New cabinet ready to deliver on the priorities of British Columbians / Office of the Premier
Premier David Eby has appointed a new cabinet that is ready to listen to British Columbians and deliver on the core challenges people are facing – a team that combines years of experience and fresh perspectives from outside of government.
The new cabinet’s top priorities will be bringing down costs for families, strengthening health care, making communities safer and growing the economy so everyone feels the benefits. Foundational to this work is a commitment to build partnerships with Indigenous communities and take action on climate change, both key to building a more prosperous B.C. for future generations.
Transportation, safety and housing top priorities for Surrey residents in 2025 budget consultation
Transportation infrastructure, public safety and housing were the top priorities for Surrey residents during the 2025 budget consultation process. For the second year in a row, open houses were held in each of the city’s town centres, seeking feedback on budget priorities and preferred funding options for the financial plan. The combined open houses and online surveys generated over 3,300 in-person visits and responses. New this year, a full Punjabi survey option was offered as an option in line with the City’s new Multilingual Communications Policy. Of note, budget engagement saw an 8% increase in the percentage of participants who speak languages other than English
Engagement findings revealed that respondents’ top priorities for the upcoming budget include:
Transportation infrastructure;
Public safety and emergency services;
Preventing and responding to homelessness; and
Housing supply and affordability
Over 100,000 community members were informed about the budget process and engagement opportunities through a multi-channel communications campaign, including digital ads, an interactive engagement webpage, print and digital displays throughout the city at facilities and on the street. Engagement opportunities included an online survey offered in English and Punjabi, as well as six in-person open houses at each of Surrey’s six town centres.
The next step is for City staff and Council to review the engagement results and to utilize input to guide the 2025 budget as it is developed over the next few months. It is anticipated that a draft budget will be presented to Council in early 2025.
View the full engagement report and learn more about the budget engagement process at surrey.ca/budget2025.
Two people deceased in motor vehicle collision in Surrey
Surrey RCMP are investigating a motor vehicle collision that occurred overnight that has left two people deceased.
On November 18, 2024 at approximately 3:38 am, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle rollover in the northbound lane of Highway 99 between 16 Avenue and 32 Avenue.
When police and Surrey Fire Service arrived on scene, the vehicle was fully engulfed. The driver and a passenger were located deceased inside the vehicle and police are working to identify the victims in this collision.
The Surrey RCMP Criminal Collision Investigation Team (CCIT) has assumed conduct of this investigation and the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) is assisting. The investigation is in the early stages and investigators are working to identify all factors that led to this fatality.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash camera footage from the area is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502
Surrey RCMP is advising the public of road closures on Highway 99 northbound between 16th Avenue and 32nd Avenue due to a fatal vehicle rollover..
Police and fire are currently on scene in the 2800 block of Highway 99.
Police are requesting that commuters plan ahead, avoid the area and use alternate routes. It is unknown how long the closures will remain in effect.
November 18, 2024
2024 Civic Distinction Awards recognize outstanding community leaders
The City of Surrey presented the 2024 Civic Distinction Awards, at Surrey City Hall – the first in-person event for the awards since 2017. The City recognized 27 recipients including individuals, community groups, businesses, and projects that have made outstanding contributions to the City over the last four years.
“It is an honor to acknowledge the individuals and organizations that are leading the charge in making Surrey a more beautiful, vibrant, and inclusive city,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “We are incredibly fortunate to have remarkable people who make such a difference in lifting up our community. Their efforts not only pave the way for progress but also inspire others to get involved, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among us all. Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for your dedication and leadership.”
Nominations were received in award categories including Arts & Heritage, Beautification & Enhancement, Design, Environment, Heart, and Sport Tourism. This year’s Mayor’s Choice Awards were focused on Celebrating Diversity and Building Community. Award recipients were recommended by selection committees specific to each category and endorsed by Mayor and Council.
The Civic Distinction Awards are given out every four years and are part of Surrey’s ongoing commitment to programs and initiatives that support the City’s vibrant communities, promote modern urban development, protect and enhance the environment, support community engagement, encourage tourism, and celebrate culture and heritage.
The event was sponsored by Global BC and hosted by Global BC personality Mark Madryga, and featured entertainment from local performers in the Surrey City Orchestra.
For details and a full list of award recipients, please visit our website at surrey.ca/civicdistinction.
Faulty Tower?
There is one condo building that by far has had the most issues in the Lower Mainland, including lawsuits and engineering suspensions over the alleged shortcuts that may have been taken at the time of construction.
Surrey Real Estate Specialist, Steve Karrasch of Macdonald Realty reviews the issues that Ultra has had in the past, why buyers still find this building an attractive buy and what you must consider if looking to purchase a unit in this building.
November 16, 2024
Is Peace Portal Golf Course (aka THE HILLS) CLOSING?
November 14, 2024
Bright Walk in White Rock returns on December 7 at Memorial Park
White Rock is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Bright Walk in White Rock, a festive community light-up event, set for Saturday December 7, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Memorial Park. This free, family-friendly event will kick off a month-long winter light display with over 50,000 twinkling lights.
The event’s main stage will feature live performances from the Whoville Choir joined by a mischievous Grinch, a whimsical performance by the Snow Sisters, and a Michael Bublé Christmas tribute. There will also be food carts along the promenade and a Christmas Market at the White Rock Museum and Archives, where more than 30 local vendors will sell hand-crafted items, making it easy to find unique holiday gifts.
Santa is even taking a break from preparations at the North Pole to be available for free photos.
The lighting of the 20 foot Christmas tree will take place @ 5 p.m.
C. The community is invited to bring donations for Sources Food Bank, which will be on-site.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Where: Memorial Park, White Rock
Time: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tree Lighting at 5 p.m.
Light Display Duration: December 7, 2024 – January 12, 2025
The proposed development of the property at the corner of Blackwood and North Bluff was forced into bankruptcy months ago. The bid deadline is tomorrow with the court date to settle the matter to take place next Monday.
The receiver will require all bids regardless of number of bids to be in by a certain date. The bids are sealed. They will all be open in court in front of the judge at the same time. All bids must by without subjects. The court will not accept a subject to bid. Order of payment first receiver fees and all costs they incurred including the sales commission, and legal fees. Then next all interest and late charges are paid. Then what ever is left is applied to principal of the loan. Guarantor on the hook for all unpaid principal.
There is a bid deadline set for November 14, 2024 A court date for November 18, 2024.
The City of Surrey proudly hosted the annual Youth Speak Up Forum on Friday, November 8, bringing together young voices from across the city to discuss important current issues and share innovative ideas for community improvement. This year’s forum, held at Surrey City Hall, attracted approximately 200 participants for a full day of workshops and discussion.
The Youth Speak Up Forum serves as a platform for youth aged 13 to 18 to engage in meaningful conversations, express their views, and collaborate on solutions to challenges faced in their communities. Participants were encouraged to share their perspectives on topics such as neighbourhood planning, climate change, inclusivity and accessibility.
Feedback from each workshop was collected by the Surrey Leadership Youth Council, who will compile the insights into a report that will be presented to Council in 2025.
The forum aims to give youth a voice on community issues and helps foster confidence and encourages civic engagement among youth.
Police continue to search for a missing 18-year-old boy who was last seen over two weeks ago.
18-year-old Joseph Maku was last seen on Tuesday, October 22nd in the 9600 block of 130 Street in Surrey.
To help with search efforts, Brenda Maku, Jospeh’s sister, has set up a Facebook group to help consolidate any updates and news that becomes available.
“Thank you everyone, again, for your continuous support as we continue to do anything and everything we can do to find my brother, Joseph Maku,” posted Brenda on Facebook.
He is described as an 18-year black male, who stands 6′5″ talls and weighs 200 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black North Delta Huskies basketball shorts, and black and white basketball shoes.
I was recently on a property near Crescent Park getting it prepped for the winter and cleaning up the many leaves that had fallen from the tall cottonwoods, alders and big leaf maple trees. I know this yard often gets visited by deer because the owners have taken extreme measures to protect their substantial vegetable gardens. These have been staked and protected with deer netting to a height of seven feet high. They also have a series of scarecrow sprinklers that are motion activated as we learned earlier in the year while getting sprayed by streams of cold water. While we have never seen deer in the yard during the day, the owners have sent me pictures of deer walking across the lawns in the early morning.
Picture of deer in peninsula backyard
(click here to read the full story)
Video Of The Day
Joke Of The Day
A young boy was kissed by a girl he really liked, but after only a few seconds, the boy abruptly ended his first kiss.
"I'm so sorry, but I can't continue!" he said.
"Why not," the girl asked, "didn't you like it?"
"No, that's not it," the boy replied. "It's my mom. She said that if I kiss a girl before I'm sixteen, I'll turn into a statue. And I could feel it starting already."
Thought For The Day
Community Events
November’s film could be your new paradigm, a new lens to envision what creative Federal Fiscal Policies can create. An abundance of social services such as Health Care, Education, Infrastructure, and yes, saving our environment.
Two of our members are so excited about what this new paradigm could mean, they’ve booked the White Rock Library meeting room on November 23rd to continue the discussion with everyone welcome to attend.
FINDING THE MONEY (2024) traces the conflict all the way back to the story we tell about money, injecting new hope and empowering countries around the world to tackle the biggest challenges of the 21st century: from climate change, health care, housing to inequality.
Event Date:
Friday November 22nd, 2024 Location:
White Rock Community Centre,
15154 Russell Ave, White Rock
Doors open at 6:30PM
Film starts at 7:00PM
Tomorrow In THE SUN
White Rock Council's Monday meeting agenda
Check the waterfront weather in White Rock in real time.
