcement Officer, Staff Sergeant Ryan Element. “Despite the legalization of cannabis, we will continue to enforce drug laws and target illegal drug activity in Surrey.”

This is a good reminder to the public that it is not only illegal to sell cannabis from an unauthorized dealer, it is also illegal to purchase cannabis from an unauthorized dealer, regardless if the purchase is in-store or online. The products sold at illegal cannabis stores are not regulated and therefore may contain harmful additives. For more information on cannabis sale and consumption laws, please visit https://cannabis.gov.bc.ca/.

SRY Rail Link Serpentine Bridge Replacement

We’ve partnered with Southern Railway of British Columbia to replace the aging railway bridge over the Serpentine River. The 40-metre long timber bridge was vulnerable to floatation in the case of a severe flood.

The new crossing will incorporate innovative flood control features. Features include concrete walls on both sides of track to protect the track from flooding and steel sheet pile connections to Surrey’s extensive flood control system.

What will this Project Achieve?

Hearts Across The Border

Friends, families and loved ones turned out in droves yesterday for Mothers Day along 0 avenue east of White Rock.

Border officials reported no incidents or violations along the U.S. / Canada border

Charges Laid

IHIT has now proceeded with charges against a White Rock resident. The charges come as a result of a domestic fight in the lobby of the Ocean Ridge apartment complex in Marc, The apartment is located in White Rock's FIVE CORNERS district.

A Mr. Banner was charged with manslaughter in the death of Mr. Godfrey. His next court appearance is on July 15 in Surrey court. No further information will be released from us as the case is now before the court.

Get On The Bus - Back To Work

People in Metro Vancouver can rest assured that they will be able to get back to work as the Province of B.C. and TransLink announced their commitment to ensure transit service is available as British Columbians safely restart the province and its economy in the coming weeks and months.

The Province and TransLink are working on a comprehensive solution to address the major financial impacts that TransLink, like many transit agencies across the country, has incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the progress in these discussions, TransLink and its operating companies will suspend the service reductions planned to begin on May 18 and rescind layoff notices issued to approximately 1,500 employees. The Province and TransLink will also continue to call on the federal government for a national solution to the challenges facing transit systems.

With the release of British Columbia’s Restart Plan, TransLink will review all transit service levels to ensure it is balancing the need to help people get around the region, with the need to maintain and respect enhanced safety protocols. Further service and safety-related announcements will be made in due course.

Drink LOCAL - Peace Arch Pilsener

Congratulations to White Rock Beach Beer on their creation of a version of one of their craft beers that are now available in cans, just in time for summer. Initially the cans will be available only at their head office on Russell avenue adjacent to White Rock's world famous Wyland whale wall.

The plan is to stock the beer in local liquor stores and restaurants once they reopen under the new guidelines.

OUR STORY

The Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP) implores all provincial governments to ensure that the high-dose flu vaccine is publicly funded for as many seniors as possible, in preparation for this fall.

According to FluWatch, the 2018-19 season saw an annual seasonal hospitalization rate that was above average compared to the previous five seasons. Adults 65 years of age and older had the highest overall hospitalization rate (60%), and the highest proportion of deaths was reported among adults over 65years of age (66%).

“With all that remains unknown as we continue the battle against COVID-19, we must also be prepared for what we know is coming,” says Ramona Kaptyn, President of CARP White Rock Surrey. “We should be safeguarding our seniors as best we can, and that includes funded and easy access to the best-in-class options for both flu and pneumonia.”

Given the rising concern in long-term care and residential care facilities, CARP also asks that all seniors living in long-term care or residential care settings should have annual immunization clinics to
administer high-dose flu and pneumonia vaccine protections.

FluWatch reported that 62% of reported outbreaks were in long-term care facilities, and a further 22% were in other settings (e.g. retirement homes, correctional facilities, etc.). British Columbia does not have any programs that publicly fund high-dose flu vaccines for older adults, including for those living in long-term care homes.

Kaptyn states, “If you are waiting for a flu vaccine that’s 100% effective, you’re putting lives at risk every year.”

By contrast, in Ontario, high-dose flu vaccines are covered for all older adults over 65 years of age, through a physician or via public health.

"If we are in for another fight this fall with Coronavirus and practicing social distancing as we are today, we want to be sure that people get the support and the baseline protections they need, without barriers to access,” says Kaptyn.

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that at an individual
level, the high-dose flu vaccine—which contains four times the standard amount of antigen—should be
offered over the standard dose flu vaccine to adults 65 years of age and older.

Contact: Ramona Kaptyn, President
CARP White Rock Surrey
E: ramonakaptyn@yahoo.ca
T: 778-294-0787

City holds tax increase to 3.11 % despite expected loss of $1.8 million due to COVID-19

Big Thank You

The city of White Rock very proudly has commissioned a giant wall mural to honour our front line workers in our community. Local artist JIM DAVIDSON will soon begin to create the above painting on a large south facing wall of the city's recently created parkade on the city's waterfront..

Free Rides To End

Fare collection and front-door boarding on all buses will resume June 1, says TransLink.

Temporary plexiglass extension barriers are being added to regular buses, while vinyl barriers will be installed on the rest of the fleet.

Collecting bus fares at current ridership levels will generate about $2 million a month.

“We’ve managed to find an innovative solution which ensures the safety of our bus operators, while also allowing for safe fare collection,”TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond says in a release.

“We’ve already started to procure materials and install the barriers on our fleet, with an expectation that this process will be complete by June.”

83% of Surrey residents say now is not the time to replace the RCMP

83% of Surrey residents agree that now is not the time to put money from Surrey taxpayers towards Mayor McCallum’s policing transition, according to a new poll released today by the National Police Federation (NPF) in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Surrey residents have made their priorities clear, focusing on the need for core services and support for those who have been impacted by this pandemic,” said Brian Sauvé, President of the National Police Federation. “People are clearly telling us this is not the right time for this policing transition plan.”

The survey, done by Pollara Strategic Insights and commissioned by the NPF, includes a randomly selected sample of 803 Surrey residents between April 17th and 27th, 2020.

90% of residents say Mayor and Council should take a step back to evaluate spending plans to focus on residents’ most urgent priorities
Only 16% of Surrey residents say that replacing the Surrey RCMP with a municipal police force should be a major priority right now.
Support for the Mayor’s plan dropped from 48% in January to 31% in this April survey, while opposition increased from 46% to 60% during the same period.
“COVID-19 has shown how important it is to have dedicated and experienced emergency responders who know their communities,” added Sauvé. “Now is not the time for a disruptive change in policing. We encourage City Council to re-think this plan and focus on the health and safety of people and their communities.”

Crime has decreased steadily in Surrey since 2007 and is now at a ten-year low. Surrey is served by 850 members of the RCMP who speak 51 different languages.

The National Police Federation (NPF) was certified to represent ~20,000 RCMP members serving across Canada and internationally in the summer of 2019. The NPF is the largest police labour relations organization in Canada, the second largest in North America and is the first independent national association to represent RCMP members.

The NPF will focus on improving public safety in Canada by negotiation the first-ever Collective Agreement for RCMP officers, and on increasing resources, equipment, training and supports for our members who have been under-funded for far too long. Better resourcing and support for the RCMP will enhance community safety and livability in the communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.

Blooming Good Idea

May 02, 2020

White Rock parking changes respond to community needs during COVID-19 crisis

City of White Rock announces new Chief of White Rock Fire Rescue

The City of White Rock today announced that Edward Wolfe, Deputy Chief of White Rock Fire Rescue, will become the City’s new Fire Chief starting May 30.

Wolfe began with White Rock in 1991 as a career suppression firefighter, became Captain in 2009 and was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in 2014. He is a member of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia, the Greater Vancouver Fire Chiefs’ Association, the British Columbia Fire Training Officers’ Association and the Fire Prevention Officers’ Association of B.C.

Wolfe will replace retiring Fire Chief Phil Lemire who finishes with White Rock on May 29. Lemire, also the City’s emergency co-ordinator, extended his stay with the City until his replacement was named.

We Have A Winner!!!!

White Rock resident TIBOR TUSNADY is the newest millionaire after purchasing a lotto ticket last week at a local service station. TUSNADY was born in Hungary and has worked as a pharmacists locally for nearly 40 years.

Where was TIBOR when he made the discovery he was Canada's newest millionaire? In the mens reading room of course.

His visit to the restroom and its solitude afforded TIBOR the time to check his lotto ticket numbers.

Clean Bill of Health

Fraser Health has declared that COVID-19 outbreaks are over at five long term care and assisted living facilities in the Fraser Health region. Fraser Health has implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long term care, assisted living and independent living facilities, and there are no longer any COVID-19 cases at these sites.

While we continue to make progress on outbreaks throughout the Fraser Health region, there is one new case at each of these facilities: Eden Care Centre, Guildford Seniors Village and New Vista Care Home.

A resident at Eden Care Centre was diagnosed with COVID-19. Eden Care Centre, owned by Fraser Valley Care Centre Management Ltd., is located in Chilliwack and includes long term care services. The resident is in isolation at home in long term care.

A staff member at Guildford Seniors Village was diagnosed with COVID-19. Guildford Seniors Village, owned by Retirement Concepts, is located in Surrey and includes long term care services. The staff member is in isolation at home.

White Rock/South Surrey Bus Routes to Be Discontinued This Month

Due to the reduced ridership on TRANSLINK buses running between White Rock & South Surrey going into Vancouver, two routes will be eliminated in Mid-May.

The 352 and 354 buses which service the Peninsula during rush hours will be temporarily suspended until ridership returns to normal levels.

Surrey & White Rock RCMP Stand In Tribute and Honour

RCMP and police detachments all across Canada yesterday stopped and observed a moment of silence to honour the memory of slain RCMP officer Const. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year member of the force and mother of two, was identified as the officer killed in that killing rampage in New Brunswick last Sunday

Showing Our Colour

Friday also was a nationally dedicated day for Canadians far and wide to wear red to show their solitary remembrance for the 23 New Brunswick residents who were senselessly gunned down.

Love Knows No Boundaries....Except

IF you are a regular reader of THE SUN you no doubt have enjoyed the beautiful pictures of the day at the top of our main page. One of our often featured photographers is BILL HAWKE.

Bill caught this image the other day when he was out for a bicycle ride along 0 avenue in South Surrey.

What you are looking at is residents of B.C. and Washington meeting daily along the U.S. boundary.

Yesterday CBC radio The Early Edition had a lady on talking about how she visits her American boyfriend a few times each week this way.

Flags Fly At Half Mast

Flags outside White Rock city hall have been lowered to half mast to honour the memory of the 23 Nova Scotia residents senselessly gunned down this week.

Langley Township Goes To Pot

Monday evening Langley Township council passed a by law which will allow cannabis to be sold legally in the municipality. There will be up to 8 stores allowed in the township. One in each neighbour hood (EG: Brookswood, Fort Langley, Milner etc)

The fact the township passed their legislation on April 20 aka 4/20 the national day for the consumption of cannabis illegally back in the day. Cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2018. The township will now join Surrey (Indigenous Bloom) Semiahmoo First Nations and White Rock which has approved the opening of a store in the uptown district on Johnston Road near Russell avenue.

Peek A Boo The Border Guard Sees You!

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced they have been using an x-ray machine at the Peace Arch Border crossing since last October.

The border officials refer to the new system as the Z PORTAL which is a "multi view, multi technology cargo and vehicle screening system."

An official stated machines have been used elsewhere by CBP for several years, and that the machines do not present a radiation or cancer risk to those who cross the border frequently. “The Z Portal is safe,” he said in an April 13 email. “The exposure level is minuscule and is well below limits established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).”

Separately, Givens said that there have not been any layoffs or reassignments of front line CBP officers due to the drastic reduction in cross-border travel. In an email, a CBSA spokesperson said that no front line CBSA officers have lost their jobs either, although some officers may be reassigned to help with COVID-19 entry screening.

You Gotta Have Heart

Unable to join the nightly crowds in the parking lot behind the Peace Arch Hospital the residents of OCEANA PARC on Johnston Road wanted to send a message to the hospital workers and the first responders.

The residents & staff wanted to show our love & give our thanks to all the front line workers at Peace Arch and beyond!

No Beach Fires!

White Rock Fire Rescue has a message for parents: Don’t let your teens have fires on the beach! This is after four separate fires were started on the beach overnight April 16.

In For The Long Haul

B.C.’s epidemic curve is well below initial projections and COVID-19 cases have plateaued and even started to decline, according to modeling numbers released Friday by the province.

However, travel restrictions could remain in place for up to 18 more months, while an eventual return to school could look different than what students are used to.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry suggested an easing of some health and safety restrictions could occur by mid-May, but cautioned any changes will only be modifications of what’s in place now.

The modeling numbers show how B.C. is doing compared to other provinces and countries and that early restrictions here are working.

“We are experiencing a slowing of our rate of infections and we want that to continue,” Henry says.

B.C. could ease some COVID-19 restrictions next month if active cases and hospitalizations continue to fall, based on new projections.

Dr. Bonnie Henry made the announcement Friday morning, after the release of statistics showing B.C. has so far succeeded in reducing the number of cases and avoided overwhelming the health-care system.

Activities that could return in a few weeks include elective surgeries. Other changes would help reactivate sectors of the economy that aren't contingent on large gatherings of people.

Some activities in schools could resume, but no decision has been made on whether that will happen before the end of the academic year.

"I believe this summer, we will have the opportunity to have way more social opportunities … but we're not quite there yet. So I'm asking for patience," Henry said.

However, Henry cautioned that significant restrictions would still be in place for some time — likely until a vaccine has been developed for the virus — and that B.C.'s continued success in avoiding a large outbreak would continue to rely on public health measures rather than developing herd immunity.

Serious Motor Vehicle Collision - 3800 block of Highway 99

Just before 6 p.m. last evening (Friday) , Surrey RCMP responded to a two vehicle collision in the 3800 block of Highway 99.
Initial indications were that there are serious potentially life threatening injuries involved in this collision.

Traffic in the area was affected for an undetermined time as officers continue their investigation.
Highway 99 was shut down for all south bound traffic and was diverted off of the highway at the King George Blvd/Crescent Road exit.

The investigation into the collision is in its early stages. Investigators are seeking witnesses who observed the collision, or who observed the vehicle prior to the collision, to contact the Surrey RCMP. Investigators are also seeking any available dash-cam video.

Anyone with more information about this incident, who has not yet spoken to police, is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502,

COVID-19: City of Surrey’s 10 Point Action Plan

The City of Surrey has been pro actively working in mitigating and responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the declaration of a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization and almost four weeks before the Province directed the cancellation of all events larger than 250 people on March 12th, the City activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on February 17th to prepare and deploy our COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The 10-Point Action Plan addresses the City’s top priorities of protecting the health of our residents and city staff and ensuring essential services, such as water, utilities, police and fire are safely maintained for the overall well-being of our community.

The 10 Point Action Plan is a living document that represents the City’s commitment to fight the pandemic and is adjusted regularly as new information and scenarios arise. The guiding principle behind the plan is to ensure the greatest possible protection of the individual health of Surrey’s citizens and employees and to provide support for the economic well-being of the city’s businesses and communities both during and after the pandemic.

Transit Social Distancing

Our local community shuttle buses are well prepared to enforce social distancing.

Free Masks

Shoppers exiting the White Rock SAVE ON store were recently surprised to see an Asian lady and her young daughter handing out free packages of masks to anyone that wanted them.

As Simple As ABC

There are two access points to the White Rock Beach. Though the promenade is blocked off there are two openings to allow access to the beach.

Please observe social distancing arriving and leaving the beach. Once out on the sand bars and tidal pools, run free.

Fraser Health Orders Shutdown

The chief medical health officer for the Fraser Health Authority has ordered the immediate closure of all indoor gyms and fitness facilities in the region.

The order applies to weight training, gymnastics and martial arts facilities, as well as yoga and dance studios, and similar facilities in the region, which extends from Burnaby to Boston Bar.

Dr. Martin Lavoie, chief medical health officer, determined such facilities promote the transmission of COVID-19.

Mounties remind you that tissues and toilet paper are not worth an arrest

A Coquitlam woman is facing criminal charges after allegedly coughing at a grocery clerk who would not let her buy extra tissues.

Coquitlam RCMP were called on April 13, 2020, at about 1:45 p.m., by a grocery store employee in the 1400 block of Parkway Boulevard, Coquitlam, who said an irate customer had deliberately coughed onto a grocery store clerk. The suspect was allegedly angry that the clerk had not allowed her to purchase more than the store’s maximum amount of tissue paper.

This is a great example of why we need to keep perspective, take a breath, and treat essential workers like grocery store clerks with the respect they deserve, says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with Coquitlam RCMP. Whether you deliberately cough on police, hospital workers, or grocery clerks, abuse or assaults against essential workers will not be tolerated.

Shortly after speaking to witnesses and reviewing video of the alleged assault, Coquitlam RCMP arrested a 25-year-old Coquitlam woman at her home.

The suspect has no significant history with police. She has been released on an Appearance Notice which compels her to appear in court on July 13, 2020.

Happy 63rd Anniversary White Rock

First elected White Rock Council. Front row, l-r: Ald. Alex Mitchell, Ald. Sid Fennell, Mayor Bill Hodgson, Leslie Brice (Supervisor of Civic Organization), and Ald. William Offer. Back row, l-r: Ald. Max Zack, Ald. Lillian Browne, Solicitor Lorne Jackson, and Ald. Jesse Lee.

On April 15, 1957 the City of White Rock became official with the appointment of it's first council. Prior to that date in 1957 White Rock was part of Surrey. IN those days Surrey was so vast an unpopulated it was broken into wards. The area we now call White Rock was referred to as Ward 7.

Serve & Protect - Arrest made for break and enter

White Rock RCMP have arrested a man for break and enter into a business after warning potential thieves of focused police efforts to protect the community.

Approximately two weeks ago the White Rock RCMP sent a message on social media that we were conducting focused overt and covert patrols to help protect businesses closed due to COVID-19 orders.

On April 2, 2020 in the early morning hours, police were conducting patrols and located a man the officer knew had a history of property crime. The officer discussed the White Rock RCMP’s increased focus on property crime with the man. Later in the early morning a break and enter occurred to a business in the uptown area of White Rock. The investigator identified the suspect as the same man that was spoken to earlier.

On April 6, 2020 police were conducting patrols and located and arrested the man for the break and enter. The man, who was not a resident of White Rock, was later released on an undertaking that included a condition to not be in the city of White Rock.

“We are not hiding the fact that we are actively out in the community to protect businesses and homes. We are a small detachment where our officers know the property crime offenders” stated Staff Sergeant Kale Pauls. “In addition to proactive commercial patrols we are conducting nightly house checks to ensure that those bound by curfew conditions are abiding.”

Aldergrove Crossing Complete

When the travel ban is lifted Fraser Valley travelers who use the Aldergrove/Lynden crossing will be happy the roadwork has now been completed.

These improvements are already helping local traffic and commercial vehicles. International travelers will benefit once current travel restrictions are lifted.

There are now two northbound travel lanes and three southbound lanes on Highway 13 near the Canada-U.S. border between 0 Avenue and 8 Avenue. Northbound, a new lane for slower-moving commercial vehicles will improve traffic flow in the general travel lane. Southbound, a new truck lane and an additional future Nexus lane will improve highway capacity for southbound travelers.

The additional lanes on Highway 13 will shorten southbound queues during peak travel times. Combined with a new southbound left turn on 0 Avenue, area residents will have better access, which will improve traffic on local roads. Safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists were added at 0 Avenue.

The Aldergrove-Lynden crossing on Highway 13 is one of five Canada-U.S. border crossings in the Lower Mainland. Highway 13 becomes State Route 539 south of the border, continuing to Bellingham, Wash. On average, 6,000 vehicles use this section of highway each day in the peak summer season.

As part of new measures to support the provincial health officer’s travel orders and reinforce the federal emergency order under the Quarantine Act, British Columbians returning to the country through a B.C. border crossing are required to provide a self-isolation plan.

City Closes Promenade

In an anticipation of large crowds arriving for a day at the beach this holiday weekend, the city of White Rock has made the tough decision to close the promenade.

Closing all the parking lots and closing our iconic pier has not deterred large crowds coming to our city by the sea as the weather turns nice.

WHITE ROCK, B.C.—April 8, 2020— The City of White Rock is closing its Waterfront Promenade starting April 10 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of visitors to the seaside waterfront.

Mayor Darryl Walker announced the decision today, anticipating groups on the beach and walkways of this popular tourist destination as warm weather and long weekends approach. Fencing around the Promenade will go up starting April 8.

In March, White Rock:
· Closed Waterfront parking lots, including the West Beach Parkade
· Reduced parking on the north side of Marine Drive to a maximum of 15 minutes
· Closed White Rock’s Pier

Semiahmoo First Nations Announces Easter Weekend Closures

City of Surrey is implementing the following measures in advance of the upcoming Easter Weekend

Effective immediately 1001 Steps (12500 Block of 15A Ave) and Christopherson Steps (2409 Christopherson Rd) are closed to all public use. The closures are in effect until further notice.
Starting this Friday, April 10 through Monday, April 13, vehicle access to Crescent Beach will be closed when the beach parking lot is full. When the parking lot is full, all non-residential vehicle traffic will be diverted from the area at Crescent Road and 128th St.

“As we head into the Easter weekend, it is more important than ever that we stay the course and that we all continue to take steps to protect one another and our community,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “We have implemented these measures for the Easter weekend, so that we can continue to do our part to flatten the curve on COVID-19. I know the vast majority of Surrey residents are doing their part. I want to thank you for your continued diligence and for taking personal responsibility in avoiding crowded areas and carrying out these safety measures in this time of pandemic.”

The COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team will be pro actively patrolling busy areas throughout the Easter weekend to ensure that safe physical distancing measures are being observed.

Nightly Hospital Happening

A large crowd is now gathering nightly outside of the Peace Arch Hospital Emergency Ward nightly @ 7 p.m. Whether your sign is in English or Korean the message to staff is the same, THANK YOU.

Nightly @ 7 p.m. first responders slowly parade behind the hospital with their sirens and flashing lights on add to the nightly show of respect and honour.

The City of White Rock has now designate all city pay parking spots to Health Care Workers.

WHITE ROCK STRONG

The COVID-19 situation in British Columbia is continually evolving and the information below is current as of 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

Cases:

Confirmed cases by region:

New provincial advice and measures:

New spaces secured for vulnerable people to self-isolate

To support British Columbians who need a place to self-isolate and to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Province is partnering with local governments, non-profits and the hotel industry.

So far, more than 900 spaces have been secured at 23 sites including hotels, motels and community centres throughout B.C.

“These new spaces are a critical part of how we can support those who are vulnerable in our community, including those who are experiencing homelessness or living in communal locations where the virus could spread more quickly,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “In partnership with health authorities and local government, these new spaces are helping us mitigate the effect of this virus and support our health-care system in communities across the province.”

These new rooms and community centre beds are assisting a range of people, including people experiencing homelessness, people without safe spaces to self-isolate and youth.

Surrey currently has turned the North Surrey Recreation Centre into a safe zone with room for 110 people.

Surrey Bus Driver Tests Positive

TransLink has confirmed a bus driver from Surrey is claiming to have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

While the case has not been confirmed by public health officials, TransLink says relevant buses and workspaces have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

The case would be the third Coast Mountain Bus Company employee to test positive for COVID-19.

The first employee worked out of the Burnaby Transit Centre, and the second worked out of the Port Coquitlam Transit Centre.

Ben Murphy, with TransLink, said there is no elevated risk to the public at this time.

“The employee has our full support and we wish them a speedy recovery. British Columbia has very strict privacy laws and whether to disclose any further details on this case would be a matter for the provincial health officer.

Balbir Mann, president UNIFOR Local 111, said the driver last worked on March 21. Mann said the driver felt symptoms and on his day off, April 3, went to get tested.

Mann said the union has been asking for more disinfecting of buses and that is being done to drivers’ compartments daily now.

Emergency Response

UPDATE - 12:30 P.M.

Resident found deceased following residential fire

A person was located deceased after emergency responders were called to a residential fire earlier this morning.

On April 6, 2020 at approximately 7:30 a.m. White Rock Fire and White Rock RCMP were called to a residential building, in the 1400-block of Foster Street, for a report of fire in one of the units. The fire was quickly extinguished, however the occupant was found deceased. There is no public safety risk and the death is not believed to be suspicious. Due to smoke and water damage, approximately 20 residents have been displaced. The City of White Rock has activated the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre to provide assistance to those displaced.

The BC Coroners Service is investigating and working to confirm identity and the cause of death. To protect the privacy of the deceased, identity will not be confirmed publicly.

The White Rock Fire Service and RCMP are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.

No further information is available to be released at this time.

Shortly after 7:30 a.m. an emergency fire call brought fire and police to the 1400 block of Foster Street in uptown White Rock.

There are no details on the origin of the incident or if there were any injuries. The story is unfolding.

Home Sweet Mobile Home

A couple living at an RV park in Surrey, B.C., has won a long-fought battle to be recognized as tenants so they could be protected by provincial laws and avoid being evicted at a moment's notice.

The Residential Tenancy Branch, which governs the rights and responsibilities of tenant-landlord agreements in the province, recently ruled that Greg and Karona Doubroff fit the legal definition of tenants at the Peach Arch RV Par located on 40th avenue @ King George Highway, where they have lived since 2011.

The 18-page decision examines the myriad details of the Doubroffs' arrangement with the park, including whether they paid GST on their monthly rent or had a frost-free water hook-up. Those types of details can differentiate between a tenancy and a licensing agreement, according to provincial laws.

Paul Lagace, a poverty law advocate based in Prince Rupert who represented the Doubroffs, says the ruling is an important milestone for the increasing number of low-income people who use RV parks and campgrounds for permanent housing.

What you need to know to apply for the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit starting April 6-tomorrow for $2,000 monthly benefit for workers who have stopped working and have no income because of COVID-19. NOTE YOUR MONTH OF BIRTH ON WHEN TO APPLY

New City of White Rock CAO, current CAO at Town of Ladysmith, begins May 19

The City of White Rock is pleased to announce that Guillermo Ferrero, currently the CAO of the Town of Ladysmith, will join the City of White Rock as CAO May 19.

Ferrero has been the CAO of Ladysmith since 2016. During that time, in partnership with Stz’uminus First Nation, Ladysmith was named the Planning Institute of B.C.’s 2018 Gold Winner for the Ladysmith Waterfront Area Plan. During his leadership, the town’s 1st Avenue was named Canada’s 2017 Great Street by the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Ferrero was with the City of Nanaimo from 2005 to 2016, including as Director of Legislative Services, IT and Communications; Manager of Legislative Services; Manager of Business Applications and ERP Systems; Manager of Revenue Services and Financial Systems; and Manager of Business Applications.

Ferrero replaces CAO Dan Bottrill who joined White Rock as CAO in 2012. Bottrill was to finish his tenure with White Rock March 31 but agreed to stay until his replacement was in place.

Moving Day

This weekend, Fraser Health is completing the move-in process to PAH Foundation Lodge, White Rock and South Surrey’s new 200-bed residential care facility patients needing long-term, hospice, and mental health care.

Located at 15575 16A Avenue, the state-of-the-art facility was built on land owned by Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and is being leased by Fraser Health to operate 112 long-term care beds, the 15-bed Melville Hospice Home, and 73 older adult mental health units.

“We are thrilled that the new PAH Foundation Lodge, built by Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and funded by our generous donors, is now complete, on time and on budget,” says Peace Arch Hospital Foundation chair, Geoff Funke. “Thank you to Fraser Health for partnering with us to operate this critically-needed residential care and hospice facility for our community.”

Surrey Lays Off 2,000 Municipal Workers Due to COVID-19.

Coun. Jack Hundial says the layoffs are a result of city facilities like libraries, community centres, museums and theatres being shuttered on March 16.

He says 1,900 of those affected are auxillary workers–those without permanent, full-time jobs, while 140 people with full-time positions at city libraries are also out of work.

“It will be a layoff with full intention of bringing everyone back that we can,” Hundial says. “These are great staff members that we have here and really the residents of Surrey are very lucky and fortunate to be able to have the staff that we do.”

He explains unionized workers will be paid in the short-term, to bridge the gap while they apply for and access government supports.

Hundial says the city is trying to keep services up and running while protecting the safety of staff, with more people working remotely and protocols for social distancing in place.

City of White Rock making temporary changes to parking during COVID-19 pandemic

The City of White Rock is responding to the changing demands for parking during the COVID-19 pandemic, including residents’ parking, parking at the Waterfront and parking near Peace Arch Hospital.

Parking Decals
Recognizing the difficulty in renewing decals at this time, the City will accept 2019 parking decals for use by residents and businesses until Centennial Arena and City Hall reopen.

Waterfront Parking
The City has temporarily closed the Waterfront lots and the West Beach Parkade and will continue to monitor the 15-minute limit for vehicles parked on the north side of Marine Drive. Pay parking is still in effect at the Waterfront, Centennial Arena and Ruth Johnson Park.

Hospital Parking
City of White Rock parking spaces at Peace Arch Hospital will be free at this time. They are to be used only for hospital-related activities and will be monitored. There is no time limit on these spaces.

Critical Parking Operations
Some measures are critical to keeping White Rock safe and its streets operational. Parking-enforcement officers will continue to provide this essential service by enforcing the following:

· Parking in spots designated for people with disabilities
· Safety violations, such as parking too close to a crosswalk, intersection, or in front of a fire hydrant
· Parking in ‘No Parking’ zones
· Blocking a driveway or laneway
· Keeping special zones, such as bus stops, reserved parking and loading zones, open.

The City’s Parking Services team will respond to residents’ parking complaints.

UPDATE

Decision Reached - Read The Full Report

The BC Supreme court this morning released their judgment on the White Rock vs G,S,R, Group Inc. pertaining to the proposed development of a 12 storey highrise at the corner of Johnston Road and Roper Avenue.

The Supreme Court of British Columbia has ruled in favour of the city of White Rock in their stopping the project while they were conducting an OCP review. The developer did have 7 days to file the completed building permit which is what the other developer on the old DEALS WORLD site was able to do.

Supreme Court of B.C. supports City of White Rock building height decision

The Supreme Court of British Columbia has ruled in favour of the City of White Rock with regard to a proposed 12-storey development in the Lower Town Centre, limiting the height of that project to six storeys.

The Supreme Court in Vancouver heard the application by G.S.R. Capital Group Inc. in Aug. 29 and 30, 2019, brought under section 623 of the Local Government Act, to proceed with a project to build a 12-storey building at 1310 Johnston Rd. G.S.R. also sought orders quashing Bylaws 2289 and 2290, among other City resolutions.

The City’s position was that the proposed development does not fit the zoning for the property. In accordance with section 463 of the Local Government Act, the City withheld a building permit until the zoning bylaw in process, reducing the allowable density and restricting the height of buildings on the property to six storeys, was enacted, resulting in a conflict with the proposed development.

The decision was made by the Honourable Madam Justice Forth and shared with the City of White Rock on March 31, 2020.

Mayor Darryl Walker

“City Council did what we thought was in the public interest for the City of White Rock with regard to the height of buildings in the Lower Town Centre of White Rock. The City must ensure development meets the needs of the community while helping to create the White Rock we want to see in the future.”

Message From The White Rock RCMP

Please ensure your business does not attract thieves while closed. Cash & Alcohol is a target item.

Remove it and place posters on windows and doors telling would be thieves you have nothing to steal.

Affordable Rentals Coming To Semiahmoo Peninsula

Surrey has received an application to construct a 6 storey apartment building that will contain 91 affordable rental units.

The proposed housing unit will be constructed on Johnston Road across the street from LEGION #8 near 20th avenue in South Surrey.

See the sign, slow down: all 35 speed cameras in place

Cameras are now clicking at busy, high-risk intersections around B.C., equipped to ticket the fastest vehicles. Here on the Semiahmoo Peninsula the only camera is located @ Johnston Road and King George Highway.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has confirmed that automated speed enforcement equipment is now in place at all 35 planned Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) program sites and operating at 34 of them, on a 24/7 basis. Prominent warning signs are in place to warn and deter speeding drivers.

Government is postponing activation of the new speed enforcement equipment at one location Island Highway at Aulds Road in Nanaimo until mid-September 2020. This grace period is to allow drivers time to adjust to a recent reduction of the speed limit on the highway there, to 70 km/h from 80 km/h. This site remains activated for red-light enforcement.

City of White Rock Changes Garbage Pickup

Last week the city of White Rock we needed to make changes to our solid waste collection practices in order to ensure the safety of our workers. These necessary changes became apparent as we reviewed health and safety practices in light of the COVID-19 crisis. These changes will be necessary in the long term after the COVID-19 crisis and are outlined below:

1. Garbage Collection. As we collect garbage manually, we will no longer accept loose garbage in cans. All garbage must be bagged. With loose garbage, we had situations where tissues and personal care products have blown onto our collectors potentially exposing them to viruses and bacteria.
2. Compost Collection “ We are requesting that residents wrap food scraps in paper or place them in a compostable bag. We had situations where half eaten meals have â€œslimedâ€ onto our collectors.
3. Recycling Collection “ No changes

Unfortunately, we needed to roll these changes out quickly without much notice to residents. We put information on the website, but realize that not everyone regularly reviews the website. Where possible, we collected the solid waste and left a sticker for next time. In some cases, we have not been able to safely complete the collection, so we left information stickers with the Operations phone number. We assigned additional resources to solid waste collection this week so we can go back and complete the missed pickups provided that the materials are properly presented. We dropped off bags for those who were self isolating and couldn't leave home to get bags.

We had some complaints, but most people seem satisfied as long as we go back and pickup up the bagged materials.

Although I haven't checked, there could be other Cities with automated pick up where the safety rules are not as rigorous.

Attached is the text of the stickers placed on cans. I hope this clarifies should you receive calls from residents.

Due to people self isolating at home, our volumes are significantly up this week.

Jim Gordon P.Eng.
Director of Engineering and Municipal Operations,
City of White Rock

First Announcement on CORONAVIRUS in our Community

In a press conference yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) BC Health Minister Dr. BONNIE HENRY announced the Evergreen Care Facility located in White Rock has now been identified as the source of a confirmed case of Coronavirus. The details remain limited but it has been confirmed there were to cases of the virus discovered at Evergreen. A patient and a care worker. The facility has been closed tight to visitors including direct family for the past week.

The COVID-19 situation in British Columbia is continually evolving and the information below is current as of 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

Have You Been To Gabby's Country Bar In The Last Month?

Fraser Health is notifying people who may have come in contact with COVID-19 at a popular night club in Langley.

On Feb. 29 and March 14 between 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. someone at the Gabby’s Country Cabaret has had a confirmed case of the new virusÂ

If you do have symptoms or develop them, isolate and call 8-1-1 to contact HealthLink BC.

City of White Rock closes Pier in battle against COVID-19

White Rock City Council voted March 23 to temporarily close the White Rock Pier, a popular seaside attraction, to help flatten the curve in the growing number of COVID-19 cases.

The City closed Waterfront parking lots and the West Beach Parkade starting March 23, allowing only 15 and 30-minute parking on the north side of Marine Drive for takeout food from local restaurants.

The City has been monitoring activity on the Waterfront during the COVID-19 pandemic and observed that many people were not keeping a safe social distance of two metres or more from each other.Â

Also on March 23, City Council approved the option for members of Council to meet electronically to make decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Response
City facilities and playgrounds are temporarily closed to the public. City services are available online at whiterockcity.ca/online.

For information about the City’s response to the global pandemic, visitÂ whiterockcity.ca/COVID19.

In dealing with foot traffic on the promenade council in a 4-3 vote voted in favour of keeping the promenade open for the time being but granted Mayor Walker the authority to close the promenade if the crowds continue to ignore the recommended social distance of 2 metres separation.

Council also unanimously voted in a new by-law that would allow council to meet electronically (by phone) if mandatory isolation is brought into law.

City asks for public feedback as Dogs on the Promenade

........pilot project ends March 31

City of White Rock closes City-run buildings, offers services by phone, email and web

City of White Rock closes City-run buildings, offers services by phone, email and web

To keep the community safe and to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, the City of White Rock is temporarily closing City Hall as of 4:30 p.m. today and will be offering services by phone, email and online.

All City of White Rock-run buildings are now closed to the public. City Council meetings will continue and will be available by livestreaming at www.whiterockcity.ca/councilmeetings. Committee meetings are cancelled until the end of May 2020.

The closure decision was made to ensure the health and safety of visitors and employees, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in White Rock and the Lower Mainland.

The City continues to provide essential services, such as Fire Rescue, water and solid waste collection. For up-to-date information, please visit www.whiterockcity.ca/covid19

Accessing City of White Rock services

Here is how to access City services. For online services, visit www.whiterockcity.ca/online.
Other City of White Rock contacts are:

· Bylaw and Animal Control: bylaw@whiterockcity.ca | 604-541-2146
· City Administration: clerksoffice@whiterockcity.ca | 604-541-2212
· Engineering: operations@whiterockcity.ca | 604-541-2181
· Finance: finance@whiterockcity.ca | 604-541-2100
· Human Resources: hr@whiterockcity.ca | 604-541-2158
· Parking: finance@whiterockcity.ca | 604-541-2148
· Parks: Maintenance: operations@whiterockcity.ca | 604-541-2181
· Planning and Development: planning@whiterockcity.ca | 604-541-2136
o Business Licence: licences@whiterockcity.ca
o Building Inspections bookings: 604-541-2135
o Building Permits: building@whiterockcity.ca
o Secondary Suites: planning@whiterockcity.ca
o Trees: planning@whiterockcity.ca
o Zoning: planning@whiterockcity.ca

Surrey Naturopath Under Investigation - Again

A Surrey city councillor is facing another investigation by the College of Naturopathic Physicians after advertising hundreds of dollars worth of vitamins, booster shots and intravenous therapy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coun. Allison Patton, who is also a registered naturopath, shared a message from her clinic offering patients "suggestions regarding the ever-changing status of the COVID-19 pandemic" in a Facebook post this weekend.

The suggestions totalled more than $600 in treatments, including items like an "Immune Supportive Vitamin Boost" for $99 and a $325 "HiDose Ozone/UVBI IV" treatment, in which blood is drawn, injected with ozone and exposed to UV light before being transfused back into the body. Patton wrote that these treatments "could help strengthen our systems so we may stay as healthy as possible."

Patton's Facebook post has since been deleted, but her professional college has responded.

Multiple search warrants lead to seizures of drugs and firearms in South Surrey

Surrey RCMP is informing the public of three search warrants for residences that have led to seizures of drugs and firearms.

Surrey RCMP Drugs Unit, with the assistance of the Surrey Gang Enforcement Team, Community Response Unit, the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, and Criminal Investigative Services, searched three residences in relation to ongoing investigations into drug trafficking.

Two associated residences were searched, one in the 16300-block of 28 Avenue in South Surrey, and the second in the 7000-block of 131 Street in Newton. Four suspects were identified and released pending further investigation.

During the search of these residences, investigators seized:

· $8000 CAD
· 12-gauge shotgun with ammunition
· Tactical vests
· Suspected Fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, Oxycontin, and methamphetamines
· Various cutting agents
· A money counter
· Packaging material, believed to be for street sale of drugs
· Multiple cell phones

On the same day, investigators searched a third residence in the 12500-block of Pinewood Crescent as a part of an ongoing project targeting drug trafficking and property crime in the Whalley/City Centre area. Six further suspects were identified and released pending further investigation.

During this search, investigators seized:

· Three firearms with ammunition
· Suspected methamphetamines and Fentanyl
· Soft body armour
· Approximately $3000 CAD

The Day Elvis' Train Stopped in White Rock?

At the end of the summer months in 1957 ELVIS PRESELY toured the west-coast of America and came all the way to Vancouver for a September 01 concert @ Empire Stadium. It is a well known fact ELVIS and his band liked to travel by train when and where possible. Following their Spokane concert on August 30 the group boarded the Great Northern Railway "Empire Builder" to travel north to Vancouver for their concert. As the legend goes ELVIS'S train stopped in White Rock at the train station on its way to Vancouver. A group of young White Rock girls were just hanging around in front of the railway station for no particular reason. When the train stopped they were shocked to see ELVIS sitting at one of the windows looking out at the young ladies. As the train slowly pulled out of the White Rock train station he gave the young girls a wave. August 30, Spokane Vancouver August 31, 1957 Seattle September 01, 1957 Portland September 02, 1957 In 1957, at the end of August, Elvis and his entourage began their second of three tours that year, this one in the Pacific Northwest.

Help identify a man involved in a suspicious circumstance

Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man involved in a suspicious circumstance in the South Surrey area.

On March 4, 2020, police responded to a report of a suspicious circumstance in the 13300-block of 18A Avenue in South Surrey. Shortly before 5:00 pm, a 12-year-old girl was approached by a man in blue ‘work’ van as she walked down 18A Avenue. The man asked the girl if she needed a ride. The girl ran away and reported the incident.

Investigators are now seeking assistance from the public to identify the driver of the van and are releasing a composite sketch of him. He is described as a Caucasian man, 40 years-old, with a short brown full beard, and brown hair.

The vehicle in this incident is described as older-model work van. The colour is described as blue, with dark blue at the top and gradient shades of lighter blue towards the bottom. It has tinted windows and two bumper stickers on the rear window – one is a 4-circumference black-and-white circular sticker with a skull in the center; the second is a 4-wide hand making the ‘sign of the horns’ or ‘rock-and-roll’ gesture. The vehicle also had a yellow tree-shaped air freshener and a round ‘peace’ symbol hanging from the rear-view mirror.

Surrey RCMP takes all reports of this nature seriously and work closely with youth and their families to ensure their safety, says Constable Richard Wright, Surrey RCMP. We would like to identify this man and speak with him regarding the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca, quoting file number 2020-33972.

Body Washes Up On White Rock Beach

Yesterday morning around 1`0:30 a kayaker on Semiahmoo Bay discovered a body floating near the shore across the road from the Keg Boathouse.

White Rock RCMP now head up an investigation to determine the cause of death and the identity of the body. There is no apparent danger to residents according to the White Rock RCMP.

Surrey Approves Overpass on HWY 99 @ 20th Avenue

Saturday's Power Outage

Thousands of people are without power on Saturday, Mar. 14 across British Columbia due to a strong windstorm that is hitting the South Coast.

According to BC Hydro's outage list, a whopping 20,337 customers in the Lower Mainland and along the Sunshine Coast are without power. There are 77 outages listed, and while a few of them are due to scheduled work, others are under investigation. One of of the largest single outages occurred right here in White Rock & a small portion of South Surrey

Arrest Made In Surrey School Attack

Surrey RCMP has arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with a serious assault that had occurred at L.A. Matheson Secondary School earlier today, March 13, 2020.

The suspect was identified, and at approximately 4:00 pm, he was located and arrested in Vancouver. The man, who is a Surrey resident, is currently in custody. Charges have not been laid at this time.

Investigators believe that this was a targeted incident. The suspect is not a student or former student of L.A. Matheson Secondary School.

Surrey RCMP would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance in this investigation.

Ship to Shore

A sailboat that arrived in Semiahmoo Bay and dropped anchor Sunday evening, broke loose from it's anchor and is drifting dangerously close to the shore on East Beach. At low tide the boat is restting on rocks near the shore. The boat appears to have been stripped and simply set adrift in our bay.

That Ain’t It, Chief

On a beautiful Sunday evening inside the Chilliwack Coliseum, the Surrey Eagles scratched, clawed, and willed their way to the 2nd round of the Shaw BCHL Playoffs after beating the Chilliwack Chiefs 3-2 in game 7. The win for Surrey was the first, and only road win of the series for either team as the Eagles move on to face the Coquitlam Express in round 2.

South Fraser Community Rail

(click here for more information)

March 09, 2020

Official Opening

With the help of our generous donors and our community the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation Saturday officially opened the 200-bed PAH Foundation Lodge, featuring the George & Sylvia Melville Hospice Home!

The brand new PAH Foundation Lodge is a 200-bed residential care facility featuring the 15-bed George & Sylvia Melville Hospice Home, and a 73-bed elder mental health unit. This state-of-the-art building is in the final stages of construction and will open across the street from Peace Arch Hospital this spring!

PAH Foundation Board & Staff cut the ribbon

The Lodge is being built on land owned by Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and Fraser Health will operate the medical services for patients requiring complex residential care, specialized mental health treatment, and hospice care for a patient’s final days.

March 06, 2020

White Rock Senior Dies Following Assault

Homicide detectives have been called in to investigate the death of a senior, who was assaulted in the lobby of a White Rock condo building two weeks ago.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the case from the White Rock RCMP on Wednesday after the man died in hospital, according to IHIT spokesperson Cpl. Frank Jang.

The assault happened on the afternoon of Feb. 19 at a building in the 15200-block of Pacific Avenue. Emergency crews were called out shortly before 3 p.m. to reports of a person down in a lobby.

Two ambulances were dispatched and it was determined the patient had suffered a cardiac arrest. He was transported to hospital in critical condition. The man has since died in hospital.

IHIT has not yet released any information about the investigation, though earlier reports said that another senior, a man in his 70s, had been arrested.

March 05, 2020

March 04, 2020

South Surrey Scout Leader Charged With Child Porn

The Surrey RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) is informing the public of an investigation which has resulted in charges against a 57-year-old Surrey resident.

Edward Johannas Vandeyck has been charged with accessing, possessing and distributing child pornography.

The investigation began on September 26, 2019, as a result of a proactive police investigation which identified an individual who was making child pornography available on the internet. The investigation progressed and culminated in a search a warrant which was executed on December 5, 2019, at a residence in South Surrey. Charges were sworn against Edward Vandeyck on February 28, 2020.

Edward Vandeyck has been in a position of trust, and has been in direct contact with children in the community as a result of his affiliation with Scouts Canada.

This information is being released in the interest of public safety and to encourage anyone who may have information which could assist this investigation to contact investigators by calling 604-599-0502.

Surrey RCMP is the only detachment in British Columbia with its own RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit. This team of trained investigators is dedicated to protecting children from harm and vigorously pursuing those who access, distribute, or create child pornography.

March 03, 2020

Uber Catches A Lyft To South Surrey White Rock

UBER coverage/service map

Lyft announced on Monday that service is now available to Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen ferry terminals, as well as Langley, White Rock and all of the North Shore.

"We've heard loud and clear that Lyft users would like to see us operating in a larger region – and we're thrilled to now be offering service from Horseshoe Bay to the U.S. border, and UBC to Langley," said Peter Lukomskyj, general manager for Lyft in B.C. in a news release.

Yesterday UBER announced they have joined the ride sharing options on the Semiahmoo Peninsula and further South of the Fraser. Uber rides will now be available in more regions of Metro Vancouver, including Langley, South Surrey/White Rock, Tsawwassen and West Vancouver.

Surrey RCMP Auxiliaries honoured for their service and dedication

Surrey RCMP Auxiliaries were honoured for their contributions and service to the community this weekend at the annual Auxiliary Awards Dinner.

RCMP Auxiliaries are uniformed volunteers supporting their community by engaging in public safety and crime prevention programs alongside police officers, civilian staff, and RCMP volunteers. RCMP Auxiliaries demonstrate tremendous dedication to their community and, on February 28, 2020, Surrey RCMP held the annual Auxiliary Awards Dinner to thank them for their service.

In 2019 Surrey RCMP Auxiliaries contributed over 5100 hours of their time at 150 events in the community.

“If you drove through a ‘Think of Me’ deployment outside of a school, or attended a large event, such as Fusion Fest, you likely interacted with one of our hard-working Auxiliaries,” says Susan Stickley, Community Programs Manager, Surrey RCMP. “Our annual awards dinner is an opportunity to thank the Auxiliaries for their service, as well as highlight the stand-out moments from the year.”

Constable Jaspreet Singh, a former Auxiliary with Surrey RCMP, received his encased Auxiliary badge. Constable Singh recently graduated from the RCMP Depot training facility and has been posted back to Surrey. He was an Auxiliary in the community for four years, and is excited to now be bringing his experience volunteering in Surrey into his frontline policing role.

“Auxiliaries are a very valuable part of our service delivery to the community,” says Inspector Wendy Mehat, Surrey RCMP. “I’d like to extend my sincere thanks on behalf of all of Surrey Detachment for their many contributions to our community engagement and crime prevention efforts.”

For more information on the RCMP Auxiliary Program visit our Surrey RCMP website.

March 01, 2020

Our fourth anniversary!

George Garrett

A very important Leap Year...we founded our Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society on the last Leap Day..February 29, 2016.
We have had tremendous growth. Now have over 200 volunteer drivers who will provide 27,700 patient rides this year.
One of the nicest tributes came from Michi White who came to the Lower Mainland from Japan. She was one of our early cancer patients driven to treatment and back home. Fortunately her cancer has been in remission for years.

Michi had her family in Japan send us money and is a tireless supporter of ours.

GEORGE GARRETT

She calls me George-San, which she says is a sign of respect for the elderly in Japan. I am honoured.

The VOLUNTEER CANCER DRIVERS provide a wonderful service in our community. Cancer patients that need to get to and fro for their radiation or chemo therapy get to use this wonderful service.

(click here for more information on using the service or to volunteer)

February 28, 2020

It's A Done Deal

......Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum Gets His Way

Surrey Mayor DOUG MCCALUM

Day one of Surrey Police Department

The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth has reviewed the report submitted by the Provincial Municipal Policing Transition Study Committee, and the City of Surrey has been given approval to proceed with the formation of Surrey Police Department.

“In just over one year, we moved from a unanimous council motion to full reality on our promise to deliver to the citizens of Surrey a city police department,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “With Minister Farnworth’s final approval to establish the Surrey Police Board, today marks day one for the Surrey Police Department.”

With a population of nearly 600,000, Surrey is the only major city in the country without its own city police department.

“The time has come, and some would say it’s been long overdue, for Surrey to have a police force of its own where accountability begins and stays within our city,” said Mayor McCallum. “Local responsibility, priorities and oversight will reside within the Surrey Police Board, which will be comprised of our most qualified citizens. City staff will be working diligently with the Province to put the Surrey Police Board in place. I look forward to beginning the work with my fellow Board members to bring Surrey Police to full operational strength.”
rrey to have a police force of its own where accountability begins and stays within our city,” McCallum said, despite vocal opposition by many in the community — as well as on council — to the switch.

In a statement, the province said Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth was confident the “key aspects of the transition plan that required more detail have been thoroughly considered,” after having reviewed the Provincial Municipal Policing Transition Study Committee’s report, along with recommendations made by the director of police services.

His approval now means the city is able to create a Surrey police board, which will be responsible for creating and overseeing the new force.

Farnworth said later that it’s up to the city, not the province, to decide what kind of police force it wants

“There are pieces of legislation that underline the whole process, which is that the City of Surrey is responsible for policing,” he added. “It’s laid out in the Police Act.”

Mayors’ Council calls on senior governments to fund immediate climate action

The Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation has endorsed an aggressive roll-out of TransLink’s Low Carbon Fleet Strategy to support quick action on climate change. This schedule will see half of all TransLink’s diesel fleet converted to battery electric by 2030 and the remainder before 2050.

This option represents the fastest possible turn-over of the fleet to battery electric buses without retiring existing buses early. It achieves maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions over the next 10 years.

Incremental capital investment of $447 million over and above the funding already secured and approved for conventional buses
Open new Marpole Transit Centre as 100% depot charging with 280 chargers
Expand an existing transit centre to accommodate electric buses
Convert route 100 and other routes to full electric operation by installing on-route chargers
Purchase 635 battery electric buses
Including trolleys, 64% of transit buses electrified by 2030
2030 bus fleet GHG reduced by 44% compared to 2007
Cost parity between battery electric and conventional fleets only achieved over the full lifecycle of the buses (15-20 years) due to the high upfront costs of installing recharging infrastructure

This ambitious plan will only be possible with financial support from senior governments. Mayors are requesting $447 million in provincial and federal funding over 10 years to implement the strategy, with investment required by early 2021 to deliver the strategy as scheduled. This funding must be separate from investments in transit system expansion found in Phase Three Plan of the 10-Year Vision so that the climate change benefits of both strategies can be maximized.

In October 2018, the Mayors’ Council and the TransLink Board of Directors approved new environmental targets: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% and use only renewable energy in all operations by 2050. Metro Vancouver Regional District has committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 45% by 2030.

Mayors’ Council Chair and New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Coté says our region will not reach its targets without this investment. “Transitioning the bus fleet to zero-emissions technology is an essential step, alongside continued expansion of transit service. Right now, TransLink is procuring new buses. If we buy internal combustion engines, they will be on the roads for over 15 years, dashing our chances of achieving meaningful GHG reduction from our own operations. The Low Carbon Fleet Strategy allows us to seize the opportunity and start the shift this year, but we need provincial and federal help to do it.”

The Mayors’ Council will continue working with provincial and federal leaders to make funding for the strategy, as well as for the Phase Three Plan of the 10-Year Vision scheduled for approval in early 2021, a priority.

In a private ceremony on Nov. 21, 2019, the City of White Rock and the White Rock Museum and Archives apologized to the Semiahmoo First Nation for an incident that took place in the 1990s.

The Semiahmoo First Nation and the White Rock Museum and Archives made an agreement in the 1970s that the Museum would manage the Semiahmoo artifacts from St. Anne’s Church. The artifacts were displayed for a number of years and then put into storage. It was discovered in the 1990s that the larger pieces, stored at Centennial Arena, were missing and could not be located.

Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell
“We, as Semiahmoo leadership, are very pleased to begin a positive process solidified in ceremony and facilitated by the City of White Rock and the White Rock Museum and Archives.

Our ceremonies are the foundation to reconciling unfortunate, historic wrongs. The Semiahmoo people are invested in, and excited about, a renewed relationship both with the City of White Rock and with the White Rock Museum and Archives.”

Karin Bjerke-Lisle, Executive Director,
White Rock Museum and Archives
“We cannot replace the artifacts that have been lost, but we can treasure and protect the Semiahmoo First Nation artifacts in our care. We can also ensure that we share the rich and vibrant history of the Semiahmoo First Nation with the people who live in White Rock and our many visitors through exhibits at the White Rock Museum and Archives.”

July 09, 2019

We're #2 We're #2

L-R Brooke Godin/The King of White Rock/Grady Flinn

FLINNWEST's Brooke Godin's latest Focus on White Rock video - (click here)

Thank you one and all.

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

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

Grady Flinn owner of FLINNWEST / Laura Cornale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 19, 2016

Mayor Caught Between White Rock & A Hard Place

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

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

(click here to read the story and to watch the video)

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

" We heard you White Rock…and that is the problem. "

Use It Or Lose It

Ocean Parker

He's Back!

Local Lawyer Receives Major Nomination

Terri-Lynn Williams Davidson

Thank You Bonnie

Shedding Light On The Massey Tunnel Problem

Surrey Shows Hospital Workers Love

The Peace Arch News Is Asking For Your Support

White Rock Council Rewind

Tips from the public lead to drug bust in South Surrey

SRY Rail Link Serpentine Bridge Replacement

What will this Project Achieve?

Hearts Across The Border

Charges Laid

Get On The Bus - Back To Work

Drink LOCAL - Peace Arch Pilsener

OUR STORY

City holds tax increase to 3.11 % despite expected loss of $1.8 million due to COVID-19

Big Thank You

Free Rides To End

83% of Surrey residents say now is not the time to replace the RCMP

Blooming Good Idea

Illegal Parking On White Rock Waterfront? It's Fine!

‘Murder Hornets’ in the U.S.: The Rush to Stop the Asian Giant Hornet

May 02, 2020

White Rock parking changes respond to community needs during COVID-19 crisis

City of White Rock announces new Chief of White Rock Fire Rescue

We Have A Winner!!!!

Clean Bill of Health

White Rock/South Surrey Bus Routes to Be Discontinued This Month

Surrey & White Rock RCMP Stand In Tribute and Honour

Showing Our Colour

Love Knows No Boundaries....Except

Flags Fly At Half Mast

Langley Township Goes To Pot

Peek A Boo The Border Guard Sees You!

You Gotta Have Heart

Empty Kayak?

No Beach Fires!

In For The Long Haul

Serious Motor Vehicle Collision - 3800 block of Highway 99

COVID-19: City of Surrey’s 10 Point Action Plan

Transit Social Distancing

Free Masks

As Simple As ABC

Fraser Health Orders Shutdown

Mounties remind you that tissues and toilet paper are not worth an arrest

Happy 63rd Anniversary White Rock

Serve & Protect - Arrest made for break and enter

Aldergrove Crossing Complete

City Closes Promenade

Semiahmoo First Nations Announces Easter Weekend Closures

City of Surrey is implementing the following measures in advance of the upcoming Easter Weekend

Nightly Hospital Happening

WHITE ROCK STRONG

Cases:

Confirmed cases by region:

New provincial advice and measures:

New spaces secured for vulnerable people to self-isolate

Surrey Bus Driver Tests Positive

Emergency Response

UPDATE - 12:30 P.M.

Home Sweet Mobile Home

Register Now!

New City of White Rock CAO, current CAO at Town of Ladysmith, begins May 19

Moving Day

Surrey Lays Off 2,000 Municipal Workers Due to COVID-19.

City of White Rock making temporary changes to parking during COVID-19 pandemic

UPDATE

Decision Reached - Read The Full Report

Message From The White Rock RCMP

Affordable Rentals Coming To Semiahmoo Peninsula

See the sign, slow down: all 35 speed cameras in place

City of White Rock Changes Garbage Pickup

First Announcement on CORONAVIRUS in our Community

Have You Been To Gabby's Country Bar In The Last Month?

City of White Rock closes Pier in battle against COVID-19

City asks for public feedback as Dogs on the Promenade