Information Centre totem pole on the Canadian side of the Peace Arch Crossing Back in the 50's
Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day
Recipe of the Week
Frog Balls?
....yes, that is what they are called.
Ingredients
2 lbs Brussel sprouts
2 1/2 cups vinegar
2 cups water
2 tbsp tbsp pickling spice
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dill seeds
1 tsp red pepper flakes
4 garlic cloves peeled
Directions
Trim and blanch Brussel sprouts in boiling water for 3-4 minutes
Pack sprouts into jars with garlic, dill seeds and red pepper flakes
In a pot combine vinegar, water, salt and sugar. Bring to a boil simmer for 5 minutes
Pour hot brine over sprouts in jars leaving 1/2 in head space at the top of the jar
Seal jars and place in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes
Let cool / refrigerate for 48 hours ...ENJOY
Yell It Like It Is
Growing up in "North" Surrey in 50's and 60's the Patullo Bridge truly was "our" bridge to another world.
In those days most residents in our area (which is now the Guildford area) had a couple of acres. For the most part between business centres Whalley and Cloverdale we had all we needed to exist.
Rare trips into Vancouver were facilitated by one way and one way only, the Patullo. Though I don’t actually remember toll booths on the Patullo I do have a vivid memory of the little yellow plastic coin holder my dad had hanging on the dash of our Hillman car, which when I questioned what the pennies were for he explained they were for the bridge tolls.
My most vivid memory of the Patullo Bridge though involved my mother Peggy Chesney. In the mid 50’s there was one year where all the kids in the neighbourhood had gone off to school leaving me with only my Mom to hang out for the entire year. Mom’s routine was pretty basic, breakfast for my father and sister who would dutifully head off to work and school respectively. I would then normally head outside for the rest of the morning to explore our five acres of bush, while Mom did the housework, baked, ironed and readied supper plans.
After lunch we were off and running in the family’s second car a 1953 Mercury, a boat of a vehicle. Our travels took us to church bake sales, Avon house parties, blood donor clinics at our local church and a variety of other destinations that have faded with time.
But back to “The Patullo.” On rare occasions there was a need for Mom and I to navigate the Patullo Bridge to get to New Westminster. My mother feared those trips, she was terrified of crossing the bridge given its narrowness and close proximity to other vehicles. The curving bend on the Surrey side of the bridge meant if you were in the centre lane (there were 4 lanes) it almost appeared you were going to hit the oncoming traffic head on. As a result of this malady Mom would always choose the outside lane along the rail, which was seemingly dangerously close to my window on the passenger side. My mother’s solution to her fear to crossing the bridge was to get across as fast as she felt comfortable driving. Exiting on the New West side always caused a sigh of relief from both of us.
I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the artist’s rendition of how the old bridge could be re jigged to mirror the High-line Bridge in New York that connects two Burroughs in New York City.
The High Line provides a unique way to experience the city, enabling visitors to catch unexpected views while wandering from Greenwich Village, through West Chelsea and into Hudson Yards.
Artist rendering of reimagined Patullo
I smile because proponents of this idea have not thought this one through or have no idea of the topography. It would be quite walk from the residential area of New West to get to the bridge, and once you landed on the Surrey side you would have the option of a beer at the Turf Hotel, a trip to Felix Salvage up the road or if you were really adventurous you could hike up Scott Road and visit any on of a number of auto wreckers.
For me I plan on making the trip soon across the newly opened replacement bridge.
I plan on nudging up to the rail lane and thinking of how I would love to have been making the trip with.....“Peggy”.
David Chesney
Editor / Publisher
Local News
February 21, 2026
Why we can’t have nice things
The Pattullo Bridge was originally supposed to stay open for cyclists and pedestrians until the morning of February 17. Unfortunately, those plans changed when the bridge had to be shut down earlier than expected this Monday evening.
According to Staff-Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, Senior Media Relations Officer for Surrey Police Service, on-site security contacted police after people were seen attempting to climb the bridge’s arch.
When officers arrived, two individuals had already climbed partway up and were instructed to come down safely.
What made things worse? About 30 more people were reportedly lined up, waiting for their turn to climb. For safety reasons, authorities decided to close the bridge entirely.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what happened:
Security called police after spotting people climbing the arch
2 individuals were told to come down
Around 30 people were waiting to climb next
Bridge closed early for public safety
A situation that could have been avoided ended up cutting access short for everyone. Safety always comes first.
Going For The Gold......Eagle In Italy
TEAM CANADA will meet the Team USA and Latvia in the OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL game tomorrow (Sunday) morning.
Very early game time start 5:10 a.m. our time
Meanwhile your SURREY EAGLES the defending BCHL Champs return to home ice @ The South Surrey Arena tomorrow (Sunday February 22 when they host Nanaimo).
HOCKEY YOU CAN'T AFFORD.......to miss!
Ocean Park NIMBY?
White Rock Council - Tomorrow's Agenda
IN CAMERA 3 p.m. Closed to the public
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - 4 p.m.
Monday, February 23, 2026
Gallery Room, White Rock Community Centre Council Chambers
Notice of Public Hearing for the Official Community Plan amendment bylaw
On Monday, March 2 at 4 p.m. Council will hear and receive submissions regarding the draft OCP amending Bylaw No. 2511 in the Council Chambers, at the White Rock Community Centre at 15154 Russell Avenue.
Surrey urges residents to avoid pruning City trees and heavy fines
With pruning season approaching, the City of Surrey is reminding residents not to prune or cut trees on City property. Damaging and cutting these trees is an offence under Surrey’s Tree Protection Bylaw and carries fines of up to $20,000.
“Pruning cuts made at the wrong time or the wrong place can permanently damage and weaken a tree,” said Rob Landucci, Surrey’s urban forestry manager. “This reduces its ability to provide shade, manage rainwater and provide clean air, which all help to increase property values and support our mental and physical wellbeing. Properly caring for our trees ensures that these benefits continue for our community.”
The City manages more than 115,000 shade trees on public property. Certified arborists follow proper pruning practices to support the long-term health of our trees. Each year, arborists inspect and prune more than 20,500 trees – about 1,700 per month – to keep Surrey’s urban forest green and thriving.
If you believe a City tree near your home or business needs attention, please call 604-501-5050 or submit a report online. To check if a tree is on City property, check out COSMOS, the City of Surrey Mapping Online system, and search for “Park Specimen Trees.”
Meanwhile in White Rock a simple request for view enhancement can lead to the city doing this.
Lest we forget
File photo of 2016 "Hump" clearcut along Marine Drive at the request of condo owners on Marine Drive.
Local Gangs Recruiting 10 Year Olds
Over 15,000 British Columbians have lost their lives to drug toxicity since 2016. Gang violence accounts for nearly half of all homicides in BC. Children as young as 10 are being recruited.
Enough is enough.
Join us February 22 for a FREE Public Safety Forum in Surrey featuring former gang members, victim families, government officials, and mental health professionals.
Last year, 625+ people came together. This year, we need YOUR voice.
Spaces are limited – tap Sign Up below to register (takes 10 seconds).
The South of Fraser East Area Transport Plan (ATP) will help shape the future of transit, cycling, walking, and goods movement within communities southeast of the Fraser River over the next 15 years.
Guided by our regional transportation strategy,?Transport 2050, and its vision of ‘Access for Everyone’, the South of Fraser East ATP will help TransLink prioritize future investments in the transportation network, so that everyone can easily connect to the people, places, and opportunities they want to. We want to hear from you!
Phase 1 Public Engagement
We’re inviting anyone who lives, works, or travels through the cities of Surrey, White Rock, and Langley, the Township of Langley, and North Delta to help shape your community’s transportation future.
Take the South of Fraser East ATP Phase 1 survey from February 9 to March 1, 2026.
We are hosting a series of in-person and virtual events throughout the engagement period for those who are interested in attending.
February 24 - 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Peach Arch Hospital (Inside Main Entrance)
February 14, 2026
Unwelcome Wagon
High-Risk Offender to Reside in Surrey
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is advising the public that Marinus Willemse, who has been designated a high-risk sex offender, will be residing in Surrey and is believed to pose a significant risk to women and children in the community.
Marinus Willemse is a 58-year-old White male, 5’ 11” tall, weighing approximately 225 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes
Willemse is currently on a section 810.2 Recognizance with numerous conditions, including the following:
No contact with any victims of offences or which he’s been convicted or any known members of their immediate families
Not to attend within 300 metres of any known residence, place of employment or educational facility of any of the victims or witnesses for which he’s been convicted or any known member of their immediate families
Not to possess any knives, axes, or other sharp bladed instrument used, designed to be used, or intended to be used to cut things, except for possessing a knife when preparing and eating food, or for the purpose of lawful employment, while at or going directly to and from the place of employment
Must not possess or consume alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicating substances, except with a medical prescription
Must not possess any nylons or pantyhose, or any tool or device that can be used for the purposes of restraint, including but not limited to duct tape, straps, rope, or wire unless specifically needed for onsite employment approved by his bail supervisor
A curfew by being inside the place where he lives and regularly sleeps between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, except when there is prior permission from his bail supervisor, going directly to and from a healthcare facility because of a medical emergency
Not to attend a public park or public swimming area where persons under the age of 16 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or a daycare centre, school ground, playground or community centre
Must not engage in any form of gambling except with written permission from his bail supervisor
Not to seek or obtain employment or becoming a volunteer in a capacity that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16
Marinus Willemse will be the subject of electronic monitoring. Investigators from SPS’s Major Crime Unit will continue to monitor and ask anyone who sees him breaching his release conditions to immediately call 9-1-1.
Nice surprise to find out one time local prodigal son DANIEL WESLEY was performing a special intimate concert last night at White Rock Beach Beer.
The 2 sold out shows were part of his tour of the brew pubs of BC.
This is the song that launched DANIEL'S career, recorded right here in White Rock at the former home of Turtle recording studios, which now operates in South Surrey.
Turtle Studios was housed in the new location of BEANS AND BERRY on Vidal street behind the darkened / vacant BOATHOUSE.
Thank you WRBB and Daniel!
Thought For The Day
Clocks jump forward Sunday March 08/2026
Tomorrow (Sunday) on SoulFull Sessions LIVE,
......I’m in conversation with Dr. Tanis Gaitens
We’re exploring her lived philosophy: A conversation about embodied values.
About vitality that begins within. About contribution rooted in integrity.
Values shape the architecture of our days.
They shape our leadership. They shape who we become. They shape who we become.
Join us live: On Substack Sunday, Feb 22 10:30 a.m. PT
Come ready for a thoughtful, expansive conversation round that soulful fire.
Artist rendering of reimagined Patullo
Lest we forget
