High-rises a contentious issue in White Rock’s election

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WHITE ROCK (NEWS 1130) – In the sleepy ocean-side community of White Rock, the municipal election is essentially boiling down to one big issue: How much growth do the people want to see, and how fast do they want to see it?

It’s a contentious question in the city, and has divided the people living there.

For example, White Rock recently broke ground on three, 24-storey condo-towers. While some welcome new housing options, others are pushing back, saying high-rises aren’t the right fit for the community of about 20,000 people.

Some are even calling for a moratorium on high-rises.

Ritu Khanna, the executive director of the South Surrey/White Rock Chamber of Commerce, says change is coming too quickly for some.

“It’s been kind of this quaint, seaside little town. I think growth and development is inevitable, and I think it’s actually good for the city and community — and I think there’s just concern about the pace of it.”

Wayne Baldwin is the outgoing mayor of White Rock. He’s not seeking re-election after serving two terms.

He says with a lack of land-space in the community, there really is no choice but to build up.

“There’s going to be people that want to come here. And if you deny them the opportunity to come here by virtue of the fact you don’t have the accommodation for them, that will mean prices are going to go up. And if prices go up, that’s going to make it very, very difficult for anybody to purchase land here now because it’s extremely expensive already.”

Khanna agrees affordability is a major concern, especially for seniors.

Another issue in White Rock is Rail Safety.

The city is well-known for the trains that rumble through town, and Khanna says there has been a push to reduce the frequency of them, and to take a closer look at the types of materials they’re hauling.

There’s also been a call for more transparency from council. For example: Fewer closed-door meetings and better communication with residents and the business community.

Six people are vying for the mayor’s chair in White Rock, while 22 are looking for a seat on the six-person council. One school trustee will be elected.

Listen live to NEWS 1130 on Saturday, Oct. 20 starting 7 p.m. for complete election coverage with #CityVote2018.

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