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.
Linda Annis, Surrey Councillor - For the Surrey First mayoral candidate who announced she was running 13 months before the next civic election, a pair of ultra-marathon running shoes. As a stocking stuffer, a 2026 calendar with Oct 17 circled.
Brent Chapman, MLA Surrey South - After a throat cancer diagnosis in the summer, the best gift that Brent could receive would be a clean bill of health. He will need it if rumours about his wife KLF running for leader of the BC Conservatives are true.
Dave Chesney, WR Councillor - For the editor of the WR Sun and veteran WR Councillor, a jar of his favourite Holy Smoke Coffee Holiday Blend coffee beans he can share with his wife Gayle. As a stocking stuffer, more people to write and report for the WR Sun.
Kerry Lynne Findlay - A B.C. flag to replace the Maple Leaf as this former MP for South Surrey-White Rock looks to become the leader of the B.C. Conservative Party. As a stocking stuffer, some tech support for her sad website at https://www.kerrylynne4bc.ca/
Trevor Halford, South Surrey-White Rock MLA - For the interim Leader of the Opposition who took over the B.C. Conservatives after John Rustad was ousted, a change of heart to run as the actual party leader. As a stocking stuffer, a pair of blue, red and yellow flip-flops.
Geoff Higginson, Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club President - For the new president, a ground breaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art fish hatchery placed high above the Little Campbell river floodplain. For a stocking stuffer, a golden shovel.
Ernie Klassen, South Surrey-White Rock MP - As a Christmas present to him and his constituents, the return of red and green lights to the White Rock Pier. For the Transport Canada bureaucrat who banned these colours in early Dec., a BNSF train full of coal.
Norm Lipinski, Chief Constable, SPS - For Surrey's top cop now that the SPS have taken over from the RCMP, a big top hat as he goes cap in hand looking for $91 million more money from Surrey. As a stocking stuffer, some Stove Top stuffing so he can get stuffed.
Brenda Locke, Mayor of Surrey - For the boss lady of Surrey, an end to the race based gang gunfire and extortions that are plaguing her city. For a stocking stuffer like last year, a return to the Chair of the Surrey Police Board replacing the SFN Chief Harley Chappell.
Doug McCallum, Safe Surrey leader: For this twice former Surrey Mayor who plans to run yet again, a pair of steel toe boots for campaigning in the Save-On-Foods parking lot. As a stocking stuffer, a copy of the original Terminator movie.
Eleanor Sturko, MLA Surrey Cloverdale: For the Conservative MLA who was kicked out of the B.C. Conservative caucus by John Rustad, an official apology and invite to rejoin the party. As a stocking stuffer, some juicy payback by running for the leadership.
Royal Canadian Legion: The Legion receives anniversary cakes as it celebrates its 100th year anniversary in 2026, 100th year for the Cloverdale and White Rock branches, plus the 75th year for the Crescent branch. For a stocking stuffer, packs of poppy seeds.
Sean Whyte, B.C. Lions placekicker: For White Rock's Prodigal Son who kicked three walk-off game winning field goals during the season plus had a career high 95% field goal efficiency, a street in "Whyte" Rock named after him would be the best present.
Merry Christmas everybody and have a happy New Year!
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.
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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.
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Washington Avenue Grill
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 5:00–6:00 PM — Mingle & Social Hour 
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 6:00 PM — Sit-Down Dinner 
𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁: 20 guests
𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 through our Events page to reserve your seat.
