Settled in 1871 (just four years after Canada's inception as a nation), what once started as a single-family farming community expanded to a hot summer getaway with the development of the Great Northern Railway in 1909. 1912 was considered the boom year for Crescent (later renamed Crescent Beach). This was due to local construction and promotion of the resort by the Crescent Beach Development Company. In addition to a boat house and twelve homes, the Crescent Hotel, and a pier were constructed.
Crescent Hotel as it looked in 1926.
In 1912, the Crescent Beach Development Company promoted Crescent Beach as a resort. area. That year, Capt. Watkin Williams opened the Crescent Hotel. It was said the 21-room building was built mostly from lumber from the beach.
The Crescent Hotel seen here flying the Union Jack Flag.
When the Hotel was first constructed it provided only the bare-board necessities of life. It had just two indoor flush toilets and one bath tub. Each room had a basin and a jug of cold water on the wash stand. A chamber pot was in a cupboard below. There was no central heating, no insulation, and no electricity. Only the special guest rooms had wallpaper. Each floor had a balcony and the stairway came down outside for easy access to the beach and the outside lavatories
The aftermath of the fire in 1949 that destroyed the Crescent Hotel; It was never rebuilt.
The Spring Break Up Country Music Festival is a music festival at TRADEX in Abbotsford.
The event features live performances, food, games and more in March.
Local News
March 24, 2023
IHIT identifies victim in Surrey shooting, seeking public assistance
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has identified the victim of the Surrey homicide on March 13, 2023 and is seeking information from the public.
On March 13, 2023 at 7:54 pm, the Surrey RCMP responded to a report of shots fired in the area of the 2300-block of 167A Street, Surrey, BC. When Surrey officers arrived on scene they found a deceased man in a parked vehicle who died as a result of gun shot wounds.
The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Aren Alexander Smith of Surrey. Mr. Smith is unknown to police and has no known ties to the ongoing Lower Mainland Gang Conflict. Mr. Smith and his family had recently moved to Surrey.
Investigators learned the suspect left the area in a white Penske Ford Transit van shortly after the shooting.
IHIT is continuing to work closely with the Surrey RCMP, and is pursuing all potential avenues of investigation to determine a motive.
“We are urging anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage, or who may have witnessed this incident, to please contact IHIT immediately,” says Corporal Sukhi Dhesi.
Specifically, investigators are seeking CCTV and dash cam footage from areas in the 2300-block of 168 Street and Highway 10 near 144 Street in Surrey, for a white Penske Ford Transit van on March 13, 2023 between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
We are asking anyone with information about this murder to contact IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Happy Spring!
Enjoy a walk along the 2 km long White Rock Promenade. A reminder that dogs are allowed to walk the promenade only until March 31. That means this is your last weekend until Fall to walk the pooch on the promenade.
Dogs are not permitted on the White Rock Pier.
March 23, 2023
South Surrey MLA ELENORE STURKO quickly sprung into action yesterday to avoid what could have been a very serious incident at the popular coffee shop/restaurant LAURA'S COFFEE CORNER in the city's 5 Corners district.
STURKO relied on her past years of experience of working with individuals who were dealing with mental health issues.
White Rock Council - Schedule and Agenda links for Monday afternoon/evening's meetings
It’s official, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be returning to Vancouver Island skies mid-April to train for their upcoming season.
From April 18th to May 12th, look up to the skies and you might be able to spot the iconic aerobatics team practicing for their upcoming season.
The City of White Rock is in negotiations for the aerial flight team to return to White Rock in August. Cross your fingers.
Detect Radon and Thermal Leaks with the Library
Fraser Valley Regional Library expands its Playground lending collection with home testing kits.
Radon and Thermal Leak Detector kits are the newest tools in Fraser Valley Regional Library’s (FVRL) Playground lending collection. Each respective kit type enables the user to easily and quickly test for radon exposure levels or leaky seals throughout their home.
The kits, partially funded with the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, are free to borrow with an FVRL card. With a radon detector, customers can make informed health choices by testing the radon levels in their homes. With a thermal leak detector, customers can discover areas in their homes that may need better insulation. This knowledge can help reduce household carbon emissions and improve monthly energy spending.
“The vibrant health of our communities and community members is important – and so is the health of the planet we share,” says Heather Scoular, Director of Customer Experience at FVRL. “The world is changing and we are excited to offer new tools to help our customers adapt.”
Visit FVRL’s events page to find other upcoming Playground events.
TOP YOUR TREES - Pay The Fine
The City of White Rock is reminding residents of healthy ways to properly maintain trees ahead of gardening season and advising against tree topping.
Tree topping is when tree branches are cut to stubs and leads to a negative impact to the tree, not just altering the appearance of a tree. Tree topping is the most harmful way of cutting a tree.
The City of White Rock recommends hiring a Certified Arborist for pruning all trees. Find a Certified Arborist at www.treesaregood.org, a site created by the International Society of Arboriculture for quality tree care.
March 22, 2023
March 14, 2023
Shots Fired with one Deceased Person
Surrey RCMP is advising the public of a shooting in the Grandview Heights area of Surrey that left one person deceased and requesting anyone with information to contact police.
Surrey RCMP is currently on scene following a report of Shots Fired in the 2200 Block of 168th Street, in the Grandview Heights area of Surrey.
At approximately 1954 hours this evening, Surrey RCMP received a report of possible Shots Fired in the area of the 2200 Block of 168th Street. Upon arrival, Surrey RCMP A Watch Frontline Members located a deceased person, in a parked vehicle who appeared to be suffering from gunshot wounds.
The investigation is currently underway, in its early stages, and Surrey RCMP Officers are canvassing for witnesses in the area.
Any further information will be provided by Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
Anyone with further information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
What do you call a musician who broke up with their partner?
Homeless.
What is the difference between terrorists and accordionists?
Terrorists have sympathizers.
Thought for the Day
Our Next Film & Discussion Event
Date: Friday March 31st, 2023 Location: Turnbull Gallery,
South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre, 14601 20th Ave, South Surrey Time: Doors open at 6:00pm, Film starts at 6:30pm
Tomorrow In THE SUN
After reading tomorrow's PATTY MELT recipe you will never buy a store/diner made one ever again.
