Article

White Rock

Published Online February 7, 2006

Last Edited March 4, 2015

White Rock, BC, incorporated as a city in 1957, population 19 339 (2011c), 18 755 (2006c). The City of White Rock is 48 km by road southeast of Vancouver and is bounded on the north, east and west by Surrey. It began as a recreational resort on the shores of Semiahmoo Bay in SURREY.

White Rock, BC, incorporated as a city in 1957, population 19 339 (2011c), 18 755 (2006c). The City of White Rock is 48 km by road southeast of Vancouver and is bounded on the north, east and west by Surrey. It began as a recreational resort on the shores of Semiahmoo Bay in SURREY. The bay's fine beach is famous for its swimming, fishing and boating. A large white boulder on the beach is the subject of a First Nations legend; it provides the city's namesake and acted as a navigation mark for early sailors. Cottages were built along the waterfront in the early 1900s and slowly a community developed, with a post office and general store, schools, waterworks and a hospital being established. Unhappy with the level of services it was receiving from Surrey, in 1957, Ward 7 separated from Surrey and became the city of White Rock.

Retail trade and services are now its leading sources of employment, but it is primarily a residential, retirement and cultural community. White Rock has 2 newspapers and active theatre companies.