We are writing on behalf of a growing group of concerned residents and members of the business community in White Rock to formally announce the launch of a petition to amalgamate the City of White Rock into the City of Surrey.

This decision comes only after multiple failed attempts to seek transparency, fairness, and responsible governance from our current city leadership. Our requests for answers have too often been met with silence, avoidance, or intimidation — not the transparency and accountability that residents of any city deserve.

Key concerns driving this initiative include:

• Lack of Transparency and Double Standards in Tree-Cutting Policies

Despite repeated inquiries, there has been no response from council or staff regarding the clear double standard in tree removal rules — one set for residents, and another for city operations.

• Ignored Objections on Taxation and Development on Unceded Indigenous Lands

Multiple emails raising objections under the BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) have gone unanswered, with no engagement or clarification from the City.

• Targeted Communication Blockage

Emails from local resident and business leader — have been systematically blocked by city staff and council for raising legitimate governance issues.

• Intimidation Through Legal Threats

Rather than addressing questions, the City issued threatening legal correspondence — a deeply troubling response in a democratic society where citizens must be free to question their government.

• Disproportionate Legal Expenditures

White Rock’s legal costs are nearly double those of Surrey, despite our much smaller population (15,000–21,000 vs. Surrey’s 600,000+), with no adequate explanation.

• Lack of Oversight in Extended Contracts

The City has continued its contract with Extended Health Coverage for over 42 years without review, reassessment, or competitive bidding, contrary to best practices.

• Unjustified Increases in Property Insurance Costs

City property insurance expenses have jumped from $147,137 to $490,026 — far beyond the 30–40% increases in other municipalities — with no public accountability.

• Severe Delays in Business Permitting

Multiple business owners report waiting one to two years to receive basic permits or licenses to operate. These unnecessary delays not only hurt local entrepreneurs but also drive economic activity — and jobs — out of White Rock.

• Increase in Property taxes 108% since 2018

Since 2018, White Rock residents have faced an astonishing 109% increase in taxes- a burden far exceeding reasonable growth or inflation. Now, the draft plan 2025-2029 Financial Plan appears to stretch beyond the city's mandate, imposing further strain on taxpayers.

These repeated failures in governance, fiscal responsibility, and public transparency have eroded public confidence. Many residents believe our city’s small administrative framework is ill-equipped to deliver modern, efficient governance. 

Why Amalgamation with Surrey Makes Sense

Surrey’s larger and more robust administrative systems already have mechanisms in place to promote transparency, enforce accountability, and efficiently deliver public services. By joining Surrey, White Rock residents could benefit from:

Faster, more efficient business permitting processes.
Improved public services, including transportation, infrastructure, healthcare access, and recreational amenities.
More efficient use of tax dollars through economies of scale.
Greater economic resilience through a larger tax base and unified strategic planning.

Potentially reduced administrative overhead, lowering the burden on taxpayers.

Cities across Canada that have undergone similar amalgamations have seen improved fiscal health, better service delivery, and stronger economic growth. Surrey’s proven ability to execute large-scale community projects demonstrates what is possible when governance is modern, efficient, and accountable.

Join us in supporting the petition to amalgamate White Rock with Surrey — for a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous future for our community.

Sincerely,
Concerned Residents and Business Leaders of White Rock
On behalf of the petition to amalgamate with the City of Surrey