Five years ago after several serious crashes at Hwy. 15 (176 St.) and 40 Ave. that resulted in one death and three other people seriously injured, it was announced by the Ministry of Transportation that this dangerous corner would receive safety related improvements. Intersections such as this that involve a B.C. highway are under the jurisdiction of the Province and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. While the City of Surrey maintains and builds roads and bridges throughout their borders, maintenance, repairs and upgrades to Provincial highway systems are not part of their mandate. Because of this there is sometimes a lack of urgency by the Province to make smaller infrastructure changes to local roads, with their focus being preoccupied by major infrastructure projects with billion dollar price tags. That being said, this TNT is about three intersections of note in Surrey that are in serious need of safety upgrades before somebody gets killed.
Two of these are actually in one area and experience the same high level of danger. These are the northbound exit off Hwy. 99 at King George Blvd. (the KGB) and the nearby 40 Ave./KGB interchange. The Hwy. 99 off-ramp separates into two different lanes, one that terminates in a T-intersection where vehicles can turn left heading south onto the KGB and the other turning to the right and merging northbound on the KGB. Just north of this location is the T-intersection at 40 Ave. where drivers on this rural road can either turn left or right. It is the left turning lanes of both the Hwy. 99 exit ramp and the 40 Ave. intersection that are the big problem. Years ago when it was the King George Highway, this road was only two lanes making turning across traffic an easy maneuver. Over time Surrey widened it to four lanes plus centre islands, greatly increasing the distance drivers needed to safely cross. Compounding this problem has been the large rise in Surrey's population, the ever increasing amount of traffic and speeding on the KGB that is posted as a 70 km/h limit.
Putting on my hardhat and safety vest and grabbing my measuring wheel, I visited these areas to take measurements of these two intersections that I usually avoid like the plague. The 99 off-ramp at KGB measures 17 metres from the stop line to the middle of the road, with the entire area not including shoulders measuring 28 metres across (55 ft. and 92 ft. respectively). The 40 Ave crossing is slightly smaller at 14 metres and 26.5 metres (46 ft. and 87 ft.). Turning left from either of these corners requires pulling out into four converging lanes of traffic with vehicles closing at an average of 80 km/h from either direction. To complete a left turn from the 99 off-ramp is a distance of 31 metres total (102 ft.) while the 40 Ave. left turn is 27.25 metres total (87 ft.) On a clear day with dry weather this can be an interesting time and motion study, but throw in heavy rain at nighttime with road glare and it becomes both difficult and dangerous. The Engineers need to look at how to possibly combine the off-ramp and 40 Ave. traffic and have one traffic controlled intersection on KGB to allow for safe crossing.
The other intersection of note in Surrey that is the responsibility of the B.C. Government is the one at Hwy. 15 (176 St.) and 20 Ave. The difference is that this is a full 4-way crossing with Hwy. 15 being a designated truck route to the Pacific Border Crossing for commercial vehicles. The roadway at this location is 31 metres wide from stop line to stop line and 20 metres curb to curb. Hwy. 15 has two lanes in either direction plus left hand turn lanes in the middle, with traffic averaging 80 km/h and some vehicles blowing by at over 100 km/h. This used to be a very quiet corner with only local traffic but that has all changed with the logjam of vehicles that can be found anytime of day on 16 Ave. and during rush hour on 24 Ave. and 32 Ave. There is a pedestrian demand crossing button for west and east bound and it is not uncommon to see people jump out of their cars and push the button to change the light. With a 28 second stop time, it allows many vehicles to safely cross at once without fear of being killed by a speeding semi-truck.
I talked to the firemen at Hall 14 which sits on the NE corner of this intersection and they told me of a big crash there three weeks ago that resulted in two Halls being dispatched along with ambulances from White Rock and Cloverdale. They also said they constantly hear horns and screeching tires from this intersection that is littered with broken pieces of smashed vehicles. At the Hwy. 99 off-ramp and KGB crossing there is a huge burn mark in the asphalt from a fiery crash that happened several years ago. All three of the dangerous highway crossings I've covered here are within the Surrey-South Electoral District where Brent Chapman is the sitting MLA. Unfortunately he is not part of the ruling government but he should bring these concerns to the NDP's attention. Trevor Halford is the MLA for Surrey-White Rock and he could also help affect change as he was the former Shadow Minister for Transportation and Infrastructure. Surrey's Mayor Brenda Locke can also be instrumental in asking for upgrades to these three highway crossings before somebody gets killed. Unfortunately it seems that these changes only happen after death and carnage instead of making proactive safety upgrades at dangerous corners.
Naturally yours,
Don Pitcairn
I wish to acknowledge we live work and play on the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo People
Local News
September 16, 2025
White Rock Council Recap
- representatives from the Peace ARCH HOSPITAL appeared before council to inform council and staff the hospital is planning on putting in an application for a tower (minimum height 15 storeys) on the parking lot at the NW corner of their property on North Bluff road.
- Special Presentation – Outstanding Canadians On The Peninsula Award Recipients
The White Rock Outstanding Canadians on the Peninsula Legacy Program serves as the City’s leading initiative for honoring residents who have made exceptional contributions to building a successful, vibrant, and inclusive community. Council honoured three recipients for their outstanding service and dedication: Joan Dewinetz, Manjit Litt, and Cindy Walker.
Council approved the proposed licensed area for the Craft Beer Festival, organized by the White Rock BIA, to be held on September 20, 2025. The licensed area will be located at Memorial Plaza.
- Contract Award – Antique Fire Truck Display
The Antique Fire Truck Display project is a community initiative to preserve and showcase a historic fire truck in a dedicated structure outside the White Rock Fire Hall, celebrating the heritage of the local fire department.
Council approved awarding the Antique Fire Truck Display contract to Hilson Construction Ltd. for $410,000 (excluding GST), approved awarding construction management services to Miza Architect for $26,965 (excluding GST) and authorized the pre-approved contingency of $100,000 (approximately 25% of construction costs) to support the project.
White Rock council reconvenes this afternoon following the summer break.
- crime, homelessness, clean up the waterfront maintain seaside charm, reduce long waits at city hall for building permits, stronger presence of the RCMP uptown and on the waterfront, cap the number and types of businesses approved, create a vibrant arts scene and lack of desire for any future highrise in White Rock were a few of the main topics covered by the potential candidates last evening
- candidates with the exception of of real estate agents candidates and those living outside of White Rock highlighted their time in White Rock and their current profession.
The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade provided an opportunity last evening for voters to hear directly from candidates about their plans, compare platforms, and make informed choices that will impact their businesses, families, and daily lives.
Surrey Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149
File photo
Surrey Police Service Chief Constable Norm Lipinski
The City of Surrey announced yesterday they are providing the Surrey Police Service with a $250,000 reward fund for information leading to convictions in the ongoing extortion cases targeting individuals and businesses within the city.
This marks one of the largest police rewards in Canadian history. The amount reflects both the seriousness of this violence and the City’s commitment to doing everything possible to stop it.
Last Wednesday, Sept. 10, City Council approved the $250,000 grant to Surrey Police Service to make this reward possible. Surrey Police Service will handle the information received with care and sensitivity and determine the value of any reward. Payments will only be issued if information directly results in identification, prosecution and conviction.
“The Surrey Extortion Reward Fund will provide police with another important tool to address this most urgent issue in our community. It is our hope that this will motivate individuals to call our new tip line to provide evidence to police that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible,” said Surrey Police Service Chief Constable Norm Lipinski.
As of Sept. 15, the Surrey Police Service is actively investigating 44 extortion cases, including 27 that involved shootings, highlighting the serious threat these crimes pose to the community.
The Surrey Extortion Reward Fund of $250,000 will offer individuals with key information the ability to collect a reward if they are prepared to work with police to secure charges and convictions of those responsible for these crimes. Individuals with information are asked to call the Surrey Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149. This tip line will be monitored by Surrey Police investigators, seven days a week, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Punjabi-speaking officers will be available as required.
September 15, 2025
Voting takes place on September 27, 2025
The election results will be made public on October 01, 2025
Nominations Received
The following individuals have submitted their nomination documents to become candidates in the 2025 By-Election in the City of White Rock. Nomination documents for each candidate can be viewed by selecting the candidate's name. Candidates are listed in the order in which they submitted their documents. (Click here to view the list of Contact Information for Candidates)
Candidates for Councillor - Two (2) to be elected:
Congratulations to Jason Cairney on becoming Surrey’s new fire chief.
Surrey is fortunate to have one of the best fire services in the province, and Jason stands out as one of its finest leaders.
His steady leadership and vision are guiding the department through the challenges of our growing city.
I am confident that, under his direction, Surrey Fire Services will continue to keep our community safe, resilient, and prepared for the future.
Surrey Mayor BRENDA LOCKE
By the numbers: Surrey crime stats
The SPS took over South Surrey’s west side on July 28.
SPS takes over over South Surrey’s east side on November 25.
The Surrey Police Service issued its quarterly report on crime statistics for the areas it covers and the numbers show calls to it have dropped this year.
The SPS numbers need to be taken in the context that it doesn’t cover all areas of Surrey as the transition away from the RCMP is still slowly grinding away.
The SPS took over South Surrey’s west side on July 28, and will take over South Surrey’s east side on Nov. 25. The SPS has been patrolling Whalley and Newton, and the RCMP will continuing working the areas of Cloverdale, Fleetwood and Guildford until the transition is completed.
Here are some of the crime numbers the SPS highlighted comparing the first two quarters of 2025 with the same two quarters in 2024:
Calls for service dropped four per cent in the first two quarters of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024.
On September 9, 2025, the Surrey Bylaw Dept. Commercial Vehicle Unit hosted a truck enforcement check in the 9600 block of 192 Street, in collaboration with the Lower Mainland Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Team, which included Vancouver Police, Burnaby RCMP, New Westminster Police and other partner agencies.
Overall, 22 vehicles were inspected with 15 placed out of service (68%) for various safety, mechanical and regulatory issues. These violations rendered the vehicles unsafe to operate until corrective measures were completed, either on-site or at a certified repair facility following a tow.
There were 68 violations located, 14 provincial violation tickets were issued and 15 bylaw tickets were issued.
September 11, 2025
Standing in Honour
Wayne Cox photo
The White Rock Fire and Rescue officers and volounteers stood at attention this morning @ 10 a.m.
The somber ceremony was to honour the memory of the brave fire and rescue crews that gave their lives on September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Centres in New York were attacked.
Thank you to these brave men and woman that daily put themselves in harms way to make our City by the Sea safe.
New Mobile Speed Reader Sign Installed on Marine Drive
The cloud-connected mobile speed reader sign will enhance road safety, monitor driver behaviour and provide real-time traffic analytics.
The mobile speed reader sign is in partnership with the RCMP and partially funded by ICBC.
September 09, 2025
Another South Surrey Shots Fired Incident Yesterday Morning
Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers are investigating an early morning shots fired incident that has resulted in a vehicle damaged outside a residence in the 5800 block 124 Street, Surrey.
Shortly after 4:00 am Monday morning (September 8) SPS Frontline officers responded to a call of a possible shots fired outside a residence in the 5800 block of 124 Street, Surrey. Upon arrival, officers discovered damage to a parked vehicle and evidence consistent with gunshots. Officers spoke with several residents in the immediate area and fortunately there were no injuries to anyone.
Officers remain on scene and will be examining the area for evidence this morning and will likely be canvassing the neighbourhood for any CCTV footage. SPS’s Frontline Investigative Support (FLIS) Team has taken over the investigation and at this early stage, they are still in the process of determining the possible motive and connections to any other incidents.
Anyone with information about this incident or anyone who may have been in the area of 58th Avenue and 124 Street at approximately 4:00 am on September 8, 2025 and has dashcam or CCTV footage is asked to contact the SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 25-77900 (SP) or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca .
September 08, 2025
White Rock All Candidates Meeting
The newly formed HALP Healthy Active Living Peninsula hosted the first all candidates meeting yesterday morning at the White Rock Curling Club.
Sixteen of the twenty one confirmed candidates for the White Rock bi-election were in attendance. The meeting format was set up in such a manner the members of HALP could hear first hand how each candidate felt about three main issues HALP is focused on:
1. Update the refrigeration unit at the curling club
2, Install a rood over the lacrosse box in Centennial Park for year round pickleball play
3. Go on record with their thoughts on White Rock's current consideration in building an outdoor swimming pool in the city
Each candidate was give 5 minutes to state their campaign platform and respond to the three questions above.
The organizers began the meeting by addressing the push back they had received from their choice to invite White Rock mayor MEGAN KNIGHT to speak and address her feeling about the three topics identified above.
We are less than two weeks away from the White Rock by election necessitated by the departure of two members of the current council. ERNIE KLASSEN who has moved on represent us in Ottawa as our MP and councillor MICHELLE PARTRIDGE who cited health concerns.
The two new councillors that will be elected will serve a one year term until we have the full provincial 4 year term election in October 2026.
As I drive around through our community I have started to notice lawn signs popping up like mushrooms popping up in the early fall rain.
Elect so and so? Why?
Believe me from my own personal experience during my no less than 7 elections and previous by elections, it is terribly difficult to get your message out to the community. The options are very expensive, a half page ad in the Peace Arch News will run you roughly $1300.00. A mail out from Canada Post which promises to deliver your little election cards to every home in White Rock is even more expensive. Standing on a street corner, knocking on doors and hopefully attracting media attention like radio and television is incredibly difficult to attain.
So what is left?
"All Candidate" meetings which are hosted by various civic organizations, like the Surrey Board of Trade hosted event on Monday at the White Rock Community centre.
Again I will refer back to my own personal experience. Let's simply look at the numbers. There are 21 individuals seeking one of the two vacant seats on White Rock council. This in my recollection is the largest turnout of candidates for a by election. The format will be the time honoured tradition of the opening the evening's proceedings commencing by giving each candidate a 2 minute time slot to present their political overview. That will take 45 minutes. Then the format turns to "question and answer period". The questions posed are supposedly culled from questions from community members that have been submitted to the host organization. The names of the people that have submitted the questions is never identified. Each candidate will then have 2 minutes to present their response to the question. That will take another 45 minutes. Are you following me? Do the math we are now up to 90- minutes. If we even have time for just two more questions we tip the scales to 3 hours. Have your eyes and ears glazed over yet?
I have continually requested a microphone be set up at the back of the hall and the line forms at the right. First person up "I have a question for so and so." Next person "I have a question for so and so." To me it makes perfect sense. Yet continually the answer I have received back is "Well if we were to do that some of the candidates would not get asked a question. What? You tell me they don't have a friend, neighbour, wife, husband or someone that supports them enough to come on down for one night and toss them a softball question?
So here we sit with All Candidate meetings.
It is all we have, and even though I am in a very unique position to be informed more than the average voting resident of White Rock, I will still be there on Monday evening at the White Rock Community Centre. I will be the one sitting there musing how much more effective and productive it would be for what I call "HOLLER FOR A DOLLAR."
DAVID CHESNEY
EDITOR/PUBLISHER WHITE ROCK SUN
Video of the Day
Thought For The Day
Community Events
Celebrate the land.
Honour the harvest / Walk together.
Join us for a vibrant day of connection, culture and community. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Elgin Heritage Park, the event is a heartfelt celebration of the land’s bounty and shared traditions that nourish us all.
Take in a Fusion presents Artist Showcase featuring David Symons and Khyla Granstrom,see The Wee Drams Highland Dancers and take part in a drumming circle with Mohawk Educator Sheila Maracle. Shop the vendor market, chat with The Re-enactors and snack on goodies from Kona Ice and Odd Burger. There will be apple press demonstrations, a fun photo op and crafts too.
Sensory friendly
With sprawling grounds and endless riverside fresh air, Harvest Fair is the perfect event for those with sensory sensitivities. All activities are outdoors and surrounded by forest. We even have sensory kits, complete with noise cancelling headphones, available to rent for free.
The City of White Rock and the City of Surrey are pleased to present the 2nd annual White Rock & South Surrey Culture Crawl on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2025.
The Culture Crawl is a vibrant, free event that showcases the rich arts, culture, and heritage of the Peninsula, offering a diverse program of drop-in activities, live performances, and select ticketed events. New this year, a complimentary shuttle service will operate throughout the weekend, providing convenient transportation between venues in White Rock and South Surrey along two dedicated routes.
To make the most of your Culture Crawl experience, pick up a map at any White Rock Community Centre or visit whiterockcity.ca/culturecrawl. The map will guide you through the different activities across 28venues and help you plan your cultural journey.
File photo
Wayne Cox photo
Two of 21 the candidates
