Burger Brew Ha-ha

This TNT is yet another example of the lunacy that seems to infect White Rock, something I originally blamed on the well water in my second TNT for the White Rock Sun some 19 years ago.  I'm actually surprised I don't have a sore neck from shaking my head about some of the bizarre and unbelievable stories that cross my path from the Rock.  Once again, the unofficial motto of the White Rock Sun, "You Can't Make This stuff up", immediately springs to mind.  Read on and try to not be impressed by the level of stupidity shown by those running the White Rock Farmers Market that would likely have former Market Manager and White Rock Councillor Helen Fathers looking down from heaven in dismay.

The Wooden Spoon Restaurant on Russell Ave. has been a gastro-grub (my new word) mainstay in uptown White Rock for years serving a great brunch and lunch.  From this same location they now also operate the White Rock Burger Company out of the back window in the evening, serving and delivering smash burgers that are simply amazing.  To help promote this expansion in their business, the WR Burger Co. decided they would join in the White Rock Farmers Market, purchased a pop up tent with snazzy artwork and grilled burgers for the hordes of people circling the uptown location.  It seemed like a great idea, especially when you consider that the Market does not provide a walking space from the market area to the businesses on the north side of Russell Avenue.  Instead, they have wall-to-wall tents blocking the street access except from either end of the block so this was a way around the obstruction.

The White Rock Burger Co was given the street location on Russell Ave. directly in front of the Wooden Spoon Restaurant.  This makes sense since if those grilling burgers needed anything from the kitchen, it was only a few steps away.  Also, if the staff need washroom facilities or clean utensils, they could simply step into the Wooden Spoon.  The smash burgers they were cooking in the tent were a good value, tasted amazing and there were lines of people in front of their tent from the get go.  Common sense would dictate that this location should be where the WR Burger Co. would be best suited.  Unfortunately, common sense seems to be rather uncommon these days and shortly after this season began, the WR Burger Co. was given different spots further and further away from the Wooden Spoon.  Several weeks ago they were given a location a block away on Johnson St. down towards Thrift Ave.  As to why this happened, that is for the braintrust of the White Rock Farmers Market Board (WRFM) to explain. 

As if this lunacy was not enough, prepare yourself because it gets much worse.  Several weeks ago the WRFM informed the WR Burger Co. that they had complaints from people about the smoke and smell from the burgers they were cooking.  Because of these complaints, possibly from the condo towers on both sides of the street, it had been decided without discussion or warning to terminate the WR Burger Co.'s involvement in the Market.  It is likely that had they been left in their original location next to the Wooden Spoon restaurant that cooks and vents the very same smells, this would not have been an issue.  The WR Burger Co's involvement in the Market had been very well received, produced great sales for them, plus gave the WR Burger Co. great exposure in the community.  This helped to let people know that they could grab a great tasting burger and sides from the rear of the building in the evening or get this food delivered.

Needless to say, the owners of the Wooden Spoon and WR Burger Co. were not impressed with this Board's decision.  There were discussions with the nearby White Rock Beach Beer about them possibly barbecuing burgers on their patio and selling a burger and beer together to help both of these businesses that find themselves on the outside looking in.  This subject has been simmering like a patty on a hot grill for several weeks but on Sunday it really came to a head (speaking of beer).  I have been informed that a burger company from Langley was cooking and selling burgers on Johnson St., in the same area where the WR Burger Co. had been stuck before being axed from the market.  Sorry to say but eliminating a local burger company for smells and smoke, then allowing another company from outside the community to set up and barbecue in the same area makes zero sense. 

It makes a mockery of the Market's slogan of "deepening our connections with the community."  

Naturally Yours

Don Pitcairn

Surrey Is On The Warpath 

Surrey’s call for a public inquiry into Metro Vancouver now has significant regional support. New Westminster, the District of North Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver have each unanimously supported Surrey’s position. Together, our four municipalities represent approximately one million residents, or roughly one-third of the region. That growing call for transparency and accountability cannot be ignored.   

For Surrey, the need for a public inquiry is about far more than the cost overruns of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant. Surrey’s complaint identifies fundamental concerns about how Metro Vancouver is governed, how decisions are made and how public funds and assets are managed. It also raises serious questions about whether critical financial, engineering, environmental and other information has been withheld from duly appointed directors, whether the interests of member municipalities are being respected, and whether Metro Vancouver has complied with its legal and regulatory obligations. 

Surrey has formally raised these concerns with the Province and continues to engage with the Inspector of Municipalities. We remain committed to pursuing this matter in a transparent and responsible way, with the goal of strengthening accountability and public confidence in how Metro Vancouver is governed. 

More information about Council's April 13, 2026, decision to call for a public inquiry is available here: https://www.surrey.ca/news-events/news/council-calls-public-inquiry-metro-vancouver