The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on Monday, January 26 at 4:00 p.m. at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Avenue). Free underground parking is available.
If you are unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available starting at 4:00 p.m. at whiterockcity.ca/agenda
Surrey mayor calls for national commissioner to tackle extortion crisis
Mayor Brenda Locke is calling on the federal government to take immediate action and implement a full-scale national initiative to stop the extortions and violence targeting residents, business owners, and communities across Canada.
At a trilateral summit in Surrey on Nov. 28, 2025, the federal and provincial governments expressed their commitment to ending this violence and meet again in 90 days. Since then, the problem has escalated. The number of extortions reported across Canada since 2023 is approaching 1,500, with 34 cases in Surrey in the last three weeks alone.
“This is unlike anything Surrey has faced before. Residents and business owners are living in constant fear, and our communities cannot wait any longer,” Mayor Locke said. “Police are working hard, but we need a coordinated, nationwide approach that prevents these crimes and protects Canadians.”
In a letter dated Jan. 21, 2026, Mayor Locke urged federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to appoint a national extortion commissioner to bring together police, experts, governments, and community leaders to identify the root causes of extortion and develop immediate, concrete solutions.
“This role should have the authority to examine the obvious gaps in our criminal, immigration, and citizenship systems and lead a national response that actually stops these crimes from happening,” the mayor said.
“Our laws are simply too weak. Canadian law enforcement tools are not enough to protect the public from the magnitude of extortion and violence we are experiencing. Surrey is entering the third year of this crisis. We need strong federal leadership to protect Canadian communities and restore public confidence.”
Mayor Locke is scheduled to discuss these recommendations at an upcoming federal meeting in Ottawa.
Open House – South Surrey Library/Semiahmoo Branch
The Bus Rapid Transit team set up shot yesterday afternoon at the South Surrey library.
A number of TRANSLINK representatives were on hand yesterday at the South Surrey library on Johnston Road. The group was in our area to promote the possibility that there may one day be RAPID BUS running between Semiahmoo Mall and Whalley.
Though there is no final design, funding in place, start date or the actual time the RAPID BUS would cut off of your trip. It appeared the reason for the meeting seemed to be designed to gauge interest.
A byproduct of a RAPID BUS LINE would be densification of development along the route. Though not included in yesterday's presentation the effect on White Rock could be profound. The provincially legislated legislation for density BILL 47 would designate highrise development within 200/400/600/800 metres from a RAPID BUS LINE.
The proposed RAPID BUS line would end @ Johnston road and North Bluff so the densification would be measured from that point coming south into White Rock.
Surrey Police Service (SPS) has notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia of an incident in Surrey where an individual has sustained serious injuries.
On January 21, 2026, at approximately 5:25 am, SPS Frontline officers observed a stolen vehicle in the area of Holt Road and 88 Avenue, Surrey. Moments later the suspect vehicle struck another motor vehicle, and an individual riding a scooter. The suspect then fled the area on foot. Integrated Police Dog Services (IPDS) attended to assist with locating the suspect but were unsuccessful.
SPS members immediately rendered aid to the injured party and Surrey Fire Services and BCEHS attended the scene. The pedestrian was subsequently transported to an area hospital by BCEHS with life threatening injuries.
SPS Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) has taken conduct of the investigation.
SPS has informed the IIO of the incident and they have asserted jurisdiction.
128 Street and 88 Avenue was closed for several hours while the investigation continues.
SPS is unable to provide additional information while the IIO’s independent process is taking place.
January 20, 2026
Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Newton - The Beat Goes On
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating an early morning shooting at a business in the Newton neighbourhood.
At approximately 4:30 am on January 20, 2026, SPS members responded to reports of a shooting in the 7200 block of King George Boulevard, Surrey. Upon arrival, police located a business and vehicles that had been damaged. The business was unoccupied at the time and fortunately, nobody was injured as a result of the incident.
SPS Frontline Investigative Support Team (FLIST) attended. SPS Major Crime Section has taken conduct of the investigation. The investigation is in its early stages and investigators are continuing to gather evidence. While the motive for the shooting is still under investigation, it appears that this incident is related to the ongoing series of extortions in Surrey.
Anyone with information about this incident, including CCTV or dashcam footage, or who may know the identities of the suspects is asked to contact SPS’ non-emergency line at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca and quote file number 26-6494 (SP).
Lunar New Year celebration returns to Museum of Surrey
Museum of Surrey is celebrating the Year of the Horse by hosting their annual Lunar New Year celebration, on Saturday, February 21, from 1-4 p.m. This free community event will feature performances and activities including dragon dance teaching, poetry performances, traditional and modern dance, tai chi demonstrations, storytelling and more.
“The community is our cozy home, and festivals are the sunshine within it. Neighbours, like family, celebrate together, strengthening bonds and adding vibrancy to our shared space. The community is a warm extended family, illuminated by the festive sunshine” said Ying Liu of the Chinese Village Club, a non-for-profit organization in Canada.
In partnership with the Chinese Village Club, this event offers a meaningful opportunity to learn more about Lunar New Year traditions and the rich cultural heritage of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities. Also known as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations across Asia and can last up to 40 days in some countries.
2026 marks the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, strength, freedom, and perseverance. The Horse is associated with optimism, hard work, and forward momentum, representing a year of progress, passion, and positive change. The Museum of Surrey invites residents and visitors to experience this free event and be part of this cultural celebration and tradition.
