Diving in the swim tank at the end of the pier - 1967
Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day
The White Rock Sun will resume daily publication Sunday July 19
Local News
July 15, 2026
White Rock Council Rewind
DELEGATIONS
Shelley Mare and Kerry Wray residents of a hillside condo development were back before council looking to have what they refer to as "restoration of views" along the unstable slopes along Marine Drive. The majority of council voted to have yet another arborist and slope study report completed.
Bruce Petherick of the White Rock orchestra appeared before council to explain the challenges the city orchestra faces in rehearsal and performance venues.
The new revised Official Community Plan passed first and second readings 4-3.
Mayor Knight and councillors Cheung and Lawrence voting in the opposition.
The newly created OCP was instituted by the majority of council to move major height developments from creeping down the hillside and designating the North Bluff corridor along 16th avenue as the area for density.
It was a wonderful evening at JAMESTOWN replica old time western soundstage in North Langley on Saturday evening.
The TWINS CANCER annual fundraiser went off without a hitch. The event raised nearly a million dollars in one night. The money stays right here at Langley Memorial Hospital.
Over the years the annual evnet has raised millions of dollars. While everyone had fun!
True Superheros.
Jamie and Chris lost their Mom to breast cancer and what started as a backyard fundraiser put on by a handful of folks has grown into a cultural phenomenon, and a standout community, called Gone Country.
This past weekend at Jamestown, the twins and hundreds of volunteers rallied thousands together to raise a glass, kick up some dust, and haul-in some serious money. $970,000 for the new Breast Cancer Clinic at @langleymemorialhospital — how amazing is that?
This past weekend at Jamestown, the twins and hundreds of volunteers rallied thousands together to raise a glass, kick up some dust, and haul-in some serious money. $970,000 for the new Breast Cancer Clinic at @langleymemorialhospital — how amazing is that? Very amazing!
Great to attend a number of the CANADA CUP softball games including the final game Canada vs China @ Softball City
Canada went undefeated through the tournmament and won the championship game 7-3 Sunday evening.
CHAMPION!
Kelsey Harshman / Event organizer Gregg Timm
Team Canada completed a perfect 9-0 run at the 2026 Canada Cup, rallying for five runs in the seventh inning to defeat China 7-3 in the championship final.
Kelsey Harshman’s go-ahead three-run home run sealed the title as Canada capped off an undefeated week in Surrey.
Parksville Beach Festival 2026
Known locally as Beachfest, watch master sand sculptors from around the globe compete, creating skilled sand sculptures. Be immersed in masterful sand sculptures, taking in awe-inspiring works of art.
Dates: Competition starts July 9 | Exhibition July 13 - August 16
The competition starts on July 9 for sculptors to begin shaping their pieces. The public is welcome to view the artists at work starting July 10th at 2 p.m. , with the judging and award ceremony to be held on July 12th at 5:30 p.m.
Once the competition wraps up the gallery of sculptures will be available for viewing by July 13th, and will remain open through August 16. Spend a day strolling through sculptures with daily available hours starting from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Capture photographs of the most breathtaking sculptures before the exhibit ends, and participate in the “People’s Choice Award" by voting for your favourite with their voter chips.
White Rock Sandcastle Capital of the World
1979 YEAR #1
(Note: No promenade. The train tracks were our promenade)
White Rock used to host the internationally famous Canadian Open Sandcastle Competition . Running annually from 1979 to 1987, the free event drew up to 300,000 spectators to watch artists sculpt at low tide. It was eventually canceled due to rising security costs, rowdy crowds, and environmental concerns.
Could we, should we bring it back on a scaled back format?
Were we simply victims of our own success?
WORLD CUP on the big screen comes to South Surrey
The City of Surrey has been broadcasting dozens of the FIFA WORLD CUP games on a giant screen in the Surrey City Hall Plaza.
For the semi final and final games the big screen events expand to South Surrey Athletic field and Cloverdale Fair Grounds.
South Surrey Athletic Park is a large athletic park with fun options for kids, youth and families. The Soccer Fan Zone will be hosted on the field in front of the Bayside Rugby Clubhouse.
area.
Free parking is available onsite in designated parking lots at South Surrey Athletic Park. Limited street parking is also available in the surrounding area.
Semi Final Wednesday 12 noon our time.
Wednesday's game.
Winners of the two Semi final games
Third Place playoff Saturday 12 noon.
FINALS Sunday 2:00 p.m.
July 14, 2026
Brightening Up White Rock
On this beautiful Sunday my daughter and I spent an hour or so helping paint the new mural by artist Ben Evely on the Oxford Street Comfort station down on Marine Drive in White Rock. We had signed our daughter CLARA up to paint but I was handed a brush when I dropped her off...I am looking forward to seeing it done!
Government of Canada Announces $50,000 Investment in Canada Cup
l-r TIMM/KLASSEN
The Government of Canada announced a $50,000 investment in the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championship on Saturday morning through Sport Canada's International Single Sport Event Program. The announcement was made by Ernie Klassen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for South Surrey–White Rock, on behalf of the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State for Sport
The funding recognizes the Canada Cup's continued importance as one of Canada's premier international sporting events, bringing together athletes from around the world while creating lasting economic, tourism and community benefits for Surrey and the Lower Mainland. The investment forms part of the federal government's commitment to strengthen sport across Canada, including dedicated funding to support international sport hosting and inspire the next generation of Canadian athletes.
Greg Timm, Chair of the Canada Cup, thanked the Government of Canada for its continued partnership, noting that investments like this help ensure the tournament can continue to provide world-class competition, grow the game of softball, and create opportunities for thousands of young athletes for years to come.
The Corporation of the City of White Rock announces that Chief Administrative Officer Guillermo Ferrero will conclude his tenure with the City effective July 9, 2026, as he pursues new opportunities. The City extends its sincere appreciation for his leadership, dedication, and contributions to the organization and community.
Mr. Ferrero has served as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer since May 2020, providing leadership during a period of significant organizational change, major capital planning initiatives, evolving provincial legislation, and a number of complex strategic priorities. Mayor Megan Knight, on behalf of Council, thanked Mr. Ferrero for his service to the City.
“Guillermo has served the City with professionalism and dedication, and Council sincerely thanks him for his contributions over the past six years. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Mr. Ferrero expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the residents of White Rock.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chief Administrative Officer and to work alongside Council, City staff, and community partners over the past six years. I am proud of what we accomplished together. I leave knowing the City has a talented leadership team and dedicated employees who care deeply about serving this community, and I have every confidence they will continue to deliver excellent service to the residents of White Rock.”
Council will begin the recruitment process for a new Chief Administrative Officer in due course. Interim leadership arrangements will be announced separately to ensure continuity of City operations.
Last week was a great time to do a little whale watching in Semiahmoo Bay with a humpback whale showing up repeatedly to feed in the waters not far from the end of the White Rock Pier. It made for a fantastic marine mammal experience for many plus provided many photographers with a unique capture. Arguably the best photographer in White Rock, Jon Lavoie got some great shots including one showing a feeding whale, a paddle-boarder, the pier breakwater and its Canadian flag. This photo was so amazing it even made the evening news on Global TV. Unfortunately this whale attracted people to the water to visit this huge Cetacea up close and personal but many got a much closer view of this 40 tonne whale than they likely had bargained for. While officers from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans did not attend, a marine mammal expert named Ryan Michael posted the following information on several community Facebook pages about whale safety and distance regulations. I contacted him about this issue and thought it would be worth printing in my TNT should more whales appear close to shore in Semiahmoo Bay.
Kick off Pride Week with the Annual White Rock Pride Flag Raising
The City of White Rock, in collaboration with the White Rock Pride Society, is proud to welcome back the community to its annual Pride Flag Raising ceremony outside City Hall at 15322 Buena Vista Avenue on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
This event reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
The flag raising will mark the official start of celebrations across the city for Pride Week from July 17 to 24, 2026.
Event Details:
Date: Friday July 17, 2026 Time: The public is invited to gather at 4:30pm. The event starts at 5:00pm Location: Outside White Rock City Hall, 15322 Buena Vista Avenue
In recognition of White Rock Pride Week, the City will show its support by installing a Pride banner at the entrance to the White Rock Pier and lighting the Pier in rainbow colours.
Learn more about Pride events happening in White Rock at whiterockpride.com
Wednesday's game.
Winners of the two Semi final games
