An Extreme Weather Alert has been issued in Surrey-White Rock.
Based on current forecasts, it is expected that this Alert will remain in effect tonight (Friday, November 28), Saturday (November 29), and Sunday (November 30) nights.
Please see the attached list of open EWR shelters in Surrey-White Rock.
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.
Mayor Brenda Locke
City of Surrey
November 25, 2025
Bright Walk in White Rock Lights Up This Saturday
The fifth annual Bright Walk in White Rock park lighting event takes place Saturday, November 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This seasonal tradition kicks off a month-long winter display featuring over 50,000 dazzling lights across Memorial Park, bringing holiday cheer to the waterfront.
Opening night will feature a tree lighting ceremony and plenty of family-friendly entertainment, including story time with the Grinch. Santa will be visiting and taking free photos throughout the evening. Enjoy live performances from The Dimes, kids’ crafting and cookie decorating, custom ornaments with Thrifty Foods, and a festive Christmas Market at the White Rock Museum and Archives.
This year’s display offers plenty of photo-worthy moments, including the popular Light Tunnel, newly added illuminated spheres, and additional new festive features.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Where: Memorial Park, White Rock
Time: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tree Lighting with Mayor Knight at 5 p.m.
Light Display Duration: November 29, 2025 – January 18, 2026
South Surrey will be getting a Costco location as the popular wholesale retailer expands its footprint in Metro Vancouver despite local residents' concerns about traffic and environmental impacts.
Costco is set to open a warehouse store on a 13.2-hectare site near the intersection of 164 Street and 20 Avenue in South Surrey, adjacent to Highway 99 and a townhouse complex.
A number of local residents expressed concern that the new Costco location, which is set to open in 2027, will bring a heavy volume of cars to a largely residential neighbourhood, but a Surrey city councillor says traffic upgrades will go some way to alleviate worries.
November 20, 2025
Leashed dogs now welcome year-round at Crescent Beach
Surrey City Council has voted to allow leashed dogs along Crescent Beach’s main walking path year-round following a successful pilot project and strong public support.
Previously, leashed dogs were only allowed on the main path from September to May. Earlier this year, Council approved a pilot project to test allowing leashed dogs on the path over the summer. The results from a survey were clear:
91% of respondents supported making the year-round summer access permanent.
Residents reported that allowing leashed dogs made the area more inclusive and enjoyable.
Local businesses benefited as dog owners visited during the summer pilot.
New signage will indicate that leashed dogs will be allowed year-round, with summer access (May 15–Sept. 15) limited to weekdays, excluding statutory holidays.
Dogs remain prohibited within the Blackie Spit Environmentally Sensitive Area, and off-leash dogs are only permitted in the designated off-leash beach and inland areas at Blackie Spit.
More details about the pilot project are available in the corporate report presented to Council on Nov. 17, 2025.
From the Clean Air Alliance NO BIOFUEL
Cheque presentation to DAVID HANCOCK
I’m happy to share some good news Chief Harley Chappell has confirmed the band is focusing on housing development on the lands and will not be proceeding with the biofuel plant.
When our group raised funds, we made a promise to our donors: all remaining money would be donated to environmental charities if it was no longer needed. To that end, this is to confirm funds have been disbursed as follows:
Balance in Account as at May 2024: $9,450.36
Less expenses:
website/hosting: $1,562.20
bank service charges: $1.50
Donations to:
Hancock Wildlife Foundation $2,000.00
Little Campbell Watershed Society $5,886.66
A big thank you to all who donated to support our cause and for making it possible for Clean Air Alliance to donate funds to these two very worthy organizations who champion protecting the environment.
In Case You Missed The Feeding Frenzy last week in Semiahmoo Bay
WHITE ROCK REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - NOV 17th 2025
The following is my summary of the most important agenda items at our last Council meeting. All comments are my own and do not represent the City of White Rock. For the complete and unedited meeting, please find a link to the agenda and video below.
1. Delegation - John Bogar & Peggy Hof - White Rock Pickleball - Paddles for Pads Fundraising Event!
2. Community Hub / City Hall - Civic Block Viability Report
- A presentation was given to Council regarding a consultant viability report on a new Hub / City Hall on the current Civic Block location.
- 3 options were presented:
a. Keep the current hall $5-10m to retrofit - but would have space and functionality challenges.
b. Build a new building and parkade on the Annex and keep the current City Hall - est. $34m - that's $20m for a new building and $14m for retrofitting the old City Hall.
c. Knock down the Annex and build a $20m building & parkade in Phase 1 and then 3+ years later build Phase 2 and knock down City Hall and build an $11m second wing. (total $31m)
- Costs estimated to be +/- 10-15%
- Outside $10m that the City has set aside, the rest of the funding ($20-30m) is uncertain at this stage.
- No vote taken nor was there intent of a vote. The report was simply presented to Council and the public and will be reviewed by the new Community Hub Committee.
- Please see in the comments below an image of a summary of the 3 options and a link to the report.
3. New Events:
a. White Rock Farmer's Market will be expanded to Johnston Road on Sundays after some debate (Knight, Trevelyan, Manning, Lawrence in favour. Bains, Chesney opposed).
- concerns: blocking a major city street block on Sundays, incomplete feedback from local residents.
- support: local businesses and BIA in favour, over 100 vendors had been turned away in the past due to lack of space, so many more vendors will be at the market, and there is a time crunch to sign up vendors who may otherwise sign with other farmers markets.
b. White Rock Firefighters Charitable Association Fishing Derby. (in June on the Pier to raise money for burn victims)
c. End of Summer Celebration by Shop Local Vancouver (Memorial Park)
4. The Future of Fireworks in White Rock.
- Debate about keeping Fireworks at Sea Festival, Canada Day, one or both.
- Concerns: noise, animals, but primarily significant traffic jams.
- There was broad agreement that if Fireworks do happen again traffic control will have to be changed/improved.
- WR Fire did say they have contingency plans in place for the events.
- Given there was no pressing timeline, it was decided to go to White Rock residents to gauge their support - keep fireworks on Sea Festival, Canada Day, neither, or both? (Motion: Cheung with friendly amendments by Trevelyan and Lawrence) so stay tuned and have your say in an upcoming 'Talk White Rock' poll.
5. Notices of Motion:
- 4 Notices of Motion were added (will be voted on at next Council in DEC)
a. Cllr.Cheung - cancel $1500 expense account for Cllrs to attend local events to help budget.
b. Cllr.Trevelyan - remove Pier donation box as to date it has been a net loss to fundraising (note - the installation of the donation box was NOT a vote of council)
c. Cllr.Trevelyan - addition to proposed OCP to allow up to 20 story pure medical building on the Peach Arch Hospital site as requested by the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. The PAHF is looking at significantly increasing pubic medical services and care in a new building (years down the road) and adding it to the OCP will streamline that process.
d. Cllr.Chesney - Investigate the Swim Drink Fish grant that may fund an ocean swimming pool in White Rock.
Thank you!
Councillor TREVELYAN
Unanimous Disapproval
South Surrey resident and spokesperson LIONEL WILSON
A large crowd of protesters turned out to Surrey council yesterday to continue their presence and disapproval of a proposed housing unit in South Surrey.
The BC HOUSING housing project is planned for the large vacant lot on Johnston Road @ 152nd street. Local residents maintain they are not in opposition to the project itself. The main concern is for the proposed inclusion of a Complex Care Unit of 22 unites that would be dedicated to recovering drug users.
Council unanimously has voted to send the project back to BC HOUSING to redo the design without the Complex Care portion.
White Rock Fire Rescue Responds to Structure Fire
White Rock Fire Rescue responded to an apartment fire in the 1300 Block of Foster Avenue shortly after 1:00 P.M. yesterday afternoon.
Impacted residents were evacuated from the three-storey building and were temporarily sheltered at a nearby location. Most residents have been able to return home, and no significant or life-threatening injuries were reported.
“I want to thank White Rock Fire Rescue for their swift response to yesterday’s structure fire and their dedication to the protection and safety of White Rock residents,” said Mayor Megan Knight. “My heart goes out to those impacted by this incident. In moments like these, our community comes together to support one another, and I want residents to know that the City and I are here to support them as they recover.”
The City of White Rock extends its gratitude to the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Team and to the neighboring building for providing support and care to impacted residents in their time of need.
White Rock Fire Rescue and the White Rock RCMP will be investigating the cause of the fire.
The year 2025 will be remembered as the time when extortions, shootings, organized crime and possible foreign government involvement came to roost in the City of Surrey. It also marks a turning point in the Police Transition saga with the Surrey Police Service (SPS) taking over as the Police of Jurisdiction (POJ) from the RCMP. While SPS squad cars are becoming a common sight patrolling neighbourhood streets, the increase in extortion and related gun crime in Surrey has left many in the Indo-Canadian diaspora and the community at large on edge. This is what happens when gangsters are shooting up businesses, homes and cars in our city while attempting to extort money from their targeted and terrified victims.
With this crisis in mind, the CBC held a BC Town Hall meeting in Bear Creek Park on Nov. 13 to address the violence.
19th Annual Evening parade starting from the Cloverdale Fairgrouns through the Town Centre.
Santa Claus Parade Route: The 2025 parade starts at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds (176A St & 60 Ave) where they will turn right onto 60th Avenue before turning right onto 176B Street. The floats and trucks will turn right on 57 Ave, then right on 176 Street past Hawthorne Square, where they will turn right on 58 Ave and then left on 176A Street and return to the Fairgrounds. You can view a map of the route here.
White Rock RCMP annual Children's Clothing Drive are well underway!
Please spread the word about this special event on November 29th from 9am to 3pm at the White Rock RCMP Detachment.
Bring your family, furry friends, holiday spirit and new clothing or monetary donations!
There will be photos with the Grinch, delicious holiday treats & free hot cocoa & candy canes.
We are collecting NEW unwrapped children's clothing, footwear, coats and accessories (ages 0-18yrs) or Cash (tap is available).
Pet and family holiday themed photos by donation- bring your device for our volunteers to take your photos.
Grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy good conversation about life, travel, and everything in between. It’s a simple way to connect, share some laughs, and be part of something growing. A perfect chance to make new friends while enjoying familiar ones.
Location: Laura’s Café
This Friday - Time: 10 AM
Limited seating = 20 guests
5:00 p.m. Saturday 
Location: Laura’s Café