When I was growing up, one of my favourite things to do was to go to the beach. My parents would pack up a picnic lunch and our beach gear and drive on down to Crescent Beach or White Rock for some fun in the sun. This was always a great time to explore the tide pools, turn over rocks looking for crabs or spend time admiring the various birds we would see on and around the shoreline. We quickly learned that the less comfortable beaches, like in front of the Semiahmoo First Nation and along the base of the Ocean Park Bluffs, were a lot quieter with less people and lots more nature. Over time, these more far-flung beaches became the places where I would naturally gravitate to. As I got older, beaches around the world became somewhat of a draw when it came to time to plan vacations. To date I have been to plenty of beaches across B.C., P.E.I., Washington State, California, Florida, Mexico, Cuba, Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia. Living in residence at UBC introduced me to Wreck Beach and naturalism, leading me to seek out private shorelines where you could be one with nature without getting tan lines. The internet has definitely made finding these hidden gems easier to find even as the world population has increased.
We just got back from Zipolite Beach in southern Mexico that is that country's only public nude beach. It started off in the 60's as a hippy hideout with draft dodgers, drug dealers, surfer dudes and long haired freaky people. Over time it slowly developed into a quaint little village with a rather large sandy beach. Nature tries to keep the town from getting too big with a series of hurricanes and fires over the years resulting in demolition, clean up and rebuilding. Amazingly there is a White Rock Ave. and just offshore is the Roco Blanca, a large rock formation turned white with the poop from all of the seabirds that call it home. The beach faces directly south with sunrises and sunsets over the water on either end making for some great photos and colourful memories. Zipolite is known as the "Beach of the Dead" due to the large waves that build during the day or drift in from far flung storms. Big waves, strong under tow and rip tides can turn a simple swim into a life-ending experience. Before lifeguards with recovery gear started patrolling the shore, it has been reported that an average of fifty people would drown on this beach in an average year.
When we are planning a far away beach vacation, before booking flights and hotels, I always research where to go, what to do, and what the hazards are. It is important to look at tide schedules to try to avoid tidal extremes and avoid high tides in the middle of the day. It is also a good idea to know the long term weather and if it will be wet season, monsoon season or hurricane season. We must be doing something right because in all the years of going to tropical locations, we have never had rain and only one cloudy day where I actually got a mild sun burn. The wave heights, tidal effects and other dangers including jellyfish and sharks should also be considered along with crime levels and government warnings. Whether you like flat water, small waves, body surfing, boogie boarding, surfing, wind surfing or kite boarding, there are different beaches for everyone. Once at the desired location, it is best to watch the water for wave height, sets, break patterns and current patterns. If language barriers do not exist, talking to locals, surfers and lifeguards will give you comprehensive boots on the ground experience that should make your vacation safe and enjoyable.
We were going for a stroll along Zipolite beach last week when suddenly a cacophony of shrill whistles sounded from across the sand. Lifeguards started running out from the local hotels, all converging on an area of the beach about a hundred yards in front of us. We watched in horror as a bunch of these young strong men entered the water and carried the lifeless body of a mid-40's Caucasian man out of the water. He was unceremoniously dragged up beyond the surf line and after draining his lungs of water CPR was started and an air bag resuscitator attached over his mouth. Large umbrellas were brought down to block the sun and also give both rescuers and the drowned man some privacy while they worked to save his life. Unfortunately they did not have an AED defibrillator to jump start his heart and while the lifeguards worked vainly, the man never recovered. By the time the ambulance showed up, it was obvious that he was dead. All of this happened in front of the man's partner who was beyond distraught with her holiday suddenly turning into a nightmare.
We watched all of this happen from a short distance away, praying for the man, the lifeguards working to save him and for his wife who stood there crying with her shaking hands balled in front of her tear strewn face. Within an hour an ambulance had taken the man away, the beach had cleared, and if you did not know what had happened everything looked normal with folks out strolling along the beach and a few people out in the water. A new friend we met from Saskatchewan told us this man was the fourth fatality in the past month and a half. What is interesting is that a Google search for drowning deaths at Zipolite beach turned up nothing during this time. The news does not get reported or translated into English and unless you are in town, there is no way to know about the body count. The Vagabond Journey website warns that Zipolite is one of the most dangerous beaches in the world but you still see people regularly in the water. Here in the Semi-pen, we have a sheltered bay with shallow water, long level sand flats and placid waves where drowning is an extremely rare occurrence.
When you leave home, make sure you know the dangers waiting for you as you don't want your fun to turn into your fun...eral.
Naturally yours,
Don PItcairn
Local News
Monday January 27, 2026
Breakthrough? Two Men Arrested and Charged with Firearm Offence
Two men have been arrested and are now charged with Criminal Code offences following a Surrey Police Service (SPS) investigation into an alleged shots fired incident in the early morning hours of January 26, 2026.
On January 26, 2026, at approximately 3:50 am, Surrey Police Service (SPS) members assigned to Project Assurance, working in collaboration with SPS’s Major Crime Section, were in the area of 129 Street and 84 Avenue when they heard what they believed was a gun shot. SPS officers quickly located a suspect vehicle and stopped it, taking the driver and a passenger into custody. During the arrests a loaded handgun was discovered and seized. Project Assurance is an initiative in which SPS proactively patrols neighbourhoods and business areas targeted by extortions and extortion-related shootings.
SPS’s Major Crime Section took over the investigation and two men have now been charged with Criminal Code offences.
Harshdeep Singh, a 20-year-old male, has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and one count of occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present.
Hanspreet Singh, a 21-year-old male, has been charged with one count of occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Both Harshdeep Singh and Hanspreet Singh have been remanded in custody until January 30, 2026. They are both foreign nationals and SPS has engaged Canada Border Services Agency.
SPS is asking anyone who has information on this incident, including CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact SPS’s non-emergency number at 604-599-0502 and quote file 26-8529 (SP).
Representatives from the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation attended to express their gratitude for Council’s longstanding support of Peace Arch Hospital and to request that Council uphold their legacy agreement regarding venue fees for Centennial Arena. Council endorsed this request.
2026-2030 Proposed Capital Plan
Council approved the 2026-2030 Capital Plan, which will be included within the draft 2026-2030 Financial Plan document. View the Capital Plan here.
Change To 2026 Council Remuneration And Update To Policy No. 106
Following Council’s budget discussion at the January 12th Council meeting, Council approved a 10% reduction to Mayor and Council remuneration for 2026, removed the additional remuneration for the Deputy Mayor, ended City reimbursement for attendance at the FCM annual conference, and adopted related amendments to Council Policy No. 106 – Council Remuneration and Expenses.
Respectful Workplace Policy And Employee Code Of Conduct Policy Amendments
Council endorsed updates to two (2) policies to align with recent amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the British Columbia Human Rights Code.
Community Survey – Fireworks
Council reviewed the survey results regarding community firework displays, as part of the Sea Festival and Canada Day celebrations. A total of 1,077 responses were received for the survey, with 67% indicating that they would like fireworks to continue as part of City events.
Council directed staff to prepare a report outlining a potential traffic‑management plan and the associated costs, developed in coordination with Fire Services and the RCMP, prior to Council’s final consideration of proceeding with fireworks for both Canada Day and Sea Festival.
Public Art And Culture Advisory Committee Recommendations
Council approved two (2) recommendations, coming forward from the Public Art and Culture Advisory Committee:
Directing staff to allocate $5,750 from the Public Art Fund to support the 2026 Street Banner Program; and,
Approving a mural project for 2026, to be installed at the Oxford Comfort Station
Community Hub Advisory Committee Recommendations
The Committee put forward three (3) recommendations, which were supported by Council, regarding:
The scope of the community hub project at this stage
Including Council Chambers in phase 1 for the planning assumption for ongoing project development
Supporting staff’s proposed approach to project delivery support
Bylaws Receiving Final Reading
Council approved the following bylaws:
Bylaw 2568: White Rock Zoning Bylaw, 2024, No. 2506, Amendment No. 13 (15916 Russell Avenue), 2026, No. 2568
A bylaw to amend the White Rock Zoning Bylaw to rezone the subject property (15916 Russell Avenue) from the RS-1 SSMUH Residential Zone to the RS-2 SSMUH Residential Zone to enable the creation of two (2) residential lots by way of subdivision.
Bylaw 2557: White Rock Zoning Bylaw, 2024, No. 2506, Amendment No, 11 (Cannabis Store Use At 1478 Johnston Road), 2025, No. 2557
A bylaw to amend the Zoning Bylaw to permit the operation of a non-medical cannabis retail store on a permanent basis at 1478 Johnston Road.
MOTIONS
Council endorsed motions on the following topics:
Christmas Kick-Off In White Rock:
Maintaining the 2025 rental rate at the Community Centre by Christmas on the Peninsula
Exploring with Christmas on the Peninsula the possibility of having the Miramar Plaza tree lighting and Bright Walk launch on different nights on the same weekend.
Veterans-Themed Crosswalk:
Replacing the existing crosswalk at Buena Vista and Fir with a commemorative design honouring Canada’s veterans, funded fully or partially through grants pursued on behalf of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #008 and the Canadian Walk for Veterans.
Letter To Fraser Health – Peace Arch Hospital Maternity Ward
Sending a letter to Fraser Health expressing concerns surrounding Peace Arch Hospital’s maternity ward frequent closures in the past few months.
The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, and will be held in the Gallery Room at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave, White Rock).
January 22, 2026
Surrey mayor calls for national commissioner to tackle extortion crisis
Mayor Brenda Locke is calling on the federal government to take immediate action and implement a full-scale national initiative to stop the extortions and violence targeting residents, business owners, and communities across Canada.
At a trilateral summit in Surrey on Nov. 28, 2025, the federal and provincial governments expressed their commitment to ending this violence and meet again in 90 days. Since then, the problem has escalated. The number of extortions reported across Canada since 2023 is approaching 1,500, with 34 cases in Surrey in the last three weeks alone.
“This is unlike anything Surrey has faced before. Residents and business owners are living in constant fear, and our communities cannot wait any longer,” Mayor Locke said. “Police are working hard, but we need a coordinated, nationwide approach that prevents these crimes and protects Canadians.”
In a letter dated Jan. 21, 2026, Mayor Locke urged federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to appoint a national extortion commissioner to bring together police, experts, governments, and community leaders to identify the root causes of extortion and develop immediate, concrete solutions.
“This role should have the authority to examine the obvious gaps in our criminal, immigration, and citizenship systems and lead a national response that actually stops these crimes from happening,” the mayor said.
“Our laws are simply too weak. Canadian law enforcement tools are not enough to protect the public from the magnitude of extortion and violence we are experiencing. Surrey is entering the third year of this crisis. We need strong federal leadership to protect Canadian communities and restore public confidence.”
Mayor Locke is scheduled to discuss these recommendations at an upcoming federal meeting in Ottawa.
Open House – South Surrey Library/Semiahmoo Branch
The Bus Rapid Transit team set up shot yesterday afternoon at the South Surrey library.
A number of TRANSLINK representatives were on hand yesterday at the South Surrey library on Johnston Road. The group was in our area to promote the possibility that there may one day be RAPID BUS running between Semiahmoo Mall and Whalley.
Though there is no final design, funding in place, start date or the actual time the RAPID BUS would cut off of your trip. It appeared the reason for the meeting seemed to be designed to gauge interest.
A byproduct of a RAPID BUS LINE would be densification of development along the route. Though not included in yesterday's presentation the effect on White Rock could be profound. The provincially legislated legislation for density BILL 47 would designate highrise development within 200/400/600/800 metres from a RAPID BUS LINE.
The proposed RAPID BUS line would end @ Johnston road and North Bluff so the densification would be measured from that point coming south into White Rock.
Surrey Police Service (SPS) has notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia of an incident in Surrey where an individual has sustained serious injuries.
On January 21, 2026, at approximately 5:25 am, SPS Frontline officers observed a stolen vehicle in the area of Holt Road and 88 Avenue, Surrey. Moments later the suspect vehicle struck another motor vehicle, and an individual riding a scooter. The suspect then fled the area on foot. Integrated Police Dog Services (IPDS) attended to assist with locating the suspect but were unsuccessful.
SPS members immediately rendered aid to the injured party and Surrey Fire Services and BCEHS attended the scene. The pedestrian was subsequently transported to an area hospital by BCEHS with life threatening injuries.
SPS Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) has taken conduct of the investigation.
SPS has informed the IIO of the incident and they have asserted jurisdiction.
128 Street and 88 Avenue was closed for several hours while the investigation continues.
SPS is unable to provide additional information while the IIO’s independent process is taking place.
January 20, 2026
Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Newton - The Beat Goes On
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating an early morning shooting at a business in the Newton neighbourhood.
At approximately 4:30 am on January 20, 2026, SPS members responded to reports of a shooting in the 7200 block of King George Boulevard, Surrey. Upon arrival, police located a business and vehicles that had been damaged. The business was unoccupied at the time and fortunately, nobody was injured as a result of the incident.
SPS Frontline Investigative Support Team (FLIST) attended. SPS Major Crime Section has taken conduct of the investigation. The investigation is in its early stages and investigators are continuing to gather evidence. While the motive for the shooting is still under investigation, it appears that this incident is related to the ongoing series of extortions in Surrey.
Anyone with information about this incident, including CCTV or dashcam footage, or who may know the identities of the suspects is asked to contact SPS’ non-emergency line at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca and quote file number 26-6494 (SP).
Lunar New Year celebration returns to Museum of Surrey
Museum of Surrey is celebrating the Year of the Horse by hosting their annual Lunar New Year celebration, on Saturday, February 21, from 1-4 p.m. This free community event will feature performances and activities including dragon dance teaching, poetry performances, traditional and modern dance, tai chi demonstrations, storytelling and more.
“The community is our cozy home, and festivals are the sunshine within it. Neighbours, like family, celebrate together, strengthening bonds and adding vibrancy to our shared space. The community is a warm extended family, illuminated by the festive sunshine” said Ying Liu of the Chinese Village Club, a non-for-profit organization in Canada.
In partnership with the Chinese Village Club, this event offers a meaningful opportunity to learn more about Lunar New Year traditions and the rich cultural heritage of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities. Also known as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations across Asia and can last up to 40 days in some countries.
2026 marks the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, strength, freedom, and perseverance. The Horse is associated with optimism, hard work, and forward momentum, representing a year of progress, passion, and positive change. The Museum of Surrey invites residents and visitors to experience this free event and be part of this cultural celebration and tradition.
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