JUST ANNOUNCED: Alex Browne and his Boulevardiers are coming to the Blue Frog Sound stage in June
Local News
April 30, 20262
Semiahmoo Peninsula About To Get Much Busier
The city of Surrey is about to approve a major densification move for South Surrey on the doorstep of White Rock.
Three major projects are up for a vote and they represent a massive shift for the Semiahmoo Town Centre area.
The proposal for two 20-story mixed-use towers at 152 Street and 18 Avenue. This would bring a significant new residential and commercial footprint to one of our busiest corridors.
Between Tim Horton's & Semiahoo Mall
Council also approved a 12-story mixed-use building spanning multiple lots near 152 Street and 16 Avenue, including the area near Martin Drive.
Between the South Surrey Library & McDonalds restaurant
White Rock Fire Rescue Reminds Residents to Be “In It Together”
Emergency Preparedness Week, May 3 to 9
White Rock Fire Rescue encourages residents to be “In It Together” this Emergency Preparedness Week, May 3 to 9, 2026. Get connected and know the risks through a local course, webinar, or by building social connections. Emergency preparedness and readiness are strengthened when we look out for one another.
Free Disaster Preparedness Courses
White Rock will be hosting FREE Disaster Preparedness Workshops on May 1, 2026, with Jackie Kloosterboer, Disaster Preparedness Specialist, at the Kent Street Activity Centre. Times and topics are below:
“Emergency Preparedness Week is a reminder to White Rock residents and visitors that preparedness is strengthened by community,” said Mayor Megan Knight. “It reflects the connections we build with our families, our neighbours, and the people around us. I encourage everyone to attend the Disaster Preparedness Workshops, talk to your neighbours, build emergency plans together, and remember we are ‘In It Together White Rock.’”
White Rock Fire Rescue recommends taking the following actions this Emergency Preparedness Week:
Get Connected: Social connection can strengthen readiness during an emergency. Introduce yourself to someone in your neighbourhood and establish trust before an emergency happens.
Get Educated: Preparedness before an emergency strengthens your resilience:
Know the hazards: Get familiar with hazards that impact your community. In White Rock, this includes wildfires, hazardous material spills, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
Make an Emergency Plan: Build an emergency plan so you and the people you live with know what to do in an emergency.
“In a major emergency, residents must be prepared to support themselves and their community for a minimum of 72 hours” said Fire Chief Brad Davie. “Your readiness makes a critical difference. This Emergency Preparedness Week, make an emergency plan and gather the supplies your household will need. Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and it starts at home.”
When: Sat May 2nd | 9:45AM – 1:00PM, Rain or Shine! What: Remove invasive blackberry from this important beachfront habitat! Where: West Beach (near boat launch at Bay St and Marine Dr), White Rock Provided: Tools, gloves, snacks, and educational instruction! You wear: Long sleeves, long pants, & closed-toe shoes.
MORE INFO & SIGN UP: bit.ly/greenteam-may2-2026 Questions? Email: Max@GreenTeamsCanada.ca
Why join?
Meet new people!
Improve mental health & well-being in nature
Learn how to restore a green space
Enjoy DELICIOUS snacks
Earn volunteer hours
HAVE FUN making a real difference!
Whether you’re looking for fresh air, exercise, volunteer hours, or a chance to meet like-minded people, there’s something in it for everyone!
April 29, 2026
White Rock Dance teacher charged with sexual assault
Staff Seargent Rob Dixon/White Rock RCMP
White Rock RCMP is requesting that anyone with information related to alleged historical sexual offences involving female dance students come forward.
In 2021, White Rock RCMP received a report of a historical sexual assault involving a dance teacher and student at a local dance studio in White Rock, BC. The General Investigation Section took conduct of the investigation.
As the investigation progressed, additional victims were identified, all of whom were youths at the time of the alleged offences. Investigators subsequently submitted a Report to Crown Counsel to the BC Prosecution Service for charge assessment.
On February 12, 2026, the BC Prosecution Service laid charges against 45-year-old Nigel Brock Jellison, commonly known as “Brock Jellison” and a Canada‑wide warrant was issued for his arrest. Jellison faces five counts of Sexual Assault, contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code, and one count of Sexual Exploitation, contrary to section 153(1)(a) of the Criminal Code. These charges relate to alleged offences involving four victims between 2006 and 2011. There is a publication ban protecting victim identity.
On April 15, 2026, Jellison was arrested in Magrath, Alberta by White Rock RCMP, with the assistance of the Raymond/Magrath RCMP. He was processed and subsequently released on conditions while awaiting his next court appearance.
The alleged offences occurred while Jellison was teaching at a local dance studio in White Rock. Investigators are aware that he has also been associated with other dance studios. Due to the historical nature of the allegations, and to avoid any unintended impact on current studio operations, police will not be identifying the business. Based on the investigation, it is believed that more recently Jellison was teaching in Alberta.
“We believe there may be people within our community who were taught by Brock Jellison or attended the local dance studio who have information and have not yet spoken with police,” says White Rock RCMP Detachment Commander S/Sgt. Rob Dixon. “We are asking anyone with information to contact the White Rock RCMP at 778‑545‑4800.”
Council last evening (Monday) approved the following:
Temporary one hour patio hours extension for Three Dogs brew pub in Miramar Plaza. The patio will be now open until 10 pm 4 nights a week
Temporary 3 year license for Day Care establishment on Stayte road @ 991 Stayte
Reduced funding for 6 community garden boxes on city owned property next to Hogg Park on Buena Vista avenue. Community organizations like Rotary Clubs and Mens Shed will be encouraged to participate
Feasibility study for a needs assessment on all weather facility for pickleball in White Rock. White Rock Pickleball club will share 50% of the costs for the assessment
Council in a 4-3 vote reaffirmed its desire to revise some aspects of the current Official Community Plan. Staff had points clarified in the redistribution of density in the original community plan. In order for staff to accomplish this request additional funds for a consultant was approved.
Councillors Lawrence/Cheung and Mayor Knight voted against the revision of the Official Community Plan
Final reading of the Property Tax was passed 4-3. An annual increase for 2026 approved at a rate of 5.04%
Councillors Bains/Manning/Trevelyan voted in opposition
Council received an update from staff on the slimmed down plans for Sea Festival this year. With the Semiahmoo First Nations pulling out of the festival the annual summer event diminished considerably. It was decided this would be a one year trial period for 2 days and following this years event it will be revisited whether to proceed with a 2 day event or to cut it back to just one day.
Over 15,000 attend Surrey’s 15th annual Party for the Planet
Congratulations to the City of Surrey who proudly marked its 15th annual Party for the Planet at Surrey Civic Plaza last Saturday. Presented by TD Bank Group, more than 15,000 attendees gathered for B.C.’s largest Earth Day event, celebrating sustainability, community, and environmental action.
Party for the Planet had humble beginnings as a small Earth Day event at Bear Creek Park, drawing just a few hundred people. In 2010, following the success of the City’s Olympic celebration site at Holland Park, it expanded into an annual signature event. Over the past 15 years, it has grown to fill Surrey Civic Plaza, attracting upwards of 10,000 people each year.
The Surrey Parks plant sale was once again one of the event’s most popular attractions, selling out of more than 1,500 affordable native plants. This year’s event also highlighted the City’s environmental initiatives, including the Climate Action Team, Climate‑Friendly Homes, and ReThink Waste.
Attendees are invited to provide feedback on Party for the Planet 2026 for a chance to win a $200 gift card to Guildford Town Centre. To participate in the survey, visit partyfortheplanet.ca.
White Rock City Council adopted the 2026–2030 Financial Plan Bylaw on April 20, 2026, at a Special Council Meeting. The Financial Plan prioritizes community needs, enhances service delivery, and advances Council’s strategic priorities over the next five years.
The budget and its investments are supported by a 5.04% increase to property taxes, of which 1.38% is for core municipal services, 1.53% is for RCMP, and 2.13% is for Capital and Infrastructure.
“White Rock City Council has taken a balanced and responsible approach that protects essential services while strengthening the city’s long‑term financial resilience during shifting economic conditions. As part of this commitment, Mayor and Council remuneration will be reduced by 10% in 2026 to help offset rising costs,” said Mayor Megan Knight. “Our focus remains on delivering high‑quality core services to our residents as efficiently as possible while adhering to new regulatory requirements, and to ensure a bright and sustainable future for White Rock.”
Public feedback on the Financial Plan was gathered through a community survey conducted in July 2025, public engagement in February 2026 on the Talk White Rock platform, as well as a public feedback session at the March 9, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.
Key items residents identified, which are reflected in the Financial Plan are:
Public Safety and Emergency Services emerged as the top priorities in 2026, with stronger support compared to 2025.
Satisfaction was highest for Emergency Services, Parks and Open Spaces, and Arts and Cultural Programming.
Respondents most often supported maintaining current service levels (62%), with fewer supporting service reductions (21%) or expansion (11%), compared to 2025.
Capital investment priorities shifted toward Recreation Facilities (57% in 2026, up from 37% in 2025), while Fire and Emergency Services and Engineering Infrastructure remained consistently high.
"We told DON PITCAIRN to behave, he thought we said beehive!"
Taking Care of Bee's Nests
And we bee-n taking care of bee's nests (every day)
Taking care of bee's nests (every way)
We bee-n taking care of bee's nests (it's all mine)
Taking care of bee's nests and working overtime
(Altered version of lyrics to "Taking Care of Business" by B.T.O, 1973.)
This is where this week's TNT starts to get interesting. While on the BC Assessment website, I started entering the addresses of the seven different addresses in Surrey I had noticed with beehives on them. The one in Clayton with the truck load of bees is 4.6 acres and it is valued for tax purposes at $8,400. The South Surrey properties with no homes had land assessments from $10,700 for 6 acres, $4,100 (down from $11 million in 2023), $3,990, $3,190 (down from $2.47 million in 2023 for 2.5 acres). Of the two properties with homes, one dropped 90% in value last year from $14.6 million to $1.5 million for 6.8 acres, with the other dropping 100% in value in 2023 from $10.9 million to $39,000 of which $7,700 is the value for the 3.7 acres of land. The BCB Honey Farm told me that if you have beehives and produce $2,500 in yearly income, you can apply for farm status for your land through B.C. Assessment. Some of the hives I saw on these development sites had the logo for the Honey Bee Centre in Cloverdale but calls to them with inquiries about the topic of having commercial hives on empty lots were not returned.
Let’s welcome spring together in a celebration of culture, community and storytelling. Expect performances, crafts, a vendor market, demonstrations and food.
Also featuring two live performances in the Totest Aleng Pavilion of the play Th'owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish, written by Joseph Dandurand. All ages. Seating on a first-come basis.
The event is co-hosted by Historic Stewart Farm and Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House
Between Tim Horton's & Semiahoo Mall
Between the South Surrey Library & McDonalds restaurant
Staff Seargent Rob Dixon/White Rock RCMP
