Right out of the gate let me profess my love for dogs. I had a number of furry companions growing up. My adult lifestyle has never afforded me the joy of having my own dog. I vicariously live my love for dogs through friends, neighbours and total strangers on the street.
But alas if you want to start a firestorm debate simply bring up the topic of dogs on the beach and promenade in White Rock. A half a dozen years back at the urging of the late White Rock city councillor HELN FATHERS the city adopted a trial period of dogs on leash in the offseason October-March along the popular promenade. The huh and cry was unbelievable. The sky is falling the sky is falling.
The trial period was supported by council unanimously all be it with measured support until we saw how the roll out of the trial period worked. We discovered there were no dog attacks, for the most part dog owners were respectful and picked up their animals waste and disposed of it in the receptacles.
Then last year White Rock council went even further to appease dog owners who make their homes on the Semiahmoo Peninsula. We invoked a dogs on leash on the promenade during the peak summer months from March-October but only before 9 a.m. when the promenade area is less busy. Following the one year trial period council recently voted unanimously to create a bylaw to allow the program to continue.
But, and there is always a but...... dogs on the promenade is not without its problems. Mainly in my opinion due to lack of enforcement. I often during the summer months see dogs and their owners walking down the crowded promenade. As rare as seeing a unicorn I very seldom have seen bylaw enforcement officer actually issue tickets to violators. I have gone on walk abouts with the White Rock bylaw officers to see first hand the challenges they face. I have used the phrase f$%K off on occasion but to honest I have never seen such a response as when the by law officers approach violators and try to inform them they are breaking the city’s dog bylaws. When asked to provide identification in order for the officer to write a ticket they are lucky if the dog owner simply walks away without giving the officer a swear with flair lesson.
I don’t have the exact number of how many tickets have been issued, as it is a sore point with the bylaw department.
Now comes word Surrey mayor BRENDA LOCKE is reaching out to the residents of Crescent Beach to gauge their support for allowing dogs on leash to be on their seaside walkway during the summer months.
Ironically my fiancée and I had just finished our picnic dinner the other evening sitting on a bench overlooking the beach in Crescent Beach. When I glanced to my right I did a double take. I thought “What the heck would someone be taking a sow for a walk along the beach?” The animal was huge. As it neared where we were sitting I came to realize it was not a sow but in fact a giant dog that appeared to be a pit bull. I have been skeptical of this breed of dog since I have witnessed two horrifying attacks by the breed. As the couple with the sow/dog arrived right in front of our bench the animal decided it was time to empty its colon. Upon completion of it dirty duty the owners of said dog looked at each other and asked each other if they had a poop bag. Nope neither had a bag, the man then turned to me and asked if we might have a bag. Thankfully having some leftovers from dinner in a Zip lock bag I handed the bag to the animal owner who promptly scoped up the dog waste, passed the leash to the monster dog to his lady and often went to find a garbage can. Meanwhile the female who was holding the leash allowed the dog to nuzzle up against me leg. I immediately thought “Oh my god surely this dog senses I am afraid of it” Then right out of the clear blue a large group of young men came walking down the pathway where we were sitting,. They were loud and vocal and their presence now caused the dog to become agitated. Oh great. Thankfully the situation passed without an attack on me, my fiancée or the youth group.
Not simply because of this recent issue, I do not support dogs on leash during the peak summer period in areas where there is heavy foot traffic. Hell Surrey has provided an off leash park in Crescent Beach, but oh no that is not good enough for most dog owners. They want to get right out in the mix of the crowds at the beach, because after all it is their right, even if it violates some stupid bylaw dreamed up at city hall.
David Chesney
Editor/Publisher
Local News
June 12, 2025
Surrey exploring allowing leashed dogs at Crescent Beach during weekdays this summer
At the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Mayor Brenda Locke directed City staff to explore a pilot program allowing leashed dogs on weekdays at Crescent Beach this summer from dawn to dusk, through to September. If approved, this would not include weekends or statutory holidays.
“I have heard from many residents asking if leashed dogs can be allowed on the Crescent Beach front pathway,” Mayor Locke said. “Currently, dogs are prohibited from May 15 to Sept. 15 to protect local habitats and manage peak summer crowds. However, I believe we can strike a balance—supporting both habitat protection and public access. I look forward to exploring a thoughtful, balanced approach that respects our natural environment, ensures public safety, and promotes responsible pet ownership.”
At the Mayor’s direction, staff will now consult with residents, consider any necessary enforcement measures or habitat protections, and prepare a report for Surrey City Council’s consideration.
Dogs continue to be welcome at Blackie Spit Park, located to the north of Crescent Beach. The park has two dog off-leash areas, including the only dog off-leash swim area in Surrey.
Surrey Police have issued a warning to residents to be aware there will be a huge presence of members of the outlaw motorcycle gang the Hells Angels in the area today and over the weekend.
The large gathering which is expected to be over 700 members from across Canada are on the west coast to attend a memorial for long time west coast spokesperson RICK CIARNIELLO who passed recently. Following the service the procession of bikers will head for a banquet hall near the Patullo bridge in North Surrey.
The White Rock chapter of the Hells Angels was formed in July 0f 1980and was one of the first three chapters in Western Canada.
Our Local MP ERNIE KLASSEN Making Waves In Ottawa
This week I was officially sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries,
The Honourable Joanne Thompson. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m eager to get started on the important work ahead. I’m fully committed to putting in the effort needed to make a meaningful impact.
June 11, 2025
War of Words......again
Surrey Mayor BRENDA LOCKE
Statement from the Mayor: Council voting record on arena project
On Monday, June 9, a Special Closed Meeting was held to discuss the proposed downtown arena project, during which Surrey City Council voted to publicly release the voting record on this matter. While Councillor Annis has publicly criticized the city’s vision to develop a vibrant entertainment district in the downtown core, the official record from the closed sessions on Oct. 21, 2024, Nov. 4, 2024 and April 14, 2025—now made public—shows that all of Surrey City Council, including Councillor Annis, voted in favour of advancing the project. It is essential that the public has access to factual information about the decision-making process. I recognize that views can evolve, and welcome continued discussion, however it’s important that the public has access to accurate information.
Surrey Councillor LINDA ANNIS
Councillor Annis has also shared a cost she has estimated for the project. I’m not sure the source of her figures. The final capital budget for the arena will be determined through a comprehensive process, incorporating a mixed financing approach that includes private investments, revenue from naming rights, and targeted City funding—each subject to Council approval.
Finally, Councillor Annis has stated that funding should instead prioritize new recreation facilities and parks, yet she voted against the City’s budget at the April 14 and 28 meetings, which allocated $701 million for 36 capital projects including the Newton Community Centre, the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre expansion, and the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex.
The City Centre arena is poised to anchor a vibrant sports and entertainment district that brings year-round jobs, new hospitality options, and a signature gathering place for Surrey residents.
In the last year, the City’s feasibility study for the project was completed. In the next month, we are hiring a Development Advisor to advise on risk allocation and develop the procurement strategy. Guided by this advisor and in collaboration with external legal counsel, we plan to launch competitive processes later this year to select an Operating Partner to manage the 10,000-seat arena, as well as a Development Partner to deliver the broader mixed-use development. This includes approximately 100,000 square feet of retail and office space, a 150-room hotel, and 60,000 square feet of ballroom and conference facilities.
I look forward to announcing more project milestones as they emerge.
Brenda Locke
Mayor, City of Surrey
BRENDA LOCKE’S $600 MILLION ARENA WITHOUT A PLAN, BUDGET, OR TENANT
Linda Annis
Instead, we need more neighbourhood parks, pools, rinks, and fields, and more recreation programs for Surrey kids: Councillor Linda Annis
Surrey, B.C. (June 3, 2025): Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis says she expects Brenda Locke's proposed 10,000-seat arena to cost more than $600 million, with no anchor tenant in sight.
"I'm not sure who is asking for the arena, other than Brenda Locke," said Annis. "The fact is, we're about to build a terrific new multi-use community centre in Newton for more than $300 million, so it's not unreasonable to say a 10,000-seat arena will cost more than twice that. Frankly, our city needs more neighbourhood parks, pools, rinks and playing fields instead. At the same time, we have Surrey kids on wait lists for recreation programs like swimming and skating, and every sport in the city is in need of more neighbourhood facilities just to keep up with our growth.”
Annis said spending more than $600 million on an arena makes absolutely no sense when there are so many local needs right across the city.
Illegal Street Racing Targeted By Police
Every Friday hundreds of hot rods and custom cars descend on the parking lot in Campbell Heights. During the daylight/evening hours the affair is very quiet and respectful. that all changes when the sun goes down.
As a result of complaints from businesses and residents regarding ongoing illegal street racing and stunting in southeast Surrey, Surrey Police Service (SPS) has begun Project Rogue Racers, a targeted enforcement campaign aimed at preventing unsanctioned and illegal street racing and stunting events.
This past weekend was the second weekend of Project Rogue Racers and on Friday night over two dozen SPS, Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU), and City of Surrey Bylaw enforcement officers attended the 2800 block 192 Street where dozens of vehicles and over 300 spectators had gathered for illegal races.
Later in the night, after the area around 28 Avenue and 192 Street had been dispersed, SPS and IRSU moved up to the Port Kells neighbourhood on the Surrey/Langley border, where about 40 racers and about 200 spectators had gathered.
By the end of the night, police had written almost 100 violation tickets for various offences, impounded five vehicles for excessive speeding, stunting, and impaired driving, issued 12 Notice and Orders for illegal vehicle modifications, and issued two Immediate Roadside Suspensions for impaired driving. Of note, two vehicles were stopped after being caught going 167 km/h and 171 km/h respectively in a 60 km/h zone. Both vehicles were impounded for seven days, and the drivers issued $483 fines.
“Illegal street racing and stunting is extremely dangerous and puts drivers, spectators, and other motorists at significant risk of injury. The potential for something to go wrong at such high speeds leaves no margin for error and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed,” says Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton, Surrey Police Service Media Relations Officer. “The irony is that there are places to legally race that cost a fraction of the fines that these drivers will get if they’re caught by police and that does not include the lifetime of costs associated with being in a collision and hurting yourself or someone else.”
Project Rogue Racers will continue to target illegal street racing and stunting in the City of Surrey throughout 2025.
Hot Dogs
TransLink’s popular Bike Bus is back for summer service starting Friday June 27
Summer Service Changes take effect Monday, June 23, 2025, with more frequent service on 13 routes to outdoor destinations throughout Metro Vancouver, including:
Route 362 - (Seaside/White Rock Centre)
TransLink’s 900 Bike Bus service also returns for cyclists between Bridgeport Station and Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. These retrofitted buses have eight interior bicycle racks — bringing the total bike capacity aboard to 10 —
The 900 Bike Bus will operate with the following schedule:
Service Dates: June 27 to September 1 (Labour Day)
Get ready we are going back to the polls in September. The city of White Rock must elect a new member to White Rock council.
The council seat was recently vacated by councillor ERNIE KLASSSEN'S recent election to become our MP and our voice in Ottawa.
Council on Monday evening voted unanimously to discontinue the contentious Warming Centre which has been located in the community for the past 4 years.
Every once in a while somebody posts something a picture or video on one of the local community Facebook groups that absolutely blows my mind. Being the universal skeptic, I usually think it is photo-shopped, created with AI, or showing something from somewhere else. In this case, it was none of those and Susan Richards (Lover of the Wild!) was in the right place and right time five days ago when she got video of a large flock of American White Pelicans resting on the shore of Crescent Beach.
Come enjoy Father’s Day brunch at Dudes Coffee House on Sunday, June 15!
We’re serving up Prime Rib Bennys and Wagyu Burger Bennys—because Dad deserves the good stuff
It’s reservation only, and spots are filling up fast (because moms plan ahead and dads just show up hungry).
Call to book your reservation today 604-385-1667
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Location - Fort Langley National Historic Site - Free admission
Tomorrow ( Saturday, June 14) 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM join us for a special day of reflection, storytelling, and celebration, presented in collaboration with the Stalew Arts and Culture Society. Together, we’ll honour the rich cultures, histories, and lasting contributions of Indigenous Peoples who have lived on this land since time immemorial.
Experience the power of oral tradition as Kwantlen Elders share stories of their community’s history, cultural teachings, and deep connection to the land. These important voices help us reflect, learn, and build deeper understanding of the Kwantlen First Nation, on whose traditional territory the Fort stands.
Programs:
Live performances
Wild River Dancers: 11 am
Red Hawk Singers: 1 pm
Indigenous Artisan Market | 10 am – 4 pm
Shop unique, handcrafted items from over 30 local Indigenous-owned businesses.
Ancestor Café | 10 am – 4 pm
Enjoy traditional Indigenous cuisine, made fresh onsite.
Spirit Bear Designs Gift Shop (Visitor Center) | 11 am – 4 pm
Browse a curated selection of Indigenous-made art, jewelry, clothing, and keepsakes.
Bring your friends and family for a day of learning, listening, and celebration. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.
This event is proudly hosted in collaboration with the Stalew Arts and Culture Society, dedicated to advocacy and empowering Indigenous artists living in Coast Salish territories in order to share their gifts. Discover more about the events and cultural offerings by visiting their website.
Surrey Mayor BRENDA LOCKE
Surrey Councillor LINDA ANNIS
