It really has been the season of the music festival in these parts recently. This year's White Rock's Concerts at the Pier first started in 2017 and who can say no to a free concert with the White Rock beach as a backdrop and even the occasional AmTrak or BNSF train rolling by on the tracks. This year's series of free concerts started on July 4th with Tsawwassen's very own 54-40, one of my favourite local bands who play the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver every spring and fall (at $80 a ticket I might add). A week later, it was Juno Award-winning powerhouse Crystal Shawanda featuring songs from her latest studio album Midnight Blues on True North Records. On July 25 it was tribute band time with Arrival and Gaslighter doing ABBA and the Dixie Chicks proud. You had to be at the beach on Aug. 22 for Vancouver's very own Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts (another Juno Award winner). Closing our this year's seasons of shows a week later were the "American Rock Legends, tribute bands Night Moves rocking to Bob Seger and Dead Man's Town pouring out some Bruce Springsteen. A very special thanks to TD bank and the City of White Rock and their partners for another great year of music by the Pier.
In only its second season, the Salmon Sessions Music Festival was held August 24th at the Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club in the Hazelmere valley with funds raised supporting the construction of a new Little Campbell Fish Hatchery. With the Penmar Community Arts Society promoting the event, there was a noticeable increase in corporate sponsors that along with ticket sales helped to raise over $30,000 for the fish hatchery construction fund. The show was held on the back archery field in an area ringed by forest near the banks of the Little Campbell river. Besides plenty of targeted Facebook advertising and a telephone pole poster campaign, the music lineup with five bands helped to bring out a much larger crowd than the inaugural Sessions. The Canadian music duo Fionn supporting their new album "I Might Start Smoking" were there along with Antonio Larosa and his full country rock band who won the 2023 BC Country Music Awards. The funky 10 piece Vancouver based Camaro 67 really got the engines revving with their retro rock and roll with blues.
The surprise of the night for me was Brass Camel fronted by Surrey's Daniel Sveinson who helped deliver a high octane performance that included two double neck guitars. White Rock's very own Daniel Wesley blew people away with his blend of reggae, rock and folk that apparently included a skunk hiding somewhere in the vicinity. Check out my Aug. 19 "Support Salmon Sessions" TNT for more info-on this show.
On Friday I was at Five Corners in White Rock when I noticed a poster for the 2nd annual Barnside Harvest Festival being held at Patterson Park in Delta. Having grown up in North Delta and knowing many of the folks at Barnside Brewing and the farmers who supply them with crops, I decided to check it out. Unfortunately there was no way for us to take in all three days of this festival but with the Odds, Wide Mouth Mason and Loverboy being the headliners for Sunday, we headed off to the old horse race track at the corner of Ladner Trunk Road and Hwy. 17A. We were literally blown away by the size of this event that was ringed with food trucks, artisan tents, seating areas and beverage stations everywhere you turned. We were rather bummed out that we had missed headliners The Trews and The Glorious Sons on Friday followed by Sloan and the Sam Roberts Band on Saturday. Forget about the lawn chair, we stood ten feet away from centre stage taking in the Odds, Wide Mouth Mason and the show finale with Loverboy. Imagine if you will the songs "Turn Me Loose, The Kid is Hot Tonight, Working For The Weekend, When It's Over, Loving Every Minute of It" plus many more hits. My favourite was the Mike Reno and Ann Wilson duet "Almost Paradise" from the movie Footloose with Catherine St. Germain taking the stage to sing with her husband. I saw this before in a surprise performance by them at the Blue Frog Studio in White Rock; an absolute tear jerker of a show stopper.
Summer music festivals in the border region are now over for another year with fall officially starting next Sunday and plenty of wet weather in the forecast for the weekend. You can look forward to 2025 when the Concerts at the Pier, Salmon Sessions Music Festival and Barnside Harvest Festival all return, likely bigger and better than they were before. Whether these shows are free, affordable, or up to $350 for a three day VIP pass, consider getting outside, soaking in the sunshine and taking in some live music in either White Rock, South Surrey or Ladner. Heck, if you want to have a really good time, consider going to all of these shows that happen over nine days from early July to mid-September. When we pick up our next year's calendar, you can bet we will be reserving plenty of our summer to go check out some of these shows and the wonderful and talented musicians that will be playing there. Congrats to all of the promoters, sponsors, supporters, musicians and workers who gave it their all to make these shows possible for everyone here to enjoy.
Naturally yours,
Don Pitcairn
I wish to acknowledge we live, work and play on the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo people
Local News
September 17, 2024
Johnston Road Phase 2 Construction Update
Subsurface complications related to utilities have caused some delay to the schedule.
That said, surface work is expected to begin soon, and the first lift of paving is expected by the end of October. Once this is complete, the road will be reopened to two-way traffic. Final paving and crosswalk art installation is expected in Spring 2025.
High-level schedule:
Between now and September 27 – Watermain work
September 30 to October 4 – Irrigation, fibre optic, concrete work
October 7 to October 11 – Concrete work
October 14 to October 31 – Finish excavation of roadway for full depth road base and bottom lift of paving with temporary line painting and reopen road
The City will offer an additional coffee chat this month as follows:
September 18 from 9:00am-10:00am at the White Rock Community Center lobby (additional date being offered): Please?RSVP here
September 25 from 9:00am-10:00am at the White Rock Community Center lobby: Please?RSVP here
It Has Been 8 Years
Owner BILL LAWRENCE sidewalks with last nighters September 16, 2014
Since the popular nightclub/nerighbourhood pub THE SANDPIPER 8 years have passed. The venue was purchased by off shore interests. For a short period of time it was rebranded as CHEF TIAN'S which insiders said was going to be run by the daughter of the Asian owner.
Nothing happened for ac couple of years despite major interior reservations.
Then a few months back a new sign and new paint job went up on the location announcing soon THE NIGHT OWL BAR would be opening.
Cyclists left behind: Surrey's extensive road extension criticized
Cyclists have some beef with the City of Surrey after it approved a road extension from 152nd street/Johnston Road to Pacific Highway. Plans for the busy route does not include designated bike lanes or sidewalks.
Still, the City is defending its decision to exclude them — despite growing anger from advocates.
In a special ceremony last evening at Semiahmoo House, White Rock City councillor ERNIE KLASSEN was honoured for his work in the community.
KLASSEN recently stepped down as the president of the White Rock Pride Society, a position he has held for a number of years. Most recently KLASSEN has worked tirelessly to improve accessibility in our community for those with mobility challenges, including championing the installation of the access mat recently installed on the White Rock pier.
September 16, 2024
Public Information Meeting
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Address: White Rock Community Centre
15154 Russell Avenue - White Rock
Development Application File No. OCP/ZON/MJP 23-023 (OCP00013/MJP00040) SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1556 George Street.
File photos for comparison purpose only
The application involves amending the OCP designation to allow development from a 4-storey building to a 26-storey building and rezoning the property from ‘CR-2 Lower Town Centre Area Commercial Zone’ to a property-specific ‘Comprehensive Development’ (CD) Zone. If approved, this will allow for a 26-storey mixed-use building with approximately 167 residential units over a commercial podium and two levels of underground parking. A Major Development permit is required for the form and character of the development.
Surrey City Council transforms Development and Permitting Processes
The City of Surrey continues to evolve its land development and permitting process from a model of regulation to one of facilitation.
“Since this Council's election in late 2022, we have made significant strides in improving the City of Surrey's land development and permitting processes,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Improvements have been made in a number of areas including shortening review timelines, expanding online permitting services and introducing incentives and exemptions to encourage more affordable housing projects. But we must go further. The City must continue to evolve from a model of regulation to one of facilitation. Building on the advancements that have been made, this new motion will seek to further streamline the process, cut unnecessary red tape and reduce timelines.”
The notice of motion directs staff to:
Streamline Rezoning and Development Processes: Conduct a comprehensive review of our rezoning and development processes and present recommendations that would significantly reduce these timelines.
Innovate and Automate: Continue enhancing our digitization efforts, including further automating processes with new technologies such as the Automated Rule-Based Zoning Bylaw Compliance Tool, to remove administrative hurdles.
Develop a Model for Best Practices: Establish a framework that positions Surrey's development and permitting processes as a model of best practice for other municipalities to aspire to—incorporating sustainable practices, efficient timelines, cost-effectiveness and a facilitative approach.
“Surrey’s development and permitting processes should not just meet today’s standards, they should set the standard,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “We are on the path toward building an even more dynamic and responsive city, while continuing to meet the needs of our residents and safeguarding the principles of good planning.”
Upon Council approval, staff will prepare a report and recommendations that will be presented to Council for consideration before the December break.
....meanwhile the frustration of some business owners who are waiting for their permits have gone public.
The images below are on a proposed new restaurant on 152nd street & 19th avenue in south Surrey.
Surrey Eagles Receive Alumni Visit
Brandon Tanev
BRANDON TANEV a young hockey player who came up through the ranks of the BCHL with our own Surrey Eagles, stopped in to rally the troops as the season is starting.
TANEV is set to start his third season on left wing with the KRAKEN following stops in Winnipeg and Pittsburgh.
The Eagles dropped a close one on the weekend in their season opener in Chilliwack.
The Eagles have two games this weekend on home ice - South Surrey arena
Tickets at the door
Friday - Prince George Spruce Kings 7 p.m.
Sunday - Cowichan Valley Capitals 3 p.m.
September 10. 2024
The Sullivan Excursion was back on track Sunday September 8th and will be running four excursions every SUNDAY in September.
The train will also run on a special schedule leading up to Christmas.
The Sullivan Excursion will be four times a day ON SUNDAYS ONLY (September 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th).
Please visit www.fvhrs.org for information, schedule and to buy tickets.
White Rock Council Rewind
White Rock council returns from summer break this afternoon @ 4 p.m.
- The future of the Business Improvement Association was discussed at great length, The consensus is council, staff and the BIA board meet in a future council meeting to discuss the way forward for the BIA.
- Further discussion on monitoring/closing waterfront parking lots to curb overnight noise problems.
- Future advertising in the Peace Arch News by the city of White Rock. The city will enact a by-law that will allow future public notices by the city that are currently published in the Peace Arch News an option of other avenues in the event the Peace Arch News closes.
The council meetings are open to the public as well as streamed live on the web.
Surrey to host budget consultation open houses in all town centres
???
The City is encouraging the public to attend any of the following open houses:??
· Saturday, Sept. 21 at Cloverdale Recreation Centre from 11 a.m. –2 p.m.
· Friday, Sept. 27 at South Surrey Recreation Centre from 1 – 4 p.m.
Learn more about the budget process and take the online survey at surrey.ca/budget2025.
The City of Surrey is asking community members to learn about the City budget and give feedback on funding priorities as part of its 2025 budget process. Feedback will be collected from an online survey and in-person open houses and used to help inform a draft budget for review by the City’s Finance Committee prior to Council’s adoption.
“It’s important to us that community values are reflected in the 2025 budget,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Like last year, we are taking our budget consultation on the road with open houses in each of our town centres. I encourage all of our residents to take the online survey or drop by one of the six open houses to share your priorities and shape the 2025 budget. Your input is vital in helping us create a budget that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our vibrant and growing city.”
In preparation for the 2025 budget, Council must carefully consider new directions emerging out of City strategies as well as community priorities for funding City services, amenities and infrastructure. They must also take into account a number of external factors such as inflation, increasing construction costs, and the effects of climate change. The aim will be to keep property taxes and fees at a manageable level while also maintaining current service levels and addressing new funding priorities.?
The open houses be an opportunity for community members to get a more in-depth look at the City’s budget process, with informational displays and staff on hand to answer questions and encourage feedback. The survey will provide an opportunity for community members to share which City services are most important to them and which funding options they prefer to create a balanced budget.?
Additionally, the City’s new Multilingual Communications Policy will be implemented this year with a full Punjabi survey option to better serve and reach community members in that key demographic area. Punjabi speaking staff will also be available at select open houses to provide language support as needed.
September 09, 2024
Surrey Council to Vote on Proposed Surrey Charter
This evening Surrey council will vote on developing a unique charter of operation similar to the charter that governs the city of Vancouver.
Currently Surrey and every other city in British Columbia is governed by the COMMUNITY CHARTER which was developed by Victoria for civic governments in the early 50's.
The vote on a unique charter is expected to be passed by Surrey council this evening.
The next step will be approval by the Provincial government.
During the Regular Council Meeting Surrey City Council will vote on the concept for a proposed Surrey Charter. If Council approves the concept, Mayor Brenda Locke will send a letter to the Premier and Minister of Municipal Affairs requesting that the Province enact the Surrey Charter which would provide the City with additional powers, responsibilities and exemptions.
"As we stand on the brink of becoming the largest city in British Columbia, it is imperative that we empower ourselves with a Surrey Charter,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “This proposed Surrey Charter is not just about granting power; it’s about ensuring that our community has the tools it needs to thrive amidst rapid growth. With more autonomy and flexibility, we can be more responsive to the needs of our growing and unique community. With these new powers, we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for every Surrey resident.”
Surrey is projected to be the largest city in B.C. by 2030 and current legislative framework in the Community Charter and Local Government Act fails to address many of the challenges faced by larger municipalities.
The initial concept of the Surrey Charter proposes the following:
Exemptions from new provincial housing legislation
To give council discretion to hold public hearings and maintain single-family residential zones.
To exempt transit hubs from blanket density requirements, leaving this to Council’s discretion
To give Council discretion to require off-street parking as it consider appropriate
The power to enact an Empty Homes Tax
The authority to expand revenue sources
Ability to enhance Bylaw enforcement tools, such as increasing maximum fines
The power to provide greater support and grants to businesses
Greater protections against legal claims
Broader authority to regulate business and enact building regulations
If approved by Council Monday, staff would be directed to work with the Province to develop, draft and enact a Surrey Charter.
Chestnuts are truly nuts, despite their soft texture. And they are the only nuts that are low in fat. Half a cup provides only 1.6 grams of fat, compared to about 32 grams found in most nuts.
Two small kiwi fruits provide more potassium than a banana, just as much fiber as a grapefruit, and twice the vitamin C of an orange.
White asparagus is not genetically modified. The white colour is natural.
Beets and sweet potatoes can be eaten raw as well as cooked. Shred them raw into your salads. Asparagus and okra can be eaten raw too.
Making a salad? Add tasty rose petals from your garden (if they are pesticide-free!). You’ll beautify your salad as well as add a little vitamin C.
Legumes (chickpeas, beans, lentils, etc.) are among the richest sources of fibre in our diet.
Cooking chicken with the skin on won’t increase the fat content of the meat. But it will effectively help moisten the meat, especially those dryer chicken breasts! If you choose to eat low-fat, simply remove the skin before eating.
Pears are a great source of fiber; one medium pear provides six grams.
Red rooibos tea contains quercetin, an anti-inflammatory that can help lower blood pressure.
Don’t ignore frozen foods. They can still offer vital nutrients like vitamin C, lutein, and beta-carotene as when they are fresh.
Tests show that steaming or microwaving foods – rather than boiling them – will minimize the loss of water-soluble vitamins.
Caution: One cup of bubble tea can contain as much as 54 grams of sugar.
Eve Lees is a health writer and speaker. She was a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counselor for over 30 years. www.artnews-healthnews.com
Video Of The Day
Losing Coach Mac documentary highlights Abbotsford sports legend's dementia battle
Documentary will be shown at Abbotsford Arts Centre on Saturday, Sept. 21,
That painstaking work will be on display this Saturday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. when the Losing Coach Mac documentary is aired at the Abbotsford Arts Centre.
Joke Of The Day
I rang work and I said "I can't come in today, I have a wee cough"
The boss said "You have a wee cough?"
I said "Wow, thanks boss, see you next Wednesday!"
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Gray Whale Family mural, also known as the Whaling Wall, painted by renowned artist Robert Wyland on Saturday, September 28 from 12 – 3 p.m.
There will be music, arts & crafts, environmental activities and the unveiling of a new interpretive sign!
• See the NDP’s new densification rules? Very demure, very mindful.
• Both Eby and Rustad are wrong about involuntary treatment.
Check the waterfront weather in White Rock in real time.
It's always sunny in White Rock - Below is the West Beach Camera
..as an added feature the city of White Rock now has installed an East Beach camera where day visitors to White Rock can check to see if the tide is in, or out?
