Register your dog and pay for a dog licence with Dogs eApply, the newest online service available on the City's website. Visit whiterockcity.ca/dogseapply for more details.

The Lower Mainland Green Team planted native trees to the area and removing invasive plants from the park. The Team works together to increase community engagement, raise environmental awareness, and increase the capacity to improve local parks and riparian areas.

Trees help to make White Rock a healthy, beautiful city. The tree planting event is in part of increasing the tree canopy coverage discussed in the “Tree Canopy Plan” corporate report from the Sept. 9 Regular Council Meeting.

White Rock Community Centre
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 
6p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

One year ago today the Canadian government legalized the sale and possession of cannabis in it's raw forms. Today new legislation went into effect that will cover edibles, extracts and topicals.

To date to illustrate the major problem with legalization there are no cannabis stores in White Rock, Surrey, Delta and or either of the Langleys. The rest of the Fraser Valley is in a similar situation. Vancouver for instance has only licensed 3 stores.

Locally INDIGENOUS BLOOM which opened 5 months ago on the Semiahmoo First Nations Land (beneath the Washington Avenue Grill) has been selling edibles and extracts since they opened their doors.

(click here for more information)

l- r Joel Poulin (People’s Party of Canada); Beverly Pixie Hobby (Green); Gordie Hogg (Liberal); Kerry-Lynne Findlay (Conservative); and Stephen Crozier (New Democrat).

Statement from Mayor Doug McCallum

Surrey continues to face serious law and order incidents where the criminals are becoming bolder in where and when the carry out their violent crimes. Our citizens are frustrated and, rightfully, fearful. Saturday’s shooting happened in broad daylight, at a gas station with shops nearby. I am thankful that innocent bystanders were not hurt in this latest shooting. The situation appears to be getting worse with each incident, as the gangs are so embolden that they don’t think twice about opening fire in daylight, in public areas or near schools. The continued gun violence has created a sense of unease throughout the city.

With the province giving us the green light to establish our own Surrey Police Department, the community believes now, more than ever, that we need to work as quickly possible to get SPD officers out on the streets. The lack of progress to date is disappointing and is unfortunately due to bureaucratic red tape. The community has made it clear to me that there is a sense of urgency and they want meaningful work to get underway immediately to bring Surrey Police to fruition. We owe it to the people of Surrey to make this transition as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Doug McCallum
Mayor
City of Surrey

RCMP found when they arrived, one man was found to have suffered an apparent gun shot wound.

“Despite all efforts by the first responders and paramedics that man succumbed to his injuries,” says Cpl. Elenore Sturko with Surrey RCMP.

 

OUTREACH - opportunity: Mix of residents, land owners,landlords, realtors, developers and non-profits would make for lively dialogue. The City of WHITE ROCK is currently recruiting for the Housing Task Force. (Up to 7 members): The Housing Task Force (The Task Force) is mandated by City Council to review background research on the City’s housing needs, analyze the strengths, weakness, threats, and opportunities that impact affordability in White Rock, review policies, tools and incentives for developing affordable and rental housing options, provide input into the City’s Official Community Plan (OCP), review existing rental housing policies, provide recommendations to Council in regards to residential rental tenure zones.

 

 The province has given the Surrey mayor’s long-awaited move to do away with the RCMP and switch to a municipal police force the green light.

The province says a joint project team has been created to “ensure all key issues are addressed and all complex details are in place to facilitate an orderly transition.”

Former B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal has been appointed chair of the new committee. He will be tasked with advising those involved, from the Director of Police Services to the Solicitor General throughout the transition process.

The team will be made up of staff from both the city and the province, as well as experts.

Where are the problem traffic areas you would like enforced this week? 

Comment here with the issue/location and we will gladly come out! 

An example of reported hot spots:

Buena Vista & Finlay

Thanks for asking. Yes, Johnson road, from Thrift down to 5 Corners. Loud cars and motorcycles speeding in both directions, afternoons and evenings.

Marine Drive and 160 th no one goes 30 kmh

To signup to volunteer, please contact Dave Selvage who is the Manager of Bylaw Enforcement at dselvage@langleycity.ca or 604-514-2822.

 

 

A recently published ranking of hundreds of Canadian communities features many of B.C.'s best spots to live, but noticeably absent from the top 100 is the province's most populous city.

Vancouver ranked 112th out of 415 communities coast to coast in the system used by Macleans. Salmon Arm ranked the highest of British Columbia cities coming in at #6.

B.C. communities that made the list 

Delta 59

Surrey 140

Langley Township 201

White Rock 236

This Friday evening BLUE FROG proudly present a great double bill of music. THE MOJO STARS open the show then on comes

Langley (City) 366 

The full list, which includes 415 municipalities across Canada, is available online.  It's an interactive tool, where users can set their own weightings, choosing, for example, that low taxes are more important to them than length of commute, or that affordability is more of a priority than crime rate.

 

Curran and the Thunderbirds perform at 1:30 today, while Dallaire and the Snowbirds take to the skies both days at 3:30 p.m.

This weekend marks the 57th annual ABBOTSFORD AIRSHOW.

 

 

Paddle To Lummi - Inter-tribal Journey

This past weekend thousands participated in the PADDLE TO LUMMI from the Bellingham area.

Tribes arrived Wednesday to a large crowd at Stommish Landing who greeted them. Tribes gather a team of pullers for the journey. They leave their own shores in canoes and visit other tribal lands as they make their way to the host tribe's land.

Paddle to Lummi is a significant cultural event for indigenous people along the West Coast that is expected to draw more than 10,000 people to the Bellingham area. The annual canoe journey is a celebration of their way of life.

 

July 31, 2019

Slow Down & Live...and oh yes - save money

The NDP government has turned back on the red light cameras throughout the Lower Mainland. As of this week nearly three dozen intersections deemed high risk have been equipped with cameras that will catch you speeding through amber and red lights. The closest intersection camera to the Semiahmoo Peninsula is located at Johnston Road and King George Highway.

Seven of the 35 intersections are in Surrey.

Surrey:
128th Street at 88th Avenue
152nd Street at 96th Avenue
152nd Street at King George Boulevard
64th Avenue at 152nd Street
96th Avenue at 132nd Street
King George Boulevard at 104th Avenue
King George Boulevard at 80th Avenue

 

At the Monday, July 8 regular Council meeting, City Council gave final reading to “Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2019, No. 2298, Amendment No. 1, 2019, No. 2299” which will:

• adjust the hourly parking rates and months along the waterfront effective immediately;
• FREE parking during the winter months on weekdays; and
• introduce a daily rate at the West Beach Parkade and Montecito Parkade.

Starting Tuesday, July 9, there will be two new parking rate zones – High Demand Zones will be $3.75 per hour, and Value Priced zones will be $3.25 per hour from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Midnight), seven days a week during the summer months of April to September.

High Demand Zones include all street and parking lot locations and the parkades east of Oxford Street. Value Priced Zones include all street and parking lot locations west of Oxford Street. (Map Below). Parking Zones are only active during the summer months.

There is also a new daily rate of $15.00 at the Montecito Parkade and West Beach Parkade valid all day during the summer months.

FREE parking will return during the winter months of November, December and January on weekdays (Monday – Friday). On weekends (Saturday and Sunday) rates will be $2.00 per hour and the parkades will have a daily rate of $7.50.

During the months of October, February and March, the hourly rate is $2.00 for all waterfront parking locations, and the daily rate is $7.50 for the Montecito Parkade and West Beach Parkade.

Where does parking lot revenue go?

Did you know that parking lot revenue is used to pay for parking related costs?  The City does not generate a profit from parking.  Above is a breakdown of where every dollar of waterfront parking lot revenue goes.

 

 

July 20. 2019

At approximately 7:03 PM on July 19th, 2019 Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a shooting in the area of Mud Bay Park off of Colebrook Road.

Officers attended to the park and located evidence to support that shots had been fired in the area .
At the same time attendance was made to the 17300 block of 56 Avenue where the caller stated he was and police located a subject suffering from a gun shot wound.
This person was transported to area hospital for treatment.

At 7:20 pm Langley RCMP responded to a report of a party walking in to Langley Memorial Hospital suffering from a gun shot wound.
It was determined that this subject was associated the shooting at Mud Bay Park as well and all information has been passed on to the Surrey RCMP.

Surrey Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation in to this matter.

The investigation is still in its early stages and investigators are reviewing all available details to determine exactly what happened and what lead up to these events.
It is too early to say if these events have any links to any other ongoing events in the Lower Mainland.

Mud Bay Park and a section of Colebrook Road will be closed for an unknown period of time while police continue the investigation.

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

 

TransLink releases new details on Surrey Langley SkyTrain

Estimated cost of the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is $3.12 billion

TransLink has released new details and cost estimates for the proposed Surrey Langley SkyTrain project. Three staging scenarios have been developed and could be fully constructed within five-and-a-half years from a full project approval date.

Currently there is approximately $1.6 billion available in funding, which is enough to see the project reach Fleetwood. These funds had previously been allocated to the Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit Project. Any work beyond this amount is unfunded and would require contributions from other sources.

TransLink’s analysis shows the project performs well against objectives the public and stakeholders were consulted on. The benefit-cost ratio of the entire project is 1.24, which is comparable to previous SkyTrain business cases: the Canada Line (1.25) and Evergreen Extension (1.27). All major projects undergo this form of analysis to determine whether an investment represents good value.

Per the direction of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation, work has been undertaken to provide options for rapid transit along 104 Avenue and King George Boulevard. The shortlist of options available are dependent upon how much funding is available. Further consultation is proposed to occur this fall.

TransLink will recommend that a full business case be developed for the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project by early next year. The Mayors’ Council will consider the findings and this recommendation at their meeting on Thursday, July 25.r.

 

July 18, 2019

Surrey Councillor Steps Aside

Jack Hundial

JACK HUNDIAL yesterday became the third Surrey city councillor to step aside from the Safe Surrey Coalition that up until recently held every seat on Surrey council. The exact reason for his departure has not been made public. HUNDIAL was a retired member of the RCMP. HUNDIAL has now joined councillors STEVEN PETTIGREW and BRENDA LOCKE who have disassociated themselves with Safe Surrey First over the course of the last month.

Concerns over the planned transition from the RCMP to a municipal police force are at the heart of Hundial's decision, he says.

 

Not So Happy Anniversary

July 18th was the fourth anniversary of the tragic fatal shooting of HUDSON BROOKS outside of the South Surrey RCMP detachment. The shooting involved Const. Elizabeth Cucheran who has been on leave since the incident. The trial was scheduled to start this week but it has now been delayed until August 08.This is the fifth delay in the start of the trial. HUDSONS mother, family and friends are upset by yet another delay.

Last week another delay seemed to catch the family bu surprise. Prosecutor HEATHER MAGIN claimed the judge and jury trial could take up to six weeks. Currently the trial cannot even begin until the Fall of 2020.

 

July 15, 2019

TOUR WE WHITE ROCK - Next up /the 41st 2020

MEN'S RACE

Scott Roberts photo

KELOWNA’S JORDAN CHEYNE CROWNED CHAMPION AT ROAD RACE AT TOUR DE WHITE ROCK
Nina Kessler Gives TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank its Seventh BC Superweek Win

The list of winners at the Tour de White Rock reads like a who’s who of BC and Canadian cycling. As the longest continuously run race in North America, the Tour de White Rock - which is celebrating its 40th anniversary - has seen notable names like Svein Tuft, Brian Walton, Christian Meier, Zach Bell and Andrew Pinfold conquer the notorious 134 kilometre circuit.

Kelowna, BC’s Jordan Cheyne, riding for Elevate-KHS Pro Cycling, can now add his name to those engraved on the Hans Steida Memorial Trophy as he dominated the 2019 edition of the road race, breaking away from a group of seven with just over 40 kilometres left. “I went up the climb with four to go and I didn’t really attack hard, but I saw a gap open up and I just committed to it. This circuit is so hard that it’s almost easier to go on your own sometimes,” the 27-year-old said.

The Elevate-KHS team has been prominent all through BC Superweek, including several podiums for Samuel Bassetti along with Ulises Castillo Soto. “It’s been a hard week, I’ve done three or four of the crits, but my teammates were making all the money for me, so it was my turn today,” said Cheyne. “We got a chance - it was down to three of us in the break and my best chance was a long-range attack so that’s what I did. It was early, but if you can roll a break the whole day here, I think it’s easier because there’s no accelerations on all these climbs – it adds up in a hurry in the field. You might have to hit the wind a bit more, but I prefer to be up the road.”

In second was German rider Christopher Hatz, who’s riding for Herrmann Rad-Team. It’s the second straight year that the 27-year-old is the runner up at the Westminster Savings Road Race. “It was really hard, just like last year. The last big lap, I took the first hill and we got to four guys who went away and at the end my legs just weren’t that good. It was just pain on the last three laps,” said Hatz. “The finish was quite similar, but the beginning was a bit harder. I went early in the group and I didn’t expect the group would go past two because we had one in it, Elevate had one in it. In the end, we worked quite well together.”

Third place went to Ed Walsh of Halifax, Nova Scotia, riding for X-Speed United Continental. It’s a team that features former champion Ryan Roth. “We had a few guys like Evan Burtnik, he’s been riding great all week, and then myself and Ryan – any of us could do well on this course, so it just came down to had the best legs on the day,” the 22-year-old explained. “It was kind of nice to redeem myself, it’s been a hard week for me. I’m happy with third and I think the team should be happy too. Rock is always the highlight for me at BC Superweek, I’ll be back!”

The men’s winner for the omnium (or overall points) was Castillo Soto, who was second in Saturday’s Choices Markets Criterium and 11th in Sunday’s Road Race. Florenz Knauer was second in the omnium, marking the eighth straight year he’s finished either first or second in the overall points standings at the Tour de White Rock.

 

WOMEN'S RACE

Scott Roberts photo

Team TIBCO – Silicon Valley Bank continued to put on a clinic on Sunday at the Road Race as part of the Tour de White Rock. Nina Kessler, a Dutch cyclist racing BC Superweek for the first time, won in a bunch sprint, giving TIBCO its seventh win in nine races. She relied on teammates who had rode the race in the past to pass on some tips. “We had a chat with Alison Jackson, who won last year, so she gave a lot of good advice,” the 31-year-old said. “It’s going up all the time, so it’s heavy and your legs just need to do it in this race.”

Kessler wasn’t necessarily the rider pegged for the sprint for TIBCO, but the team was confident in Kendall Ryan, Emily Marcolini, Sharlotte Lucas or Kessler to get to the line. “We had four strong riders here – like Emily’s doing really well uphill and Sharlotte did an amazing job the whole week so we wanted to have a break and whoever was in there could go for it.”

That said, Kessler wasn’t really confident in the sprint at the end. “I like really fast sprints and this one is uphill, so I was a little scared of it, but I knew I had to start it early because of the tailwind. When I started it, I knew I couldn’t hold that speed to the finish line,” she said. “I just wanted to do it for the whole team because they raced so well this week – it’s really awesome. I really want to come back to BC, I enjoyed it so much!”

Marie-Soleil Blais, who’s been a top-5 finisher at seven of nine races this year during BC Superweek had her eye on not only the win, but the omnium and the $1,000 prize that goes with it. “Today I just wanted to have a really hard race because I knew there were some tired legs. I knew I had the fitness and I wanted to make it hard on a smaller group, so I had a better chance at the podium,” the former competitive hockey player said.

She was conscious of making it a hard race on all the riders, determined to keep the pace high on the main climb up Magdalen Avenue. “Eventually it worked out because we got a small group. I’m a little bit bummed because there was still a TIBCO rider in the break because I would have liked to win. I knew Nina had a good sprint, but I was getting tired from attacking every climb. It’s too bad that with all that work I couldn’t come up with the win, but with second place and the overall omnium, it’s alright.”

Blais wraps up BC Superweek with four overall podium finishes and the Tour de White Rock omnium. Victoria, BC rider Megan Rathwell was riding for Broad Street Cycling and she came third for the second straight year. The 34-year-old also won the 8-lap, 80.8 kilometre Road Race in 2014.

For Kessler, she now puts herself in the same company as former Canadian Olympians Jasmine Glaesser, Joelle Numainville and Karol-Ann Canuel, along with American cycling star Shelley Olds as women who have won the prestigious Tour de White Rock.

Thank you - see you next year. Bigger and better than ever.

 

July 12, 2019

Rollin' Down The Highway

Bachman Turner Overdrive / BTO (Robin Bachman second from left)

Several cars damaged after being hit by car-carrier ramp on Highway 99

Several cars have been badly damaged after the ramp fell off a car-carrier truck on Highway 99 in Richmond.

It happened at around 2:30 this afternoon, Robin Bachman was driving down the highway when he says his truck was hit.

“I was heading south towards the tunnel right, and I saw a large piece of metal bouncing in the left lane. I was right beside the median, there were cars on my right. I couldn’t swerve, I didn’t want to jam my breaks, I had to drive over it and I blew my tires.”

Bachman says he wasn’t the only one left with flat tires following the incident, adding many drivers had to suddenly swerve or stomp on the brakes to avoid being hit by the ramp.

“Someone else was behind me, he had also blown his tires. We both pull over to the HOV lane and two more cars passed us with flats. We called the police, they came in and blocked off the road and emergency trucks came to take us off the highway.”

He says it was a scary moment, adding he was forced like many others to swerve and avoid the piece of metal.

“It was part of a loading ramp. We’re just nervous and shaken up. It was scary being on the highway trying to get through the lanes of traffic that couldn’t see what was going on and were continuing going at normal speed. We just had to inch our way over to the HOV lane. I was hoping that it wouldn’t bounce into my windshield, or hit my hood.

 

......And The Walls Came Tumbling Down

Lori Ishikawa photo

Congregation members and the work foreman stand and watch as the First United Church came tumbling down over the past two days. The site will be cleared for a supported living centre with a new church located on the ground floor with the entrance from Semiahmoo Avenue.

 

July 10, 2019

History Preserved

l-r White Rock museum executive director KARIN BJERKE-LISLE / FLORA YOUNG & ALFRED ANDERSON

IN a special ceremony outside of the White Rock museum, history was preserved.

White Rock resident FLORA YOUNG donated her large collection of Tour De White Rock t-shirts to the museum for posterity's sake. FLORA and her late husband volunteered at all 39 of the previous Tours De White Rock, including the first two races that were created by White Rock resident ALFRED ANDERSON.

The city of White Rock after two years took the races over.

FLORA will be back volounteering again this year for the 40th anniversary. If you see her out and about give her a great big hello.

If not for the volounteers we would never be able to stage the world class races coming our way Saturday and Sunday.

 

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!!

 

Tim Shields Sex Harassment Lawsuit Settled

An RCMP spokesperson Friday announced there had been a settlement reached in the lawsuit a civilian employed by the RCMP>

The accuser who cannot be identified claimed SHIELDS made unwanted sexual advance towards her while on the job.

The trial was scheduled to begin in Surrey court this coming week/. The settlement brings the matter to an end.

SHIELDS who makes his home on the Semiahmoo Peninsula was not only the face of the RCMP as a spokesperson for years, but also came to infamy when the storm hit our pier back on December 20.

SHIELDS and his daughter were on the pier when all hell broke loose.

 

July 04, 2019

Growing Pains

An interactive map of the Fraser Valley has been created that clearly indicates the current population of each community. In the top left hand corner there is a slide you can move with your mouse that will show you have each area has grown. What is very interesting, yet not surprising is how the population has exploded in the Grandview Corners area of our community.

(click here)

 

July 03, 2019

Whale Of A Time In White Rock

Photos courtesy Corry Kriticos

White Rock photographer CORRY KRITCOS caught the above amazing image of a pair of Orcas frolicking in Semiahmoo Bay on Sunday. KRITICOS was out as a guest of "Captain Andy" of White Rock Sea Tours when they spotted the whales. Grey whales have been in our area for a couple of months now but to see Orcas this close is rare.

If you would like to book an excursion with Captain Andy CLICK HERE

 

Langley Won't Quit Wining!

Quite often you will see long stretch limousines trying to negotiate the narrow driveways of South Langley farms. Wine tours have become very popular just next door to us in South Langley. Take the tour via Langley Wine Tours or simply make a Sunday drive out of it.

CLIKC HERE to book a tour. https://www.langleylimos.com/wine-tours.html

Backyard Vineyards (3033 232 St., Langley) backyardvineyards.ca

Blackwood Lane Vineyards (25180 8 Ave, Aldergrove) blackwoodlane.ca

Chaberton Estate Winery (1064 216 St., Langley) chabertonwinery.com

Festina Lente Estate Winery (21113 16 Ave, Langley) festinalente.ca

Fort Wine Company (26151 84 Ave, Langley) thefortwineco.com

Glass House Estate Winery (23449 0 Ave, Langley) glasshouseestatewinery.com

Krause Berry Farm & Estate Winery (6179 248 St., Langley) krauseberryfarms.com

Springland Winery (6962 236 St., Langley) springlandwinery.ca

Township 7 Vineyard & Winery (21152 16 Ave, Langley) township7.com

Vista D’oro Farms & Winery (346 208 St, Langley) vistadoro.com

 

July 02, 2019

No Parking - No Problem

The massive crowds that flocked to the sandy shores of Semiahmoo Bay for Canada Day put the strain on parking in the city of White Rock.

The Semiahmoo First Nations parking lot was packed as well with over 400 visitors taking advantage of the all day parking rate at Semiahmoo Park. The city of White Rock charges $3.75 per hour which makes the daily rate the best deal in town.

It was so busy with Canada Day crowds the newly opened parkade on the city's West Beach was sold out most of the day.

 

July 01, 2019

Beautiful East Beach

For many years now the consensus was West Beach was better than East Beach in White Rock.

Since the December storm that destroyed our pier and most of the East Beach waterfront, a metamorphosis has occurred. East beach is the new hip spot on the beach.

• Lori Cody Blanketed on the grass there today. What a treat. All the benches are welcomed and were a great surprise.

  1
• Nigel Armstrong Was down there this morning and it looks great.

Gabrielle Trouton photos

 

Columnist Mike Smyth writes about the turmoil at Surrey City Hall

Doug McCallum is losing city councillors at an alarming rate, but the Surrey mayor doesn’t seem to think it’s a problem. Two city councillors have now bailed out of McCallum’s Safe Surrey Coalition, attacking the mayor’s leadership on their way out.

But, in McCallum’s world, the coloured fountains are still bubbling brightly, while the gondolas float merrily along the city’s meandering canal.

(read the full story)

 

Get A Charge Out Of New Parkade

Did you know the new parkade in White Rock comes equipped with 10 charging stations for electric vehicles? 

You do now.

June 29, 2019

Pie Update

The work crew reconstructing our famous pier are making excellent progress. The projected completion date of mid August - late August just might be moved up.

Workers are currently installing the cement cross pieces, then the pier will be re decked with wood. When you are walking on it it will look exactly the same as it was before.

The new construction will last well over the 100 years the original pier stood for.

 

 

June 25, 2019

Overwhelming citizen support for Surrey Police Department

The City of Surrey has concluded its public engagement process for the planned transition to a Surrey Police Department. Over a five-week period, 23 public engagement events were held across Surrey’s six town centres.

The results of the Citizen Consultation Survey were released yesterday Monday June 24.

A total of 11,103 survey responses were received. The following are some of the key findings from the survey.

It’s time that Surrey had a police department that is locally led: 93% Strongly Agree/Agree
I want police officers to build their career in Surrey, so they know the community well: 98% Strongly Agree/Agree
I believe our police department should prioritize its efforts based on what is important to Surrey citizens: 98% Strongly Agree/Agree

“The results of the survey responses speak volumes about the overwhelming support the citizens of Surrey have for the creation of a Surrey Police Department,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “It is clear to me that the people of Surrey are ready for the switch to a city police department and it is my desire to deliver on their wishes. I sincerely hope the Solicitor General can render his decision soon. We have a detailed plan in place, and we are ready and eager to start work on the formation of a Surrey Police Department.”

The full report on the public-engagement process is being compiled by staff. When finalized, the full report will be forwarded to Council and the public in mid-July.

 

June 24, 2019

Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

Yesterday White Rock by-law officers were quick to respond to the area along Marine Drive sometimes called "The Hump."

Last month when staff informed council they were planning on cleaning up the vegetation on the hump at the request of owners of the condos across the street, council unanimously said "keep your clear cutting hands off of the hump!!"

The absolute devastation of vegetation along THE HUMP back in 2016 is still fresh in the mind of the current and past council members as well as many residents of the community.

The RCMP were called and names and identification was taken. Stay tuned.

 

Here is a random sampling of post on FACEB OOK courtesy Fiona MacDermid;

Barbara Higgins Cowley Trespassing and causing damage....if the Nootka Rose is there....White Rock's official Flower,they should be fined triple..

Jeff Breunig There is no respect left ... nothing... No intelligence either trees and shrubs stabilize the earth. If you want to see the Ocean get off your butt and walk down

Tracey Elizabeth Van Patter 'Leave The Natural Beauty Of White Rock Alone' ~ paws off! Enough of this bs. People randomly destroying whatever they feel like!

Nancy Milos Very disappointed in residents like this... honestly, who do they think they are? There is a very big issue with slope distablization too but I guess their selfishness doesn't consider that possibility. They want what they want, like spoiled children.

Margaret Fairbrother Garrison This is the time of year; wild life, rabbits, birdies, etc. inhabit in the brush and foliage. Leave nature alone. White Rock has faced enough change and destruction. Let it grow back.

 

Peace Arch Park - Freeway For Illegals?

 

A years-long investigation by federal authorities has uncovered an elaborate “human smuggling network” that may have helped close to a thousand Chinese migrants cross the Canada-U.S. border via a public park just steps away from a busy B.C. port of entry, according to newly unsealed court documents obtained by the National Post.

June 22, 2019

Two additional arrests...... 

it's a family affair

Two more arrests have been made in the murder of a young woman found dead in a burning car in 2017 in Surrey.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team have have announced that two men were taken into custody today.
They are not saying if the men taken into custody this afternoon are related to three other people already charged in Bhavkiran Dhesi’s death.

In May, her former boyfriend –21-year-old Harjot Deo– was charged with second degree murder.

Deo’s mother and sister are also charged with being accessories to the murder.

 

Indigenous Day Celebration

Al Nemeth photo

Members of White Rock council came together yesterday with the Semiahmoo First Nations council for a special ceremony to mark National Indigenous Day.

The public ceremony was held at Bernard Charles Plaza on the waterfront of White Rock in the East Beach area. Chief Harley Chappell and White Rock Mayor Walker both elaborated on the efforts of both parties to build a long lasting relationship for the future of both communities.

Chief Chappell's three sons and daughter performed traditional Coast Salish dances during the ceremony.

 A small Cessna was forced to land near 48 Avenue and 208 Street in Langley yesterday afternoon, when its engine failed.

Andrew Trip saw the plane take off and says he was shocked when it came down only a few minutes later.

“Right away, we could hear it and you could hear it struggling,” says Trip. “So, it kind of alerted us right away. We watched it, the engine was going off and on, and sounded like it was having a really hard time.”

Cpl. Holly Largy with the Langley RCMP says no one was injured.

“It had engine failure and in an attempt to miss the power lines and land on the Newlands Golf Course, it overshot the golf course and ended up in a bush,” says Largy.

Two occupants were in the plane when it went down. It’s believed it was part of a flight training exercise at the time.

It’s not clear what caused the engine failure.

June 21, 2019

Here are the nine things that Crime Stoppers is urging every resident do at 9 p.m.:

1. Remove everything from inside your car, including loose change, garage door openers and pop bottles.
2. Roll up your car windows and lock the doors.
3. Lock up all bikes, ladders and even garden equipment — don’t leave your lawnmower out.
4. Make sure your garage door is closed, and that the door leading into the house from inside the garage is locked.
5. Close and lock all the doors and windows of your home.
6. Set your alarm, if you have one, and be sure to regularly check your video security equipment.
7. Leave an outside light on overnight to illuminate your front door.
8. Make sure that any package deliveries are picked up from your front step promptly.
9. Don’t let newspapers or mail pile up, as this will indicate that no one’s home.

Insp. Mehat also encouraged citizens to join their local Block Watch, which provides monthly training on crime prevention initiatives and access to a series of speakers.

 

June 20, 2019

Cannabis Crowd

A capacity crowd turned out to the White Rock Community Centre on Tuesday evening.

CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) hosted a meeting on the benefits of medical cannabis. With the recent opening of INDIGENOUS BLOOM (see stories below) more and more seniors will be turning towards a natural form of treatment for their medical ailments.

(click here to visit CARP'S website for more information)

 

June 19, 2019

IN this study based on numbers taken at the end of last year we see Surrey has a 35% rate of not owned occupied condominium / apartments while at the end of last year White Rock made the list with a 21% rate.

 

The Gloves Are Off In Surrey

Surrey Councillor LINDA LOCKE Surrey Mayor DOUG MCCALLUM

Just weeks after Surrey councillor STEVEN PETTIGREW moved away from the Surrey Safe Coalition over what he deemed as rampant development and tree canopy loss, now fellow councillor LINDA LOCKE appears to be moving away from the DOUG MCCALLUM led political party.

LOCKE this week crossed swords with Mayor MCCALLUM over the move to a private police force replacing the RCMP in Surrey. 

MCCALLUM released the following press release yesterday;

 

 

June 18, 2019

Has Your Child Got RAPTOR Fever?

“Pursue Your Passion!” We are excited to launch our new location in White Rock! We will begin by running Summer Camps in July & August. In September, we will have Fall Club Teams, DBL & our Fall Training Academy! See our website to register for our first camps in South Surrey!

(CLICK HERE FOR DATES AND REGISTRATION)

 

Surrey RCMP piloting new Online Crime Reporting tool

Today, the Surrey RCMP is launching a new online crime reporting tool to assist residents in reporting select non-emergency crimes. This is part of a pilot project for the BC RCMP’s new Online Crime Reporting tool that includes detachments in Kelowna, Richmond, Ridge Meadows, and Surrey.

Online Crime Reporting provides an alternate way for citizens to report less serious crimes at www.surreyrcmp.ca/reportand through the Surrey RCMP mobile app. 

Citizens with a valid email address can report less serious crimes that occurred in Surrey where there is no suspect or witness and follow up by a police officer is not required. Specifically, residents will be able to report the following crimes online:

· Damage/mischief to property under $5,000
· Damage/mischief to a vehicle under $5,000
· Hit and run to an unoccupied vehicle or property
· Theft of bicycle under $5,000
· Theft under $5,000
· Theft from vehicle under $5,000
· Lost property

In addition to providing a more convenient way for residents to make a report, this new tool will also allow call takers and frontline personnel to focus on higher priority calls, which will improve overall safety and response times in the city.

“Crime reports from the public are an essential part of determining how our policing resources are deployed in the city,” says Superintendent Ed Boettcher, Surrey RCMP Operations Officer. “This additional reporting tool will enhance our service delivery to residents of Surrey by making it more convenient to report less serious crimes, while allowing police to focus on emergency calls for service.”

To make a report using the Online Crime Reporting tool visit www.surreyrcmp.ca/report.

June 17, 2019

Local business Hazelmere Organic Farms on 184th street suffered a devastating loss as a fire destroyed its barn and operations early Sunday morning. The fire is believed to have been started by an electrical issue around 4:20am Sunday.

Photos story courtesy Kelly Breaks

June 16, 2019

History made on the Semmiahmoo First Nations land. 

 

A legal cannabis and medical dispensary were officially opened yesterday below the Washington Avenue Grill in Semiahmoo Park on Marine Drive.
The new store is a partnership with Indigenous Bloom and the Semiahmoo band. Indigenous Bloom now has 6 stores open on first nations land in British Columbia. All three levels of government were represented at the opening with MP Gordie Hogg, MLA Tracy Redies and White Rock mayor Darryl Walker all in attendance. 

It is more than just a pot shop. Visitors are welcome.

SE-MI-AH-MU Limited Partnership and Indigenous Bloom Corp 
 Announce a Partnership for Medicinal Hemp and Cannabis Dispensary

Semiahmoo First Nation (June 13, 2019) – The Semiahmoo First Nation (the “Semiahmoo”) has approved its economic development business, SE-MI-AH-MU Limited Partnership to enter into a partnership with Indigenous Bloom Corp. to own and operate a medicinal hemp and cannabis dispensary on the Semiahmoo’s Lands.  Semiahmoo’s leadership has approved entering into this agreement based on inherent right to self-determination and to benefit economically from an industry that is now legal in Canada.
The Indigenous Bloom dispensary will employ Semiahmoo members, and residents from neighboring communities. The Grand opening of Semiahmoo’s Indigenous Bloom Medicinal Hemp and Cannabis Dispensary will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 @ 3 p.m. - Unit 7, 15782 Marine Drive, Surrey, BC. All are welcome to attend this event that will bring benefits to our community.

 “The Medicinal Hemp and Cannabis industry represents a tremendous economic opportunity for all First Nations communities, and it’s important that we, the SE-MI-AH-MA, assert our rights to participate in, and benefit from, all opportunity,” explains Harley Chappell, Chief of the Semiahmoo. “By working together with Indigenous Bloom Corp., SE-MI-AH-MU Limited Partnership is creating new jobs and unlocking new revenue sources that will support social programs and housing urgently needed by members of our Nation.”

Semiahmoo has developed its own Cannabis Law based on their historic rights, which governs the production and distribution of Hemp and Cannabis on Semiahmoo Lands. This law meets, and in some cases, exceeds the health and safety standards established by the Government of Canada and the province of British Columbia. 

Semiahmoo wishes to express its intention to work closely with other levels of government to align its Medicinal Hemp and Cannabis project with Federal and Provincial processes when the governments are ready to address Aboriginal rights that have not been addressed in the current legislation.

 

Local world renowned artist ROBERT DAVIDSON Profiled

Robert Davidson

Haida artist ROBERT DAVIDSON has recently been profiled in Montecristo Magazine. DAVIDSON'S work is on display worldwide including on the arm of Prime Minister Trudeau. From his studio on the Semioahmoo First Nations land DAVIDSON had filled the void of the late artist BILL REID.

Davidson received the Order of Canada in 1996, and has been awarded honorary degrees from the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria. Through his prolific body of work, it is fair to say that Davidson has been an instrumental voice in reaffirming Haida art in the 21st century.

(read the full story)

 

 

June 13, 2019

Yesterday was a spring scorcher across B.C.

Sixteen record highs in the province for June 12 were noted by Environment Canada on Wednesday night.

“New daily high temperature records were set today thanks to a very strong ridge of high pressure,” Environment Canada noted in a weather summary.

White Rock was one of the communities that broke the existing high temperature record for June 12 - 30.9 C (29.4 C in 1932)

 

June 12, 2019

Bill's Back!

Former White Rock councillor and former owner of the East Beach bar The Sandpiper returns to East Beach.

Monday evening White Rock council approved a primary liquor license for the operation of a bar to be run by BILL LAWRENCE.

The venue will feature live music, dancing, karaoke and pub food. The new East Beach pub is expected to open it's doors in July. 

Many residents who live in close proximity to the new pub voiced their concerns, but council and staff assured there will be no wiggle room on the operation of the pub. If there are complaints the liquor branch in Victoria will be called in to quell any problems.

 

Pretty In Pink?

The owners of the embroiled property located at 1310 Johnston Road in uptown White Rock have given the old building a bright brand new look. You may remember this property was caught in limbo when the new White Rock council called for an official review of the city's Official Community Plan. The owners are proceeding with a court challenge to force the city to allow the construction of a 13 storey tower.

During an unofficial survey of walkers along the sidewalk yesterday afternoon it is obvious there is no middle ground on the new colour. It seemed to be split right down the middle of people loving it thinking it brightened up the neighbourhood to people thinking it looked totally out of place.

The last two tenants currently still occupying rental space in the building LEELA THAI and Nourish, formerly Bikram White Rock has been located at 1326 since 2007 and both businesses will be moving once their new locations in White Rock are completed. NOURISH will be relocating 1560 George St, hopefully in September.. 

UPDATE

Just Kidding?

Was the shocking pink paint just a fun thing for the owners to do? Not sure but by yesterday (Thursday) the building had a new coat of brown paint restored to the empty structure on White rock's main thoroughfare.

 

Spirit In The Sky

With a forecasted good run of sunny weather this week the sky over White Rock yesterday afternoon took on an eerie look.

Have you ever seen clouds like the ones in this picture?

 

 

June 11, 2019

Imperial Oil claims City of White Rock undervalued former gas station site targeted for expropriation

Imperial Oil filed a notice of civil claim in BC Supreme Court on May 26, claiming the city expropriated the lands at 1510 Johnston Road in June 2018 for $4,868,100. The 14,420-square-foot site had been vacant for two decades at the time, according to the claim, and fronts “onto a busy arterial road and surrounded by and abutting onto properties used for retail commercial purposes.”

(click here)

 

June 10, 2019

Get On The Bus - Take A Ride With Us

This federal election, we have the chance to get Metro Vancouver moving – but we all need to do our part. 

Email your federal MP and candidates and call for more transit funding now.

(click here)

 

June 08, 2019

Fire In The Hole

K.Breaks photo

A portion of White Rock's main thoroughfare Johnston Road was closed yesterday afternoon as the White Rock Fire department responded to a call. It turned out to be a fire in the underground parking. NO injuries were reported and the fire crew quickly doused the flames.

 

White Rock Is Open For Business

BROOKE GODIN of FLINNWEST Solutions gives us reason to be happy summer is here in the most beautiful city in Canada.

Memorial Park is open, the water feature, bathrooms and outdoor showers are all in full operation as well as brand new washrooms

Property Taxes are due July 2

The 2019 property tax notices have now been mailed to all registered property owners. All property owners, even new owners, are responsible for payment of property taxes by the due date to avoid penalty, regardless of whether a tax notice is received.

Save Time and Go Online! Skip the line and visit whiterockcity.ca/hog to claim your Home Owner Grant

 

June 07, 2019

Dead Grey Whale Discovered in Boundary Bay

As the migrating grey whales return to Alaska from their trip south to the warms waters off of Mexico, a higher than normal number of deaths have occurred. Bioligists believe the increase in annual deaths in the grey whale population is due to dwindling food supplies.

Gray whales are dying up and down the west coast at an alarming rate.

Over the last five months, 23 dead whales have washed up along California’s coast. Washington has seen 11 of the massive cetaceans wash ashore while they have been 6 reports of dead grey whales off the coast of B.C>

Three Of The Top 10 Visited Parks Are In Our Backyard

Park Name	2018 Visit
Pacific Spirit Regional Park	2,619,000
Boundary Bay Regional Park*	920,000
Capilano River Regional Park	834,000
Derby Reach Regional Park*	810,000
Belcarra Regional Park	738,000
Campbell Valley Regional Park*	614,000
Grouse Mountain Regional Park	560,000
Tynehead Regional Park*	502,000
Kanaka Creek Regional Park	446,000
Aldergrove Regional Park*	407,000

METRO VANCOUVER has just released the statistics of how many visitors have visited regional parks in the Metro Vancouver region.

Tynehead in North Surrey, Aldergrove's regional park and topping the list of local parks is the Campbell valley Regional Park in South Langley off of 200th street & 8th avenue. If you have not spent a few hours exploring the park this weekend might be the perfect time for a family outing.

 

June 05, 2019

Look, But Please Do Not Touch

It's everywhere on the Semiahmoo Peninsula, even on the beach @ East Beach White Rock.

Giant hogweed is not new to Canada, but every summer unsuspecting residents come into contact with the dangerous plant, leading to rashes, burns and -- in extreme cases -- blindness.

The plant is a perennial, which means it comes back every spring. It will start to bloom in June and reach heights of up to 5 metres in the right conditions.

Every year, officials in both Canada and the U.S. warn residents not to touch the  plants, which pop up in large numbers on both sides of the border, although it has not been found in the Canadian territories.

Summer revealed! Visit our Complete Guide to Summer 2019 for an in depth look at the Summer Forecast, tips to plan for it and much more

The Nature Conservancy of Canada says giant hogweed is one of the country's most dangerous plants. It's asking people to document sightings, which have been spotted flowering in the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.

Add To That Death Cap Mushrooms

A regular read Lisa dropped us this note:

.I just felt compelled to ask you if you would be able to write a little warning/notice about poisonous mushrooms in BC.I saw that you placed a warning about hogweed last week.The thing is "death cap mushrooms" are deadly if eaten. They have been found alarmingly abundant on Vancouver island and maybe here on the mainland. A few years ago a 3 or 4 year old toddler ate one in Victoria by the road side and died from the mushroom .They can look like another edible mushroom that people sometimes forage for. No amount of cooking will destroy the poison.

 

 

\

June 03, 2019

Have Your Say...but hurry.

Gordie HOGG was first elected as a City Councilor in 1974, his challenge was to understand what the people of our City were passionate about, and what, as their elected representative, they wanted him to take to council.

Things have changed dramatically since he was first elected, but one thing that will never change is his belief that elected officials must represent their constituents’ views to government. 

South Surrey–White Rock residents you have the ability to comment on these topics, and express your opinion on a variety of policy options. This platform is a next-generation form of consultation, and will allow you more say than ever before.

(click here)

 

June 01, 2019

Online Community Survey:

To start off the OCP Review process, we have created a short online survey that will help staff to design our public outreach in a way that supports informed participation from all members of the community. We want to know who is participating now to understand who we are reaching, and how we can make it easy for your continued involvement. 

We also have a few quick questions on each of the review topics to get an early indication of the community's understanding and opinions in key areas. Please register so that you can participate in the survey, which is available at the link here

Project Background:

Our Official Community Plan (OCP) is the city's blueprint for managing change to achieve our shared goals. It contains policies that guide Council's 'land-use' decisions for where and how we grow in the future, helping to conserve what we love about the city as well as improve the quality of life for current and future residents.

An OCP is typically reviewed every five years to ensure it remains relevant and continues to meet the needs of the community, but changes to the OCP can be considered by Council in between major updates. Council has expressed their desire for re-engagement with the public on certain aspects of the current OCP which was adopted in October 2017, to ensure that it reflects the community's values, and to provide additional support to the City's efforts in areas such as:

• Strengthening Transit
• Greening the City (on new green space and tree planting)
• Improving Housing Affordability
• Expanding Peace Arch Hospital
• Monitoring OCP Goals to Measure Success and Track Implementation
• Enhancing the Waterfront
• Reviewing Town Centre (Height, Density and Public Space / Green spaces)
• Reviewing Building Heights outside the Town Centre

As the Waterfront and Marine Drive businesses are of vital importance in the community, special events (public consultation and forums) for the Waterfront Enhancement Strategy part of this OCP Review will be held separately from the other OCP Review topics to allow for greater focus and earlier implementation of Waterfront policies. 

 

 

May 22, 2019

About Time

 

The Province has released terms of reference that will guide the British Columbia Utilities Commission’s (BCUC) investigation into what is driving high, volatile gasoline prices in British Columbia.

“The rapid increase in gas prices in B.C. is alarming, increasingly out of line with the rest of Canada, and people in B.C. deserve answers,” said Premier John Horgan. “We asked the BCUC to conduct a fair, transparent and comprehensive independent investigation. These terms provide the broad reach it needs to find answers and give recommendations to inform the path forward.”

The BCUC may exercise any of the powers provided to it under the Utilities Commission Act, including compelling oil companies as witnesses to explain their prices to the commission.

 

Third Person Charged

Updated May 26, 2019

A third person has been charged in connection with the murder of Bhaviran Dhesi.

According to updated court records, Inderdeep Kaur Deo, a 24-year-old woman, has been added to the list of accused in the Dhesi file. She now faces a charge of accessory after the fact to murder, alongside Manjit Kaur Deo. Harjot Singh Deo faces a charge of second-degree murder.

Harjot Singh Deo, 21, was arrested May 10 and charged with second-degree murder in the 2017 killing of Dhesi. The pair were dating at the time of her death.

His mother Manjit Kaur Deo, 53, was arrested May 17 and charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

Cpl. Frank Jang with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed last week that Manjit Kaur Deo is the mother of Harjot Singh Deo. It has not been confirmed how Inderdeep Deo is related to the other two accused.

 

 

It Must Be Spring

15640 - 40th Avenue South Surrey

Did you know Mary's Garden opened over the weekend?

We open at 9:30 (until 6 pm) and guess what. Our own no sprays lettuces are ready (we will have enough for the first few days at least!!!); our own heirloom rhubarb and fresh mint are also ready! 

May 17, 2019

We're #1 We're #1

As you drive the streets of most Lower Mainland communities, in particular White Rock & Crescent Beach you cannot help but notice the abundance of FOR SALE signs.

Many homeowners are still hoping to catch the real estate bubble before it bursts. Or has it burst?

 

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.

 

Nature’s Fare said no major changes expected after sale to Buy-Low Foods

Buy-Low Foods is a division of the Jim Pattison Group

 

May 14, 2019

Another TRANSLINK Survey - 30 Years Out

TRANSLINK is inviting everyone in the region to help us update their 30-year transportation strategy

Have your say - take the survey here

 

Gray whales starving, washing up dead in startling numbers along SF coast

Over the past month or so residents and visitors to White Rock have marveled as a pair of Grey whales have cruised back and forth through Semiahmoo Bay. On Friday evening two Grey whales, and possibly the same two that have been in White Rock, got stranded off of Centennial Beach in Delta. Fortunately the tide was coming in when the two giants beached on the sand./ 

The two Grey whales were freed and seem content to stay in the bay.

The Grey whales are currently migrating from their winter home in Mexico and heading back to Alaska. 

Why are the Grey whales coming in so close and in such numbers these days? They are searching for food.

(read the full story of what has happened in San Fransisco)

 

Outdoor Burning Ban Issued

As we move closer to the summer season, the Surrey Fire Service wants to remind its citizens that seasonally high temperatures and dry weather do result in an increase in the potential for brush fires & nuisance smoke throughout the City of Surrey. 

Effective immediately, open burning of any kind is banned in the city. Open burning/backyard fires are not allowed in the City of Surrey. The fire ban also extends to the beaches In South Surrey in Crescent Beach and off of Semiahmoo Park in South Surrey.

Any fire service attendance to an open burning complaint may be subject to cost recovery.

Natural gas, propane or charcoal briquettes are permitted as long as they are being used in ULC/CSA-approved devices for that particular product. Charcoal briquettes are allowed on private property but are prohibited in city parks and on city beaches.

To date in 2019, Surrey Fire has attended 123 brush / grass fires and 184 burning complaints.

Between May 1, 2018 and Oct 01, 2018, the Surrey Fire Service responded to 441 brush/grass fires and 279 burning complaints.

 

May 09, 2019

Independent News / STOP The Fake News

In a video by award-winning filmmakers Velcrow Ripper and Nova Ami, National Observer founding editor-in-chief Linda Solomon Wood speaks about the vital role of journalists to preserve truth and accountability in Canada. With 'fake news' and disinformation campaigns destabilizing politics in the U.S. and the U.K., Canada is now also being targeted by malicious efforts to polarize voters ahead of the 2019 election. National Observer's reporters speak about what public service journalism mean to them. Featuring Linda Solomon Wood, Mike De Souza, Carl Meyer, Sandy Garossino, Alastair Sharp, Fatima Syed, Emilee Gilpin and Jenny Uechi.

 

May 12, 2019son 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 2019-67700

 

May 10, 2019

Freed Willy

Late yesterday afternoon (Friday) two Grey whales were trapped on the sand in Boundary Bay near Centennial Beach in Tswassen. Rescue crews from the Department of Fisheries were quick to act. The two whales eventually made their way back to deeper water. It is believed these are the two same whales that have been thrilling residents and visitors to White Rock.

The two whales have been frolicking and feeding off the end of our pier for two weeks.

 

 

Coyote Ugly

Monday evening a 3 year old girl who was walking with a parent was attacked by a coyote while they walked through Duprez Ravine in west White Rock. The city of White Rock responded by closing the ravine and placing a makeshift barricade with no information at the top of the ravine. The entrance above to Duprez Ravine is located behind Centennial Arena.

A conversation officer was called after the attack and arrived on the scene and shot a coyote. Until further notice if you are hiking or biking in the ravine be extra careful.

The young girl was treated for superficial leg wounds and released from hospital.

 

May 08, 2019

Surrey Says "Love Where You Live"

Love Where You Live kicked off with a staff clean-up event at City Hall. (L-R) Councillor Jack Hundial, Councillor Linda Annis,
Mayor Doug McCallum, Councillor Allison Patton, Councillor Laurie Guerra, Councillor Brenda Locke and Councillor Steven Pettigrew.

Mayor Doug McCallum launched the City of Surrey’s Love Where You Live campaign which calls for residents, business owners, schools, and community groups to do their part in keeping Surrey clean and beautiful. 

“Everyday, and especially during this new initiative, we are calling on everyone to participate in keeping the street where you live, and the parks where our children play, clean and welcoming,” said Mayor Doug McCallum.
“No effort is too small, and it starts with the street you work or call home. I challenge everyone to take 20 minutes out of your day, once a week, to clean up your property and the space around it.”

For the full Love Where You Live event schedule, or to learn more about the city-wide campaign, visit surrey.ca/lovewhereyoulive.

 

2019 State of the City Address 

Highlights of Mayor McCallum's 20129 State of the City Address.

“I am proud of what has been achieved in the six months since we took office,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “When I was elected as Mayor, I had two priorities in mind. The first was to quickly deliver on the wishes of the people of Surrey who gave us the mandate to govern, and the second was to make sure the City of Surrey is continually moving forward by having Council, on behalf of the people, do what is best for our city. The work we have done is just the beginning and we will continue to seize on the momentum we have created to ensure that Surrey is constantly advancing and flourishing.”

Two major initiatives were enacted on the evening the new Council was sworn in. Motions were introduced and unanimously passed to begin work on extending the existing SkyTrain network in Surrey from King George Station to Langley City and to begin work on the creation of a Surrey Police Department. Mayor McCallum also highlighted the following items that were part of his “to do list” that have been acted upon since taking office:

• Implement Smart Development to ensure essential services and infrastructure are part of the planning of new communities.
• No development in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
• Eliminate backlog in building permits.
• Hold property tax increase to the Consumer Price Index (Oct. 2018) of 2.9%.
• Bring the City of Surrey’s debt load under control by taking a pay as you go approach.
• Eliminate pay parking around Surrey Memorial Hospital and at City Hall.
• Institute Inadmissible Patrons Program and Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment Program
• Bring transparency, accountability and fairness with the establishment of an Independent Ethics Commissioner at City Hall.
• Create Truck Parking and Community Engagement Task Forces
• Purchase and protect park land in Campbell Heights.
• Begin planning of a new Track and Field facility at Bear Creek Park and a Kabaddi facility.
• Increase discount for seniors 70 years and older from 25% to 75% on recreation passes and drop-in admissions.

The 2019 State of the City Address also saw the unveiling of a marked Surrey Police vehicle for the first time. With the Surrey Police Transition Report near completion, Mayor McCallum outlined the public engagement outreach that will be occurring once the report is handed over to the provincial government. Residents will have the opportunity to outline their priorities and what they want to see with Surrey Police in the coming weeks

 

May 07, 2019

White Rock Runner/Resident Ferg Hawke Finishes BMO Marathon In Good Company

 

May 03, 2019

Iconic White Rock pier repairs to receives provincial support

(l-r) BOB BEZUBIAK "Friends of the Pier", Delta MLA RAVI KAHLON, White Rock councillor HELEN FATHERS, South Surrey/White Rock MLA TRACEY REDIES

 

Weekend Roundup May 4-6, 2019

Saturday

It was a great turn out Saturday morning for the monthly talk with White Rock council members.

Sunday

The annual Hike for Hospice brought in thousands of dollars through pledges to walks in our community.

. Dozens enjoyed the glorious walk around Crescent Beach in ideal weather.

Market Opens

MP Gordie Hogg and MLA Tracey Redies were on hand to officiate at the opening of the White Rock Farmers' Market as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Market manager HELEN FATHERS pictured with market staff and award presented by MP Gordon Hogg honouring the market as the top market in British Columbia. Every Sunday in uptown White Rock. Follow the crowds.

 

May 02, 2019

Backed Up Border 

12:00 p.m.

Harley Chappell photo

Surrey RCMP is investigating a two vehicle collision which occurred on Highway 99 near the Peace Arch border crossing.

At approximately 11:30 am on May 2nd, Surrey RCMP Frontline officers responded to a report of a collision on Highway 99, approximately 300 meters north of the Canada / US border. Once on scene, officers determined a collision had occurred between a Porsche Cayenne SUV and a Toyota Sienna van. It was initially reported to be a three vehicle collision, but officers later confirmed that only two vehicles were involved. The Toyota subsequently caught fire after the collision. The male driver and lone occupant of the Porsche has been transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The male driver and sole occupant of the Toyota was pronounced deceased at scene.

The Surrey RCMP Criminal Collision Investigation Team has assumed conduct of the investigation along with the assistance of the General Investigation Unit and the Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analyst Reconstruction Service.

Anyone with information about this collision or may have dash-cam video is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or contact Crime Stoppers if you wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.

 

Friends Indeed

This morning (Thursday) dignitaries and elected officials gathered on the newly opened Memorial Park to announce the creation and efforts of a volounteer community committee called FRIENDS OF THE PIER.

The group will be raising money to assist the city of White Rock in restoring our world famous pier to it's original condition, and perhaps better.

One of the fundraising initiatives will be a "Buy A Plank" campaign. For $1,000.00 you will be able to purchase 1 of 1300 planks that it will take to rebuild the pier. Your name and or company log will be burned into the plank (see above)

Landmark Properties announced at today's press conference they will start the campaign by purchasing 50 planks.

(click here for more details)

 

Peace Portal Take Down

Seizure of cash and drugs highlights importance of tips from the public

A tip from the public has led to the arrest of two men and a substantial seizure of cash and drugs.

Shortly before 8:00pm on April 29, 2019, Surrey RCMP Frontline officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in the 700 block of 171 Street. Officers attended and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, which then initiated an impaired driving investigation, and led to the arrest of both the driver and passenger and the seizure of the vehicle.

During the investigation, officers located and seized multiple items including approximately $27,440 in cash, a replica firearm, a conductive energy weapon, multiple cell phones, and packaged bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl. Both the driver and passenger have been released from police custody on a court process and the investigation is on-going. 

“Once again the watchful eyes of community members have assisted us in an investigation,” says Surrey RCMP Operations Officer, Superintendent Ed Boettcher. “Police alone cannot combat violent crime in Surrey, we encourage the public to continue to report any suspicious activity in our community.”

In addition to following up on tips, Surrey RCMP is continuing its strategic enforcement activity with enhanced patrols by members of the Surrey RCMP’s Traffic Unit, Frontline officers, and the Surrey Gang Enforcement Team. A variety of work is being done to increase police contact with individuals known to be involved in violent criminal behaviour and drug trafficking in the city. This work has included an increase in the number of traffic check stops throughout Surrey.

A recent series of check stops conducted on the night of Saturday, April, 27, 2019, resulted in approximately 1,100 vehicle checks, and a number of violations and charges under the Motor Vehicle Act.

In total:
1 - criminal impaired driving investigation
5 - 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRP) and the accompanying 30 day impound
1 - criminal charge for Possession of controlled substance
1 - charge for Drive while prohibited
4 - 3-day IRP with accompanying 3 day impound
2 - suspension by drugs
5 – cell phone violations
2 - violation tickets for No valid drivers licence
6 - violation tickets for Drive contrary to restriction
1 – violation ticket for seatbelts
1 – violation for use cannabis while operating vehicle

 

New area code 672 

Starting this week (May 4), the new 672 area code will be added to the current 604, 250, 778 and 236 area codes already in use in British Columbia. The introduction of the new area code is in response to the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region, ensuring residents and businesses continue to have enough numbers to meet demand well into the future.

 

May 01, 2019

 Water Restrictions