Frankly Speaking

  In Surrey at least, the BC Liberals may have new life after announcing that the policing transition requires a referendum before going any farther. This, of course, will only happen should party leader Andrew Wilkinson gain enough seats to become premier. The policing transition in Surrey has become a major campaign issue in the provincial election, and it has the potential to give the  BC Liberals a big boost. Whether it will be enough for the party to regain power after more than three years in the political wilderness  is another question. The NDP are well ahead in the most recent public opinion polls. The BC Liberal party issued a statement on Sunday that a BC Liberal government would pause the transition process, and give Surrey residents a vote in a referendum on whether to switch to a new Surrey Police force or stick with the RCMP. Mike Farnworth, who as public safety minister gave the transition the green light and specifically said ...

A peaceful early summer morning in White Rock. Frank Bucholtz photo An in-depth article published last week in the Peace Arch News on the challenges of operating a restaurant business on Marine Drive in White Rock provokes thoughts on not just the business climate, but the future potential of the “city by the sea.” Online comments about the article, including a number from restaurant owners, also provide some excellent food for thought. What is White Rock’s greatest asset? Its proximity to the ocean and longtime role as a regional destination for visitors in the warm weather months. How can this asset be used more effectively to keep businesses thriving? It starts with marketing and promotion, but as several restaurant owners point out, the parking issue must be addressed in a more decisive manner. All the marketing in the world won’t help if people who come, particularly for the first time, cannot find a place to leave their vehicle. Why should there be so much attentio...

This week's column in the Peace Arch News and Surrey Leader Surrey’s latest Civic Treasures have all demonstrated a lengthy and passionate commitment to the community. Historian Roger Bose, reporter and musician Alex Browne and artists and mentors Cora and Don Li-Leger will be formally named 2015 Civic Treasures at the annual business and the arts reception on Oct. 6. This award is a significant one, as it is one of a small number of initiatives by the City of Surrey to recognize the importance of intangible but important aspects of city life. There is much more to Surrey than development, real estate, crime, roads and transportation. Bose is one of the many members of the pioneering Bose family who have played an important part in Surrey life for more than a century. He is a valuable source of historical knowledge in the city, regularly takes part in activities to promote Surrey’s rich history and is an instrumental research contributor to an upcoming book about t...

It is with both a sense of sadness and excitement that I pass on the news that I will be retiring from my position as Langley Times editor at the end of this month. I have held this position for almost 17 years — far longer than I had initially anticipated. There are two reasons — the terrific people I work with at The Times, and all the amazing people in Langley whom we are privileged to write about and photograph each week. The community newspaper business is very different from most media businesses. Our job is to present news and information to our readers which helps them get to know this community and its goings-on, from information that is just not easily available to them elsewhere. Some people think there is no need for print media any longer, given the advances in technology. There is no shortage of information on the internet, and it is easier than ever to get at, with new mobile devices coming out all the time. However, I challenge them to check out what th...