Northern Harrier @ Blackie Spit / RICK RIDLER photo
Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day
In My Opinion
David Chesney/Editor Publisher
August 14, 2025
Next to high-rises the most controversial subject in our city by the sea, is dogs on the waterfront. If you care to start a heated argument, be my guest.
This past weekend due to my wonderful nuptials to my fiancée one beautiful Gayle Boutilier, I spent a couple of nights at the Ocean Promenade hotel. The location afforded me a private birds eye view of our waterfront and the early morning and late night activities of many visiting our waterfront.
Almost instantly I noticed in large part most dog owners are respectful about cleaning up after their dog once it has relieved itself. The city last year invoked a new dogs on the promenade by law that allows dog owners to enjoy the waterfront with their dog on a leash in the early morning up until 10 a.m.
Sadly there are still a large number of dog owners that simply seem to say “to hell with your by-law” me and puppy will go where we want, when we want. I was surprised my hotel vantage point right across from the old Totem Corner just east of the beautiful bear sculpture the new dirty little secret is the green space there has become the unofficial dog park in White Rock. Dog owner after dog owner rolled up over the train tracks spread out their blankets and took up residence with their dogs. Disobeying the by law is one thing, but not cleaning up after your dog has discharged a bowel movement to me on the grass is totally unacceptable. Has a by law officer ever visited this most eastern reach of our grassy area on the waterfront?
I have bemoaned the fact for years here in White Rock to the best of my knowledge we do not issue tickets to dog owners who flaunt their disregard to our dog by laws on the beach and on the promenade. On of my favourite perches is in Memorial Park, I love people watching, but usually within minutes a dog owner and their pooch will come strolling along the promenade. One in a million a by law officer will actually see them and point out to them that the numerous NO DOGS ON THE BEACH signs affixed to the rail fencing means them. The signs are not just in English but have images with a dog in a red crossed circle. So I can’t use the excuse the offenders do not understand English.
IN MY OPINION it is time to start cracking down on the dog owners that show no regard for our by laws. A number of well placed tickets and word will quickly spread through the community. We will never totally eliminate dogs on the waterfront, but ticketing will go a long ways to reduce the number of offenders.
Oh yes and don’t get me started on dogs off leash out on the sand bars in White Rock. The ONLY beach in the lower mainland you can get away with that.
We can do better, and we should.
Local News
August 15, 2025
Body Discovered In White Rock Park
White Rock RCMP were alerted early yesterday morning to the fact there was a body located in the city of White Rock's water reservoir site on Thrift avenue just East of Johnston Road.
Fire & police convened at the area and quickly ascertained there was a body in the park portion of the property.
The scene was quickly taped off.
The investigation began to identify the cause of death and whether or not foul play was involved.
Surrey/White Rock Board of Trade to Host White Rock By-Election Candidates Event – September 15
The White Rock by-election is set to take place on Saturday, September 27 to fill two vacant council seats. The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade is pleased to provide an opportunity on September 15 for voters to hear directly from candidates about their plans, compare platforms, and make informed choices that will impact their businesses, families, and daily lives.
“The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade is committed to ensuring our business community is informed and engaged in the democratic process. With one-third of council seats to be filled, this by-election will shape the direction of White Rock’s future — from economic development and infrastructure to livability and community priorities. Our all-candidates event gives residents and business leaders a direct opportunity to hear from each candidate and make an informed choice. An engaged electorate is the foundation of a strong and vibrant city,” said Joslyn Young, CEO of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.
The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade is a non-partisan business organization dedicated to advancing the economic interests of our community. We engage constructively with all levels of government—regardless of political affiliation—to advocate for policies that support business success. As part of this commitment, we host dialogues with political candidates during every election to better understand their vision for the business community and to ensure our members’ perspectives are heard.
IF YOU ARE RUNNING AS A CANDIDATE IN THE 2025 WHITE ROCK BY-ELECTION OR REPRESENT A CANDIDATE:
Please reach out to heather@businessinsurrey.com to register for the White Rock By-Election Candidates Event scheduled for September 15 from 5:30-7:30pm at Oceana Parc.
Attendees must register online at businessinsurrey.com as seats are limited.
If you’d like to submit a question for the candidates, to be considered for the event, please email it to: aman@businessinsurrey.com by September 9.
The City of White Rock invites residents and visitors to celebrate the official opening of the Generations Playground Splash Pad at Centennial Park on Tuesday August 19, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
Located beside the beloved Generations Playground, the Splash Pad is a new interactive water play area for all ages and abilities, designed to promote fun, accessibility, and cooling relief during the summer months. Construction began in late April by GPM Civil Contracting Inc. and was completed ahead of schedule this August. The splash pad features a variety of interactive and inclusive water features, including a spray cannon, a soaker dumping bucket, ground sprays and a spray tunnel.
“This splash pad is more than just a place to cool off, it’s a reflection of our community values of inclusivity, connection, and play,” said White Rock Mayor Megan Knight. “We’re proud to offer a space where people of all generations can come together, enjoy the outdoors, and create lasting memories.”
The City received donations and endorsements for the project from two valued community partners: the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and the White Rock Firefighters Charity Association.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday August 19, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Centennial Park, 14600 North Bluff Road
White Rock Gets A Touch Of Jamaica
It's called Back 2 Jamaica Eats.
I know a lot of you have been asking for great Jamaican food and here it is!
White Rock Fire Rescue reminds visitors and residents that beach fires at the city’s Waterfront are not permitted. Beach fires put people at risk and can earn you a minimum fine of $150 or more.
Each spring and summer, White Rock Fire Rescue and the White Rock RCMP respond to beach fires at White Rock’s Waterfront. The City’s fire department has responded to 14 calls over the past two months.
White Rock has a bylaw that prohibits open-air burning, including beach fires. Open-air burning can result in a minimum fine of $150, and a fine of up to $1,150 during a Provincial fire ban. See the bylaw details here: Fire Protection and Safety Bylaw 2057 (PDF).
“Beach fires may seem harmless, but they pose serious risks to public safety, property, and the environment,” said White Rock Fire Chief Brad Davie. “We urge everyone to respect the bylaw and help keep our Waterfront safe and enjoyable for all.”
Burn risk: Adults, children, and pets have been seriously injured by fires buried under sand instead of being fully extinguished with water.
Environmental and property damage: Fires threaten ecologically sensitive plants and trees and can endanger nearby homes and businesses.
Emergency response strain: Fires along the Waterfront are often hard to access, tying up fire and police resources and delaying response to other emergencies in the city.
Air quality issues: Smoke and odours from beach fires can negatively affect residents, businesses, and visitors near the Waterfront.
Surrey developers finally admitting that foreign money is crucial to them
Developers in Surrey are pushing senior levels of government to turn on the tap of foreign money, a stunning admission after a decade of denials that foreign investment was a consequential part of the Metro Vancouver real estate market.
And it all comes amid a new poll that says Canadians want strict limits on foreign investment in real estate – something the B.C. and federal governments say will continue.
Surrey recently installed a ball vendor in front of the public basketball courts on Sullivan street in Crescent Beach. the courts are often busy with pick up basketball games as well as ball hockey games.
The City of Surrey is the first in North America to offer free access to sports equipment lending stations through a partnership with Jumpstart Charities and Equip Sport. The City is launching 30 self-service lending stations for year-round community use, offering equipment such as table tennis sets, fitness gear, soccer balls and basketballs. Stations will be available at over 20 parks.
Surrey is the first city in North America to implement the Equip Sport self-service model, with Toronto expected to follow. Equip Sport is a Swiss-based company that operates over 400 lending stations across Europe, aiming to make sports accessible for everyone anytime, anywhere.
The program is funded by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, a national organization that helps remove financial and accessibility barriers so all kids can participate in sports, at no cost to the City or residents.
To participate, residents can download the free Equip Sport app from the Google Play or Apple App stores, find a station, tap to unlock it, grab the equipment, and start playing.
For more details, including the locations of the stations, go to surrey.ca/equip.
The place to be this weekend was none other than Beecher Place in Crescent Beach where the wedding of White Rock Sun Editor Dave Chesney and Gayle Boutilier was held on Saturday night. Having a long friendship with Dave Chesney and writing this TNT column for sixteen years, I was honoured with getting invited to attend the nuptials for this wonderful couple. If you have never been to an event or occasion at Beecher Place, it is truly one of the nicest waterfront locations in all of Surrey. This two level building sits at the end of Beecher Street next to the public walkway in Crescent Beach with floor to ceiling windows and a large sun deck facing due west looking out across Boundary Bay. To say that the view is outstanding would be an incredible understatement and it is a prime location to see the ocean, watch sunsets and the occasional northern lights. You can check out the building and its awesome views at this link: https://www.alexhouse.net/beecher-place-venue-rental
Free Belly Dance Classes in the Park! Embark on a journey of fun and fitness as you learn mesmerizing Belly Dance moves like shimmies, figure eights, camels and more.
We’re thrilled to announce our annual Walk & Roll 2025 is happening on September 27th at the South Surrey Athletic Track!
This inclusive, family friendly event brings our community together to celebrate Harmony - our newest inclusive housing project currently under construction. Whether you walk, roll, or cheer from the sidelines, everyone is welcome.
Free Belly Dance Classes in the Park! Embark on a journey of fun and fitness as you learn mesmerizing Belly Dance moves like shimmies, figure eights, camels and more.
Join us in making a difference.
Register today at www.uniti4all.com/walk
