Crescent Moon Coffee House - Attention: there will not be a Coffee House at Camp Alexandra this Thursday December 4th! Stay tuned for more information about our next date!
TNT The Naked Truth
Don Pitcairn
December 02, 2025
Alt News, Alt Views
1960 White Rock Sun
The White Rock Sun is a rather interesting community newspaper due to its claim to fame as "Canada's first internet newspaper." Dave Chesney, now longtime White Rock Councillor, decided to resurrect the White Rock Sun in its current format back in 2007 without the burden of printing and delivery, using the growing interest in the internet to help get the word out. I have been writing my weekly The Naked Truth column since 2009 when a writing gig I had signed with the Surrey Now imploded with that newspaper going bankrupt. My TNT focuses on anything and everything that catches my eye or crosses my desk with plenty of local topics and the occasional foray into stories from around the globe. The whole concept of the WR Sun is to simply get the information out, keep people up to date, make it informative, educational and hopefully entertaining. I like to think that it ticks all of these boxes and thank Dave for keeping it fresh and topical over all these years.
While the WR Sun may be seen by some as "alternative news", it is simply independent journalism that cares to venture where mainstream media often fails to tread. The issue I have with legacy media is that it is corporately owned and operated, often with political slants and biases built into what stories they cover, how it is reported and how it gets edited. For an opinionated SOB like myself, I learned very early that Letters to the Editor (let-eds) that did not conform to a newspaper's beliefs stood little chance of being printed. I have also been targeted in editorials for stances on issues that I thought were noble and just, which I must admit I don't mind as it makes for a great rebuttal let-ed. At the White Rock Sun we always relish the opportunity to "tilt at windmills" as the saying goes, while the most used slogan is "You can't make this s--t up!" With that being said, here are seven other journalism sources you may want to follow if you are tired of being spoon fed propaganda marketed as pablum.
The Tyee (https://thetyee.ca/), Independent, Fearless, Reader funded. The Tyee is a different breed of online news magazine. Founded in B.C. in 2003, their fact driven stories and expert analysis have allowed it to rise to the top of independent journalism. They do not have a paywall and much of their income is derived from contributions by individuals known as Tyee Builders. Their values include "a deep concern for truth-telling, justice, the environment and holding power accountable." The Tyee has now transitioned to a registered non-profit organization operated by the Tyee Independent Media Society and hope to gain charitable donation status for their award-winning journalism. Join The Tyee's Daily Catch to receive their free daily newsletter.
The Breaker (https://thebreaker.news/), "Your source for news, opinion and analysis about British Columbia issues, institutions and influencers." The Editor of The Breaker is none other than Bob Mackin who broke the story about Surrey Shirts getting a cease and desist letter from the legal department of Surrey City Hall. From the time I talked to Bob until it was headline news across B.C. and then Canada took approximately two hours. Mr. Mackin has been a professional journalist since 1990 and his stories are always worth a look.
Business in Vancouver (https://www.biv.com/), "Business intelligence for BC." A weekly business news that focuses on politics, business and Vancouver but whose stories cover a wide range of topics beyond our province. It also produces a portfolio of over 20 annual business magazines, a daily radio program on 98.3 FM and a weekly podcast. It is a division of Glacier Media, which has many local newspapers under it's rather wide umbrella. Well written and researched, it appears factual, on point and worth reading.
Dogwood BC (https://www.dogwoodbc.ca/), "Building grassroots power since 1999." They champion that "We bring people together to transform our democracy, uphold Indigenous rights and defend the climate, land and water that sustain life in B.C." If you want to read about environmental news, natural gas, fracking, pipelines, indigenous rights and politics, this is the place to go. Their mantra is "News and views on climate, energy and politics you won't find anywhere else." Considered to be B.C.'s largest nonpartisan citizen action network.
Druthers (https://druthers.ca/), "Truth, Love, Freedom!" Billing themselves as "Canada’s Most Loved, Independent, People Powered Newspaper!", This printed newspaper that you can read online or subscribe to first started up during COVID lockdowns. Long on freedom and questioning many government think tanks and controls, 200,000 copies of this newspaper are handed out monthly across Canada by a loyal following. Never heard of it? They have printed 14 million newspapers since inception using a grass-roots network of volunteers for distribution with mail to home now available.
The Epoch Times (https://www.theepochtimes.com), "Truth, Tradition, Hope." This right leaning newspaper has very detailed articles with many covering the entire page, if not two. What is different about the Epoch Times is that it is affiliated with the Falun Gong religious movement that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has tried to eliminate. Their anti-communist bias shows repeatedly but the deep reporting makes for an interesting read. An understanding of the Falun Gong sect and their persecution in China is essential before delving into this weekly newspaper. It is published in 21 languages across 33 countries and can be delivered to your door by Canada Post.
The Georgia Straight (https://www.straight.com). Starting out as an anti-establishment alternative to Vancouver's conservative newspapers, the Georgia Straight always was a rebel with many causes, often attracting the ire of political powers and the police. Its use of newsboxes on corners throughout the City of Vancouver helped make the Straight a must-read for decades. After nearly 50 years of private ownership it was sold to the Media Central Corp in 2020 and the Over story Media Group in 2022. Still noteworthy with plenty of bark but not as much bite as before.
Rebel News (https://www.rebelnews.com/), "At Rebel News, we tell the other side of the story, we follow the facts wherever they may lead, even if that conflicts with the official narrative of the establishment." I had to throw Rebel News into this alternative news article because they have gone from a serious thorn in the side of the political elite and corporate media to now being grudgingly accepted. Interviews and stories from their in-the-field reporters are posted online in a point and click newscast format. Their motto is "If you’re tired of the legacy corporate media spin, you’re in the right place."
Naturally yours,
Don Pitcairn
I wish to acknowledge we live work and play on the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo People.
Local News
December 02, 2025
Council Meeting Summary – December 1, 2025
Question And Answer Period
All Question and Answer Period submissions and their responses can be viewed on the City website.
Delegations
Council received delegations from:
Members of the Christmas on the Peninsula Society, requesting that the fee for the White Rock Community Centre remain at its current level for their rental each year.
A member of the public discussing the 2025 by-election and election planning for 2026.
Translink Presentation
A TransLink representative presented to Council on recent investments in the South of the Fraser region, including White Rock, and outlined upcoming plans. The update highlighted the King George Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which will terminate at Semiahmoo Town Centre. View the presentation here.
Community Policing Support Vehicle
Council reviewed a request from Community Policing for partial funding of an electric mobile support vehicle. The Society has been fundraising for the purchase and asked the City of White Rock to provide matching support, up to $14,000. Council approved this request.
White Rock Library 2026 Operating Hours
Council approved new operating hours for the White Rock Library for 2026, which will extend operating hours on Thursdays (9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Contract Award – 2025 Sanitary And Drainage Rehabilitation
Council considered the annual Sanitary and Drainage Rehabilitation Program and approved key contracts and funding to advance the project. The Sanitary and Drainage Rehabilitation Program is an annual capital initiative that renews the City’s sewer and drainage infrastructure using trenchless and open-cut methods.
Council approved awarding the construction contract to Superior City Contracting Services Ltd. for $488,742 (excluding GST) and awarded construction management services to R.F. Binnie & Associates for $29,690 (excluding GST). In addition, Council authorized a contingency of $155,000, representing approximately 30% of construction costs, to support the project.
Opposition To Bill M216 – Professional Reliance Act
Council received a staff report analyzing Bill M 216 (Professional Reliance Act) and directed staff to formally communicate Council’s opposition to the Province, the Surrey‑White Rock MLA, and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). Council further instructed that a letter be sent outlining its advocacy for meaningful consultation with local governments prior to implementing systemic changes to development approval processes and requesting safeguards such as mandatory peer review for high‑risk projects and clear accountability mechanisms.
Council Policy 168 – Lighting The White Rock Pier
Council endorsed an amendment to Policy 168 following a request from Transport Canada. Transport Canada has advised the city that, as stated in the Canada Navigable Waters Act, the pier cannot display red and/or green lights at any time, as those colours are reserved for navigation markers.
Bylaws Receiving Final Reading
Council approved the following bylaws:
Bylaws 2549 and 2564: Council and Committee Procedure Bylaw
Amendments will allow for an alternate approval process for agenda items coming from Council members, as well as regulate the use of cell phones by members of Council at Council meetings.
Bylaw 2554: 2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw
A bylaw to impose fees and charges for various services offered by the City that are not included in any other City Bylaw.
Motions
Council endorsed motions on the following topics:
Council Policy 106 – Amend the annual allowance for attending and representing the City at local community events from $1,200 to $600 per Councillor starting in 2026, with the savings redirected to reduce overall expenditures in light of current economic challenges and the need to limit non‑essential spending.
Pier Donation Box – Direct staff to remove the donation box, as it has resulted in a net loss in fundraising efforts for the Pier.
Grant Opportunity – Direct staff to explore a potential grant through SWIM DRINK FISH to support an outdoor pool in White Rock (currently being investigated through a swimming pool feasibility study).
The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, and will be held in the Gallery Room at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave, White Rock).
IHIT investigating fatal shooting in Guildford
Jaskaran Birring
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is investigating the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old man in the Guildford area of Surrey.
Background:
On November 28, 2025, at approximately 11:40 p.m., RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) frontline officers responded to reports of a shooting near 152nd Street and 104 Avenue in Surrey.
Responding officers located a male suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite life-saving measures, the man died at the scene.
IHIT has taken conduct of this investigation and continues to work in partnership with the SPOSU, the Surrey Police Service (SPS), the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS) and the BC Coroners Service.
Update:
IHIT is identifying the victim as 26-year-old Jaskaran Birring of Chilliwack in an effort to advance the investigation. Mr. Birring had previous interactions with the police and was believed to be involved in the drug trade.
Early indications suggest this was a targeted incident related to organized crime. Investigators are working diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding the homicide and to identify all parties involved.
Approximately fifteen minutes after the shooting, a white Dodge Ram pickup truck was located fully engulfed in flames in the area of 136th Street and 115 Avenue in Surrey. IHIT investigators are seeking information and video evidence from any witnesses who may have been at either location on November 28 between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
White Rock Hosts Official Community Plan Update
The community is invited to view the proposed draft changes to the Official Community Plan at a Community Information Meeting on December 16 at the White Rock Community Centre.
On October 20, draft updates to the Official Community Plan (“OCP”) bylaw were presented to Council. On November 3, Council directed staff to provide an opportunity for the public to view the proposed draft changes to the OCP (view the November 3 Council meeting).
Community Information Meeting
Date: Tuesday, December 16
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Location: White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Avenue
Highlights of the OCP 2025 Update project
The proposed updates to the draft Official Community Plan bylaw incorporate:
Feedback from residents from previous open houses, pop-up engagements and surveys conducted between February and September 2025 for the OCP 2025 Update and the North Bluff Road Corridor Study projects.
Proposed updates to land use designations and policies related to the North Bluff Road Corridor Plan.
Provincially mandated requirements based on the City’s 2024 Housing Needs Report.
Background
The City is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) in response to new provincial requirements introduced in 2023. However, it is key to ensure that the OCP continues to reflect the community’s needs and priorities. To achieve this, through a series of public engagement initiatives, the City engaged the community to evaluate how existing OCP housing and associated policies can be revised to fulfill new legislative requirements in a manner that will align with the community’s current goals and priorities.
Additionally, the proposed updates incorporate land use designation changes and policy updates from the recently endorsed North Bluff Road Corridor Plan, as directed by Council at the July 21, 2025 meeting.
The fifth annual Bright Walk in White Rock park lighting event is now officially open daily. The winter display featuring over 50,000 dazzling lights across Memorial Park, bringing holiday cheer to the waterfront.
The wonderful waterfront installment is now on until January 18, 2026.
Remember to visit the Christmas Market in the museum next time you are down on the waterfront.
November 26, 2025
..And the wall came tumbling down
The tall cement retaining wall that runs from along Victoria avenue to Foster street has undergone a major change.
The builders of the new house pictured in the top of the two photos was instructed by the city of White Rock in order to get a building permit the new owner would have to tear down the retaining wall and at their expense construct a new wall 6 feet closer to the house.
The city of White Rock determined last year all the houses above the retaining wall were encroaching on to city property. The owner of said property took the city to court and loss and thus last week work began on the dismantling of the wall. Any future new residences along the entire stretch on Victoria avenue (lower) will face the same directive to create a new wall on their property back at the official property line.
It is interesting to note if you look closely at the second photo there are actually two cement braces holding the wall up.
When the original wall was constructed that whole section fell on to Victoria avenue.
Charges Laid Against Former City of Surrey Employee
In early 2024, the Surrey RCMP Economic Crimes Unit began an investigation into a significant fraud reported by the City of Surrey.
The RCMP investigation examined allegations of financial irregularities as reported by the City of Surrey. Investigators alleged that a municipal employee accessed the financial systems and created a series of fraudulent files in connection with their official duties over an extended period of time. The alleged fraud is believed to have resulted in an estimated loss of $2.5 million to the City of Surrey.
On November 18, 2025, the BC Prosecution Service approved the following charges against 40-year-old Sunny Catlin:
Count 1: in connection with the duties of her office, committed fraud or a breach of trust, by issuing and depositing cheques from the City of Surrey without authority and for her own benefit, contrary to Section 122 of the Criminal Code.
Count 2: did by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means defraud the City of Surrey, of money of a value in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), contrary to Section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
Count 3: committed theft of money, the property of the City of Surrey, of a value in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), contrary to Section 334(a) of the Criminal Code.
Count 4: did commit forgery by knowingly making false documents, City of Surrey deposit release authorization packages, with intent that they be used or acted upon by the City of Surrey as if they were genuine, contrary to Section 367(a) of the Criminal Code.
Sunny Catlin’s first court appearance is scheduled for December 2, 2025. Investigators have concluded their investigation and are working closely with the BC Prosecution Service to complete the disclosure process.
Official Statement from MAYOR LOCKE:
While I am unable to comment on the investigation as the matter is before the courts, I do want to thank the Surrey RCMP Economic Crimes Unit and all investigators involved for working to ensure accountability in this case. The City of Surrey remains committed to transparency and integrity in all its operations.
Vince Gill Reveals & Performs Opry’s #1 Greatest Country Song | Opry 100
Community Events
Dear Friends and Supporters of the White Rock City Orchestra,
The holiday season is nearly here, and we’re thrilled to invite you to our festive Christmas concerts:
Merry {Nostalgic} Christmas & a Happy {Viennese} New Year!
Friday, December 12 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 PM
St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ocean Park
(12953 20 Ave, Surrey, BC)
Join the White Rock City Orchestra for a joyful and heartwarming celebration of the season! The first half of our program will transport you to old-world Vienna with traditional holiday waltzes and timeless elegance. The second half brings holiday cheer with Christmas classics you know and love, plus a fun, festive Sing-a-long for all ages.
1960 White Rock Sun
Jaskaran Birring
