Painted in 1984 by Robert Wyland, Grey Whale Family was his first international mural and one of more than 100 in his global series. Widely embraced by the community, the “Whaling Wall” became a cherished landmark and an enduring symbol of White Rock’s cultural identity.
Over time, the mural has changed due to environmental conditions. In 2014, after signage was placed over top of the mural, it was restored by local artist Elizabeth Hollick.
The building’s new owner is committed to preserving the mural and has engaged local artist Allan Turton to restore the wall. Following an extensive study, the artist’s proposal received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation.
While this project is on a privately owned wall, the artist and building owner invite community engagement before work begins honoring the mural’s role as a defining landmark in White Rock.
Share your feedback
The public are invited to share their feedback on the proposed mural restoration.
Add your comments below by July 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Artist’s proposal
Local artist Allan Turton has received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation on the below proposed mural preservation.
View the artwork in person at the White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Avenue, White Rock.
The Grey Whale Family, 1986
“The Whaling Wall”
Painted in 1984 by Robert Wyland, Grey Whale Family was his first international mural and one of more than 100 in his global series. Widely embraced by the community, the “Whaling Wall” became a cherished landmark and an enduring symbol of White Rock’s cultural identity.
Over time, the mural has changed due to environmental conditions. In 2014, after signage was placed over top of the mural, it was restored by local artist Elizabeth Hollick.
The building’s new owner is committed to preserving the mural and has engaged local artist Allan Turton to restore the wall. Following an extensive study, the artist’s proposal received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation.
While this project is on a privately owned wall, the artist and building owner invite community engagement before work begins honoring the mural’s role as a defining landmark in White Rock.
Share your feedback
The public are invited to share their feedback on the proposed mural restoration.
Add your comments below by July 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Artist’s proposal
Local artist Allan Turton has received endorsement from the Wyland Foundation on the below proposed mural preservation.
View the artwork in person at the White Rock Community Centre, 15154 Russell Avenue, White Rock.
While this project is on a privately owned wall, the artist and building owner invite community engagement before work begins honoring the mural’s role as a defining landmark in White Rock.
Share your comments with the artist by July 6, at 4:30pm
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Thank you for providing your feedback.
I love the proposed new look. Much more vibrant and joyful.
Jax
About 1 month ago
I have lived in South Surrey and White Rock over 54 years. I would support the wall bring restored as close as possible to original and prefer the muted tones of the original piece which relates more closely to the tones of our oceans. We are not bright blue. Deanna Kilt
Dkilt
About 1 month ago
A refresh is definitely needed, keeping the piece as designed, it’s beautiful. Wyland’s art is historic not just for White Rock & surrounding neighborhoods, we are part of his world wide gift, it’s priceless. Please restore & it’s beauty alive for all to enjoy for many more decades.
Reggae5
About 1 month ago
The whale wall could benefit from being lightly touched up, please refrain from altering it from the original though as it truly is a symbol of white rock and with the constant changing and expansion of infrastructures we need to keep the history of white rock alive
Shaelynnk
About 1 month ago
I believe this is a great idea. Restoring this section will really help, but we should try to keep it as close to the original design and at the same level as possible to preserve its original look.
Mostafa
About 1 month ago
Thank you for preserving this landmark. I love the Artist proposal
Sgibson522
About 1 month ago
It is very important to keep this piece of history in the city. This is number 4 of 100 murals that Wyland painted around the world, and is in all his books. I don't mind the refresh ... don't get carried away and change its originalness.
Rick Simpson
About 1 month ago
I love the proposed restoration. I was never a fan of the last one, although it was well done.
caroldedwards
About 1 month ago
Absolutely an incredible idea. We need to restore the wailing wall. It’s iconic to White Rock Heather Christie
Heather Christie
About 1 month ago
As a fellow local mural artist I support the restoration of the mural, it is peeling top right side and this will only get worse over time. I have all faith that artist Allan will do a great job! It is an iconic mural and an important part of White Rock history. Go Allan go!
Carla Maskall
About 1 month ago
As a fellow local mural artist I agree with the restoration of the Wyland mural and have faith in Allan to do this!
Carla Maskall
About 1 month ago
Love the planned restoration. . thanks for brightening it up. I like everything in the design.
amccorkell
About 1 month ago
Please, please have it brought back to it’s original state, Thank you
Gary Worters
About 1 month ago
I fully support the proposal to restore the mural and I'm excited to see the completed work! The White Rock community has been a huge part of my life, even before I moved here in 2002 from Surrey.
Shelley Scott
About 1 month ago
I am a resident of Surrey but was a long time resident of White Rock and was present at the creation and 2 following restorations of the Whaling Wall. I whole heartedly support the maintenance and restoration of the mural remaining true to the original image, tone snd colours in a manner so as to provide the artist’s work and this project longevity.
Rita Hallam
About 1 month ago
The proposal with the refreshed colours looks great and endorsement from the Wyland Foundation is a bonus. A great thank you to the owners of the building in recognizing the importance of this beautiful mural. Johanna Picard
Adrian Picard
About 1 month ago
So happy this wall mural will be preserved. It is the only remaining Wayland Wall left in Metro Vancouver (1 more remains in BC but is decaying and fading in Victoria). The other 3 are “extinct”: the Vancouver Aquarium mural that I had the privilege of volunteering on, has been painted over; the building of another one was demolished; and the third has a condo blocking it’s view. The White Rock mural is so accessible for everyone! I can’t wait to see the new look.
Kemorley
About 1 month ago
Investing in the renewal of our local landmark, a refresh as close to original as possible, would be sincerely appreciated. The Artists style beside it is distinct. I trust having received approval from Wyland, that Alan Turton will respect the style, colors and natural original intent. Perhaps there is new paint sealant which does not affect the colors, to reduce cumulative fading or damage. Wonder of University/College applied technology partners would have suggestions? Thanks for enabling all the constructive neighbour voices shared here. Blessings to all, in our Caring Community of BC Canada! Pattie Petrala
Pattie
About 1 month ago
The proposed restoration looks great! Happy to see this get restored beautifully!
Catcarrollthegreat
About 1 month ago
I have been a big fan of Robert Wayland since visiting a gallery in Hawaii that featured his work. The proposed restoration is colourful and realistic and will be an asset to downtown White Rock.
I love the proposed new look. Much more vibrant and joyful.
I have lived in South Surrey and White Rock over 54 years. I would support the wall bring restored as close as possible to original and prefer the muted tones of the original piece which relates more closely to the tones of our oceans. We are not bright blue.
Deanna Kilt
A refresh is definitely needed, keeping the piece as designed, it’s beautiful. Wyland’s art is historic not just for White Rock & surrounding neighborhoods, we are part of his world wide gift, it’s priceless.
Please restore & it’s beauty alive for all to enjoy for many more decades.
The whale wall could benefit from being lightly touched up, please refrain from altering it from the original though as it truly is a symbol of white rock and with the constant changing and expansion of infrastructures we need to keep the history of white rock alive
I believe this is a great idea. Restoring this section will really help, but we should try to keep it as close to the original design and at the same level as possible to preserve its original look.
Thank you for preserving this landmark. I love the Artist proposal
It is very important to keep this piece of history in the city. This is number 4 of 100 murals that Wyland painted around the world, and is in all his books.
I don't mind the refresh ... don't get carried away and change its originalness.
I love the proposed restoration. I was never a fan of the last one, although it was well done.
Absolutely an incredible idea. We need to restore the wailing wall. It’s iconic to White Rock
Heather Christie
As a fellow local mural artist I support the restoration of the mural, it is peeling top right side and this will only get worse over time. I have all faith that artist Allan will do a great job! It is an iconic mural and an important part of White Rock history. Go Allan go!
As a fellow local mural artist I agree with the restoration of the Wyland mural and have faith in Allan to do this!
Love the planned restoration. . thanks for brightening it up. I like everything in the design.
Please, please have it brought back to it’s original state,
Thank you
I fully support the proposal to restore the mural and I'm excited to see the completed work! The White Rock community has been a huge part of my life, even before I moved here in 2002 from Surrey.
I am a resident of Surrey but was a long time resident of White Rock and was present at the creation and 2 following restorations of the Whaling Wall. I whole heartedly support the maintenance and restoration of the mural remaining true to the original image, tone snd colours in a manner so as to provide the artist’s work and this project longevity.
The proposal with the refreshed colours looks great and endorsement from the Wyland Foundation is a bonus. A great thank you to the owners of the building in recognizing the importance of this beautiful mural.
Johanna Picard
So happy this wall mural will be preserved. It is the only remaining Wayland Wall left in Metro Vancouver (1 more remains in BC but is decaying and fading in Victoria). The other 3 are “extinct”: the Vancouver Aquarium mural that I had the privilege of volunteering on, has been painted over; the building of another one was demolished; and the third has a condo blocking it’s view. The White Rock mural is so accessible for everyone! I can’t wait to see the new look.
Investing in the renewal of our local landmark, a refresh as close to original as possible, would be sincerely appreciated. The Artists style beside it is distinct. I trust having received approval from Wyland, that Alan Turton will respect the style, colors and natural original intent.
Perhaps there is new paint sealant which does not affect the colors, to reduce cumulative fading or damage. Wonder of University/College applied technology partners would have suggestions? Thanks for enabling all the constructive neighbour voices shared here. Blessings to all, in our Caring Community of BC Canada!
Pattie Petrala
The proposed restoration looks great! Happy to see this get restored beautifully!
I have been a big fan of Robert Wayland since visiting a gallery in Hawaii that featured his work. The proposed restoration is colourful and realistic and will be an asset to downtown White Rock.