A group of White Rock business people and residents are calling for the city to amalgamate into its closest neighbour, Surrey, in an online petition.
Citing a lack of transparency, fairness and responsible governance from the seaside city's current leadership, lists key concerns that include issues with White Rock's tree-cutting policy, taxation and development on unceded Indigenous lands, property insurance price increases, property tax increases, delays in business permitting and more as reasons to merge Surrey and White Rock together.
"Surrey鈥檚 larger and more robust administrative systems already have mechanisms in place to promote transparency, enforce accountability, and efficiently deliver public services," the online petition states.
Such an amalgamation would result in faster, more efficient permitting processes, the petition says, and improved public services, as well as a larger tax base and a more efficient use of tax dollars.
Signed "Concerned Residents and Business Leaders of White Rock," Avtar Gill is listed as the petition starter.
Peace Arch News reached out to both the City of White Rock and the City of Surrey regarding the online petition, which had 215 signatures by midday Monday (Aug. 18).
"The City of White Rock is aware of the online petition and will monitor and review as needed," said White Rock media relations co-ordinator Gagan Lidhran in an email.
PAN asked for reaction from Mayor Megan Knight or another city representative, but the email noted that "At this time, no additional information is available to share."
Peace Arch News has not yet heard back from the City of Surrey about the amalgamation petition.
