What We've Heard So Far - April 2025

Introduction

The City of White Rock is committed to engaging residents, stakeholders, and community organizations in meaningful dialogue as we explore the future of a new Community Hub. Before the launch of our full Community Survey Series, we have received a range of early feedback through emails, phone calls, resident meetings, letters, and informal discussions.

This "What We've Heard So Far" summary captures the early themes and concerns expressed by community members to date. It is important to note that this feedback represents a partial snapshot of community perspectives, primarily from residents who have proactively reached out. Broader community input will be gathered through the upcoming surveys and engagement activities starting at the end of April.

To support ongoing communication and transparency, we have established a dedicated email address communityhub@whiterockcity.ca and created dedicated pages on the City website for regular updates and information about the Community Hub project.

Key Themes from Early Feedback

Key positive themes include:

  • Recognition of the need for future-ready facilities:
    Residents and organizations have acknowledged that White Rock’s aging City Hall and civic amenities are no longer sufficient for the City's growing population and evolving needs.

  • Excitement about expanded services:
    Early feedback shows enthusiasm for the idea that a Community Hub could bring new and enhanced services to White Rock including improved library spaces, childcare opportunities, arts and cultural spaces, and flexible multi-purpose areas.

  • Support from community organizations:
    Groups such as the South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Kent Street Activity Centre have provided letters of support for the Community Hub concept. The White Rock Museum and Archives has also expressed interest in how expanded community spaces could help address their operational needs.


Additional Feedback:

1. Location and Site

  • Questions about the decision to focus on the current City Hall site.
  • Concerns about the impact on neighboring properties.
  • Requests to explore alternative sites, including Centennial Arena.


2. Building Height and View Impacts

  • Worries about potential building heights affecting views for adjacent residents.
  • Concerns about the character and scale of development relative to surrounding neighborhoods.


3. Parking and Traffic

  • Questions about how parking demand will be addressed.
  • Concerns about traffic congestion during and after construction.


4. Financial Responsibility and Cost Transparency

  • Requests for greater clarity on project costs.
  • Concerns about the impact on property taxes.
  • Emphasis on ensuring value for money and careful stewardship of public funds.


5. Need for More Information and Broader Consultation

  • Desire for more detailed information about the project timeline, funding, and design.
  • Calls for open and transparent consultation before final decisions are made.


Acknowledging Resident Engagement

We appreciate the time and thought that community members have already invested in providing feedback. In particular, we have received formal correspondence through:

  • Emails from individual residents.
  • In-person conversations with residents and stakeholders.
  • Meetings with adjacent property groups and business organizations.
  • Regular Council Meetings.


We recognize that early engagement often highlights concerns, and this is a normal and valuable part of major project development. Listening to these early voices helps us identify issues to address proactively and areas where additional clarity is needed.


Next Steps

  • Survey Series Launch: The first public survey, focused on community services and needs, will be released at the end of April.

  • Public Engagement Opportunities: We will continue to gather feedback through multiple surveys, public meetings, and workshops over the coming months.

  • "What We Heard" Summaries: After each phase of engagement, we will release clear summaries to report back to the community.

We encourage all White Rock residents to participate in the upcoming surveys to ensure that a wide range of voices shapes the Community Hub's future.

Together, we can create a Community Hub that reflects the needs, hopes, and priorities of our entire city.