Editor:
More than a year ago, Peace Arch News reporter Aaron Hinks wrote an article about Marine Drive in White Rock (Restaurateurs face struggle on Marine Drive, Oct. 21, 2016).
Out of that story, all of the major media in Vancouver jumped on the same bandwagon, calling White Rock and/or Marine Drive a “ghost town.”
That was during the toughest winter most people have ever endured in B.C., including White Rock, which forced more businesses to close than normal. It was a much quieter fall, winter and spring for most retailers and restaurants across B.C. because of the terrible weather. However that major point was never mentioned by the media.
So, as a resident and business owner in White Rock, I would like to make a challenge to Peace Arch News, as well as all other Greater Vancouver media. I totally believe that the City of White Rock has stepped up to the plate, played ball and won.
Now, it’s the media’s turn.
White Rock is building a four-level parkade to alleviate most of the parking problems (Don’t blame pay parking: civic leaders, Feb. 1, 2017; Waterfront merchants look for a solution, March 3, 2017).
The city is also building a new public park on West Beach close to the infamous dock (Memorial Park revamping moves ahead, Aug. 4, 2017). There have been numerous upgrades, including new promenade lighting along the seawall with gorgeous tree lights to give a beautiful ambience at nighttime. New street lighting, as well. There are beautiful hanging flowered plants and new banners during the summer. The city has a new water-filtration system. The landscaping, lawns, flowers and even the new waste-removal company is great (City of White Rock gets an earful over trash plans, April 8, 2015). Not to forget the signage, that looks great, too.
So, I want to congratulate the mayor, city council, employees and contractors for doing a great job in just one year’s time (Marine Drive on upswing, May 12, 2017). I have never seen that much positive change with any city in that short a period of time. That is something that all of us should be very thankful for, as we all love having fun on the beautiful beaches, in the ocean and at the many restaurants, pubs and retailers in the area.
B.C. is a beautiful province and White Rock is one of those beautiful cities. Yes, it is OK to let the world know there are awesome things going on in White Rock, B.C. and Canada. It was also great having Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bless us with his presence in the last year (Trudeau mania, Scheer enthusiasm, Nov. 17, 2017).
So, media, let’s have this wonderful truth go out, as it’s the right time and right season for everyone to know. Please don’t be political about this.
Mark Hinkson, White Rock