Christine Makasoff - About Me
White Rock Resident
I moved to White Rock in 1988 with my husband Blaine. We raised four children here and devoted numerous volunteer hours to supporting this amazing community. From beach clean-ups and the Sea Festival, to coaching youth sports, I have tried to give back to my community of White Rock. I am the President of the Peace Arch Curling Club and have sat on the board since 2018. As President, I have engaged with city staff on several issues important to the club. It is this experience that has prompted my desire to sit on City Council.
Professional Background
Legal Assistant 1991 - 1997
Education Assistant, Surrey School District 2003 - 2013
Real Estate Agent since 2013
Education
Diploma in Marketing Management, B.C.I.T.
Diploma in Legal Studies, Capilano College
Para Education Program, Surrey School District
Real Estate Trading Services, UBC
Peace Arch Curling Club President
The Peace Arch Curling Club is a non-profit society established in 1966. Today, the club boasts over 500 members and manages a cafe and lounge and provides space for many local groups, including the Rotary Book Sale, drop-in pickle ball and Christmas fair.
Christine Makasoff - Vision
Improve collaborative relations with the City of Surrey
Improve collaborative relations with the City of Surrey
Improve collaborative relations with the City of Surrey
As the population of Surrey balloons around us, our relationship with the City of Surrey becomes more important. There are many overlapping services in our area and there are also many services that residents can only obtain in the City of Surrey. Collaboration can lead to cost-sharing between the two cities. For the small city of White Rock, it can lead to better services for its residents. For example, White Rock does not need to build its own outdoor pool. The residents of White Rock partially funded the original construction of the South Surrey Pool on 17 Ave. White Rock should be collaborating with Surrey to utilize this pool.
Adhere to the Official Community Plan (OCP)
Improve collaborative relations with the City of Surrey
Improve collaborative relations with the City of Surrey
Residents, businesses, and builders all need to be able to rely on a consistent application of the OCP. The OCP is an important document that goes through many reviews and incorporates the opinions of the public. The OCP is meant to guide city officials while providing protection to city residents. As a real estate agent, I am strongly opposed to spot zoning because of the devastating effect it can have on people in the surrounding neighbourhood.
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Healthy Active Living on the Penninsula
Improve collaborative relations with the City of Surrey
Healthy Active Living on the Penninsula
I am a strong proponent for healthy activity and socialization.
Engaging in regular healthy activities and maintaining social connections play a vital role in promoting overall well-being. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals who remain physically active and socially engaged experience a range of health benefits, including fewer visits to the doctor, reduced rates of depression, and less reliance on medical services. Many local volunteer organizations are providing needed services for the residents of White Rock, from curling to lawn bowling and pickle ball and tennis. These associations are essential to the health and well-being of our residents and they need financial support and respect from the City.
Marine Drive Business Revitalization
Marine Drive Business Revitalization
Healthy Active Living on the Penninsula
We are a city by the sea. Our promenade has seen some beautiful upgrades in recent years, however, the businesses on Marine Drive are suffering. Empty store fronts and garbage are an eye-sore for visitors and a detriment to existing businesses. The City needs to act. I would like to see changes made to pay parking on Marine Drive throughout the winter months to help struggling businesses through the slow season. Imposing a commercial vacancy tax on businesses would incentivize owners to do what is needed to get their spaces leased. A revised system for garbarge collection is urgently needed.
Improve City Hall Efficiency
Marine Drive Business Revitalization
Improve City Hall Efficiency
Many White Rock residents experience frustration due to excessive red tape, extended delays, and unclear communication when dealing with City services. It is essential for White Rock to focus on identifying and removing inefficiencies in its operations. For example,waiting up to a year to obtain a permit to remove a dead tree from private property is unacceptable.
White Rock should look to the successes and failures of other municipalities that have faced similar challenges, adopting effective practices and avoiding those that have proven unsuccessful. By learning from these examples, the City can better serve its community.
If elected, I pledge to assist White Rock residents in resolving their issues with City Hall. My commitment is to simplify procedures, reduce unnecessary red tape, and ensure that our municipal government works efficiently and transparently for everyone.
Property Taxes
Marine Drive Business Revitalization
Improve City Hall Efficiency
Property taxes are the largest revenue source for the City of White Rock. Many home owners have seen their general municipal taxes increase 40% over the past five years while core inflation has only increased about 20%. I am committed to working diligently to ensure that the rise in property taxes is reduced.
I believe that innovative approaches are essential to effective fiscal management. By introducing fresh perspectives and creative solutions to strategic planning processes, we can identify opportunities to optimize municipal spending, enhance efficiencies, and reduce unnecessary costs. My focus will be to explore alternative revenue sources, encourage responsible development, and prioritize investments that deliver the greatest value to residents.
The Official Community Plan (OCP)
The Official Community Plan (OCP)
The OCP is often referred to as a living document. I would like to see that end. The OCP is a chance for the residents of White Rock to voice their opinions and concerns for what the future of their City will look like. The process of updating and approving the OCP takes much time and effort because it is an important document but City Council often disregards its importance.
When someone buys a property, they often are concerned about the future development planned for the area. The OCP is relied upon to show people what the development plans are for the area. If someone buys a condo in a building with an old house next door, they want to know what the City has designated the land for in the future. If the OCP shows a maximum of four stories then it is irresponsible for City Council to later approve an eight story building there. A decision like that can be devastating for neighbours who moved there thinking no more than four stories were to be built next door. Views are not always the main concern for people. Taller buildings cause larger shadows and decreased privacy.
People need to be able to trust their City Councillors.
Collaborating with the City of Surrey
In 1957, when the B.C. Government created the City of White Rock, development was mainly concentrated near the waterfront. Development in Surrey was concentrated in North Surrey and Cloverdale. Today, the population of the South Surrey/White Rock area is estimated at 118,278. The current population of White Rock is estimated at 23,670.
The residents of White Rock rely on certain services in Surrey that are not available in White Rock or are insufficient in White Rock. The land available in White Rock is limited and for this reason, White Rock will never be able to provide its residents with all of the services that are provided to Surrey residents. White Rock does not have the ability to add more soccer fields and it should not be looking to build an outdoor pool in the limited park space available. Instead, White Rock should aim to work with Surrey to provide services for White Rock residents.
White Rock can no longer act like an island. White Rock residents would be better served by a City Council that works with the City of Surrey to provide needed services to its residents.
