Tuesday July 8, 2014 (Vol. 39 No. 54)
V O I C E
O F
W H I T E
R O C K
A N D
S O U T H
S U R R E Y
w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m
Up for the challenge: Few teams at this year’s Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship will have a task as daunting as that of the White Rock Renegades senior squad – squaring off against the world’s top women’s national teams. i see page 15
16% increase boosts 2013 expenses to $760 million
City of Surrey costs rise $100 million Kevin Diakiw Black Press
It cost $100 million more to run the City of Surrey last year, compared to 2012, according to recently released financial figures. The 2013 Statement of Financial Information details how much money was received by the city and where it was spent. In total, Surrey spent $760 million last year, a 16-per-cent jump from the year prior,
which totalled $655 million. Of those total expenses, $601 million went to third-party suppliers, a jump of almost $100 million from the year prior. (That year represented a $50-million increase from 2011). The increase in third-party suppliers is mostly due to an extremely aggressive “Build Surrey” program that includes a $100 million city hall, recreation centres and pools. The city also spent $161 million in staff
salaries, expenses and benefits, up $8 million from 2012. Staff costs increased as part of a collective agreement, recently reached with CUPE members, which included a sizeable retroactive payment. The big earners with the city were former city manager Murray Dinwoodie who, with salary, benefits and expenses, earned $395,412 in 2013. He was followed at a distant second by general manager of finance
Vivienne Wilke at $259,188, then manager of parks Laurie Cavan ($253,096), former general manager of engineering Vincent LaLonde ($249,477), fire chief Len Garis ($238,823) and general manager of planning and development Jean LaMontagne ($235,001). Last year, city council members cost the city $805,000, a marginal increase from the year prior ($798,000).
Stolen gear replaced
Outpouring of support for national athlete Alex Browne Staff Reporter
Leslie Stoneham said she isn’t surprised by White Rock and South Surrey’s reaction to her daughter Keirra’s plight – just “in awe” of it. Two weeks ago, someone stole the Special Olympian’s customized bowling gear – past Christmas and birthday presents – from the family’s White Rock carport. The theft threatened to spoil the game of Keirra, 26, who was all set to compete in 10-pin bowling for Team B.C. in this month’s Keirra Stoneham Special Olym- Special Olympian pics Canada 2014 Summer Games in Vancouver – an honour she’d qualified for by earning gold at last year’s provincials. Leslie said the loss of two customized bowling balls, a tote bag and shoes had begun to sink in with Keirra, who receives programs and support for developmental difficulties from Semiahmoo House. i see page 2
Marketing the night Thousands lined up to attend the first Surrey Night Market Saturday at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, including (clockwise from top) Sophia Nay, 4, staying dry; on-stage belly dancers; a growing queue at the entrance gate; and twins Phoenix and Siryn Cowie, 7, eating corn on the cob. Boaz Joseph photos
65thAnniversary! Anniversary! 65th
• POWDER BLUES BAND • FIREWORKS • TORCH LIGHT PARADE • KIDS ZONE • MARKET PLACE • AND SO MUCH MORE!
ING F E AT U R
AUGUST 1, 2 & 3
Visit us at www.whiterockseasfestival.ca or contact us at email@whiterockseafestival.ca
N AT TENTIOS R O VEND R S! EXHIBITO
Will have 10,000+ people/customers on the promenade this year. Premium spots along both East & West Beach Marketplace still available.
Contact: vendors@whiterockseafestival.ca for details or www.whiterockseafestival.ca