Two all-candidates meetings scheduled for this week will highlight issues of particular resonance for South Surrey-White Rock voters.
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. Peninsula Homeless to Housing Task Force has invited candidates to Grace Point Church, 3487 King George Blvd. to discuss what they and their parties will do to address on-going problems with people in this area who have nowhere to live, or who are struggling to find affordable housing.
Candidates Dianne Watts (Conservative), Judy Higginbotham (Liberal), Pixie Hobby (NDP) and Larry Colero (Green Party) have confirmed they will participate in the meeting.
And the ever-present issue of train traffic through the community will be the focal point of a candidates debate Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Church, 15385 Semiahmoo Ave.
The latter meeting, organized by residents Daphne McFarland and Cindy McMullen – with assistance from Paula Williams, co-founder of Communities and Coal – will give candidates an opportunity to voice their ideas on increasing rail safety, transportation of coal and dangerous goods, and the challenges of the Fraser Surrey Docks proposal and moves toward potential relocation of tracks away from the South Surrey and White Rock waterfronts.
In upcoming meetings, the South Surrey White Rock Chamber of Commerce has planned an all-candidates debate Tuesday Oct. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. at Southridge School, 2656 160 St.
Confirmed participants include Hobby, Colero, Higginbotham and Watts.
West Panorama Ridge Ratepayers Association is hosting a meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7:30-9 p.m. at Colebrook United Church Hall, 5441 125A St. with particular emphasis on Panorama Ridge issues including trains and community security.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, noon to 2:30 p.m., the Canadian Federation of University Women's White Rock-Surrey Club has organized a meeting at White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave.) that celebrates the history of women's suffrage and winning the vote in Canada with an emphasis on topics of interest to women – including education, trades and technology; affordable daycare; housing and accessible health care.