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Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Funnies

(click here for more funnies)

 

Recipe of the Week

Christmas Crack Toffee

(get the recipe - click here)

 

 

 

 

Local News

December 07, 2025

Baby Please Don't Go

Fraser Health is providing an important update to all expectant patients and families regarding maternity services at Peace Arch Hospital.

Because of a temporary shortage of obstetrician-gynecologist physicians at Peace Arch and Hospital on select dates over the holiday season, people in labour who had planned to give birth at these hospitals may be guided to another maternity site to ensure they receive safe, uninterrupted care. 

Patients who are registered to deliver their babies at Peace Arch Hospital have been contacted by their care provider, so they know what to expect and feel fully supported. If they are in labour or have a pregnancy concern, patients are asked to first call the Maternity Unit, and they will be directed to the appropriate site for assessment. 

If it is an emergency, patients should call 9-1-1.

 

She Said - He Said

Statement from the Mayor: 2026 Surrey police budget

As Mayor, a top priority of mine has always been to improve public safety while protecting taxpayers from costly tax hikes.

When it became clear that the province made the decision to move forward with the transition to the Surrey Police Service, we worked hard to secure $250 million in provincial funding to address anticipated increased costs. Since that time, we have done everything in our power to support a transition to a new, modern, and leading police force.

Late yesterday, the City of Surrey released the provisional budget from the provincially appointed Surrey Police Board. The Board’s request includes a very significant $91-million increase over the previous year’s budget. If approved, that would represent a roughly 18% property tax increase for Surrey property owners.

As Mayor, I am not prepared to support this budget now as presented. It is extraordinarily excessive, and Surrey taxpayers cannot afford it.

Our staff and Council will conduct all proper due diligence to review and scrutinize the provisional budget and work with the Board to ensure we collectively fulfill our governance responsibilities with accountability, transparency, and fiduciary prudence. And while the proposed budget is excessive, I remain committed to supporting a meaningful increase in funding to hire additional officers, as we’ve done over the past three years, to enhance resources for policing in Surrey, especially at this critical time to target priorities such as the current wave of extortions in the city.

Surrey taxpayers want to see action to improve public safety, and we’re prepared to make those investments. But they also expect us to be prudent with public money and avoid significant tax hikes at a time when affordability remains a top priority.

You can view the 2026 budget request here.

Mayor Brenda Locke  / City of Surrey

 

Statement from Surrey Police Board Chair Harley Chappell

Harley Chappel / Chief Semiahmoo First Nations

The Surrey Police Board’s role is to determine what is required for adequate and effective policing and to complete the Surrey policing transition, then draft a provisional budget that estimates what this will cost. Council’s role is to find funding sources for policing from provincial contributions to support the policing transition, reserves it earmarked for building SPS, carry-over unspent money from this year’s policing budget and, potentially, a modest property tax increase. 

In preparing an initial draft of the budget, the Board understood that Council’s approval of the draft budget is not automatic. We anticipated ongoing dialogue and working collaboratively with Council to review the draft budget, similar to what occurs with other municipalities and municipal police boards. Unfortunately, the Mayor appears to want to take a different approach.

We hope that she and Council reconsider. The Board has requested a joint meeting to review the draft budget and the availability of all or some of the $69.9M in funding that would avoid a property tax increase. 

With all of the things happening in the City—including public safety concerns about extortions and Mayor Locke’s call for 150 additional police officers to counter extortions—the people of Surrey will want to understand how these will be resourced and to see their Board and Council working together to ensure the policing budget meets their policing priorities.

 

City flags were lowered to half-mast yesterday for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, to honour and remember the 14 women who were murdered, and 14 who were injured, in the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre.


The Christopherson Steps remains closed

The second set of repairs was to have been completed by Dec. 6th. There is no time frame on when they will now reopen. Also an additional 2 feet of metal fencing is being added to the top of the original fence making it harder to climb over the fence

 

December 06, 2025

SPS Investigates Serious Collision

 

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating a serious single motor vehicle collision in South Surrey.

On December 5, 2025, at approximately 10:35 am, SPS received reports of a single motor vehicle collision in the area of 30 Avenue and 144 Street, Surrey. SPS members attended the scene along with Surrey Fire and BCEHS. The driver of the motor vehicle was transported to an area hospital in serious condition.

SPS Collision Investigation Unit has assumed conduct of the investigation. While the cause of the collision is still under investigation, it appears at this stage that it was caused by a medical emergency, and impairment is not believed to be a factor.

144 Street between 30 Avenue and 32 Avenue will be closed for approximately two hours while the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident, or in possession of dashcam footage, is asked to contact the SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 and quote file number 25-107788 (SP).

 

Give To Our Local Food Bank

If you missed the live broadcast yesterday, the phone lines and donation links are still up and running. Remember when you make your donation indicate you would like the money to go to the south Surrey Food Bank.

Thank You

David Chesney/Editor

Start a new holiday tradition, and join us for Make the Season Kind, a full day of family-friendly programming and festivities at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Vancouver, in support of communities in need and food banks in B.C.
For 38 years, British Columbians have been generously donating to food banks at CBC/Radio-Canada's fundraiser, raising more than $21 million for food banks in B.C. since 1986. 

Putting kindness to work. When you make your donation you are able to direct your contribution to the Food Bank here on the Peninsula.

If you care to donate now - (click here)

 

December 04, 2025

Rustad Out? Halford In?

Update - December 05

By mid-day yesterday JOHN RUSTAD announced he would not fight his ousting as party leader.

Interim TREVOR HALFORD stated the party hopes to have a new leader in the next 6 months.

HALFORD also stated his leadership was interim and he would not be seeking the party leader at the leadership convention in the New Year.

MLA Trevor Halford

Rumours began circulating yesterday morning that BC Conservative Party leader JOHN RUSTAD was out as the leader of the party. Despite receiving 70% approval from the membership at the summer party convention, the majority of the caucus (elected officials) of the party had circulated a letter stating they had lost confidence in JOHN RUSTAD.

The stated reason in the letter was RUSTAD was professionally incapacitated.

Emerging from the closed caucus meeting in Victoria local MLA for White Rock/South Surrey TREVOR HALFORD informed the media he had been elected as the interim leader for the party.

Confusion continues to abound whether or not the by laws for the party would allow such a coup. The Legislature was adjourned one day early yesterday and will not return to VIctoria until February.

RUSTAD claims he may fight this all the way to the courts. Stay Tuned.

 

 

December 03, 2025

Have your say on fireworks at summer events

While fireworks are a popular part of our annual celebrations, fireworks have also raised concerns related to traffic congestion and safety. Recognizing both the enjoyment and challenges fireworks present, City Council is seeking public input through an online survey. 

Visit www.talkwhiterock.ca/fireworks and provide your feedback. The survey is open until Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

Council will review and discuss the results at a Council Meeting in January and look forward to making a decision that reflects both the spirit of celebration and our responsibility to safety for residents and visitors.

Background

At the November 17, 2025, Council meeting, the 2026 Special Events corporate report was brought forward to City Council, requesting direction for the use of fireworks at Canada Day by the Bay and the White Rock Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days in 2026 and beyond. Council directed staff to create a survey on Talk White Rock for residents and visitors for their input. 


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.

    View the draft Official Community Plan and learn more about the OCP Update 2025 project at www.talkwhiterock.ca/ocpupdate2025

(click here for past news stories)

 

 

 

 

Today's Video

 

 

 

Thought For The Day

 

 

 

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.

(Christmas tickets available here)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow In THE SUN

TNT The Naked Truth

Don Pitcairn

 

 
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