Editor:
I was most interested to read, on returning from my vacation, the exchange regarding the possibility of White Rock absorbing South Surrey, or vice versa.
Interested, because I and a number of others have been quietly discussing this possibility for the last year or so.
There are, of course, many issues, not the least of which is, would the provincial government support such a realignment of municipal boundaries?
Many of the issues raised, however, are red herrings – the effectiveness of existing council, etc.
My own approach to this issue is to look at the fundamental demographics of the situation.
The City of Surrey is considered by many to be much too large and diverse to well represent the needs and aspirations of South Surrey residents and businesses. At the same time, White Rock is seen by many as too small and poorly managed to be viable on its own.
What most businesses and organizations have concluded is that it is the Semiahmoo Peninsula that forms a natural and viable community. Many businesses operate on a Peninsula-wide basis and take advantage of the cachet of the White Rock name to differentiate their Peninsula-based operations from the rest of Surrey.
Similarly, arts and charitable organizations, who often need support from their local municipality, are required to juggle the requirements of two cities, even though the serve one natural community – the Peninsula.
I doubt very many people would seriously suggest that White Rock absorb South Surrey. However, the proper alternative is not that Surrey absorb White Rock. Rather, it is that we create a new municipality that encompasses White Rock and South Surrey i.e. the Semiahmoo Peninsula and its environs.
This would indeed be a nicely sized and “natural” municipal entity.
Clearly, the City of Surrey would have great problems with this, as might some elements in White Rock.
If it were possible to conduct a referendum of the residents and businesses of the affected areas it is quite likely, in my opinion, that they would wish to see the creation of a city on the Peninsula, whatever it came to be named.
Clearly, this will take huge effort on the part of our citizens and businesses and the involvement and support of the provincial government. I hope we will consider this in the months and years ahead.
Geoff Giffin, White Rock
