Metro Vancouver made history on May 1st, the traditional day when they normally initiate Stage 1 water restrictions. Instead of putting these rules in place, they immediately jumped to Stage 2 water restrictions. This was in response to snow pack levels being significantly below normal due to warm winter temperatures and a lack of snow, weather forecasts for a hot and dry summer, plus low rainfall rates in April that have now persisted into May. In April we had only 26.0 mm of rain, which is only 19% of the yearly average for what is usually a very wet month. To date in May, we have only had 11.1 mm of rain and the two week forecast shows only one day of precipitation with 5 mm expected. If we use these figure together, it would total 42.1 mm of rain for the early spring, compared to 127.1 mm in 2025 and 113.6 mm in 2024, which were also years when we had much more snow in the mountains. There is also a problem with water supply due to construction of the Stanley Park Water Supply tunnel that is installing a new pipe from the North Shore which will not be completed till 2029.
So what does the immediate imposition of Stage 2 water restrictions mean to your lawn and gardens? You can find a full explanation of all the details on Metro Vancouver's website with a link provided at the bottom of this TNT. While Stage 1 water restrictions meant you could at least water lawns once a week with limited times, Stage 2 means that no watering of lawns, whether by irrigation system, sprinkler or even by hand is allowed. Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered by hand at any time with a soaker hose, watering can, drip irrigation or hose with a spring-loaded nozzle. Sprinklers can be used any day but only from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. You can still wash your car with a spring-loaded nozzle but the topping off of ponds and fountains is outlawed along with pressure washing of surfaces unless for health and safety. It is highly likely that Stage 3 watering restrictions banning many types of watering will kick in sometime in June and be with us for the summer. Bucking these trends, the City of White Rock, with their own water system serviced by wells, initiated Stage 1 restrictions on May 1st, allowing for lawn watering once a week and plants any day from 5-9 a.m.
The huge wild card in these watering restrictions is the health of lawns that are now infested with European Chafer beetles. There are some products that can be applied to the lawn in June to help control the larvae that eat the grass roots, but the ground must be kept wet for them to be effective. With Stage 2 and higher, there will be no permits issued for lawn watering for Chafer beetle control measures. Also, if you have a damaged lawn ripped apart by raccoons and crows and want to get it repaired, you cannot receive a permit for watering fresh grass seed or new sod. You are basically stuck with any damage you might have from last year if you adhere to the watering restrictions. The trick now is trying to keep your established lawn healthy. Mow your grass high (3" minimum) with sharp blades, preferably mulching to keep nutrients and add organics. Do not mow during the heat of the day and if no rain is forecast, do not mow your lawn at all. Ensure you use a good quality lawn fertilizer to promote thick growth and deep strong roots. Over-seeding with tall fescue grass seed and micro clover that are drought and chafer beetle resistant is also a good idea.
The sudden Stage 2 watering restriction is going to have a detrimental impact on all gardeners, landscapers and their suppliers. Western Turf Farms (WTF) has been ripping a strip off Metro Vancouver on Facebook over their mismanagement of the water resource. Here is one of their WTF posts.
Metro Vancouver says we're headed into summer with snow pack at roughly 60% of normal feeding our reservoirs but here's what's getting ignored. The Fraser River is moving massive volumes of fresh water to the ocean every second untouched. So let's call it what it is: there isn't a lack of water, it's a lack of planning. Because of years and decades of mismanagement, homeowners, farmers, landscapers, nurseries and small businesses are the one's paying for it. Restrictions hit your lawn, your business, your ability to grow and operate. Meanwhile real solutions have been pushed off for years like capturing, storing and treating river water that should have been explored years ago. A healthy lawn cools your property, cleans the air and traps dust, supports mental health while reducing stress, creates usable yard space for families, plus helps manage water through absorption.
A hot summer is going to be exacerbated by brown lawns, baked ground, dry shrubs and stressed trees. Not only will this help to increase temperatures, it will likely result in a much higher fire danger. Grass fires on dry lawns can result from people throwing cigarettes from passing cars, something I have been seeing with increasing frequency. If these water restrictions are to be considered the new norm, then water capture from gutters and downpipes during winter months being directed to collection cisterns is something that people might want to consider. With the rate of building growth and the number of people allowed to move into the Lower Mainland, there is no way that Metro-Vancouver will be able to keep up to water demand without spending billions of dollars to improve the water system. Considering the boondoggle over the North Vancouver Wastewater Treatment Plant that went from $700 million to almost $4 billion and a completion delay pushed back a decade, it would be cheaper for everyone to just collect winter rainwater for use on a sunny summer day.
For further reading and more detailed information, please visit these websites that were used to help write this TNT.
Man Charged with Firearms and Extortion Related Offences
..another one bites the dust
A man has been charged with a number of Criminal Code offences following separate investigations by Surrey Police Service (SPS) and Abbotsford Police Department for incidents that took place in Surrey and Abbotsford in December 2025.
On December 14, 2025, at approximately 2:30 am, SPS Frontline officers responded to reports of shots fired at a business located in the 8000 block 120 Street, Surrey. Police confirmed damage to the building was caused by gunshots. The business, which had received extortion threats, was occupied at the time and fortunately none of the staff present were injured. The SPS news release regarding that incident can be found here: Police Investigate Early Morning Shots Fired | Surrey Police .
On December 15, 2025, at approximately 2:05 am, SPS Frontline officers responded to a business parking lot in the 12400 block Old Yale Road, Surrey, where two vehicles had been lit on fire, causing significant damage. This business had also received extortion threats.
On December 17, 2025, members of the Abbotsford Police Department arrested Gursewak Singh immediately after a shooting incident on King Road. See the APD news release here: AbbyPD Investigates Overnight Shooting on King Road
The SPS Organized Crime unit worked with APD investigators and were able to identify a common suspect in all three incidents.
Twenty-two-year-old Gursewak Singh has now been charged with the following Criminal Code offences in relation to the two SPS investigations:
Discharge of a firearm at a place, knowing or being reckless as to whether another person was present
Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm without a license or registration
Extortion using a firearm
Occupying a vehicle knowing there was a firearm present
Possession of a firearm without a license or registration
Possession of a firearm knowing it was without a licence or registration
Two counts of arson in relation to property
Extortion
Gursewak Singh has been detained by the court. His next court appearance is set for May 22, 2026.
SPS is asking anyone who has information on Gursewak Singh to contact SPS’s non-emergency number at 604-599-0502, call our Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca if you wish to remain anonymous.
Point of View
How many times have you driven by the Little Campbell River on our way out of town on Marine Drive?
Very few of us have ever had the opportunity to see what a beautiful stretch of the little river really looks like. The river runs through the semiahmoo first nations land from the ocean all the way out to HWY 99. The headwaters of the Little Campbell are in danger from expansion of commercial properties in the Campbell Heights district of South Surrey.
Another point of view is what our City by the Sea looks like at sunset from a bird's eye view.
Drinking & Driving / Long Weekend Results in over 70 Impaired Driving Investigations
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is reminding drivers about the serious dangers and consequences of impaired driving after issuing over 70 impaired driving-related prohibitions over the May long weekend.
This past long weekend, SPS’s Road Safety Section and Impaired Driving Unit officers were proactively patrolling for impaired drivers. Between Friday, May 15, and Monday, May 18, the officers issued 73 impaired driving-related prohibitions ranging from Criminal Code impaired driving charges to Immediate Roadside Prohibitions.
Impaired driving remains one of the major causes of collisions across British Columbia. SPS would like to remind drivers that alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, and certain prescription medications can all impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle by impacting reaction time, judgement, coordination, and attention.
Some helpful safety tips include:
Leave your car at home and use a taxi or ride share service
Plan your transit route before you go so you know how to get home safely
Choose a designated driver who will stay sober and get you home safely
Never get into a vehicle with a driver you believe may be impaired
If you suspect someone is driving impaired, please call 9-1-1.
The Rotary Club of South Surrey, would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone in the community who came out to support our recent “Shreddit” event. We were truly overwhelmed by the incredible turnout and community support.
Due to the unexpectedly high volume, our shredding trucks reached capacity much sooner than anticipated and, unfortunately, we were unable to accommodate everyone who attended. We sincerely apologize to those who were turned away or experienced frustration and disappointment.
We would also kindly ask for understanding and patience, as every person involved in organizing and operating this event was volunteering their time to help support the community. The tremendous response far exceeded expectations, which speaks to how valued this event is.
All monies raised on Saturday go directly to support our community projects and a Children’s Home in Battambang Cambodia.
We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by the community and will take what we learned this year to help make future events even better.
Thank you again for your support of the White Rock Rotary Club and the many community initiatives we are proud to be part of.
The club meets every Wednesday at the Rotary Field House at 7.15 am to 8.30 am approximately.,
Everyone is welcome to join us and learn more about our club and Rotary.
The support from our community was amazing! There were cars floating in the parkade and I remember Gordie Hogg handing his car keys over to a resident that lost everything and he said “use it as long as you need”
My Mom always says “keep going” and truly feel that’s where I get it from
I know, it came up in my memories too. Such a terrible loss. Miss your little place. But you built another great place which we loved and then you moved on and now look how well you are doing. We do miss you though.
May 13, 2026
The White Rock Whalers are proud to welcome Josh Daley as our new General Manager. Josh holds his HP1 and brings 20+ years of high-level coaching experience, including serving as the Head Coach of the Valley West U17AAA program for the past 2 years!
What truly sets Josh apart in his new role is his background as an educator, school counselor, and program leader. Josh strengthens our ability to support players in academics, performance mindset, and personal development!
Josh brings real-world experience in supporting young people through pressure, challenge, and growth, making him an invaluable resource as we work to develop players to reach their highest potential!
Welcome to the POD Josh!
White Rock to Bowen Island
A great shot showing when Bowen Island, BC was a major steamship destination for BC based tourists circa 1940's.
The small Island, which is a 20 minute ferry ride accessed from Horseshoe Bay today, was a popular destination for company picnics, weekend getaways and summer vacations.
Many of you of a certain vintage would have traveled to the Island via downtown Vancouver on the Union Steamships vessel the 'Lady Alexandra.'
In the 30's the LADY ALEXANDRA docked at the end of the White Rock pier and took passengers to Bowen Island for a day trip.
May 12, 2026
Last evening Surrey city council voted in favour of moving forward with the early stages of the planned RAPID BUS from Whalley/central City to Semiahmoo Centre in South Surrey.
If the funding is secured the Rapid Bus project the would be completed by 2035.
King George Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit – Recommended Reference Design
Note: Corporate Report R073 was deferred from the April 27, 2026 Regular Council – Public Hearing meeting.
The Engineering Department recommends that Council:
Receive this report;
Endorse TransLink to advance to detailed design of Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit (“BRT”) on King George Boulevard, as described in this report and shown in Appendices “I” and “II”, and subject to the City’s comments provided in Appendix “III”;
Endorse King George Station Bay #1, as shown in Appendix “IV”, as the preferred location for a pilot BRT station installation; and
Direct staff to bring forward for Council’s consideration updates to the transportation network and strategy, and associated land-use changes, in the Semiahmoo Town Centre as a result of the BRT terminus being at 152 Street and 16 Avenue, as described in this report. The proposal will be to cut into the Semiahmoo Parking lot on 16th avenue to allow up to three full size buses to stage on North Bluff / 16th avenue without impeding either of the two west bound traffic lanes.
Semiahmoo Terminus
The terminus in South Surrey will be located along the north side of 16 Avenue, west of 152 Street. An extended bus pullout will be provided on 16 Avenue to accommodate the BRT station and sufficient layover for three buses while not obstructing the existing two westbound lanes on 16 Avenue.
This will support the ultimate redevelopment in the area and be a focal transit-oriented area.
As part of the Semiahmoo Town Center Plan, the originally anticipated BRT terminus was located near 16 Avenue/156 Street, which informed portions of the transportation road network and land-use in the plan area. The Town Centre Plan will require minor amendments to the road network, road cross-sections, legacy bus layover provisions no longer required, and potential land-uses in isolated areas as a result of BRT station now being finalized at 16 Avenue and 152 Street.
White Rock Train Station - Great Northern - in 1967 and 2009
Opened in 1913, closed by B.N.R. in 1970.
Given heritage status in 1979.
Renovated and moved 20 feet north of the original location in 1984, currently home of White Rock Museum & Archives
Thought For The Day
Yell It Like It Is
May 15, 2026
RAPID BS
Kevin Quinn CEO TRANSLINK
Last year when the RAPID BUS LINE from Whalley to Semiahmoo Town Centre was first being discussed TRANSLINK was hosting an information Open House at Surrey City Hall, I jumped aboard the 321 bus out of Semiahmoo and off I went.
The event contained the usual pretty show-cards displayed on easels around the atrium of the library at city square. Though quite eye catching the show-cards carried very little information.
1. When would work begin?
No Idea
2. What would the cost be?
No idea
3. What would the design be?
No idea
What I did find interesting was the very open discussion with a Translink representative regarding housing that was indicated along the RAPID BUS LINE. The discussion of a RAPID BUS LINE seemed to coincide nicely with the Provincial Government’s BILL 44 which had recently been invoked on civic governments to get their occupancy numbers up by legislating heights along RAPID BUS LINES. The numbers quoted to me that day have disappeared into the ether every time I ask for them to be repeated.
Without going into great detail the major concern for me and how it would affect White Rock was the proposed zoning for construction within 800 metres of the line. Given the fact the RAPID BUS LINE was not actually coming into White Rock (its termination would be right at 16th avenue and 152nd street. According to the representative any properties within 800 metres could be built to 10 storeys. Doing the very rough math that would mean up to 10 storey buildings could be built all the way down to and past Five Corners in White rock (Buena Vista and Johnston Road)
In the coming months White Rock council was paid a visit from TRANSLINK REPS to present the expansion of the proposed RAPID BUS LINE. When I questioned the rep how much time would the proposed RAPID BUS LINE cut off of a bus trip from Semiahmoo Centre to Whalley. The rep said currently the trip according to their research took 30 minutes and the RAPID BUS would take 10% off that trip. I could do that math in my head. that would mean cutting 3 minutes off of the trip. Hardly a major incentive to get on the bus. When I challenged the rep on that slight increase I was informed of how much more comfortable a bus trip would be compared to driving. In my mind if that was the case the buses would be jammed day in and day out. I found it interesting the next time months later when the trip time was increased to 30% ( now taking 10 minutes off the trip) but when pressed how they arrived at that figure no research was forthcoming.
Which brings me to Monday morning. As my daily routine includes having CBC radio on in the background, my ears perked up when radio host STEPHEN QUINN mentioned coming up in the next break was KEVIN QUINN (No relation) head of TRANSLINK would be joining him to discuss the RAPID BUS LINE in Surrey. STEPHEN went on to provide the back story of how Surrey Council that very evening would be asked to approve an early stage of the RAPID BUS LINE, construction of an example of one of the main bus stops that would be along the line (see map above of the many stops from Whalley to Semiahmoo). BTW Surrey council did approve the expenditure to build one of the comfort stations to be located in Whalley near Holland Park. The display modernized comfort bus station would be completed in one years time. The projected RAPID BUS LINE at Monday's meeting was now projected to be completed in 2035, nine years from now.
When KEVIN QUINN did join STEPHEN QUINN on the air for the interview, though I had many misgivings about the RAPID BUS LINE, my concern went through the roof when QUINN in his position as the head of TRANSLINK and holding the position of official spokesperson stated the current trip time from Semiahmoo Centre to Whalley was 70-80 minutes.
Pardon me? STEPHEN QUINN not familiar with time travel out this way, let the projected trip time go right by in the conversation without questioning the other QUINN on that projected trip time.
When the interview concluded I felt compelled to exercise my civic duty and to send KEVIN QUINN the following email.
Good Morning Kevin;
By way of introduction my name is David Chesney and in addition to being the editor of The White Rock Sun (Canada’s FIRST Internet Newspaper) I am also a member of White Rock city council.
I listened with interest this morning to your interview with Stephen Quinn on CBC radio.
I have attended with interest to the Open Houses you have held in Surrey and White Rock regarding the RAPID BUS plan.
I use transit more than most elected officials, so I feel I have more insight than most.
We could argue the pros & cons of the RAPID BUS line until the cows came home, but I would urge you to do a little fact checking prior to speaking publicly on the RAPID BUS line plan.
This morning you mentioned the current trip from Semiahmoo Centre to Whalley/Central City takes 70-80 minutes. The RAPID BUS line according to what you stated this morning would cut that trip down to 40 minutes.
I make that trip often by car, and the current time travel your reps have used to make that trip currently is 30 minutes.
Please do no take this email as nothing but criticism, I would love to see transit in our area increased. I am rather suspect of the RAPID BUS LINE though in that final design, start date and of course costs have not yet been resolved.
Respectfully yours
David Chesney
I am still waiting for my response.
When will it arrive? I have no idea.
David Chesney
Editor/Publisher & Third term city councillor White Rock
Kevin Quinn CEO TRANSLINK 
