Voters head to the polls in White Rock by-election

White Rock residents turned out in full force to polling stations for Election Day Saturday.

The municipal by-election is being held to fill two vacancies on city council, left behind by Ernie Klassen, who is now the MP for South Surrey-White Rock, and Michele Partridge, who resigned over her health.

Voters outside the White Rock Community Centre polling station say their main concerns this by-election involve the city’s unhoused population, the increasing number of high-rises, and street cleaning.

“We’d like to see more transparency and more…honourability and definitely a cleanup down on Marine Drive, it’s looking pretty sad,” said Diana.

“I feel that Marine Drive, for White Rock, is our diamond in the rough, and it’s what draws people here.”

“Most people think there are way too many high-rises,” said Dave. “So, let’s just see what [councillors] can do. Probably not a lot.”

There are a total of 21 candidates on the ballot, ranging from local business owners to community advocates. Aside from the city’s community centre, residents could also vote at the Centennial Arena and the Kent Street Activity Centre.

This by-election comes at a time when White Rock is struggling with its identity. A petition was launched in August suggesting the city amalgamate with Surrey over what it called multiple failed attempts at transparency from White Rock’s leadership. The petition garnered close to 600 votes.

Residents say White Rock has it’s own unique identity.

“It’s a ridiculous idea to amalgamate with the City of Surrey without consulting the residents and what we would really actually want,” said Katherine.

“You have a small-town feeling, but it’s still a city,” said Yvonne. “We appreciate all the activities that are being done from the city…all the events…it sets [White Rock] apart from just any other city that’s close by.”

Trevor Halford, MLA for Surrey-White Rock, believes the two new councillors will have a tough job ahead of them and says he is looking forward to working with them.

“Local government is the hardest level of government…and they make decisions everyday that affect everybody’s life…not an easy task at all,” said Halford.

The official results of the vote will be posted to the city’s website at noon on Oct. 1. An inaugural council meeting for newly elected councillors will take place on Oct. 20.