Town Centre Coming Soon
Incorporated in 1957, White Rock is one of Metro Vancouver’s most beloved communities. It continues to inspire locals and tourists alike with its panoramic oceanfront vistas. We’re spoiled in the lower mainland with gorgeous water views but White Rock truly offers not just one of the most beautiful outlooks locally, but in the world.
White Rock is Metro Vancouver’s smallest city geographically with less than 1% of the land mass or just over 5 square kilometers as compared to New Westminster at just over 15 sq. km., Burnaby at 98 sq. km., Vancouver at 114 sq. km. and Surrey at a whopping 317 sq. km. Although smaller, White Rock packs a lot of punch! Most of us are aware of the gorgeous vistas of Mount Baker, ocean that goes on for days, the 2.7 km of oceanfront promenade lined with tasty restaurants and cafes as well as quaint shops and of course the famous White Rock pier which is over 1,500 feet (or almost half a kilometer). It seems everyone has memories of walking the promenade, the pier, and watching the tide come in while eating gelato or sipping coffee.
Although historically seen as a sleepy retirement area thanks to the sunniest climate in the lower mainland, White Rock is continuing to develop beyond the oceanfront strip. The city of White Rock describes the beachfront as the city’s soul while the town centre bordering Surrey is the heart of the community. With that in mind, there has been a focus, albeit measured, to enhance the town centre near Semiahmoo Mall and the hub around Johnston and Thrift. Longtime residents continue to lobby for lower density throughout most of the city but the City’s goal is to create a dynamic town centre that is pedestrian friendly with high density housing, shops, services, plazas, market squares and open spaces.
2012 served up a definite dip in the market but since then, resale has been fairly flat. New construction homes have struggled in this market as the buying behaviours of an older demographic doesn’t lend itself to presales as compared to most Metro Vancouver areas. Without a vibrant core, first-time buyers and younger buyers have opted for other areas such Grandview or the other side of the river. Having said that, climate, proximity to the water and the border, the oceanfront promenade and ongoing improvements in the core will prime White Rock for measured but steady development. Indeed, 2015 looks to offer some exciting new product as older projects are absorbed.
Locals know that White Rock is an amazing place and although change happens slowly here, measured and consistent development will provide growth while maintaining the City’s charm.
