White Rock

White Rock, which gets its name from the large white granite boulder on its beach, started as a resort community for residents of New Westminster and Vancouver. With the completion of the Great Northern coastal line, easy access from New Westminster via the railway resulted in the development of both White Rock and Crescent Beach as vacation destinations.

Originally part of Surrey, much of the area around White Rock was forested and undeveloped. In the 1950’s northern Surrey experienced rapid growth, necessitating an increase in spending to that region. White Rock felt that it was not being properly served by the City of Surrey and so applied for a special Provincial warrant establishing it as a separate city. In 1957, the City of White Rock was incorporated.

Since that time development has been significant, both for South Surrey and White Rock. White Rock has gone from being a sleepy little resort community to a city that attracts residents for its ocean views and warm, sunny climate. The South Surrey area has also seen extensive development with the building of residential subdivisions as well as the infrastructure to support that, so much so that it now completely surrounds White Rock and it is impossible to distinguish one from the other except by the street names.

The boundaries between White Rock and Surrey are Bergstrom Road (136 Street) to the west, North Bluff Road (16 Avenue) to the north, Stayte Road (160 Street) to the east, and Marine Drive (8 Avenue to the south). The area south of 8 Avenue from Stayte Road westward to where 8 Avenue meets the water is the Semiahmoo Indian Reserve and lies within the bounds of the City of Surrey (though it is governed separately).

WHITE ROCK QUICK FACTS:

Shopping:

• Peninsula Shopping Centre
• Semiahmoo Mall
• White Rock Promenade

Library:    Fraser Valley Regional Library

Schools:

• Peace Arch Elementary
• Ray Shepherd Elementary
• White Rock Elementary (Intensive Fine Arts K-7)
• Earl Marriott Secondary (Grades 8 – 12, Advanced Placement, EMS Advanced Hockey Academy Program, Program for Athletes and Performing Artists)
• Elgin Park Secondary (Grades 8 – 12, Advanced Placement, Hockey Canada Skills Academy)
• Semiahmoo Secondary (Grades 8 – 12, International Baccalaureate)

Beaches/Parks:

• Centennial Park
• East Beach
• White Rock Pier
• White Rock Beach

NEIGHBOURHOODS

Four neighbourhoods make up the City of White Rock: East Beach, the Hillside, western White Rock, and uptown.

East Beach is located roughly between Best Street (154^th) and Stayte (160^th), south of Buena Vista (13^th). This is a very eclectic neighbourhood with a “funky” feel to it. Many of the homes have lovely views, primarily to the east and west. There are a number of condos in the neighbourhood as well as restaurants for local dining.

The Hillside is the section of White Rock overlooking the promenade and pier. Homes in this area tend to have great views south of Semiahmoo Bay. Homes range from small, oldtimer cottages to large multi-million dollar mansions – although more and more the cottages are being torn down and replaced with larger houses. There are a number of condos and townhouse developments in this area. Lots in both East Beach and the Hillside tend to be small, less than 5000 sq ft.

The beachfront along Marine Drive in the Hillside area is famous for its boardwalk, the White Rock Pier, and the numerous shops and restaurants. The beach in East Beach is accessed through native lands.

The western side of White Rock lies approximately between Bergstrom (136^th) and High Street, south of North Bluff Road (16^th). This is a much more residential neighbourhood made up primarily of single family homes. The lots typically range between 5000 and 10000 sq ft. Homes may or may not have a view depending upon their location. Properties on the bluff side of Marine Drive have spectacular views.

White Rock is home to many condominiums and some townhouses, especially attractive to seniors downsizing from houses and wanting to enjoy the sunny, warmer weather common to the peninsula. Many of these condos are located in the uptown area of White Rock, with the newest being the high-rise Miramar development. This is also where many of White Rock’s shops and services are located, including Peace Arch Hospital.