Local News
June 08, 2013
Title: Reward offered for arrest of "Surgical Mask Bandit"
The Surrey RCMP and the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a suspect who may be responsible for a number of recent robberies targeting customers using ATM services.
Following two similar incidents on May 12 and 14 in White Rock, our investigators now believe the same suspect might be responsible for 4 additional robberies that have since been reported throughout Surrey. These robberies took place on May 23 and 25, as well as two in one day on June 2nd.
The suspect is described as a white male in his mid 20's, approximately 6'0" tall with a medium build, wearing a surgical mask and a baseball hat. In some of the incidents a handgun was produced however was never used. (Please see surveillance photos attached).
The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) will be offering a $10,000 reward in this case for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect known as the "Surgical Mask Bandit".
"Certainly we are concerned given the frequency of these incidents," says Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet. "Although no one has been injured, the CBA and the Surrey RCMP want to ensure the safety of the public by doing everything possible to locate and arrest this individual."
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP's Robbery Section at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS.
In the event of a robbery, remain calm and cooperate with the robber's demands, never argue. Never assume a robber isn't armed and try to pay close attention to what they look like. Try to observe the direction of travel of the suspect and call police when they have departed and it is safe to do so.
June 07, 2013
MP Russ Hiebert Needs Your Help
With all the controversy raging in Ottawa regarding the Senate expense scandals, our MP Russ Hiebert has decided to lighten things up a bit. HIEBERT is looking for your favourite images of the area that can be used in his 2014 calendar. If you would like more information pleasecontact HIEBERT'S office directly. (click here)
June 06, 2013
City of White Rock Tree Work
Over the past two weeks the city of White Rock removed a number of mature trees along the Johnston Road corridor. As the removal of trees in White Rock evenly divides the community city of White Rock CAO DAN BOTTRILL was interested in informing the residents why the trees were remooved.
 At the intersection of Johnston Rd and Pacific Ave, NE corner, three live trees were removed: 1 Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum tree) and 2 Liriodendron tulipfera (Tulip trees). The Sweetgum has a large crack at the top of the stem (circled in red, left). This tree will not recover and is at high risk of failure. The tree was removed to mitigate the risk of failure. It will be replaced with one tree in the same spot.
 The two Tulip trees, shown to the left, were cut down to remove the overhead conflicts with the high voltage wires. In order to promote a healthy urban canopy, and in keeping with 'right tree, right place', the trees were removed as they want to grow to a mature height of approximately 30 meters (100 feet). Due to their proximity to the overhead wires, these trees are being removed as they are in conflict with the high overhead wires
 The tree across from Hillcrest Mall:
One Liquidambar styraciflua, Sweetgum tree, will be removed due to the damage done to the tree when a large scaffold limb broke off in a windstorm. There is not enough sound wood left to adequately support the canopy of the tree. This tree was removed to mitigate the risk of failure and subsequent damage to people or property. This tree was located outside 1446 Johnston Rd. This tree will be replaced during the boulevard improvements for the adjacent development.
BOTTRILL also explains future plans for the removal of trees along Johnston Road between Russell Avenue and North Bluff along Johnston Road due to sidewalk damage from the roots of the trees presently along Johnston Road. "Our 2013 work plan includes a concept plan and design with respect to Johnston Road and sidewalks from North Bluff Road to Russell Avenue. We will be using a consultant to assist with this project. I suspect that the plan will confirm that the current trees should be replaced with a different species more suitable to the location. If so, then the trees would be replaced as part of the construction project for Johnston Road sidewalks scheduled in the financial plan for 2014."
May 23, 2013
We Need You To Identify These Two Fraudsters!
White Rock RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in identifying two men.
On May 18th at approximately 9PM, two males entered the White Rock Liquor Store located in the 15100 block of North Bluff Rd and purchased over $1500 worth of liquor. The credit card used, was later discovered to have been stolen from a vehicle in Surrey earlier that day.
The first male is described as Indo Canadian, approximately 45 to 55 years of age, with a moustache, balding dark hair, wearing wire rim glasses, a blue and grey sweatshirt with a white stripe across the chest and black sweat pants with a white stripe down the leg. (see photo)
The second male is described as Indo Canadian, approximately 25 to 35 years of age, 6 ft, dark hair, wearing a grey striped dress shirt and blue jeans. (see photo)
If you have any information about this crime please contact Cst. Brooke Cheney at 778-593-3623
May 18, 2013
Following the fall out from the destruction of the mature Fir trees along the city of White Rock's road end at Victoria avenue and Centre Street, it is now rumoured the Mayor of White Rock WAYNE BALDWIN is telling people the city is considering working with local wildlife advocate DAVID HANCOCK to enhance local eagle habitat.
This interesting concept has been on the table since 2010 when yours truly (Dave Chesney/Publisher) blocked cutting of trees on the WHite Rock hump by BNSF until a slope stability study was completed.
At the time my concern in addition to slope stability was the possible loss of the EAGLE TREE on the hump which has been a roosting tree since I can't remember. In order to ensure the tree's possible future I contacted DAVID HANCOCK and had him inspect the large Fir tree to see if he had any ideas. HANCOCK told me he was well aware of the eagles in the tree. He also said if he put a strut up in the tree it would be very likely the eagles would be able to build a nest.
I told the city about this and urged them to proceed. HANCOCK has a number of eagle cams around the Lower Mainland that draw thousands of visitors a day. There is a camera presently referred to as the White Rock Eagle Cam (click here) but it actually is in Crescent Beach/Surrey.
I followed up and had a conversation with our fire chief PHIL LEMIRE to see if the fire department could assist in raising HANCOCK and his crew in a cherry picker or ladder truck. That was 2 months ago.
If the city of White Rock does proceed as both HANCOCK and I have identified this would be a wonderful tourist attraction for White Rock. Something we are sadly in much need of.
Over to you Mayor Baldwin.
D.Chesney
Publisher/White Rock Sun
May 15, 2013
White Rock RCMP Issue ATM Robber Warning
 file photo/not RCMP issue
On Sunday May 12th, just after 9 PM, White Rock RCMP were called to the Toronto Dominion Bank in the 15100 block of North Bluff Road. A 63 year old male from Ontario reported that he had been robbed by a male carrying a black gun and concealing his face.
On Tuesday May 14th, just after 9 PM, White Rock RCMP responded to a similar incident at the Royal Bank, located in the 15000 block of North Buff. A 62 year old female from South Surrey reported she had been robbed by a male carrying a black gun and concealing his face.
In both reports White Rock RCMP enlisted the assistance of the Lower Mainland Police Dog Service however tracks were unsuccessful, leading investigators to believe the suspect may be associated to a vehicle.
White Rock RCMP are looking for a Caucasian male, in his early twenties, approximately 6'1, with a thin build.
The public are reminded of the following safety considerations;
Whenever possible use the banking machine during regular banking hours;
Use the ATM with another person present whenever possible;
keep a banking envelope at home and have your deposit prepared before going to the ATM;
Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car in close proximity to or at a distance from the ATM location;
Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Do not become so involved with your transaction that you are not aware of changing conditions around you;
Secure all money on your person or in your purse before leaving the ATM;
If you are involved in a confrontation and the attacker is armed with a weapon and demands your money or valuables, COMPLY.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the White Rock RCMP at 778-593-3600 or if you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
May 14, 2013
Surrey RCMP Seek Your Help
Witnesses sought after two separate shooting incidents
The Surrey RCMP are requesting the public's assistance and any witnesses to come forward with additional information following two separate shooting incidents on Saturday evening (May 11th).
The Surrey RCMP's Serious Crime Unit continues to investigate after a male was located outside a convenience store in the 13100 block of 104th Avenue at approximately 11:00pm with apparent gunshot wounds. The 26 year old male was taken to local area hospital with serious injuries but is in stable condition. The victim remains uncooperative however police continue to investigate. No suspects have been identified at this time and police believe this to be a targeted incident.
The Surrey RCMP also continues to investigate after a male allegedly threatened passengers on the Sktrain before being involved in a police shooting at approximately 7:30pm at the Scott Road Skytrain Station. The Surrey RCMP is investigating the actions of the male leading up to the shooting while the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) continues to investigate the actions of the officers on scene.
Anyone with information about either of these two incidents who has not already contacted police is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
May 11, 2013
Boys On Film
 l-r Jordan and brother Brandon Willetts
Local young filmmakers - brothers Brandon Willetts and Jordan Willetts, are heading to Cannes International Film Festival today with their first short film "Mayfly."
"Mayfly" was accepted to the 2013 Cannes Short Film Corner, a venue dedicated to the promotion of promising new young filmmakers.
The film was shot locally throughout White Rock and Vancouver, using local volunteer actors and crew members. The film was written, directed, and produced by Brandon & Jordan Willetts and stars Brian Poljak, Al Dales, Jason Asuncion, Kim Hughes, and Winslow Holmes. The synopsis reads:
"Considered one of the most significant discoveries in scientific history, geneticists have successfully developed a test that can accurately predict the exact date of a person's death. Through a simple blood test, scientists can determine, barring any unforeseeable circumstances, the exact date that you will die.
With this test readily available, everybody on Earth is faced with the same question: Do I want to know?
Based on actual scientific research, Mayfly chronicles the day of the first man to receive the results of this monumental test; results that will undoubtedly change the rest of his life forever."
Brandon, 26, is a White Rock resident and Jordan, 24, resides in Vancouver. Both young men attended University in the U.S. – Brandon at Stanford University and Jordan at the University of Oregon. They both received their degrees before deciding to return home to gain some valuable experience working in the office of their family's contracting business. "We both have great educations, but we felt we needed some more business experience in estimating, contract negotiations, and project management before venturing into the high stakes game of filmmaking," said Brandon.
The brothers hold dual citizenship U.S. and Canada and plan to move to L.A. next year and totally immerse themselves in the film industry. Credentials are necessary, so getting Mayfly accepted into film festivals is the primary goal. They have high hopes of making it into the Toronto International Film Festival and the Vancouver International Film Festival.
"The film is fantastic," claims White Rock realtor Louise McKnight who was one of the lucky few to preview the film.
The film showcases many of the scenic landmarks of White Rock, the pier, the clock tower, and the whale mural.
Brandon and Jordan both attended Sullivan Heights Secondary. In a key scene in the film, the Sullivan Heights super lab seamlessly doubled as an international genetic research facility. They also filmed at the Bell Performing Arts Centre, the UBC Museum of Anthropology and at Simon Fraser University.
"We put out a casting call to actors who were willing to work for free," said Jordan. "All we could afford to offer them was a promise of high production value and an effort to submit the film to the best possible competitions."
Cannes, France is a good start.
Mayfly has also been submitted to over two dozen other fiulm festivals. As film festivals demand exclusivitey the movie MAYFLY will not be shown on line or publicly until it has run its course at the various film festivals.
CANNES UPDATE
What Buyers Want At Cannes; More Jennifer Lawrence, Less Sylvester Stallone.
This year in the south of France, concept movies are replacing big stars, and VOD is on the rise
May 02, 2013
White Rock/South Surrey Candidate's Past?
The Conservative Party of British Columbia has chosen ELIZABETH PAGTAKHAN as their candidate for the White Rock/South Surrey riding. This is not the first time PAGTAKHAN has represented the Conservative Party. In 2006 PAGTAKHAN was the federal candidate in Vancouver East up against the NDP stronghold and LIBBY DAVIES. DAVIES as expected won handily.
Elections Canada launched a cross Canada investigation into what is now known as an "in & out scheme" of campaign funds sent from the national office to the local office and quickly returned to head office.
(read the two back grounder stories here)
When interviewed yesterday by The White Rock Sun, PAGTAKHAN brushed aside any concerns voters may have with the statement "The money was repaid and at the end of the day all political parties have done the same thing for years."
 John Cummins is coming to town
PAGTAKHAN will not be attending this evening's and tomorrow's All Candidate meetings due to prior family commitments. Saturday evening Provincial leader JOHN CUMMINS will join ELIZABETH at her fund raiser at the Golden Lion Restaurant on King George Highway in South Surrey @24th Avenue.
April 14, 2013
Councillor Backs Boarders
" A couple of my friends and I, who are long boarders that live in White Rock/South Surrey, would like to meet with you ... to discuss ways in which we can help create a compromise that would be beneficial to all parties."
It was a refreshing mature e-mail to a City Councillor compared to recent irate rants demanding my exclusion from Council for suggesting long boarders and are not criminals under Bylaw 1529. Three young men, with no tattoos, piercings, dreads, or attitudes, sat down to discuss long boarding in White Rock.
Bylaw 1529 has directed our RCMP that there is absolutely no skateboarding, skating, roller blading, long boarding etc. permitted on any street, lane, alley (highway) in the City of White Rock at any time, unless the street is closed to vehicular traffic. Long boarders aside, a ten year old girl on pink roller blades gliding down the street or fitness people are breaking the law.
The young men described the tragic death of a long boarder in North Vancouver and the resultant changes as rational policy. I found the minutes of a January 30, 2011, North Vancouver Council Workshop on long boarding attended by the Mayor, six Councillors, RCMP, eight staff members and submissions by fourteen concerned citizens.
This collaborative process resulted in July 9, 2012, changes to long boarding and skateboarding regulations, " ... the District has sought a balanced a
approach to the issue that accommodates long boarders' desire to long board in the community, but that also aims to minimize the inherent risks ... ". " The District is interested in assisting the long boarding community in holding sanctioned, community-friendly events."
The bylaw changes include enforcement measures such as 24hour impoundment of boards and fines for those who do not follow the rules of the road, respect other road users, respect neighbours and neighbourhoods, and ride safely. "Long boarding is currently legal in the District as long as the requirements in the Street and Traffic Bylaw are met."
The District of North Vancouver has put some effort into managing a multi-generational city in the 21st century. Long boarding and skateboarding are popular outdoor physical activities for our young people. Sanctioned events are held in Whistler, Brittania Beach, Summerland, Saltspring, Pender Harbour, Yarrow, Kelowna, Mt. Washington and Vernon. These are all tourist destinations marketing to young people.
White Rock, as a multi-generational city attempting to build a 21st century family and tourist profile, must revisit Bylaw 1529 to project a modern beach town that is inclusive and welcoming.
Larry Robinson City of White Rock Councillor
April 04, 2013
Connecting People, Places & Economic Opportunities
Surrey Mayor DIANNE WATTS - State of the City Address April 02
As Surrey evolves into the second metropolitan centre of the region, the City will focus on generating new economic opportunities, fostering innovation and enhancing connectivity, announced Mayor Dianne Watts in her State of the City Address today.
"We have a vested interest to ensure that we are building economically, socially, environmentally and culturally vibrant communities," says Mayor Watts. "The City of Surrey has repeatedly been ranked one the best places in the country to invest. But we can't stop there, we have to continue to plan for the future and create new opportunities for our residents and our City."
She adds, Surrey has the lowest residential taxes and second-lowest business taxes in the region. Last year, more than 2100 new businesses opened and $1.3 billion in building permits were issued. Since 2005, 15,000 new businesses have opened and the city has seen $11 billion in construction activity.
In order to spur growth in the health technology and research sector, she announced the new Mayor's Health Technology Working Group. It will be Co-Chaired by Mayor Watts and Dr. Ryan D'Arcy, an SFU Neuroscientist and newly appointed Research Chair for Multimodal Technology at Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH).
The group is comprised of a wide range of community leaders, including SFU Surrey, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, UBC, Fraser Health, Lifesciences BC, BC Technology Industry Association, and the development community.
The group will help shape and enhance the newly-named Innovation Boulevard, which runs from SMH to SFU Surrey and includes180 health-related businesses.
"We want to harness new opportunities in the health technologies industry, which is worth about $300 billion a year. We have state-of-the-art health facilities and the brightest minds at work in Surrey. Innovation Boulevard will connect the dots and build a world-class centre that will enhance patient care and propel economic growth in our city."
She adds the City will also look at expanding the Canarie fibre network from SFU Surrey down Innovation Boulevard. This ultra high-speed fibre optic digital infrastructure is highly coveted in the health technology and research community.
The City will develop new strategies to foster growth in the aerospace industry. Surrey is currently home to about 25 manufacturing companies and several affiliated companies that form a critical link in the aviation and aerospace supply chain.
In addition, the City will focus on leveraging new opportunities in the arts and culture sector, as well as the sport tourism industry, which account for over $1.8 billion of B.C.'s GDP.
The Mayor announced the next phase in the City's community consultation program, a long-term, online initiative with BC-based technology company Vision Critical called City Speaks: Your Surrey, Your Say. It's a new opportunity for the City to bring the public into the decision-making process in a more accessible way – via computers, smartphones and tablets. It will allow people to provide ongoing input regarding policies, programs and plans for Surrey.
"The City of Surrey is one of the first municipalities in North America to undergo such a comprehensive online consultation process. We believe that connecting and engaging our citizenry is the cornerstone of our service, but we know people lead busy lives and can't always attend open houses, public hearings, or other information sessions. We want people to have their say, on their time, and the information we gather will help shape the future of our city."
She adds the City is hosting its first-ever Community Summit on April 6 which will be another new opportunity for the City to connect with the community.
She renewed calls for better transit service in Surrey and urged the Provincial government to fix the TransLink governance model and change the Provincial legislation to allow for a sustainable funding solution to be developed.
"Not having rapid transit infrastructure is a significant problem for shaping and growing our city. We have to plan for growth, connect our communities, create pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, and plan for future economic growth."
The City contributes an estimated $144 million each year to TransLink, including $40 million in property taxes. There has been no rapid transit expansion in Surrey for 19 years. Of the 80 kilometers of rail rapid transit in the region, less than six kilometers is located in Surrey and South of the Fraser River.
The City wants to build an at-grade Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, and construction on the first line could begin within two years if funding was available. Mayor Watts announced that a grassroots community coalition has been formed to help advocate for LRT.
"Our goal is to densify our town centres and connect the city to our downtown core, which is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Through the Build Surrey program, we've attracted $1.3 billion in residential and commercial development to City Centre. I believe that reflects a collective confidence that will benefit the entire city."
She said the City will move forward with the significant infrastructure projects included in the Build Surrey program, the largest construction and investment plan in the city's history. Construction continues on the new City Hall, community plaza and district energy system in City Centre, as well as the Guildford pool and Grandview aquatic centre. The design process is underway on the new South Surrey arts centre, Newton fitness facility, Fleetwood community centre addition, and Clayton Heights recreation centre.
The City is also enhancing connectivity by building new walking, cycling, and greenway infrastructure, which link the town centres to the 8000 acres of parkland and 900 acres of urban forest in Surrey.
She highlighted some of the significant accomplishments over the past year, including the new waste management system which diverts waste from the landfill by separating organics from garbage, and includes an entire fleet of compressed natural gas collection trucks. Thanks to the efforts of residents, the City has achieved its 70 per cent waste diversion target and is saving $3 million a year in operational costs. The next major step in the program is to build Canada's largest organics biofuel facility, which will process organics into a renewable fuel. It is expected to be operational by 2015.
Mayor Watts says she will continue to advocate for students in Surrey to ensure the Province builds new K-12 schools to address overcrowding issues, as well as new post-secondary spaces at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and SFU Surrey to fill the increasing demand.
"As Surrey evolves and transforms, we will continue to affect change and implement relevant public policy which moves our city forward in a thoughtful way. We need to ensure that we foster new investment, become more effective in the way we deliver services, and create safe, vibrant communities."
March 28, 2013
The City of Surrey is calling for submissions in its PARKit Design Challenge, a competition for the design and installation of a summertime pop-up park in Surrey City Centre.
Individuals and groups are invited to submit their ideas for a creative sustainable outdoor public space capable of supporting mobile food vendors. The selected winner will receive $12,000 to fabricate and install their design. Honorariums will be awarded to second ($500) and third place teams ($250).
The PARKit site is located adjacent to Surrey Central SkyTrain station, in the North Surrey Recreation Centre parking lot. This area has become an important pedestrian hub, linking SFU Surrey and Central City Mall with the SkyTrain station and recreation centre.
"The PARKit Design Challenge is a wonderful way for the City to engage creative minds to help infuse life into concrete. The park will bring the community together and become a fun urban greenspace in our downtown core," says Mayor Dianne Watts.
PARKit Design Challenge entries are due May 17, and the winner will be announced on May 24. The site is expected to be installed by mid-July, and will remain open through August.
The City originally developed PARKit as a pilot project to create temporary public park space, and to test the feasibility of mobile food trucks in City Centre. The program's initial pilot site was activated in April and July, 2012, in the same location. For more information visit: www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/13125.aspx.
March 27, 2013
Carolyn Tayler, director End of Life Care for Fraser Health, Graham Cameron, board chair Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation, Dr. Margaret McDiarmid, Minister of Health, Bob Cooper, board member Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation, Jackie Smith, executive director Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation at the funding announcement
Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation is receiving a $3 million grant from the Ministry of Health toward the expansion of the Peace Arch Hospice. Peace Arch Hospice is currently located on the sixth floor at Peace Arch Hospital, and is operated by Fraser Health. The Foundation is working closely with Fraser Health to expand Peace Arch Hospice from seven to 15 beds.
"Building capacity – including in our hospice - on the Peace Arch Hospital campus is a top priority for our Foundation and our partners at Fraser Health," said Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation board chair, Graham Cameron. "The Peace Arch Hospital Master Concept Plan, completed in 2012, identifies four priority projects: a redeveloped and expanded emergency department, new surgical procedure rooms, a new 200-bed residential care building, and a new 15 bed-hospice. The funding announced by the Ministry of Health today will help ensure that our community receives the hospice beds necessary to meet the demands from our growing community."
"Providing end-of-life care helps people in this stage of life to die with dignity in their home community near family and friends," said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "The $3 million grant toward the expansion of Peace Arch Hospice will offer additional beds in private rooms for people in the last weeks or months of life when care cannot be managed at home."
"Since 2002 Fraser Health has supported the development of Hospice Residences to provide quality care at end of life for those who cannot or do not wish to die at home," noted Carolyn Tayler, Director of End of Life Care for Fraser Health. "Today's grant announcement from the Ministry of Health and the strong partnership between Fraser Health and Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation will ensure that patients and families receive care in a facility specifically designed and built specifically to provide hospice care."
The Foundation will share the plans for building capacity projects, including the expanded hospice beds, at the Peace Arch Hospital campus following review by the provincial government. Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation staff and volunteers look forward to working with the community to raise the balance of funds to support all four priority projects for building capacity at Peace Arch Hospital.
March 18, 2013
No More Coal Trains!
Hundreds of White Rock, Surrey and Washington State residents turned out under clear blues skies yesterday to register their opposition to increased coal train traffic through the White Rock/South Surrey and Whatcom County corridor.
Bellingham has been diligent for months now in their opposition to the proposed construction of a deep sea port at Cherry Point just south of Birch Bay. If the port is approved Bellingham would see four more coal trains daily running through their city. The push back in White Rock/South Surrey is now starting to gain ground.
l-r White Rock Councillor Helen Fathers/White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin/Delta MLA Guy Gentner/Surrey Councillor Basinder Rasode/White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg
Local politicians attended the rally to lend their support to the peaceful protest. White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin read excerpts from the letter White Rock council recently issued to the city of Surrey opposing expansion of the Fraser River Ports for increased coal exports. White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg spoke from a personal point of view relating his long history with the rail line along the beach as a child growing up in White Rock, and how he was concerned for the future of our "city by the sea."
SURREY SHIRT'S Don Pitcairn was in attendance and created a stunning message carved in the tidal sand for hillside residents and traffic along Marine Drive to see.
MIA WASHBROOK felt compelled to bake a cake and decorate it with chunks of chocolate coal, which she shared with the protestors.
...and almost right on schedule as the protest was coming to a close, cries went up from the crowd "TRAIN, TRAIN Here comes a train."
Though it was not a coal train, the point was made to BNSF rail that White Rock wants the company to be a good neighbour, and stop coal trains rumbling along its waterfront.
The White Rock Sun is committed to keeping you up to date on future events pertaining to anti-coal train activities.
Visit FACEBOOK and sign up for White Rock/Sotuh Surrey NO MORE COAL bulletins (click here)
March 15, 2013
OFFICIAL "ethnogate" STATEMENT
 White Rock/South Surrey MLA Gordn Hogg
VICTORIA – Government Caucus Chair Gordon Hogg issued the following statement about the Caucus review into the Draft Multicultural Strategic Outreach Plan:
"Today I delivered our review of caucus staff in relation to the Draft Multicultural Strategic Outreach Plan to my caucus colleagues.
I want to thank MLAs Murray Coell and Rob Howard for their assistance. The scope of our review focused on the role caucus staff members played in the draft document.
As Mr. Dyble's scope could not include Caucus staff, I felt it important as Caucus Chair to conduct an internal review, recognizing the different role Caucus employees perform.
During our review, we interviewed current employees named in the draft plan and received from them written statements. We also reviewed emails from current and former caucus staff that had been sent using their legislative email addresses.
Our review confirmed Mr. Dyble's finding that caucus staff played a brief, supporting role in the initial preparation of the draft document – within the defined role of caucus staff.
To ensure proper due diligence we sought legal counsel about our written review and were advised, due to concerns around privacy, not to release the review.
I am satisfied with the outcome of our review. But it is important that British Columbians have confidence in their legislature. We, therefore, would welcome the opportunity for an external review of both caucuses."
|
|
