50 years: Major local and international events affecting White Rock/South Surrey
Published 5:30 am Thursday, August 27, 2026
This story is part of our celebratory summer coverage of the 50th anniversary of Peace Arch News. You can find a new story every morning from Aug. 20 to Aug. 30.
A lot has happened – both locally and internationally – since the Peace Arch News launched.
Among the more significant events that occurred beyond our borders: the 9/11 attacks in the U.S.; the AIDS epidemic; the École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal; the conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria and Israel; the space shuttle Challenger disaster; the deaths of Queen Elizabeth and Pope Francis; and the Tumbler Ridge school shooting.
Closer to home, news that shocked and rocked our community has included the August 2007 hot-air balloon tragedy, the June 1999 flood, the 2018 destruction of White Rock Pier; the 2016 Five Corners fire; sundry high-profile murders; the discovery of unmarked graves at B.C. residential schools; and, fiery collisions at South Surrey border crossings.
Let’s not forget one that threatened not just those who call White Rock and South Surrey home, but literally everyone on the planet: the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, our community notched a heartbreaking first in that battle – a long-time nurse at Peace Arch Hospital, Diana Law, was the first nurse in B.C. to die from COVID-19 complications.
Dwell on the bad, and the list of tragedies, heartbreaks and drama feels endless. But, that is life, of course.
Fortunately, good happenings have also been plentiful, offering a much-needed counter-balance. Think invention of the World Wide Web; eradication of smallpox; fall of the Berlin Wall; Canada’s 150th birthday; our country’s recognition of same-sex marriages; Canada’s first Olympic gold medal in soccer, and more.
In South Surrey/White Rock, we can look to stories of survival, including that of a young soldier, Dan Scott, who was seriously injured in Afghanistan; of inspiration, such as that of senior Harold Zelt, whose love of dogs inspired a yearly fundraiser for the BCSPCA that has continued beyond his death; of success, including the plethora of students who win impressive scholarships, launch businesses and other ventures, before going forth to leave a positive mark on the world.
Suffice to say, the Semiahmoo Peninsula and beyond have seen their fair share of newsworthy happenings. Though not always geographically close, major events almost always hit close to home – affecting friends, family, colleagues and/or acquaintances in one way or another; at the very least, reminding us all of how precious and unpredictable life can be, and bringing the community together, oftentimes in shared commitments to help or foster change.
To the best ability of those tasked with sharing these stories, the pages of Peace Arch News have been and will continue to be filled with news that matters – the good, the bad, and everything in-between.