Premier David Eby's statement celebrating Christmas
“Christmas is a time of joy, giving and togetherness. As people throughout the province put the finishing touches on special gifts, festive meals and holiday decorations, I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the generosity you have shown this season and wish you a safe, peaceful and memorable holiday.
“Christmas is one of the most cherished days on the Christian calendar, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians celebrate by attending special church services, gathering with loved ones and reflecting on the Lord’s teachings of peace, love, humility and service to others. These values are at the heart of Christianity and inspire people of all backgrounds to embrace the spirit of the season.
“This year has brought challenges and uncertainty to people here in B.C. and around the world. Yet this holiday season has shown once again that when times are tough, British Columbians are there for one another.
“Throughout the province, people of all ages have been spreading holiday cheer. School communities have contributed to toy drives, filled Christmas hampers and supported local food banks. Neighbours have been shoveling walkways, running errands and checking in on seniors who live alone. And communities big and small have rallied around families facing hardship, to ensure everyone can share in the joy of the season.
“These acts of kindness reflect the true spirit of Christmas – and the true spirit of British Columbia.
“This Christmas, our family will celebrate with friends, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, with gratitude for all of our shared blessings and a commitment to work for a better world at work, school and home in the year to come.
“From my family to yours, merry Christmas and happy new year!”
Premier David Eby
Local News
December 25, 2025
Someone Saw Something
White Rock RCMP is investigating following a fatal hit and run collision Tuesday afternoon.
On December 23, at 12:41 p.m. White Rock RCMP responded to the report of an injured person on the road in the 15600-block of Cliff Avenue. Upon police arrival a bystander was administering CPR, however despite lifesaving efforts, the person was declared deceased
Based on initial observations, it was believed that deceased had been struck by a vehicle. The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) was called out to assist with the investigation and process the scene.
White Rock RCMP General Investigation Section has been engaged and is actively working to identify the driver involved. Investigators identified a suspect vehicle which has since been located and seized by police.
Anyone who was in the area and has dash camera footage or who witnessed anything is asked to contact White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.
The Extreme Weather Alert issued for Surrey-White Rock has been extended
Please see the attached list of open EWR shelters in Surrey-White Rock.
Based on current forecasts, it is expected that this Alert will remain in effect tonight Thursday (December 25), and Friday (December 26) nights.
White Rock’s Polar Bear Plunge: Now More Inclusive!
Start your New Year with a splash at the White Rock Polar Bear Plunge at Semiahmoo Bay, this year, everyone is invited!
I’m thrilled to announce a big step forward in accessibility: a special 10-foot access mat will make it easier for all participants, including those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, to enjoy the event. Thanks to the generous support of Motion (who provided the access mat) and SAS Self-Advocates, a beach wheelchair will also be available for those in need.
Event Details:
Date: January 1st (New Year’s Day)
Time: Registration opens at 10:30 AM, with the plunge at 12:00 PM
Location: Just east of the iconic White Rock Pier, by Semiahmoo Bay
Accessibility: Access mat available for smoother beach entry, plus beach wheelchairs for those who need them.
I’m so excited to show that accessibility isn’t just a goal, it’s already happening in White Rock. This year’s plunge is for everyone, regardless of ability.
Whether you’re braving the icy waters or cheering from the shore, don’t miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable New Year’s Day celebration!
UPDATE - City staff has worked hard to get the majority of the lights back on @ BrightWalk.
Enjoy.
UPDATE - Bright Walk in White Rock closure Tuesday, December 16: Due to maintenance and for safety reasons, Bright Walk in White Rock will have the lights off this evening. Thank you for your understanding.
**************************
Bright Walk Update: Due to the recent wind and rain events, sections of the display are not functioning properly. The City is addressing these issues and crews are making repairs. Thank you for your understanding. Bright Walk in White Rock will light up the waterfront until Jan. 18, 2026.
City Hall & Facility Closures – Winter Holidays
Find out what’s opened, closed, and changed at City facilities for the holidays.
White Rock City Hall
White Rock City Hall will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and will remain closed from Thursday, Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, reopening on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
Engineering and Municipal Operations
The Engineering and Municipal Operations Building, 877 Keil St., will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and is closed Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. Regular operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Recreation Facilities
Centennial Park Leisure Centre Office:
Closed: 3 p.m. on December 24, Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1.
Open: Dec. 29, 30 and 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed: January 1 and will reopen on Friday Jan. 2, 2026.
Kent Street Activity Centre, 1475 Kent Street:
Closed: 3 p.m. on December 24, Dec. 25 to Jan. 1 and will reopen on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Closed: Saturday, Jan. 3.
White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Avenue:
Closed: 3 p.m. on December 24, Dec. 25 to Jan 1 and will reopen on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Closed: Saturday, Jan. 3.
The Centre for Active Living, 1475 Anderson Street:
Closed: City recreation programs are closed Dec. 25 to December 27.
Open: Dec 29, 30 and 31 from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Closed: January 1 and will reopen on Friday Jan. 2, 2026.
Waste collection will not take place on December 25, December 26 or January 1. Please refer to the schedule or calendar below for upcoming collection schedule changes:
No collection on:
Thursday, December 25
Friday, December 26
Thursday, January 1
Week of December 22
Monday, Dec 22: Collects Tuesday’s route
Tuesday, Dec 23: Collects Wednesday’s route
Wednesday, Dec 24: Collects Thursday’s route
Saturday, Dec 27: Collects Friday’s route
Week of December 29
Monday, Dec 29: Collects Tuesday’s route
Tuesday, Dec 30: Collects Wednesday’s route
Wednesday, Dec 31: Collects Thursday’s route
Friday, Jan 2: Collects Friday’s route
Child Predators - HELP
Surrey Police Service (SPS) and RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) are appealing for information on additional victims in a child exploitation investigation that has resulted in two arrests and charges in a Surrey RCMP/SPOSU investigation that started in 2024.
In October of 2024, Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit (SVU) investigators began an investigation involving alleged offences between 2021 and 2024 related to child sexual abuse material. A man and a woman were subsequently identified as suspects and have now been arrested and charged with a number of offences.
On December 10, 2025, BC Prosecution Service approved charges for 28-year-old Carter Cooke and 21-year-old Tkhu Khyonh “Mika” Nhuien (photos attached). The investigation remains open, and police believe there may be additional victims.
Police are releasing photos of the two accused parties in hopes that potential victims, witnesses, or anyone with information might come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact SPS’s non-emergency line at 604-599-0502, and quote file number 25-156955 (SU).
December 22, 2025
Police Appeal for Witnesses in Theft Investigation
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is appealing for information from witnesses in a theft investigation.
On December 15, 2025, at approximately 2:10 pm, a suspect entered a retirement residence in the 15500 block of 16 Avenue, Surrey. Once at the residence, the suspect gained access to an apartment by portraying himself as a maintenance worker who was checking the sprinkler system. The suspect then stole the victim’s purse and left the residence.
The suspect is described as white male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and was last seen wearing dark pants, a red Under Armour brand hoodie, dark hat and glasses (see attached photo).
The investigation remains active, and police believe there may be additional witnesses. Police are releasing photos of the suspect with the hope that other potential victims, witnesses, or anyone with information will come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact SPS’s non-emergency line at 604-599-0502, and quote file number 25-111343 (SP).
December 21, 2025
Train In Vain
Two more northbound BNSF coal trains went into emergency stop again yesterday as they approached the swing bridge. The first one was at 1:39 a.m., the second happening at 6:50 p.m., blocking all egress to Crescent Beach.
The culprit appears to be a problem with the new Positive Train Control (PTC) system that was turned on in late October. This has been an ongoing issue for more than a week with multiple freight trains blocking Beecher St. and McBride Ave.
Local residents are encouraging the City of Surrey to install CCTV cameras at both of these crossings that will show how often these emergency stops are occurring.
Hockey Day in Canada in Punjabi coming to Cloverdale
The City of Surrey is thrilled to announce that the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex and Museum of Surrey have been selected as official host sites for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada in Punjabi – Live from Surrey on Jan. 17. This national celebration of Canada’s game will bring families, fans, and athletes together for a full day of hockey and community events.
“Hockey is more than a sport – it’s part of our Canadian identity,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “We are thrilled to host this national celebration in Cloverdale, highlighting our vibrant community, celebrating our hockey traditions, and bringing people together through sport.”
Randip Janda of Sportsnet with his team will host Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada in Punjabi live on OMNI Television from the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex, 4–7 p.m., as part of Sportsnet’s national broadcast marathon.
“We’re excited to have Surrey be part of our national broadcast of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada,” said Joel Darling, executive producer of NHL Special Events at Sportsnet. “The annual celebration is about connecting hockey communities across Canada and the passion that makes the game special.”
At 7 p.m., the Museum of Surrey will host a public celebration where visitors can continue watching Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada programming, including the Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers game, witness Sportsnet personalities conduct live interviews, and explore the museum's Our Connection to Hockey exhibit, which highlights the sport’s cultural impact in Surrey.
City Council is seeking public input on fireworks at annual summer events in White Rock.
Fireworks are popular during annual celebrations in our city, but they have also raised concerns related to traffic congestion and safety. Take the survey at https://tinyurl.com/5yuz52z7 by January 2, 2026.
If there's one thing I love about Christmas, it's the annual traditions like this special TNT in the White Rock Sun.
Here's the list of naughty and nice gifts we hope Santa left under the tree for the movers, shakers and decision makers from the Semiahmoo peninsula, listed alphabetically to not offend anyone
Event Details:
Date: January 1st (New Year’s Day)
Time: Registration opens at 10:30 AM, with the plunge at 12:00 PM
Location: Just east of the iconic White Rock Pier, by Semiahmoo Bay
Accessibility: Access mat available for smoother beach entry, plus beach wheelchairs for those who need them.
