The Corporation of the
CITY OF WHITE ROCK

Regular Council Meeting
AGENDA

Monday, March 09, 2026 at 4:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Gallery Room, White Rock Community Centre Council Chambers

15154 Russell Ave, White Rock, BC, V4B 0A6

*Live Streaming/Telecast: Please note that all Committees, Task Forces, Council Meetings, and Public Hearings held in the Council Chamber are being recorded and broadcasted as well included on the City’s website at: www.whiterockcity.ca

 

T. Arthur, Director of Corporate Administration

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1.

CALL MEETING TO ORDER

1.1

FIRST NATIONS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to recognize that we are gathered on the traditional unceded territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation, within the broader territory of the Coast Salish Peoples.

2.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT the Corporation of the City of White Rock Council adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for March 9, 2026 as circulated.

3.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT the Corporation of the City of White Rock adopt the following meeting minutes as circulated:

  • Regular Council - February 23, 2026;
  • Special Council - March 2, 2026; and
  • Regular Council for the purpose of Public Hearing (Bylaw 2511) - March 2, 2026.

4.

QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD (15 MINUTES / 2 MINUTES PER SPEAKER)

Question and Answer Period will be taking place in person at the meeting.

Note: there are to be no questions or comments on a matter that will be the subject of a public hearing (time between the public hearing and final consideration of the bylaw).

4.1

CHAIRPERSON CALLS FOR SPEAKERS TO QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

5.

DELEGATIONS AND PETITIONS

5.1

DELEGATIONS (5 MINUTES)

5.1.a

ASHTON KERR - GREEN TEAMS OF CANADA

Ashton Kerr, Green Teams of Canda, to attend to highlight the community and ecological impacts from the partnership between Green Teams of Canada and the City of White Rock in 2025, and upcoming engagement opportunities in 2026.

5.2

PETITIONS

None

6.

PRESENTATIONS AND CORPORATE REPORTS

6.1

PRESENTATIONS (10 MINUTES)

6.1.a

CONSULTATION ON METRO 2050 AMENDMENT OPTIONS:  SOUTH OF THE FRASER MAYORS' REQUEST

Jonathan Cote, Deputy General Manager, Regional Planning and Housing, Metro Vancouver, to attend to provide a presentation on potential amendments to Metro 2050, the Regional Growth Strategy, in response to a request from three South of the Fraser Mayors. 

Note: Letter from Metro Vancouver and proposed motion in response to this topic are on the agenda for consideration under Item 10.1.a. Council could also discuss this topic while the Metro Vancouver representative is in attendance. 

6.2

CORPORATE REPORTS

6.2.a

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DRAFT 2026-2030 FINANCIAL PLAN

Corporate report dated March 9, 2026 from the Director of Financial Services titled "Public Comments on Draft 2026-2030 Financial Plan".

Note: Mayor and Council will provide a further opportunity at this time for in-person comments regarding the 2026-2030 Financial Plan. 

The Director of Corporate Administration will read a statement of procedure for the public comment component.  

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council:

  1. Receive the March 9, 2026, corporate report from the Director of Financial Services, titled “Public Comments on Draft 2026 – 2030 Financial Plan” for Council’s review and consideration; and
  2. Direct staff to prepare the 2026 Financial Plan Bylaw for Council’s consideration at its next scheduled meeting.

6.2.b

2026 GRANTS-IN-AID

Corporate report dated March 9, 2026, from the Manager, Revenue Services, titled "2026 Grants-in-Aid".

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council:

  1. Receive the March 9, 2026, corporate report from the Manager of Revenue Services, titled “2026 Grants-in-Aid” for consideration, and
  2. Direct staff on the allocation of the 2026 Grants-in-Aid funding available.

6.2.c

EVENT STAGE - ACCESSIBILITY RAMP

Corporate report dated March 9, 2026, from the Director of Recreation and Culture, titled "Event Stage - Accessibility Ramp".

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council direct staff to proceed with the purchase of an accessibility ramp for the City’s event stage from Motion Specialties following notification to applicants through the RBC Barrier Buster grant.

6.2.d

BUENA VISTA ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE & FIVE CORNERS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UPDATE

Corporate report dated March 9, 2026, from the Manager, Engineering, titled "Buena Vista Active Transportation Infrastructure & Five Corners Improvement Project Update".

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council receive the corporate report dated March 9, 2026, from the Manager of Engineering, titled “Buena Vista Active Transportation Infrastructure & Five Corners Improvement Project Update” for information, and:

  1. Direct staff to proceed to the detailed design incorporating a multi-use path as the preferred surface treatment (between Fir and Best Street) for the Buena Vista Active Transportation Infrastructure Project; and
  2. Direct staff to proceed to the detailed design for the Five Corners Improvement Project.

6.2.e

CONSIDERATION OF FINAL ADOPTION FOR WHITE ROCK ZONING BYLAW, 2024, NO. 2506, AMENDMENT NO. 4, 2024, NO. 2518 (15156 AND 15158 ROPER AVENUE)

Corporate report dated March 9, 2026, from the Director of Planning and Development Services, titled "Consideration of Final Adoption for White Rock Zoning Bylaw, 2024, No. 2506, Amendment No. 4, 2024, No. 2518 (15156 and 15158 Roper Avenue)".

Note: Bylaw 2518 is on the agenda for consideration of staff-recommended final reading under Item 9.1.a

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council receive the March 9, 2026, corporate report from the Director of Planning and Development Services, titled "Consideration of Final Adoption for White Rock Zoning Bylaw, 2024, No. 2506, Amendment No. 4, 2024, No. 2518 (15156 and 15158 Roper Avenue)".

6.2.f

SIGN BYLAW REVIEW

Corporate report dated March 9, 2026, from the Acting Director of Planning and Development Services, titled "Sign Bylaw Review".

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council:

  1. Receive the March 9, 2026 Corporate Report from the Acting Director of Planning & Development Services, titled “Sign Bylaw Review” for consideration; 
  2. Direct staff to retain the services of a consultant to undertake the sign bylaw review; and
  3. Allocate up to $60K from the 2026 Operating Contingency for the sign bylaw review.

   

7.

MINUTES AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF COMMITTEES

7.1

SELECT COMMITTEE MINUTES

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council receive for information the following committee meeting minutes as circulated:

  • Housing Advisory Committee - February 18, 2026; and,
  • Community Hub Advisory Committee - February 24, 2026.

7.2

SELECT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

7.2.a

HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (COUNCILLOR MANNING, CHAIRPERSON)

7.2.a.a

REFERRAL FROM COUNCIL - RODENT ABATEMENT AS PART OF DEMOLITION PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Note:  Council may ask staff for a corporate report on this recommendation, whereby implications can be provided prior to Council consideration.

• RECOMMENDATION #1

  THAT Council direct staff to request that property owners conduct rodent abatement measures prior to being issued a demolition permit.

7.2.a.b

AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY ACTION ITEM - REDUCE COSTS BY STREAMLINING APPROVALS

Note:  Council may ask staff for a corporate report on this recommendation, whereby implications can be provided prior to Council consideration.

• RECOMMENDATION #2

  THAT Council consider waiving DCCs for Affordable Housing projects, and/or consider using the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to offset either DCCs or CACs for Affordable Housing projects, as well as consider other levers to encourage applications for Affordable Housing projects.

7.2.b

COMMUNITY HUB ADVISORY COMMITTEE (COUNCILLOR LAWRENCE, CHAIRPERSON)

7.2.b.a

SEMIAHMOO FIRST NATION - ENGAGEMENT PATHWAY

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council approve Mayor and Council sending the letter reviewed and amended by the Committee during their February 24, 2026 meeting to Semiahmoo First Nation Chief and Council.

8.

POLICIES

None

9.

BYLAWS AND PERMITS

9.1

BYLAWS

9.1.a

BYLAW 2518 - WHITE ROCK ZONING BYLAW, 2024, NO. 2506, AMENDMENT NO. 4, 2024, NO. 2518 [15156 AND 15158 ROPER AVENUE]

Bylaw 2518 - A bylaw to amend the White Rock Zoning Bylaw to amend the CD-4 (comprehensive development) zone to remove the requirement within the CD-4 zone that limits retail service groups 1 use to be contained within a single strata unit, which includes residential use, so that the commercial units can be operated and owned independently from the residential. 

Note: Bylaw 2518 was the subject of a corporate report under Item 6.2.e

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council give final reading to "White Rock Zoning Bylaw, 2024, No. 2506, Amendment No. 4, 2024, No. 2518 (15156 and 15158 Roper Avenue)".

9.1.b

BYLAW 2511 - OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAW, 2017, NO. 2220, AMENDMENT NO.3, 2025, NO. 2511

Bylaw 2511 - A bylaw to amend the City of White Rock Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2017, No. 2220.

Note: Bylaw 2511 received first and second reading on January 12, 2026. Staff submitted the Bylaw to the Metro Vancouver Regional District Board for review and consideration. Metro Vancouver staff requested changes to the amended Regional Context Statement, which forms part of the Bylaw. Staff incorporated all required revisions, including updates to Section 4.0 (Context and Projections) of the OCP document to ensure alignment with the revised Regional Context Statement. As a result, Council rescinded second reading and gave a new second reading as amended (incorporating these changes) at the February 9, 2026, Regular Council meeting.

Bylaw 2511 was the subject of a Public Hearing held on March 2, 2026. Consideration of the third reading was deferred to the March 9th Regular Council meeting.

Important Note on Bylaw Procedure:  In accordance with Section 470 (1) in the Local Government Act, Council may take one of the following actions with respect to the OCP amendment bylaw:

• Grant Third Reading to the Bylaw;
  OR
• Amend and then grant Third Reading to the Bylaw, provided that the alteration does not:
  
  1.alter the use,
  2.increase the density
  3.decrease the density without the consent of the landowner

If Council chooses to make changes to the draft OCP that are substantive or differ significantly from what was presented at the public hearing, revisions to the bylaw will be required and a new public hearing must be held.

Additionally, staff will need time to assess the implications of any proposed significant changes and confirm that the revision will continue to satisfy all provincial requirements associated with Bill 44. The Regional Context Statement (RCS) may also require revisions to align with any changes. The updated RCS must be referred to Metro Vancouver for consideration of acceptance following third reading. Metro Vancouver must accept the RCS before Council can consider final adoption of the OCP amendment bylaw.

• RECOMMENDATION #2

  That Council give third reading to "Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2017, No. 2220, Amendment No. 3, 2025, No. 2511" to the March 9, 2026 Regular Council meeting. 

9.1.c

BYLAW 2569 - WHITE ROCK ZONING BYLAW, 2024, NO. 2506, AMENDMENT NO. 14, (877 KENT STREET [RS-1 SSMUH TO R3-3 SSMUH]) 2026, NO. 2569

Bylaw 2569 - A bylaw to amend the White Rock Zoning Bylaw to rezone the subject property (877 Kent Street) from the RS-1 SSMUH Residential Zone to the RS-3 SSMUH Residential Zone. The rezoning, if approved, will enable the creation of two (2) residential lots by way of subdivision

Bylaw 2569 received first, second and third reading at the January 12, 2026 Regular Council meeting and is on the agenda for consideration of final reading at this time.

Staff Note: DP 446 will be brought forward for consideration of approval at a future Council meeting.

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council give final reading to “White Rock Zoning Bylaw, 2024, No. 2506, Amendment No. 14, (877 Kent Street [RS-1-SSMUH to RS-3 SSMUH]) 2026, No. 2569”.

9.2

PERMITS

None

10.

CORRESPONDENCE

10.1

CORRESPONDENCE - RECEIVED FOR INFORMATION

Note: Further action on the following correspondence items may be considered. Council may request that any item be brought forward for discussion, and may propose a motion of action on the matter.

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council receive correspondence Item(s) 10.1 a as circulated. 

10.1.a

CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED METRO 2050 AMENDMENT OPTIONS IN RESPONSE TO SOUTH OF THE FRASER MAYORS' REQUEST

Correspondence dated January 20, 2026 from Mike Hurley, Metro Vancouver Boards Chair, providing information on potential amendments to Metro 2050, the Regional Growth Strategy, in response to a letter to the Board Chair from three South of the Fraser Mayors. Metro is requesting that any comments to the proposed amendments be provided by March 20, 2026.

Note: Staff have reviewed the information and have come forward with a draft recommendation for Council to consider at this time.

There will be a presentation provided on this topic earlier in the meeting when Johathan Cote, will be in attendance.  If Council has any questions on this matter, please ensure to take the opportunity following the presentation under Item 6.1.a.   

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council endorse the following response to Metro Vancouver regarding the proposed amendments to Metro 2050, and direct staff to submit it as the City of White Rock’s official comments:

  1. Type 3 Amendment: Add new Special Study Areas (SSAs) in the requesting municipalities

  Enabling Surrey, Langley Township, and Delta to identify a limited number of new Special Study Areas could support proactive long‑term planning by allowing anticipated land‑use transitions to be considered under a lower voting threshold.

  White Rock has no objection to the introduction of new SSAs. SSAs may help ensure more robust, transparent, and evidence‑based reviews prior to any future land‑use designation changes, which aligns with strong regional planning practices. Ensuring that limitations on the scale of SSAs and development of criteria for establishing SSAs remain aligned with regional objectives—particularly around Urban Containment Boundary management, employment land protection, agricultural protection, and infrastructure coordination—will be essential. White Rock recommends that the Metro Vancouver Board consider allowing SSAs in other member municipalities, to ensure fairness for all.

  2. Type 1 Amendment: Reclassify amendments to lands with a Rural regional land use designation from Type 2 to Type 3 amendments

  Lowering the voting threshold for changes to Rural‑designated lands could streamline the amendment process. However, the City encourages strong safeguards and clear criteria to ensure that any conversions of these lands are carefully assessed, transparent, and consistent with broader climate, food security, and growth‑management objectives.

  3. Type 1 Amendment: Expand amendment opportunities for properties adjacent to the Urban Containment Boundary

  Allowing lower voting thresholds for certain lands adjacent to the Urban Containment Boundary—where they meet criteria related to ALR exclusion, ecological constraints, servicing availability, and transit‑oriented, complete community planning—could support well‑considered growth in strategic locations.

  Any proposals to convert Agricultural or Rural designations to urban land uses should be carefully considered to ensure long term food security, environmental stewardship, and alignment with Metro 2050’s core regional objectives. Further, making changes to the Regional Growth Strategy that create easier amendment opportunities may not be in the best interests of communities like ours that cannot directly contribute to agricultural production and therefore depend on the ongoing protection of these lands across the region. Clear, rigorous application of these criteria will be important to ensure that the proposed amendments support compact, transit‑supportive development without undermining agricultural protection or encouraging unplanned outward expansion.

  4. Type 3 Amendment: Expanded use of the flexibility clause (6.2.7) for properties adjacent to the Urban Containment Boundary

  Expanding the use of the flexibility clause for small adjustments contiguous with the Urban Containment Boundary may reduce administrative burden by avoiding unnecessary amendment processes. Ongoing monitoring of cumulative impacts will be essential to ensure that incremental changes do not collectively compromise regional objectives related to growth management, food system resilience, and agricultural land preservation.

11.

MAYOR AND COUNCILLOR REPORTS

11.1

MAYOR’S REPORT

11.2

COUNCILLORS REPORTS

12.

MOTIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTION

12.1

MOTIONS

12.1.a

UNIFIED AND COST-EFFECTIVE APPROACH FOR PARTICIPATION AND AWARENESS DAYS

Councillor Bains provided the following motion for consideration at this time:  

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council: 

  1. Direct staff to create one shared and low-cost plan for council, city staff, White Rock Fire Rescue and the White Rock RCMP to take part in Pink Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation Day by wearing symbolic shirts;  
  2. Direct staff to report back with options that focus on saving money, such as buying shirts in bulk, cost sharing, using designs without dates so they can be reused, looking for sponsors, and or offering voluntary pre-orders to reduced cost to city; and
  3. Endorse that taking part be voluntary and open to all departments.  

   

12.1.b

SIGNAGE AT RUTH JOHNSON PARK

Councillor Chesney provided the following motion for consideration at this time:  

Note:  Public Art and Culture Advisory Committee are usually involved with wayfinding and other signage, the referral of this item to that city Committee may be considered.  

• RECOMMENDATION

  THAT Council endorse signage to be installed designating Ruth Johnson Park:

  • Signage would be placed as far west as possible in Generations Playground so as not to cause confusion.

12.2

NOTICES OF MOTION

13.

RELEASE OF ITEMS FROM CLOSED COUNCIL MEETINGS

14.

OTHER BUSINESS

15.

CONCLUSION OF THE MARCH 9, 2026 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING