Family in town from Winnipeg, Sunday dinner at a friend's place went way too late. Will git-r-dun tmrw, I have a topic but lots of research is needed. Sorry once again, very busy weekend.
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.
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.
