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May 1, 2025, 2:18 pm |
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Wayne Conrad Surbu photo
Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day
In My Opinion
Thursday May 01, 2025
Wasn't That A Party?
In all my years of heading to the polls for civic, provincial or federal elections I don't remember an election I felt was riding on the respective leaders for the various parties as much as Monday's election.
In the case of federal leader MARK CARNEY there was very little history to digest in a very short period of time. What did seem to resonate with the electorate was his straight ahead measured response to President TRUMP'S assertion he was thinking of annexing Canada and making us the 6
51st state. Boy did that ever resonate with the voting public. CARNEY won his seat as a first time out candidate which in itself is unusual.
Over on the Conservative front you had PIERRE POLIVIERE. Despite guiding his party to more votes than any other Conservative Prime Minister candidate, his own personal approval was low enough that he was ousted in his own riding, a riding which he had won no less than 7 times since 2004.
Locally the election took on a very personal and local aspect.
On one hand we had a Conservative Kerry-Lynne Donna Findlay who served as the member of Parliament (MP) for South Surrey—White Rockfrom 2019 to 2025, and previously represented the riding of Delta—Richmond East in the House of Common from 2011 to 2015.
FINDLAY according to her FACEBOOK updates chose to do her talking on the doorsteps in the community as opposed to all candidate meetings (FINDLAY attended one) hosted by the Surrey Board of Trade. The knock against FINDLAY expressed by many in the community, was she has been invisible in the community, according to their observations.
Conversely on the other side of the coin you had White Rock councillor, local business owner and community advocate ERNIE KLASSEN.
KLASSEN as a result of his civic duties, had a very high profile in the White Rock portion of the riding. Travelling north into the wilds of south surrey his name recognition dropped. This in large part was not a huge factor due to the army of supporters KLASSEN had amassed to support his run for the riding seat under the Liberal banner.
When the polls closed it went down to the midnight hour wire before KLASSEN could celebrate with his supporters gathered at a south Surrey restaurant. It was a night of jubilation.
Over at the Conservative headquarters FINDLAY chose to remain at home until eventually making it down to say thank you to her volounteer team.
It has been years since this riding of South Surrey/White Rock had a representative in Ottawa that was part of the governing party. Fingers crossed.
David Chesney
Editor/Publisher
LOCAL NEWS
May 01, 2025
The Handel Society of Music, a long-time institution on the Semiahmoo Peninsula... offering high quality concerts of the world's finest classical music... is making a special offer to to all students.
As part of our Youth Community Outreach we are offering 100 Free tickets on a first-come first-serve basis to all students for our "Going for Baroque" concert this Saturday evening at Peninsula United Church at 7:30 PM. Tickets are on our website for FREE at
Students can purchase tickets online and simply show their student card ID at the door.
City of White Rock launches public consultation process for Community Hub project
The City of White Rock is launching a public consultation process to help shape the vision for a new Community Hub—a modern, accessible civic space that could bring together key services under one roof.
With the first of several community surveys launching Wednesday, April 30, the City is inviting residents to participate in shaping what this future space could become.
The public consultation process will unfold through a series of surveys, open houses, pop-up events, and workshops running throughout spring and summer. Residents are encouraged to visit TalkWhiteRock.ca to complete the surveys and learn more about how to get involved.
The City is committed to transparency and listening every step of the way. A “What We’ve Heard” report will be shared following each phase of engagement to show how public input is shaping the project.
April 30, 2025
As the summer season approaches, the Surrey Fire Service is reminding residents and visitors that all forms of open burning are banned in Surrey, effective May 1, 2025.
With summer temperatures and dry conditions approaching, the risk of brush fires and nuisance smoke-related complaints will increase across the city.
To reduce the risk of fires, open burning – including backyard fires and beach fires – is strictly prohibited within the city limits. Any fire response related to open burning will result in the fire being extinguished, and property owners may be subject to cost recovery for associated costs.
While open burning is banned, the use of natural gas, propane, or charcoal briquettes is permitted, provided they are used in ULC/CSA-approved devices designed for these products. Charcoal briquettes are allowed on private property; however, their use may be restricted in city parks and on city beaches when the fire danger rating is classified as high or extreme.
For full details on burning regulations and permits, please our website.
April 29, 2025
Long Shot Pays Off
White Rock city councillor and White Rock/South Surrey Liberal candidate ERNIE KLASSEN turned into the dragon slayer last evening. As the LIBERALS formed government across Canada.
KLASSEN who everyone knew was in tough in the South Surrey/White Rock riding due to it being a long time CONSERVATIVE stronghold.
Klassen collected 31,106 votes compared to to Findlay's 28,602.
NDP candidate Jereun Park was in a distant third with 1,571 votes, and Green Party candidate Christine Kinnie collected only 840.
Other Surrey Ridings.
Surrey Centre
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Liberal: Randeep Sarai (Incumbent) ✅
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Conservative: Rajvir Dhillon
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NDP: Dominic Denofrio
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Green: Krishan Khurana
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Communist: Ryan Abbott
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People’s Party: Beverly Tanchak
Surrey Newton
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Liberal: Sukh Dhaliwal (Incumbent) ✅
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Conservative: Harjit Singh Gill
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NDP: Raj Singh Toor
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Communist: Salman Zafar
White Rock Council Rewind
Delegations and Presentations
Speakers attended to discuss the following:
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A member from the New Westminster & District Labour Council attended regarding the Day of Mourning, which recognizes those who have suffered from workplace injury, accident or disease. Information was also provided on workers’ health and safety issues.
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A member from the White Rock Homeowners and Taxpayers Society provided comments on the KPMG financial report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
What We Heard Report Engagement Round #1 – North Bluff Road Corridor Study
Representatives from Urban Systems Limited provided a presentation summarizing public engagement for the North Bluff Corridor Study. View the presentation..
Beach Wheelchairs Access and Storage
Council received a report outlining potential access options for specialized “beach wheelchairs,” designed to help individuals with mobility challenges travel from the Promenade onto the beach. The Self Advocates of Semiahmoo (SAS) generously donated two (2) beach wheelchairs to the City; however, a fully functional program still needs to be established. This would include managing bookings, securing insurance waivers, providing safety instructions, and overseeing general operations.
To support the initiative, Council approved the temporary storage of the beach wheelchairs in the utility rooms at the Memorial Park washroom for a six (6) month period. Additionally, Council directed staff to collaborate with SAS in identifying a suitable organization to oversee and manage the beach wheelchair program moving forward.
Contract Award- Coldicutt Avenue Drainage and Water Upgrades Phase 1
Staff provided a report regarding the contract award for Coldicutt Avenue Drainage and Water Upgrades Phase 1, which includes the installation of approximately 280m of new ductile iron watermain along Coldicutt Avenue west of Lancaster and the installation of approximately 250 m of new PVC drainage main along Chestnut Street north of Blackburn Avenue and along Coldicutt Avenue east of Chestnut Street.
Council approved the award of phase 1 of this project to Sandpiper Contracting LLP in the amount of $982,526 (excluding GST) and also authorized the pre-approved contingency in the amount of $268,934 (approximately 25% of the design and contracting costs) to support the project).
Staff will provide notification to nearby residents of this project, with the aim of beginning construction this summer. Phase 1 of the project is estimated to take three (3) months to complete.
Recommendations from City Committees
Public Art Advisory Committee: Council approved up to $3,500 to be allocated from the Public Art and Placemaking Fund to replace the missing public art signage for The Passenger, located in front of the museum, and for Walking on Sunshine, located in Terry Parr Plaza.
Internal Community Hub Steering Committee
Council received two (2) recommendations:
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That the Community Hub Communications Plan be presented at the meeting. View the presentation.
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Formally receiving a letter from CUPE Local 718 dated April 16, regarding the deteriorating conditions of the City Hall and Annex Building and the urgent need for a new, accessible civic facility.
Bylaws Receiving Final Reading:
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Bylaw 2517 – Amendment Bylaw for the White Rock Zoning Bylaw No. 2506
Bylaw 2517 refines general regulations that apply to zones that contain Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) and to further clarify provisions for the development of SSMUH.
The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025, and will be held at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave, White Rock).
Some resources for those affected by the attack at the Lapu Lapu festival yesterday:
The VPD announced on their social media there’s a 24-hour centre and a number for people who are trying to find loved ones:
“UPDATE: A 24-hour assistance centre has been established at the Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Avenue. Vancouver Police officers and Victim Services professionals have been deployed to help anyone who has not been able to contact a loved who was at the Lapu Lapu Festival. If you are not able to attend in person, please call 604-717-3321.“
The Philippine Consulate has hotline numbers to support Filipino nationals:
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