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May 1, 2026, 3:10 pm |
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Darts Hill Garden South Surrey / Open to the public Friday evenings in May
Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day
Yell It Like It Is
David Chesney Editor/Publisher & White Rock city councillor
Friday May 01, 2026
White Rock council rewind.
In 2022 then mayor DARRYL WALKER ran for re-election and was defeated at the polls due to a pair of sitting councillors both running for mayor. SCOTT KRISTJANSON and ERIKA JOHANSON both threw their hat in the ring for mayor. Even though both were close confidants in my opinion their well documented battles with WALKER caused them to attempt to split the mayoral vote. Which if you look at the numbers they did. If only one of them had run the expectancy would have been those votes would have parked in support of WALKER, you see the three of them were elected as part of Democracy Direct party. Coming right up the middle of the pack and inadvertently profiting from the split vote for mayor was MEGAN KNIGHT. KNIGHT was returning from a four year sabbatical when her and the entire WAYNE BALDWIN council supporters including current BILL LAWRENCE were shown the door due in large part to approving 10 high-rises in four years. Some are yet to be built. Mayoral candidate MEGAN KNIGHT did not receive enough votes to even be elected as a city councillor.
When the votes were counted myself, Ernie Klassen and Christopher Trevelyan were elected alongside Knight and councillors Cheung, Partridge and the aforementioned Lawrence. Allies were quickly aligned, perhaps even aligned prior to the election,though they never ran as a slate. For the first three years the majority of votes on the council docket went down 4-3 with KNIGHT'S supporters following lockstep behind her lead.
All hell broke loose at the end of 2025 when reporter and council watcher ALEX BROWNE of the Peace Arch News revealed what he believe was a "not so secret slate" of KNIGHT, CHEUNG, PARTRIDGE and LAWRENCE. Immediately the city/mayor dispatched the communications director to the Peace Arch News office demanding a retraction from ALEX BROWNE. When he informed the city he was sticking by his story, they immediately went to the editor who supported BROWNE and told the complainants to the matter was closed.
Next step into the spiral of disaster was councillor ERNIE KLASSEN putting his name forward for the local federal seat. He won. Now a by election had to be called to fill his seat. at that point councillor MICHELLE PARTRIDGE thought it was the perfect opportunity to step aside as well citing health reasons.
In my opinion the reigning power on council led by KNIGHT was confident they would win at least one seat for the candidates they would support, and accept the fact former councillor ANTHONY MANNING would be returning. What they didn't bank on was the election of SUSAN BAINS in the by election. BAINS ran an incredibly strong campaign and deserved to win, whilst the "secret slate" stumbled and fell a major power shift occurred on council.
Since the by election myself, and councillors Manning, Bains and Trevelyan have in large part put forth a unified vision for the future of White Rock. That vision was established long before the by election. When we pulled back the Official Community Plan OCP to rework some of the heights in particular 10 storeys along Thrift avenue the KNIGHT coalition was left reeling. The loss of power was a bitter pill. It all publicly boiled over this past Monday when Mayor Knight accused councillor Trevelyan of taking his marching orders from a member of the community who was sitting in the council chambers. TREVELYAN was livid, and rightfully so. I have no idea where this shameful public display by the mayor ends up, but it is in my mind a true indicator the former power base is reeling.
Scroll through the video to the 12:00:00 minute mark
Stay tuned. At the very least it will make Monday afternoon council meeting well worth watching as we jockey for the upcoming election in October 2026.
David Chesney
Third term city councillor...11 1/2 years served and counting.
Night Owl
For those about to rock...we salute you!
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Local News
May 01, 2026
Stage 2 water restrictions take effect today (May 1) to help ensure enough water is available for essential needs during the dry season.
 PROHIBITED
- Lawn watering, including grass boulevards
- Filling or topping up fountains and water features
 ALLOWED
- Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers with sprinklers between 5–9am (residential) or 4-9am (non-residential) on any day
- Hand watering or drip irrigation for trees, shrubs, and flowers at any time
- Watering edible gardens at any time
- Washing vehicles
Thank you for doing your part to conserve water!
White Rock Night Market Returns Tonight
 
Check out Langley's FARM COUNTRY BREWING'S commemorative Pier City Lager.
Friday Nights On The Promenade in Memorial Park
Food trucks, local makers, and good company by the pier.
Other dates - June 5/July 17/Aug 17/Sept 04
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:
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Get Connected: Social connection can strengthen readiness during an emergency. Introduce yourself to someone in your neighbourhood and establish trust before an emergency happens.
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Get Educated: Preparedness before an emergency strengthens your resilience:
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Know the hazards: Get familiar with hazards that impact your community. In White Rock, this includes wildfires, hazardous material spills, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
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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.”
Helpful Resources & Links
Beach Clean Up / Let's Get Ready For Summer
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.”
April 28, 2026
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.
April 24, 2026
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:
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Public Safety and Emergency Services emerged as the top priorities in 2026, with stronger support compared to 2025.
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Satisfaction was highest for Emergency Services, Parks and Open Spaces, and Arts and Cultural Programming.
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Respondents most often supported maintaining current service levels (62%), with fewer supporting service reductions (21%) or expansion (11%), compared to 2025.
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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.
April 22, 2026
Ship Ahoy Matey
Coming to Steveston docks May 2 & 3 one of the world’s most iconic tall ships up close.
Boarding the Kaiwo Maru is a rare opportunity.
Ticket sales will begin on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10:00 am. Accepted payment methods include Visa and Mastercard.
Review frequently asked questions about ship boarding by clicking here.
Live performances across multiple stages / Artisan vendors and cultural experiences
TNT The Naked Truth
Don Pitcairn
Tuesday April 28, 2026
"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.
Thought For The Day
Our first plant sale of the year is this Saturday.
We are loaded with beautiful healthy plant for you!
13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
Saturday 12 noon - 4 p.m.
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
Tomorrow In THE SUN
Recipe of the Week
Waterfront West Beach Live Camera
Check the weather @ the beach 24/7
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