Border Incidents Raise Local Alarm

Two recent incidents in Windsor’s border waters have reignited security concerns. In one case, a man attempted to enter Canada illegally by kayak. Days later, a 40-year-old allegedly crossed into the U.S. on a stolen Sea-Doo. Windsor harbourmaster Peter Berry said such attempts are not rare and that their frequency has increased in the last month and a half.

Community Eyes on the River

Berry noted that unconventional crossings—ranging from homemade rafts to inflatable pool toys—have long been a reality. While some occur at night, others take place in broad daylight, and public reports are becoming more common. He warned that each successful undetected entry could open doors to drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, or human trafficking.

Agencies Respond Across the Border

In the kayak case, LaSalle Police intercepted the man and handed him to the RCMP for investigation. The Sea-Doo incident remains under U.S. investigation after the vehicle was found abandoned on the Michigan shoreline. Search efforts by emergency services on both sides failed to locate the suspect.

Federal Plans, Local Needs

Ottawa committed $1.3 billion in December to border security, has deployed drones and Black Hawk helicopters, and introduced Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, in June. The legislation would expand agency powers, enable greater information sharing, and broaden the Coast Guard’s security role.

Call for Targeted Investment in Windsor

Berry stressed that Windsor’s location on a narrow stretch of the Detroit River makes it a hotspot for illegal crossings. He urged more patrol boats, joint operations, and shared facilities for the OPP, RCMP, and Windsor Police. Senator Sandra Pupatello echoed the urgency, calling for focused resources in the region while acknowledging it will take time to train officers and acquire equipment.

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Surrey Toughens Stance on Illegal Construction Activity

The City of Surrey is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal residential construction, but Mayor Brenda Locke admits the issue remains deeply rooted despite new enforcement tactics.

Longstanding Problem, Renewed Focus

Illegal construction has long plagued Surrey, B.C., with unpermitted builds transforming single-use structures into unsafe multi-unit dwellings. “This is an age-old problem for Surrey,” Locke said during a recent briefing. The city’s renewed push includes higher fines and a specialized enforcement team, but the mayor noted there’s been “no noticeable change” in the volume of illegal builds.

Policy Shifts and Penalty Hikes

In 2022, Surrey formed an illegal construction enforcement unit after issuing over 600 stop-work orders the previous year. That same year, fines for unpermitted work doubled from $500 to $1,000. Infractions include building without a permit, ignoring stop-work notices, and occupying homes before inspections.

Persistent Violations Across Metro Vancouver

Contractors say the problem extends beyond Surrey. Randy Kautzman, owner of Level One Construction, said the issue is widespread across Metro Vancouver. “You get a lot of shady contractors who tell clients they don’t need permits — and then build until they’re caught,” he said. Kautzman also warned homeowners that unpermitted work can void home insurance in cases of fire or flooding.

Recent Enforcement Cases in Surrey

Surrey officials have issued 73 bylaw enforcement notices and fined 22 property owners over $50,000 collectively in the past year. Notable violations include barns converted into multi-unit dwellings, carports turned into rental spaces, and homes with unauthorized rooftop decks lacking safety features.

Mayor Locke cited one example: “We saw windows at ground level, decks without railings — accidents waiting to happen.” These kinds of structures, she said, would never pass safety inspections or qualify for permits.

Obstacles in Enforcement and Legal Action

While the city has the option to pursue non-compliant property owners in court, Locke explained that legal battles are costly and time-consuming. Instead, the city is using visible notices on properties to pressure compliance. “That’s where we’re seeing faster action,” she noted.

Improving Permits, Encouraging Compliance

To address excuses related to bureaucratic delays, Surrey has shortened its permit processing timeline. “If the paperwork is proper, a permit can be approved in under 10 months,” said Locke. “Delays are no longer a valid excuse.”

Locke anticipates a rise in complaints as residents become more aware of enforcement efforts. “Now that people are seeing action, they’re more willing to report illegal builds in their neighbourhoods,” she said.

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High-Speed Racing Draws Police Action

Surrey Police Service (SPS) has intensified efforts to combat illegal street racing, following ongoing public complaints. On Friday, June 6, their targeted enforcement campaign—Project Rogue Racers—resulted in nearly 100 violation tickets issued in just one night. The campaign is focused on curbing unsanctioned street racing and stunting events that have surged in parts of South Surrey.

Hotspots of Concern Identified

The enforcement took place at two major street racing hotspots. The first, the 2800-block of 192 Street, saw over 300 spectators and dozens of modified vehicles. Later that night, officers moved to Port Kells, a neighbourhood bordering Langley, where they encountered roughly 200 more spectators and 40 racers. These areas have become notorious gathering points for weekend races.

Major Violations and Consequences

Police issued a variety of penalties over the night, including nearly 100 traffic violation tickets, five vehicle impoundments for offences such as excessive speeding and stunting, and two Immediate Roadside Suspensions for impaired driving. Among the most alarming incidents were two vehicles clocked at 167 km/h and 171 km/h in a 60 km/h zone—both were immediately impounded for seven days, and the drivers fined $483 each.

Public Safety at Risk

Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton emphasized the severe risks these events pose: “Illegal street racing and stunting is extremely dangerous and puts drivers, spectators, and other motorists at significant risk of injury,” he stated. He urged racers to consider legal alternatives, such as designated race tracks, which cost significantly less than the fines and long-term consequences of dangerous driving.

Fines, Penalties, and Legal Implications

Street racers face stiff penalties under current traffic laws. Speeding tickets range from $138 to $196, while excessive speeding incurs fines from $368 to $483 and three demerit points. Stunting can lead to vehicle impoundment and similar fines. Additional costs, including towing and storage, make illegal racing a costly and dangerous choice.

Ongoing Enforcement Planned

Project Rogue Racers will continue throughout the year, with SPS promising more weekend crackdowns in key areas. The campaign reflects a broader push to ensure public safety and respond to increasing concerns from Surrey residents and businesses about reckless, high-speed driving in their communities.

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