White Rock is known for its unique waterfront, vibrant neighbourhoods, and strong sense of community. We want to hear from you about the types of businesses and services you would like to see in White Rock.
Your ideas can help inform future economic development initiatives and identify opportunities to strengthen our local business community.
Community Input
Share your thoughts by completing the feedback form below.
Feedback can be submitted from August 10 to 31, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.
White Rock is known for its unique waterfront, vibrant neighbourhoods, and strong sense of community. We want to hear from you about the types of businesses and services you would like to see in White Rock.
Your ideas can help inform future economic development initiatives and identify opportunities to strengthen our local business community.
Community Input
Share your thoughts by completing the feedback form below.
Feedback can be submitted from August 10 to 31, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.
What types of businesses would you like to see in White Rock?
Share your ideas in the feedback form below.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Cinnamon bun shop on Marine Dr would draw in business all year round benefitting other businesses. Both Ladysmith and Squamish have done it and it's quite normal to see long lineups along the street in Ladysmith. Drivers in NB will take detours to try out the famous Cinnamon buns in a little town called Alma. Canadians love their Cinnamon buns. No other pastries allowed, just Cinnamon buns. You could hold a contest for the best bun and the winner might get a break on the cost of their 2nd year lease.
woman of the world
About 2 months ago
A high-quality children’s activity and enrichment centre with a clean, beautiful indoor play space for younger children, as well as structured programs such as art, music, dance, STEM, and language classes for school-aged children.
KM
About 2 months ago
Agree with JMN.. do you seriously think that there is enough demand for just Indian restaurants in White Rock.? Vape shops as well. Bring back a nice tapas style place like Bin 101, miss it.. West coast cuisine, a dab of European.. overdone with other influences.
TG
About 2 months ago
It’s fine just as it is but permit processing must be completed faster. It’s very hard for businesses to survive the process as it is put yourself in their place just money down the drain. What a way to start a relationship.
Ron
About 2 months ago
More thrift stores! Lean into these types of second hand/consignment/refurbished/recycled type stores along 152/Johnston Rd.
AR
About 2 months ago
Please, please, PLEASE more options with restaurants on the beach strip than Indian ones. Saturated with the same types of restaurants. Also, Uptown is littered with vape shops. What is going on!!!????
JMN
About 2 months ago
I have always advocated (also during the 7 years on the W/R Economic Development Committee) that White Rock should push for more medical related businesses in White Rock. The proximity to the US is an additional important factor also expanding on the number of medical businesses already located in W/R
Graham Cameron
About 2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
Arturo
About 2 months ago
We need a wider variety of types of restaurants at the beach (way too many Indian ones now) - council should be able to have more say in what opens there, as well as put a reasonable cap on rents so more can survive. Small cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, sandwich deli, family friendly restaurants, bookstore, and clothing/gift boutiques would be great to revitalize the area. Continue with the special events such as the night markets, concerts, and dancing at the pier, and add more! As for uptown, please no more vape or cannabis shops! Offering a unique way to transport people from uptown to the waterfront (such as free shuttles or a funicular) would help make White Rock a destination city year round.
LMB
About 2 months ago
firstly we need to know the vision the city has for the future. The development debacle of current council is not helpful. Some comments point towards looking at other towns to find an attractive mix of stores and industry based upon crafts and unique items. More e-bikes and scooters for rental use is a no as the streets are not capable of handling this. we don't need more impacts to safety. The comments on diversity are pertinent in the overall discussion, however with the restaurant sector being a difficult one to sustain, one would suggest less restaurants and more attractive shopping. Yet again, traffic and parking are both issues.The waterfront is a disaster too much traffic, too small sideways by the shops and no room for patios. The area near the mall has some good attractions with breweries, bakeries and so on. Considering having June to Labour Day as no vehicles and pedestrianizing Johnson from 16th to 5 corners and free parking would be an interesting review.
Tog
About 2 months ago
I want to see businesses that are so popular elsewhere in the lower mainland that they have lineups outside their door. Places like Anton‘s pasta on East Hastings and the hive donut hut on Fraser Highway in ALDERGROVE. Cactus Club, Earls, Mr. Sub etc
Shields
About 2 months ago
Stop raising taxes try cutting back on non essential spending cut the rates on water they are out of control water. You told us taxes would not go up with these highrises but that has never happened! Why build a new wharf when you drive businesses away with high taxes! Thes are the questions you should be asking!!!!
Boo who
About 2 months ago
As a longtime resident of White Rock I would like to return to the unique character it once was. The beautiful and scenic waterfront with a diverse selection of specialty restaurants and shops is disappearing - replaced by food trucks? And who wants to eat there after a walk with noisy motorcycles gunning their motors in the summer. "Uptown", how many more vape shops, nail bars and hearing aid businesses do we need? I don't see White Rock as vibrant and attractive, just crowded and noisy with traffic snarls at almost every corner. Of course the high rise development has changed the character of our city. But to retain our unique flavor why not focus on upgrading the remaining buildings that look so run down and focus on enticing a variety of businesses instead of just more of the same old same old! Maybe look at the list of what was once there 🤔 Maybe enough time has been spent on high rise development!!
Sandra Lumb
About 2 months ago
When I was a kid in the late ‘60s, our family lived in White Rock for about 5 years. Businesses that were then on the west side of Marine Drive that are no longer there, that I miss, include a pharmacy, a nice bakery, and a convenience store with basic groceries. At that time, the brick building across from the pier was still a post office, which was very handy for those people who lived down the hill. Also, the pier used to have a little restaurant attached, and something like it might be worth considering as part of the upcoming major renovation of the pier. (I visited England last year, and piers in seaside towns like Bournemouth commonly have restaurants attached.)
Remember When …
About 2 months ago
Services - free garbage pickup for any stratified property
Businesses - anything non-Indian
Adam
About 2 months ago
Too many empty beach storefronts looking grungy. The whole beach needs a facelift. Fresh colourful paint & repairs much needed. Better mix of shops & eats. How about local artisan shops and a deli with fresh sandwiches where you can put together your own picnic basket. Let’s get a a cozy inviting beach feel happening.
Susie-Q
About 2 months ago
I would like to see a mix of successful businesses no matter their size, product or service offered. Tax hikes this year on commercial property in WR were over 11%. How is that justified and how does it encourage business retention or growth? We’ve asked for explanations from city hall, the WR BIA and Peace Arch News. So far there’s been a cone of silence. Our current Mayor implied that residents and businesses alike must make hard choices. I agree but where is the leadership from city hall to cut, amalgamate, utilize new technology or change? Adding staff (salary, benefits and pensions) seems to be the direction while local businesses pay a heavy price on top of the uncertainties inherent in business ownership and operation. Without a robust commercial and business district, WR offers fewer reasons to live and shop here. We don’t find the boom or bust environment on the waterfront appealing with a narrowing focus of eateries. I miss the days of great bowl of clam chowder.
C Hodson
About 2 months ago
A more diverse selection of restaurants and boutiques
Ken
About 2 months ago
Any food that is not East Indian food. There are no Asian restaurants in White Rock we also need Asian grocery stores like T&T. If you check the White Rock facebook page, people are always looking for a good Chinese restaurant. Most people just drive to Richmond. Marine Drive looks terrible with the closed stores, plus you should be trying to help business down there during the winter months.
Time for Change
About 2 months ago
Restaurants, shops, cafes, small family owned one-offs. A wider walk way would be great too, allow more space for little children and dogs. Maybe one big restaurant like a Cactus club, but it’s so nice to have smaller spots like Ulis or Zapoteca. A couple more options and more diversity would be great, vientnamese, Thai, Asian fusion, seafood, Italian, Greek, etc. Probably all good for money laundering… er ice cream shops though
Businesses in White Rock is currently at this stage
Contributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review. The project team will report back on key outcomes.
Final report
this is an upcoming stage for Businesses in White Rock
The final outcomes of the consultation are documented here. This may include a summary of all contributions collected as well as recommendations for future action.
Cinnamon bun shop on Marine Dr would draw in business all year round benefitting other businesses. Both Ladysmith and Squamish have done it and it's quite normal to see long lineups along the street in Ladysmith. Drivers in NB will take detours to try out the famous Cinnamon buns in a little town called Alma. Canadians love their Cinnamon buns. No other pastries allowed, just Cinnamon buns. You could hold a contest for the best bun and the winner might get a break on the cost of their 2nd year lease.
A high-quality children’s activity and enrichment centre with a clean, beautiful indoor play space for younger children, as well as structured programs such as art, music, dance, STEM, and language classes for school-aged children.
Agree with JMN.. do you seriously think that there is enough demand for just Indian restaurants in White Rock.? Vape shops as well. Bring back a nice tapas style place like Bin 101, miss it.. West coast cuisine, a dab of European.. overdone with other influences.
It’s fine just as it is but permit processing must be completed faster. It’s very hard for businesses to survive the process as it is put yourself in their place just money down the drain. What a way to start a relationship.
More thrift stores! Lean into these types of second hand/consignment/refurbished/recycled type stores along 152/Johnston Rd.
Please, please, PLEASE more options with restaurants on the beach strip than Indian ones. Saturated with the same types of restaurants. Also, Uptown is littered with vape shops. What is going on!!!????
I have always advocated (also during the 7 years on the W/R Economic Development Committee) that White Rock should push for more medical related businesses in White Rock. The proximity to the US is an additional important factor also expanding on the number of medical businesses already located in W/R
Removed by moderator.
We need a wider variety of types of restaurants at the beach (way too many Indian ones now) - council should be able to have more say in what opens there, as well as put a reasonable cap on rents so more can survive. Small cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, sandwich deli, family friendly restaurants, bookstore, and clothing/gift boutiques would be great to revitalize the area. Continue with the special events such as the night markets, concerts, and dancing at the pier, and add more! As for uptown, please no more vape or cannabis shops! Offering a unique way to transport people from uptown to the waterfront (such as free shuttles or a funicular) would help make White Rock a destination city year round.
firstly we need to know the vision the city has for the future. The development debacle of current council is not helpful. Some comments point towards looking at other towns to find an attractive mix of stores and industry based upon crafts and unique items. More e-bikes and scooters for rental use is a no as the streets are not capable of handling this. we don't need more impacts to safety. The comments on diversity are pertinent in the overall discussion, however with the restaurant sector being a difficult one to sustain, one would suggest less restaurants and more attractive shopping. Yet again, traffic and parking are both issues.The waterfront is a disaster too much traffic, too small sideways by the shops and no room for patios. The area near the mall has some good attractions with breweries, bakeries and so on. Considering having June to Labour Day as no vehicles and pedestrianizing Johnson from 16th to 5 corners and free parking would be an interesting review.
I want to see businesses that are so popular elsewhere in the lower mainland that they have lineups outside their door. Places like Anton‘s pasta on East Hastings and the hive donut hut on Fraser Highway in ALDERGROVE. Cactus Club, Earls, Mr. Sub etc
Stop raising taxes try cutting back on non essential spending cut the rates on water they are out of control water. You told us taxes would not go up with these highrises but that has never happened! Why build a new wharf when you drive businesses away with high taxes! Thes are the questions you should be asking!!!!
As a longtime resident of White Rock I would like to return to the unique character it once was. The beautiful and scenic waterfront with a diverse selection of specialty restaurants and shops is disappearing - replaced by food trucks? And who wants to eat there after a walk with noisy motorcycles gunning their motors in the summer.
"Uptown", how many more vape shops, nail bars and hearing aid businesses do we need? I don't see White Rock as vibrant and attractive, just crowded and noisy with traffic snarls at almost every corner.
Of course the high rise development has changed the character of our city. But to retain our unique flavor why not focus on upgrading the remaining buildings that look so run down and focus on enticing a variety of businesses instead of just more of the same old same old! Maybe look at the list of what was once there 🤔 Maybe enough time has been spent on high rise development!!
When I was a kid in the late ‘60s, our family lived in White Rock for about 5 years. Businesses that were then on the west side of Marine Drive that are no longer there, that I miss, include a pharmacy, a nice bakery, and a convenience store with basic groceries. At that time, the brick building across from the pier was still a post office, which was very handy for those people who lived down the hill. Also, the pier used to have a little restaurant attached, and something like it might be worth considering as part of the upcoming major renovation of the pier. (I visited England last year, and piers in seaside towns like Bournemouth commonly have restaurants attached.)
Services - free garbage pickup for any stratified property
Businesses - anything non-Indian
Too many empty beach storefronts looking grungy. The whole beach needs a facelift. Fresh colourful paint & repairs much needed. Better mix of shops & eats. How about local artisan shops and a deli with fresh sandwiches where you can put together your own picnic basket. Let’s get a a cozy inviting beach feel happening.
I would like to see a mix of successful businesses no matter their size, product or service offered. Tax hikes this year on commercial property in WR were over 11%. How is that justified and how does it encourage business retention or growth? We’ve asked for explanations from city hall, the WR BIA and Peace Arch News. So far there’s been a cone of silence. Our current Mayor implied that residents and businesses alike must make hard choices. I agree but where is the leadership from city hall to cut, amalgamate, utilize new technology or change? Adding staff (salary, benefits and pensions) seems to be the direction while local businesses pay a heavy price on top of the uncertainties inherent in business ownership and operation. Without a robust commercial and business district, WR offers fewer reasons to live and shop here. We don’t find the boom or bust environment on the waterfront appealing with a narrowing focus of eateries. I miss the days of great bowl of clam chowder.
A more diverse selection of restaurants and boutiques
Any food that is not East Indian food. There are no Asian restaurants in White Rock we also need Asian grocery stores like T&T. If you check the White Rock facebook page, people are always looking for a good Chinese restaurant. Most people just drive to Richmond. Marine Drive looks terrible with the closed stores, plus you should be trying to help business down there during the winter months.
Restaurants, shops, cafes, small family owned one-offs. A wider walk way would be great too, allow more space for little children and dogs. Maybe one big restaurant like a Cactus club, but it’s so nice to have smaller spots like Ulis or Zapoteca. A couple more options and more diversity would be great, vientnamese, Thai, Asian fusion, seafood, Italian, Greek, etc.
Probably all good for money laundering… er ice cream shops though