It was a hallelujah moment for my last week when I learned that the City of Surrey was banning the sale of invasive plants within its borders. In my years of commercial gardening and landscaping, I'm frequently having to deal with a wide variety of plants that are apparently trying to take over the world. These include but are not limited to morning glory, English holly, English laurel, English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, Scotch broom, Japanese laurel and Japanese knotweed. I hate to admit but over the years I have planted many of these species that were formerly sold as landscaping stock.
To give you an idea of how prolific these plants are, I routinely pull out hundreds of these seedlings every week during the growing season.
Here is the media release from City Hall on this invasive plant control bylaw.
Surrey, B.C. – The City of Surrey is taking a significant step toward protecting local ecosystems and biodiversity by advancing a proposed ban on the sale of invasive plants. On Monday, Council voted in favour of bylaw changes that would prohibit licensed businesses from selling identified invasive plant species in Surrey, including nurseries, large retail chains, aquarium suppliers, florists and other commercial vendors.
“Invasive plants pose a growing threat to Surrey’s natural environment, drainage infrastructure, and waterways,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “By focusing on prevention and stopping invasive species at the point of sale, Surrey is taking a practical and proactive approach that will help safeguard local habitats.”
The proposed ban would apply to a range of invasive plants, including English ivy, Scotch broom, giant hogweed and knotweed. Many of these plants are attractive and easy to grow, but once established they can spread quickly beyond gardens into parks, forests, waterways and other natural areas. The full prohibited species list includes species identified by the province and the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver.
Staff will engage with businesses to gather feedback before submitting the proposed bylaw changes to the provincial government for approval, which is required before the ban can take effect. For further details, read the corporate report: Invasive Species Sale Ban.
In total Surrey has 94 invasive plants on their proposed banned list that were taken from the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver. Under the Community Charter, controlling the sale and planting of invasive species falls under the umbrella of concurrent jurisdiction with regards to environmental protection. Because of this, the proposed bylaw needs the approval of the Provincial Environment Minister, since many of the plants in the Surrey list are outside those already banned by the Provincial government. It is believed that a review of the proposed bylaw will likely take three to six months, meaning that it should likely be in place for the start of the spring 2027.
White Rock
All of this brings me to a serious invasive species problem that is shared by both White Rock and Surrey. On the shoreline between West Beach in White Rock and Kwomais Point in South Surrey there is a serious problem with Japanese knotweed growing on the hillside along the BNSF Railway tracks. While the rail corridor is routinely sprayed with Roundup herbicide to control weeds in the ballast region, the hillside above the ocean is not part of their vegetation management program. There are many large clumps of Knotweed growing out between the rip-rap boulders that line the tracks, which have been there for years. The BNSF controls this area since they have a 100 foot wide zone on either side of the rails, but that is cut short in this region as Provincial jurisdiction begins at the high water mark and ends at the ocean where it then falls under control of the Federal DFO.
The seeds from this knotweed can easily enter the water of Boundary Bay and can be transported for many miles, infesting shorelines both in Canada and the U.S. This problem should have been taken care of years ago before being allowed to grow into the huge problem that we see today. Excavation would likely be impossible and prohibitively expensive so the use of herbicide would likely be required. The problem is that most waterways have a 30 to 50 metre setback to stop any herbicide from making its way into the aquatic environment. It may require an alternative control measure such as cutting down the canes and flooding them with boiling hot water or steam to kill these large plants and their extensive root systems. No matter what, it is time that the American owned BNSF Railway be forced to deal with this problem that has cross-border ramifications for the environment.
The cities of White Rock and Surrey need to work collaboratively with the Provincial Ministry of the Environment and the BNSF Railway to find a safe way to control and eradicate the Japanese knotweed from along the shoreline of the southern section of Crescent Rock beach. The Railway needs to take control of their property and ensure that these plants are destroyed and do not grow back. If this problem had occurred along East or West Beach, it is likely it would have already been dealt with years ago. I do not know if the same problem is happening along the Semiahmoo FN lands or near Peace Arch park but the shoreline there should also be checked for this vigorous weed. Thankfully, Japanese knotweed does not appear to be growing along the shore between Kwomais Point and Crescent Beach.
Here are some links to Surrey documents with information on invasive species the city wants banned.
The Order of B.C. is the province’s highest honour, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to British Columbia and beyond. Established in 1989, the order celebrates excellence across all walks of life and fields of endeavour.
2026 recipients of the Order of British Columbia
Congratulations to local resident Stephanie Cadieux
Stephanie Cadieux, Surrey – for driving lasting change in public policy and empowering people with disabilities throughout Canada and beyond,
The appointees will be invested at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on Sept. 24, 2026. Jill Bodkin has chosen to defer her investiture and will be invested at a future ceremony.
Surrey Police Service (SPS) has arrested one man and seized a firearm and ammunition following an arrest early on August 2, 2026.
Shortly before 1:30 am on August 2, 2026, SPS Frontline officers responded to a 9-1-1 call that a driver of a vehicle was slumped over in their car that was stopped in the middle of the road near the intersection of 18 Avenue and 138 Street, Surrey.
Officers arrived on scene and safely boxed the suspect vehicle in with police cars to prevent it from driving away. The driver, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle, was found to be slumped over in the driver’s seat and unresponsive to SPS officers despite repeated commands. Officers were concerned the driver needed medical attention and as officers tried to take him into custody, the man regained consciousness and tried to start the vehicle and drive away, which was prevented by the police cars. The driver was safely taken into custody and an unloaded firearm, along with ammunition and three knives, were all located inside the vehicle and seized.
The man, an adult male, remains in SPS custody and charges have not yet been sworn.
August 01, 2026
White Rock Answers The Call!
Late Friday night WRFD crews arrived in Lillooet to help battle the spread of more BC wildfires.
Wishing the crew of three good luck and safety during their week long deployment!
In Other Fire & Rescue News
Congratulations to our very own White Rock Fire Rescue’s Evan Bird on his promotion to Captain!
This well-deserved achievement reflects years of commitment, leadership, and service to our community!
Thank you for your dedication to protecting the people of White Rock, and best wishes as you begin this next chapter in your career!
Saturday August 1, 2026
Now That It Is August..here is your reminder
The City of White Rock invites residents and visitors to enjoy a free Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerial demonstration over the city's waterfront on Wednesday, August 12. The snowbirds will showcase their exceptional teamwork and skill with a 45-minute performance starting at 5:30 p.m.
“The Snowbirds are a true showcase of Canadian pride, and we are incredibly excited to welcome them back to White Rock,” said Mayor Megan Knight. “With the Semiahmoo Bay and our iconic Pier as the backdrop, this will be a memorable event for our community. We look forward to seeing everyone come together for this thrilling experience.”
The end of an era, after over 5 decades of service, this may be one of the last opportunities to ever to witness the Canadair CT-114 Tutor Jets being used by 431 Air Demonstration Team (The Snowbirds) before they transition into new CT-157 Siskin II aircraft expected in the 2030 season.
The event is free to attend, and spectators are encouraged to walk, cycle, carpool, or take transit to the waterfront.
Surrey Police Service (SPS) has notified the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) following a fatal pedestrian-involved collision that occurred shortly after 11:00 pm on July 30, 2026.
On July 30, 2026, at approximately 11:04 pm, SPS officers conducted a traffic stop of a westbound vehicle in the 15600 block 56 Avenue, also known at “Highway 10”. The driver of the stopped vehicle ran from the traffic stop on foot and was struck by a vehicle travelling eastbound. Despite emergency medical attention from SPS officers, Surrey Fire Service firefighters, and BCEHS paramedics, the driver, an adult male, tragically passed away at the scene of the collision.
SPS informed the IIO of the incident and they asserted jurisdiction.
56 Avenue (Highway 10) was closed overnight as investigators from both the IIO and SPS’s Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) examined the scene for evidence.
As this incident is now under investigation by the IIO BC, no further information will be released by Surrey Police Service. Please contact the IIO BC with any inquiries.
For more information about the IIO BC and media updates, you can visit its website at www.iiobc.ca.
July 31, 2026
Surrey’s popular $20 tree sales return this summer
The City of Surrey’s highly popular $20 tree sales return this summer, giving residents an affordable way to add trees to their properties while helping grow Surrey’s urban forest. The first online sale opens Aug. 18 at 9 a.m., with pickup scheduled for Sept. 13 at the Surrey Operations Centre. The second will open Sept. 29 with a pickup date of Oct. 25.
“Trees planted today will benefit Surrey for decades to come,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “It’s exciting to see so many residents take part in this program, with more than 25,000 trees purchased since it began. These affordable sales make it easy for people to beautify their properties while helping build a greener, healthier and more resilient city.”
A thousand trees will be available during each sale on a first-come, first-served basis, and they often sell out quickly. To help more Surrey households participate, the purchase limit has been set to two trees per sale.
“Fall is one of the best times to plant trees, and the City’s tree sale program is a meaningful and effective way for residents to help protect and grow Surrey’s urban forest,” said Rob Landucci, urban forestry manager. “More than half of Surrey’s tree canopy is located on private property, so homeowner participation plays an important role in growing and protecting our urban forest.”
Residents can choose from a variety of fruit and ornamental trees, including apple, cherry, plum, dogwood, maple, and magnolia. Trees offered are selected for their popularity with residents, suitability for Surrey’s climate, and ability to support local biodiversity.
His Safe Surrey Coalition issued a press release July 28 concerning a “network” of at least six Facebook pages posing as local news in Surrey, Delta and Vancouver being operated out of India, “paid for in Indian rupees, and billed to an entity at a Government of India research facility” which are “aimed at Canadian voters one week into the pre-campaign period for the October 17 election.”
The slate is calling on CSIS, the RCMP, Elections BC and the Surrey Police Service to investigate.
“This is not a Canadian operation. The people running it are in India. The money paying for it is in rupees. The payer named on the advertising is an entity at a research facility of the Government of India,” McCallum alleged.
McCALLUM claims the content in the social media posts are very supportive and amplifies current mayor BRENDA LOCKE.
Surrey mayor BRENDA LOCKE
LOCKE responded by saying “Maybe Mr. McCallum and members of his team should come up with a better strategy, maybe they have to have a better platform and maybe they should go knock on some doors because I don’t see what they see here. I don’t know what to say,” Locke said. “If they think there’s something that should be investigated they can go take it to the police but I don’t see what he’s saying, so.”
Referencing the press release, she said, when she looks at the comment attributed to her – mayor of Surrey says she’s deeply concerned about the ongoing extortion and gang-related violence in the city – “yeah, I would’ve said that. I’m not sure what to say. I would have said that, I am deeply concerned.”
“I have no knowlege of this so I have no idea what he’s talking about. He knows obviously something I don’t or maybe he doesn’t know. I have no idea what this is all about,” Locke said.
Third-party sponsors must register with Elections BC as required under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act before advertising and those with $500 or more in advertising expenses must file a full disclosure statement. Organizations of any kind, and individuals who are not residents of British Columbia, are banned outright from funding third party election advertising. Offences carry fines of up to $20,000 for an organization and up to two years imprisonment
Enjoy a free, outdoor tour with a knowledgeable guide! Explore the buildings and grounds and hear tales of the Stewart family and Surrey during its formative years. Visit the farmhouse after to see what early 1900s family life was like.
Residents of Nico Wynd estates and golfers alike are rallying to replace the tree on the fourth hole of the golf course that is in need of replacement.
For years visitors and residents have enjoyed the company of an eagle nest that annually was the habitat for eagles and their offspring.
You can help by making a small or large donation to the GO FUND ME campaign.
Knotweed
Kwomais Point beach
White Rock
Congratulations to local resident Stephanie Cadieux
Surrey mayor BRENDA LOCKE
