BILL HAWKE photo

Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day

Night Owl

Checking out the live music listings this week locally.

The ever popular RANJ SINGH returns to White Rock's MORRISON'S CAFE.

Local News

October 08, 2025

Monday White Rock Council Recap

Council Summary – October 6, 2025, Council Meeting

Question And Answer Period

All Question and Answer Period submissions and their responses can be viewed on the City website.

Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries In Your Home

Council received a report sharing information about Fire Prevention Week, October 5 – 11, 2025, and White Rock Fire Rescue’s plans to support this initiative with a local campaign focused on educating the public about the safe purchase, charging, and use of lithium-ion batteries.

Governance And Next Steps For Tourism White Rock

Council reviewed a report on restoring compliance for Tourism White Rock Association (TWRA), which has been unable to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) since 2023 due to changes within the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce. TWRA bylaws require board representation from the Chamber, the City, and the White Rock Business Improvement Association.

Council directed staff to:

Contact the Chamber’s Acting Executive Director to confirm willingness to serve on the TWRA Board, and if they can attend, the City would hold the 2025 AGM, restoring compliance with the Societies Act; and,
Bring forward Bylaw amendments to broaden the Chamber-specific board requirement to include the future “Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.”

This would ensure legal compliance, continuity, and retention of TWRA’s ability to utilize $100K annual Google Ads grant.

What We Heard Report #3 (Phase Iii Engagement) – OCP Update 2025

Council received an update on the Phase III public engagement activities, along with an overview of the next steps in the OCP Update 2025 process, which will include the final approval stage. Council directed staff to prepare the required bylaw to amend “Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2017, No. 2220” as detailed in the corporate report, which can be viewed here. The Phase III Engagement Activities and Responses Summary report can be viewed here.

Accessibility Advisory Committee:

Council approved the installation of signage at the beginning, middle and end of the Pier Mat to indicating that the mat has been installed for use by individuals with accessibility needs.

Public Art Advisory Committee:

Council approved a staff investigation into the feasibility of including a gymnasium within the Community Hub.

Bylaws Receiving Final Reading

The following bylaws were given final reading and approval at the meeting:

Bylaw 2485: A Development Procedures Bylaw which establishes procedures for processing development applications, to issue permits under Part 14 of the Local Government Act, and for the referral of liquor and cannabis licence applications.

With the new Development Procedure Bylaw, several other bylaws needed to be updated (all receiving final reading), including Bylaw 2550 (City of White Rock Tree Protection Bylaw) and Bylaw 2551 (White Rock Council Board of Variance Bylaw).

Bylaw 2548: A bylaw to amend the White Rock Zoning Bylaw in relation to on-site parking requirements for Small Scale Multi Unit Housing (SSMUH).
Bylaw 2552: A bylaw to amend the 2025 Fees and Charges Bylaw in relation to Schedule A – Planning and Development Services Fees. The amendment will reflect the fees for new application types, and the updated application rates for the City to charge the updated fees.
Bylaw 2555 (Centre for Active Living) and Bylaw 2556 (White Rock Business Improvement Association): Bylaws to provide an exemption from municipal property taxes under section 224 of the Community Charter.

Inaugural Council Meeting

Following the September 27, 2025, By-Election, two (2) new members of Council will be sworn in at the October 20, 2025, Regular Council meeting – Susan Bains and Anthony Manning. To view the full results from the By-Election, visit our website: elections@whiterockcity.ca

The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, and will be held in the Gallery Room at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave, White Rock) at 4:00 p.m.

(click here to read Monday's agenda)

October 07, 2025

Free outdoor skating rink coming to Surrey Civic Plaza

Residents and visitors can lace up for free outdoor skating this winter at the new 4,000-square-foot rink at Surrey Civic Plaza. The rink will debut during the City’s Tree Lighting Festival on November 22–23 and operate for 12 weeks as a pilot project.

Skaters will find a welcoming atmosphere with food trucks, hot chocolate, comfortable seating, and on-site staff providing skate and helmet rentals and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all.

As a pilot, the rink will help the City evaluate programming, attendance, and economic benefits in support of Council’s broader City Centre activation strategy. Additional details, including hours and programming, will be shared in early November.

Crescent Rock Beach Naturists Monday October 06, 2025

Another day in paradise, 28 C in the shade most of the day.

Police Investigate Shots Fired

Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers are investigating an overnight shots fired incident that has resulted in property damage to a South Surrey business.

At about 2:20 am on October 6, 2025, SPS Frontline officers responded to calls of possible shots fired outside a restaurant business located in the 2100 block King George Boulevard, Surrey. Upon arrival, SPS officers confirmed that damage to the exterior of the building had been caused by gun shots. The business was closed at the time, no staff were inside, and there were no reports of any injuries.

Officers remain on scene and will be examining the area for physical and digital evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident, or anyone who may have been in the area of 2100 King George Boulevard between 2:00 am and 2:30 am and witnessed the shots fired or suspicious activity, or has CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact the SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 25-85681 (SP) or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca

October 04, 2025

White Rock RCMP Investigating Stranger Assault

White Rock RCMP is investigating following the report of an assault and requesting anyone who has information to contact police.

On Thursday October 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., White Rock RCMP received a report of a Sexual Assault that occurred around the stairs located in the 14900-block of Prospect Avenue.

It was reported that around 10:00 a.m. the victim was punched and groped prior to the suspect fleeing southbound through the park. The victim sustained minor physical injuries.

The investigation is in the early stages and being led by White Rock RCMP General Investigation Section. Based on the initial information investigators believe that this was an unprovoked assault.

The Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) attended the location where the incident occurred to process the scene. Investigators are in the area canvassing for witnesses and video.

The suspect is described as 30 to 40 year-old Caucasian man, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, Khaki pants and white shoes.

“Given the violent nature of this assault, we are encouraging members of our community to exercise vigilance while our investigators work to identify and locate the suspect,” says, White Rock RCMP Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant Rob Dixon.

Anyone who was in the area and has dash camera footage or CCTV from the area is asked to call the White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.

Thank you for Walking & Rolling with us!

We Walked, We Rolled, We Celebrated Community

Thanks to your generosity, we’be already raised $118,000 to support inclusive housing at Harmony.

You came together to walk, roll, and celebrate inclusion - and what an unforgettable day it was! The energy, joy, and sense of community at Walk & Roll for Harmony was truly inspiring. From the cheers at the starting line to the laughter and connection throughout the day, you showed what it means to come together for something meaningful.

Donations are still welcome

Every contribution helps us move closer to a future where everyone belongs.

Keep an Eye Out for Lauren Simpson!

You’ll be seeing Lauren - one of Harmony’s future residents - featured across the community in bus bench ads, newspapers, and all the places that matter. Her story is at the heart of this campaign, and we’re proud to share it. Want to help us reach our goal?

Whether it’s a donation, a connection, or simply sharing our campaign on social media, every action counts. Together, we can make Harmony a reality.

From all of us at UNITI - thank you for walking and rolling with us.

October 02, 20925

Dogs On The Promenade

It’s October which means dogs are now permitted on-leash at the promenade!

When you visit the waterfront with your furry friend, ensure they are on a leash no longer than 2 metres, and don’t forget to clean up after them.

For more details about dogs in White Rock, visit https://gmail.com/53e4mvje.

Proposed Affordable Housing Development

BC Housing, in partnership with the City of Surrey and Fraser Health, is proposing to build 260 new homes on two lots located in Semiahmoo Town Centre, at 15238 19th Avenue and 1880 152nd Street. This project is an important part of our continued effort to address and prevent homelessness in the community and improve access to health services, including mental health and substance-use services.

The mixed-use development would include:

· 200 affordable studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes (TBD)

· 40 supportive studio homes

· 20 studio homes with Complex Care Housing (CCH) services

BC Housing will design an attractive, welcoming building that fits into the local neighbourhood.

Learn more about this project below or by visiting letstalkhousingbc.ca/surrey-semiahmoo-town-centre

Drop-In Community Information Session
We are inviting neighbours, local businesses and other interested community members to join us for a drop-in community information session to learn more about this project.

· Date: Thursday, October 16

· Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm

· Venue: Gymnasium at 1739 148 St, Surrey, BC V4A 4M6

· Register: Semiahmoo_Town_Centre_Open_House.eventbrite.ca.

Registration is not required but preferred for planning purposes.

Affordable rental housing
This building would provide 200 new rental homes for low- and moderate-income households in Surrey prioritizing seniors, people with disabilities and families. Residents would need to meet income and household size criteria and be able to live independently without on-site supports.

Supportive housing
The 40 supportive homes in this building would be studio apartments for local adults (19+) including seniors and people with disabilities or any others who need supports to maintain stable housing. All residents pay rent and sign program agreements. Typical supports include 24/7 staffing, meal programs, life skills and employment training and on-site wellness services, including referral pathways to substance-use treatment and recovery.

Complex Care Housing (CCH)
CCH offers a similar environment to supportive housing but with enhanced health, cultural, and social supports that are tailored to residents’ individual needs and goals. CCH residents are adults (19+) of all genders living with overlapping mental health and/or substance use challenges and other health needs. CCH residents can benefit from various supports to maintain stable housing. In CCH, Fraser Health will deliver on–site health services seven-days-a-week. These supports are available to residents for as long as they need.

Non-profit housing operator
BC Housing will select an experienced non-profit housing operator through a fair and open process to manage the entire building and provide support services to residents, including daily meals, life skills training, and social, cultural and recreational programs.

Stay in touch
BC Housing and the City of Surrey will continue to reach out to area neighbours with updates and keep lines of communication open throughout this project. We look forward to celebrating these new homes with the community.

Keep up to date about this project and view our Community FAQ by visiting letstalkhousingbc.ca/surrey-semiahmoo-town-centre or by scanning the QR code. Note: This webpage will be published on September 12, 2025.

If you have any questions about this proposed development or would like to be added to our contact list for future project updates, please email communityrelations@bchousing.org

Whale of a Time In Semiahmoo Bay

Submitted by SUZI LORI

I wanna give you guys a little update on our whale, who has now officially been in our bay for 13 straight days. It was first seen the morning of Sept 19th off west beach, and again that evening by a group of paddle-boarders, myself included, and it has basically been seen every single day since, Friday Sept 19th to yesterday, October 1st.

Today (Thursday ) will officially be two weeks of it feeding in our bay.

The obvious speculation was that it was a gray whale, who know our bay well from frequenting here in the spring and who was likely fueling up for a few days before the big migration south. Also to note, researchers in the Salish Sea have confirmed that not all of our gray whale population is migrating, some are staying back here now in the winter. So.. okay maybe this was a gray whale who was not going to migrate and just stay here and eat? The bait balls of fish out in the bay right now are huge!! It’s a feast out there.

A little back story about me, I’m obsessed with whales. I’ve spent time with easily over 100+ humpbacks, I have their swimming pattern, their feeding pattern, their body shape and size, their blow, quite literally everything about them memorized and engraved in my brain- they are my favorite animal in the entire world. Immediately to me, this whale was not a humpback. It’s not doing anything that humpbacks do or that I’ve ever seen in my time with humpbacks. By about day two of seeing this thing I had narrowed it down that it wasn’t a humpback. By about day 3-4 I started highly questioning if this thing was even a gray whale. I’ve spent time with about 20 gray whales now in the last few years, from the two who frequent our bay here in Semiahmoo (CRC-2383 and CRC-2557), to ones that frequent off of Victoria, to “Little Patch” who spent a lot of time this spring off West Vancouver, to lots of gray whales out off Tofino. I have videos and photos of them all.

This whale in our bay certainly is not surfacing, swimming or feeding like a gray whale.

I remember seeing two different posts from September 15th just south of our bay by the San Juan Islands in the U.S., they spotted and photographed a fin whale.. the rare, endangered, second largest whale in the world.

I thought to myself.. could this be??? But I tried not to let my mind wander there. Fin whales generally live very far offshore and aren’t spotted over here often.

But one was.. a few days before this whale arrived.

I immersed myself into learning everything there is to learn about fin whales, I stay up late at night obsessing, reading research papers about them and watching footage of them. Could this be? Could this actually be a fin whale? I allowed myself add a fin whale into my official list of suspicions as to what this whale could be.

Several whale experts are now starting to think this may actually be the fin whale. Again, we don’t know for sure because it’s so elusive, incredibly hard to photograph or video..

If anyone has videos/photos of this whale’s body coming out of the water, please send them over.

editor@whiterocksun.com

Pier Lighting Requests Now Open

Pier lighting applications are now open for 2026, and community non-profit groups are invited to submit their requests from October 1 to November 30, 2025.

The Pier features coloured lights that enhances the beauty of the waterfront and celebrates annual occasions and/or builds awareness for registered not-for profit (NPO) causes that are important to the White Rock community and its visitors.

To apply: submit your application online.

Review the White Rock Pier lighting policy to ensure your request aligns with the guidelines.

Please note: Applicants will be notified in January if their application has been approved. Applications will only be accepted during the designated intake period. Requests submitted outside of October 1 to November 30, 2025, will not be considered.

September 29, 2025

Congratulations

SUSAN BAINS and ANTHONY MANNING Saturday evening were elected to the two vacant seats on White Rock Council. It will be a one year term for the two new councillors.,

The province wider general election for the next four year term occurs in October 2026.

The two newly elected council members will be officially sworn in and take their seats at the council table Monday October 20, 2025 @ 4 P.M.,

(Read Past New Stories

TNT The Naked Truth

Don Pitcairn

Monday October 06, 2025

Cop Shop Talk

Slowly but surely the Surrey Police Service are taking over policing from the RCMP for the City of Surrey. As of late July, the SPS began servicing the area south of the Serpentine River west of 152 St. to Hwy. 99 and west of Hwy. 99 south to the Canada/USA border at the Peace Arch Crossing. This includes the Semiahmoo First Nation while excluding the City of White Rock where the RCMP will remain the police of jurisdiction (POJ). For the other areas of South Surrey east of this area, the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) will continue patrolling and responding to calls. In 2026 the SPS plans to take over policing in Cloverdale as they continue to expand their operations to eventually take over all of the City of Surrey. For more information on Surrey’s continuing policing transition, visit www.surreypolice.ca/policing-transition.

BILL HAWKE photo

Where You Can Vacation And Be Home The Same Day

Night Owl

Checking out the live music listings this week locally.

The ever popular RANJ SINGH returns to White Rock's MORRISON'S CAFE.

Local News

October 08, 2025

Monday White Rock Council Recap

Council Summary – October 6, 2025, Council Meeting

Question And Answer Period

All Question and Answer Period submissions and their responses can be viewed on the City website.

Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries In Your Home

Council received a report sharing information about Fire Prevention Week, October 5 – 11, 2025, and White Rock Fire Rescue’s plans to support this initiative with a local campaign focused on educating the public about the safe purchase, charging, and use of lithium-ion batteries.

Governance And Next Steps For Tourism White Rock

Council directed staff to:

Contact the Chamber’s Acting Executive Director to confirm willingness to serve on the TWRA Board, and if they can attend, the City would hold the 2025 AGM, restoring compliance with the Societies Act; and,

Bring forward Bylaw amendments to broaden the Chamber-specific board requirement to include the future “Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.”

This would ensure legal compliance, continuity, and retention of TWRA’s ability to utilize $100K annual Google Ads grant.

What We Heard Report #3 (Phase Iii Engagement) – OCP Update 2025

Accessibility Advisory Committee:

Council approved the installation of signage at the beginning, middle and end of the Pier Mat to indicating that the mat has been installed for use by individuals with accessibility needs.

Public Art Advisory Committee:

Council approved a staff investigation into the feasibility of including a gymnasium within the Community Hub.

Bylaws Receiving Final Reading

The following bylaws were given final reading and approval at the meeting:

Bylaw 2485: A Development Procedures Bylaw which establishes procedures for processing development applications, to issue permits under Part 14 of the Local Government Act, and for the referral of liquor and cannabis licence applications.

With the new Development Procedure Bylaw, several other bylaws needed to be updated (all receiving final reading), including Bylaw 2550 (City of White Rock Tree Protection Bylaw) and Bylaw 2551 (White Rock Council Board of Variance Bylaw).

Bylaw 2548: A bylaw to amend the White Rock Zoning Bylaw in relation to on-site parking requirements for Small Scale Multi Unit Housing (SSMUH).

Bylaw 2552: A bylaw to amend the 2025 Fees and Charges Bylaw in relation to Schedule A – Planning and Development Services Fees. The amendment will reflect the fees for new application types, and the updated application rates for the City to charge the updated fees.

Bylaw 2555 (Centre for Active Living) and Bylaw 2556 (White Rock Business Improvement Association): Bylaws to provide an exemption from municipal property taxes under section 224 of the Community Charter.

Inaugural Council Meeting

Following the September 27, 2025, By-Election, two (2) new members of Council will be sworn in at the October 20, 2025, Regular Council meeting – Susan Bains and Anthony Manning. To view the full results from the By-Election, visit our website: elections@whiterockcity.ca

The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, and will be held in the Gallery Room at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave, White Rock) at 4:00 p.m.

(click here to read Monday's agenda)

October 07, 2025

Free outdoor skating rink coming to Surrey Civic Plaza

Residents and visitors can lace up for free outdoor skating this winter at the new 4,000-square-foot rink at Surrey Civic Plaza. The rink will debut during the City’s Tree Lighting Festival on November 22–23 and operate for 12 weeks as a pilot project.

Skaters will find a welcoming atmosphere with food trucks, hot chocolate, comfortable seating, and on-site staff providing skate and helmet rentals and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all.

As a pilot, the rink will help the City evaluate programming, attendance, and economic benefits in support of Council’s broader City Centre activation strategy. Additional details, including hours and programming, will be shared in early November.

Crescent Rock Beach Naturists Monday October 06, 2025

Crescent Rock Beach Naturists Monday October 06, 2025

Another day in paradise, 28 C in the shade most of the day.

Police Investigate Shots Fired

Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers are investigating an overnight shots fired incident that has resulted in property damage to a South Surrey business.

Officers remain on scene and will be examining the area for physical and digital evidence.

October 04, 2025

White Rock RCMP Investigating Stranger Assault

White Rock RCMP is investigating following the report of an assault and requesting anyone who has information to contact police.

On Thursday October 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., White Rock RCMP received a report of a Sexual Assault that occurred around the stairs located in the 14900-block of Prospect Avenue.

It was reported that around 10:00 a.m. the victim was punched and groped prior to the suspect fleeing southbound through the park. The victim sustained minor physical injuries.

The investigation is in the early stages and being led by White Rock RCMP General Investigation Section. Based on the initial information investigators believe that this was an unprovoked assault.

The Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS) attended the location where the incident occurred to process the scene. Investigators are in the area canvassing for witnesses and video.

The suspect is described as 30 to 40 year-old Caucasian man, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, Khaki pants and white shoes.

“Given the violent nature of this assault, we are encouraging members of our community to exercise vigilance while our investigators work to identify and locate the suspect,” says, White Rock RCMP Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant Rob Dixon.

Anyone who was in the area and has dash camera footage or CCTV from the area is asked to call the White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.

Thank you for Walking & Rolling with us!

We Walked, We Rolled, We Celebrated Community

Thanks to your generosity, we’be already raised $118,000 to support inclusive housing at Harmony.

Donations are still welcome

Every contribution helps us move closer to a future where everyone belongs.

Keep an Eye Out for Lauren Simpson!

You’ll be seeing Lauren - one of Harmony’s future residents - featured across the community in bus bench ads, newspapers, and all the places that matter. Her story is at the heart of this campaign, and we’re proud to share it. Want to help us reach our goal?﻿

Whether it’s a donation, a connection, or simply sharing our campaign on social media, every action counts. Together, we can make Harmony a reality.

From all of us at UNITI - thank you for walking and rolling with us.

October 02, 20925

Dogs On The Promenade

It’s October which means dogs are now permitted on-leash at the promenade!

When you visit the waterfront with your furry friend, ensure they are on a leash no longer than 2 metres, and don’t forget to clean up after them.

For more details about dogs in White Rock, visit https://gmail.com/53e4mvje.

Proposed Affordable Housing Development

The mixed-use development would include:

· 200 affordable studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes (TBD)

· 40 supportive studio homes

· 20 studio homes with Complex Care Housing (CCH) services

BC Housing will design an attractive, welcoming building that fits into the local neighbourhood.

Learn more about this project below or by visiting letstalkhousingbc.ca/surrey-semiahmoo-town-centre

Drop-In Community Information Session We are inviting neighbours, local businesses and other interested community members to join us for a drop-in community information session to learn more about this project.

· Date: Thursday, October 16

· Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm

· Venue: Gymnasium at 1739 148 St, Surrey, BC V4A 4M6

You’ll be seeing Lauren - one of Harmony’s future residents - featured across the community in bus bench ads, newspapers, and all the places that matter. Her story is at the heart of this campaign, and we’re proud to share it. Want to help us reach our goal?

Drop-In Community Information Session
We are inviting neighbours, local businesses and other interested community members to join us for a drop-in community information session to learn more about this project.