The hot spot in Canada really depends on what criteria is being used. The town of Lytton often holds down the daily hot spot during the summer. It also holds the dubious distinction of having the hottest temperature ever recorded in Canada, reaching a scorching 49.6°C (121.3°F) in 2021 before most of the town was incinerated by a fast moving wildfire. The B.C. interior cities of Osoyoos, Penticton, Kamloops and Kelowna are all known to be hot spots as well, with any of them capable of topping the daily record. Back in Ontario, the towns of Windsor and St.Catherines also experience warm summer weather that can be stifling. Victoria may not be the hottest but it has the mildest climate in Canada with little frost or snow and it is the only city with a true Mediterranean climate. It also holds the Canadian record of going 718 days without freezing from Dec. 23 1998 to Dec. 10, 2000.
So summer is now over here with the equinox three weeks ago welcoming in fall. Not many people are thinking of suntanning or going swimming at the beach with lower temperatures and windchill. The shorts and sandals have been put away with winter jackets and boots starting to make an appearance. Yet on sunny days this October, it is still beach weather down at Crescent Rock. This rugged and secluded shoreline boosts some of the hottest temperatures in Canada this time of year and it is certainly much warmer than White Rock or Crescent Beach. Its microclimate is unique in that the western facing side gets reflected sunshine off the water, is sheltered from winds by the Ocean Park bluff, plus the rocks and boulders act as a heat sink to absorb the sun's rays. All of this combines to help keep it warm and toasty on sunny days.
Last Sunday, October 5th, was an absolute scorcher of a day at Crescent Rock with the temperature in the shade most of the day hovering around 30 C and peaking at 31 C. This was a day when the forecast high for White Rock was only 17C. The following Monday was only slightly cooler with most of the afternoon sitting at a sweltering 28 C and peaking at 29 C. At that time towns in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes were in the middle of a record breaking heat wave but were still not as high as what was recorded at Crescent Rock. For Thanksgiving, Oct. 13, it was the same scenario with blue skies and plenty of sunshine. While the forecast for White Rock was for 14 C, the in-the-shade temperature recorded along the shoreline of Crescent Rock was at 25 C for most of the afternoon. The temperature was kept somewhat at bay when the wind switched from SE to NW bringing in a cooling breeze off the water.
For the naturists and nudists who frequent Crescent Rock, they are very aware to expect temperatures at this beach to often be much warmer than forecast. It was so hot last weekend that many people went swimming to help cool off, and I will say that the water is no longer warm like in the summer. The beach was literally packed with sunbathers trying to squeeze in the last few days of beach weather. On Thanksgiving Monday, the crowd had thinned considerably due to family commitments and people going away for the long weekend but there were still folks down at the beach. I must admit that I did not see anyone brave enough to go swimming with the cold wind blowing. With sunny and warm weather forecast for the next few days, Crescent Rock beach will continue to earn its reputation as being one of the warmest beaches in Canada, if not the unofficial hot spot in the country.
When the weather really does take a turn for the worse, naturists have another trick up their sleeves to help prolong the sunbathing season. First seen at Wreck Beach in Vancouver, people there use reflective silviculture tarps from forestry replanting operations to help increase the temperature on cool but sunny days. These reflect the sun, doubling the power of the rays and greatly increasing the heat on a localized level. The issue with them is to limit any wind chill that will blow away the accumulated warm air. Beach umbrellas, tarps, tent flys or even reflective emergency tarps can be used for this purpose. Silvacool tarps as they are called are also effective during the winter on protected patios to create spring like conditions at the time of year when getting a dose of vitamin D usually requires getting on a jet airplane. They can be purchased at Deakin Industries in Vancouver or the Arborist Store in Poco for around $40.
For those living in the Lower Mainland who want to hit the beach in what is called the shoulder seasons, Crescent Rock beach is the place to go, especially if you are looking to get rid of pesky tan lines. It is always a good idea to bring a thermometer along to take in the shade readings that can be compared with the forecast and current temperatures in White Rock and Surrey. I can assure you that the temperatures that were taken the past two weekends were accurate as the thermometer used gives the same readings as many other ones in our house. For those that think the thermometer must have been left in the sun, we did try that just for fun and it topped out at 40 C which felt about right. As far as the water goes, it has been my observation that whatever the nighttime air temperature is (when the tide is out), the water will measure the same. Right about now that probably means swimming in 5 degree water so enjoy your skinny-dip.
Naturally yours,
Don Pitcairn
I wish to acknowledge we live work and play on the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo People
Local News
October 15, 2025
Join ShakeOut BC:
White Rock Fire Rescue Encourages Everyone to Drop, Cover, and Hold Tomorrow
White Rock Fire Rescue invites residents, local businesses, and the broader community to participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m.This province-wide initiative offers a valuable opportunity to practice essential earthquake safety steps: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
According to ShakeOut BC, British Columbia is the most seismically active region in Canada, with more than 3,000 earthquakes occurring annually. During the drill, residents may receive a cell-phone broadcast message via the City’s Alertable App to prompt participation.
White Rock Fire Rescue urges everyone to follow these four key steps during ShakeOut and in the event of a real earthquake:
DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you).
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table and protecting your head and neck.
HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
STAY THERE for 60 seconds, allowing unstable objects time to settle.
White Rock residents can register for Alertable, the City’s emergency notification system, which delivers emergency alerts via text, email, or phone. For earthquake preparedness resources, including how to build an emergency kit or grab-and-go bag, visit PreparedBC.ca.
To participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill and learn more, visit ShakeOutBC.ca.
All Question and Answer Period submissions and their responses can be viewed on the City website.
Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries In Your Home
Council received a report sharing information about Fire Prevention Week, October 5 – 11, 2025, and White Rock Fire Rescue’s plans to support this initiative with a local campaign focused on educating the public about the safe purchase, charging, and use of lithium-ion batteries.
Governance And Next Steps For Tourism White Rock
Council reviewed a report on restoring compliance for Tourism White Rock Association (TWRA), which has been unable to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) since 2023 due to changes within the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce. TWRA bylaws require board representation from the Chamber, the City, and the White Rock Business Improvement Association.
Council directed staff to:
Contact the Chamber’s Acting Executive Director to confirm willingness to serve on the TWRA Board, and if they can attend, the City would hold the 2025 AGM, restoring compliance with the Societies Act; and,
Bring forward Bylaw amendments to broaden the Chamber-specific board requirement to include the future “Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.”
This would ensure legal compliance, continuity, and retention of TWRA’s ability to utilize $100K annual Google Ads grant.
What We Heard Report #3 (Phase Iii Engagement) – OCP Update 2025
Council received an update on the Phase III public engagement activities, along with an overview of the next steps in the OCP Update 2025 process, which will include the final approval stage. Council directed staff to prepare the required bylaw to amend “Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2017, No. 2220” as detailed in the corporate report, which can be viewed here. The Phase III Engagement Activities and Responses Summary report can be viewed here.
Accessibility Advisory Committee:
Council approved the installation of signage at the beginning, middle and end of the Pier Mat to indicating that the mat has been installed for use by individuals with accessibility needs.
Public Art Advisory Committee:
Council approved a staff investigation into the feasibility of including a gymnasium within the Community Hub.
Bylaws Receiving Final Reading
The following bylaws were given final reading and approval at the meeting:
Bylaw 2485: A Development Procedures Bylaw which establishes procedures for processing development applications, to issue permits under Part 14 of the Local Government Act, and for the referral of liquor and cannabis licence applications.
With the new Development Procedure Bylaw, several other bylaws needed to be updated (all receiving final reading), including Bylaw 2550 (City of White Rock Tree Protection Bylaw) and Bylaw 2551 (White Rock Council Board of Variance Bylaw).
Bylaw 2548: A bylaw to amend the White Rock Zoning Bylaw in relation to on-site parking requirements for Small Scale Multi Unit Housing (SSMUH).
Bylaw 2552: A bylaw to amend the 2025 Fees and Charges Bylaw in relation to Schedule A – Planning and Development Services Fees. The amendment will reflect the fees for new application types, and the updated application rates for the City to charge the updated fees.
Bylaw 2555 (Centre for Active Living) and Bylaw 2556 (White Rock Business Improvement Association): Bylaws to provide an exemption from municipal property taxes under section 224 of the Community Charter.
Inaugural Council Meeting
Following the September 27, 2025, By-Election, two (2) new members of Council will be sworn in at the October 20, 2025, Regular Council meeting – Susan Bains and Anthony Manning. To view the full results from the By-Election, visit our website: elections@whiterockcity.ca
The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, and will be held in the Gallery Room at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave, White Rock) at 4:00 p.m.
Free outdoor skating rink coming to Surrey Civic Plaza
Residents and visitors can lace up for free outdoor skating this winter at the new 4,000-square-foot rink at Surrey Civic Plaza. The rink will debut during the City’s Tree Lighting Festival on November 22–23 and operate for 12 weeks as a pilot project.
Skaters will find a welcoming atmosphere with food trucks, hot chocolate, comfortable seating, and on-site staff providing skate and helmet rentals and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all.
As a pilot, the rink will help the City evaluate programming, attendance, and economic benefits in support of Council’s broader City Centre activation strategy.
Additional details, including hours and programming, will be shared in early November.
Police Investigate Shots Fired
Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers are investigating an overnight shots fired incident that has resulted in property damage to a South Surrey business.
At about 2:20 am on October 6, 2025, SPS Frontline officers responded to calls of possible shots fired outside a restaurant business located in the 2100 block King George Boulevard, Surrey. Upon arrival, SPS officers confirmed that damage to the exterior of the building had been caused by gun shots. The business was closed at the time, no staff were inside, and there were no reports of any injuries.
Officers remain on scene and will be examining the area for physical and digital evidence.
Anyone with information about this incident, or anyone who may have been in the area of 2100 King George Boulevard between 2:00 am and 2:30 am and witnessed the shots fired or suspicious activity, or has CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact the SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 25-85681 (SP) or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca
October 04, 2025
White Rock RCMP Investigating Stranger Assault
White Rock RCMP is investigating following the report of an assault and requesting anyone who has information to contact police.
On Thursday October 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., White Rock RCMP received a report of a Sexual Assault that occurred around the stairs located in the 14900-block of Prospect Avenue.
It was reported that around 10:00 a.m. the victim was punched and groped prior to the suspect fleeing southbound through the park. The victim sustained minor physical injuries.
The investigation is in the early stages and being led by White Rock RCMP General Investigation Section. Based on the initial information investigators believe that this was an unprovoked assault.
The Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) attended the location where the incident occurred to process the scene. Investigators are in the area canvassing for witnesses and video.
The suspect is described as 30 to 40 year-old Caucasian man, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, Khaki pants and white shoes.
“Given the violent nature of this assault, we are encouraging members of our community to exercise vigilance while our investigators work to identify and locate the suspect,” says, White Rock RCMP Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant Rob Dixon.
Anyone who was in the area and has dash camera footage or CCTV from the area is asked to call the White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.
Thank you for Walking & Rolling with us!
We Walked, We Rolled, We Celebrated Community
Thanks to your generosity, we’be already raised $118,000 to support inclusive housing at Harmony.
You came together to walk, roll, and celebrate inclusion - and what an unforgettable day it was! The energy, joy, and sense of community at Walk & Roll for Harmony was truly inspiring. From the cheers at the starting line to the laughter and connection throughout the day, you showed what it means to come together for something meaningful.
Every contribution helps us move closer to a future where everyone belongs.
Keep an Eye Out for Lauren Simpson!
You’ll be seeing Lauren - one of Harmony’s future residents - featured across the community in bus bench ads, newspapers, and all the places that matter. Her story is at the heart of this campaign, and we’re proud to share it. Want to help us reach our goal?
Whether it’s a donation, a connection, or simply sharing our campaign on social media, every action counts. Together, we can make Harmony a reality.
From all of us at UNITI - thank you for walking and rolling with us.
The City of White Rock is celebrating Halloween with a series of family-friendly events designed for some spooky seasonal fun.
Halloween Skate at Centennial Arena
October 29, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Centennial Arena, 147
Family skate rates apply. Pre-register.
Wear your costumes, enjoy some treats, and skate to spooky festive tunes. Register online.
Haunted House: Art with Grand Kids
October 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Kent Street Activity Centre, 1475 Kent Street
Workshop $41, register online
Construct and decorate a haunted house – this is a great activity for a grandparent and grandchild to do together. Instructed by the Semiahmoo Arts Society.
Spook-tacular Halloween STEM Workshop
October 27, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Avenue
Workshop $42, register online
Children will design and build their very own light-up jack-o'-lantern using simple electronics and building blocks. Each participant will take home a one-of-a-kind mini jack-o'-lantern.
Pro D Day Pumpkin Paint
Oct. 24, 1 to 2 p.m.
Free, pre-register online
White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista Avenue
Enjoy a fun ‘crafternoon’ of painting mini pumpkins! The White Rock Library provides the supplies, you just need to bring your creativity.
Halloween Green Screen
Oct. 29 & 30, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Free
White Rock Library, 15342 Buena Vista Avenue
Pop by the White Rock Library for a Halloween photo experience using our green screen setup! Strike a pose and create the perfect photo to share with family and friends.
