Phillip Warner

I’ve proudly called White Rock home since 2012. As a single father in my 40s raising two energetic boys here, I’m deeply invested in the future of our community, not just for my family, but for all of us.

I bring a well-rounded background in accounting, having worked with both corporate and government organizations, and I currently run two small businesses: one in bookkeeping and the other in home inspections. I even built my own home here, learning as I went and doing almost all the work myself.

I understand the value of hard work, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions. I consider myself a centrist who is focused on balance and common-sense approaches. I’m running because I care about our community, and I believe I can bring a thoughtful and grounded voice to the council.

I believe White Rock deserves practical leadership rooted in common sense, transparency, and accountability. As a long-time resident raising two young boys here, I’m deeply committed to building a community that works for all of us, not just in theory, but in the everyday details that affect our quality of life.

Unlike some candidates who claim to live in White Rock but actually reside in Surrey, I truly live here and feel firsthand the impact of rising property taxes, significant water utility increases, and City Hall’s decisions. As a resident taxpayer, I have a vested interest in fiscal responsibility because these decisions directly affect my own household.

My experience spans government, corporate finance, and small business. I’ve built my own home and run both a bookkeeping and home inspection business, giving me a hands-on understanding of how city policies impact real people. I’m focused on ensuring our city makes smarter choices—such as protecting our night skies from excessive light pollution, making parking more accessible and efficient, and keeping public land in public hands.

I want to see a city hall that serves its citizens rather than hinders them. That means faster, simpler permitting for homeowners, fair use of boulevards, and eliminating unnecessary red tape. We must increase transparency by releasing information proactively, expand our urban canopy with thoughtful tree planting, and ensure city spending delivers real value instead of unnecessary extravagance.

I will not make unrealistic promises in areas outside our jurisdiction, such as provincial healthcare. My focus is on tangible improvements the city can actually deliver.

White Rock is a unique, vibrant place, and it is time for fresh leadership that respects both its character and its residents. I’m a centrist who believes in balanced, practical solutions. If you’re looking for someone who will listen, act with integrity, and put residents first, I would be honoured to earn your vote.

Keep City Land Public: Oppose the sale of city-owned land. Advocate for redeveloping the existing municipal hall site into a vibrant, low-rise community hub that includes public services, commercial spaces, and city-owned rental housing.

— Although the current council has paused the sale, the significant costs and ongoing pressure from senior staff to pursue redevelopment mean it could resurface. We must stand firm and protect our city’s assets.

Manage Density Responsibly: White Rock is among the most densely populated cities in Canada, with growth outpacing infrastructure and services. Instead of spot zoning for big developers, we need gentle development that aligns with capacity and fosters community through diverse housing options such as co-ops and low-rise buildings. Towers may be efficient, but they erode character, interaction, and green space. The city should make sustainable choices like green roofs, permeable surfaces, and rainwater systems easier, not harder, to adopt.

Grow the Urban Canopy: Expand tree planting on public lands, particularly on city boulevards. Include a mix of species, including fruit and nut trees, to replace those lost to development. Require new home construction to include mature tree planting in front setbacks.

Protect Our Night Skies: Support a Dark Skies Initiative to reduce unnecessary light pollution that negatively impacts residents and local wildlife. For example, bright outdoor strip lighting at the Wave buildings (Foster/Martin) well novel can be excessive and disruptive — DarkSky International

Smarter Parking Policies: Reallocate parking to ensure all public parks have practical public access, whether paid or unpaid. Revisit resident-only and no-parking zones to better match street use. Add painted parking lines to improve space efficiency.

Smarter Use of Resources: Re-evaluate the city’s reliance on costly external consultants. Where there is a recurring need, bring expertise in-house or make better use of the skills and experience already available within city staff; reducing cost, and ensuring better continuity in decision-making. Where practical and aligned, evaluate collaborating with Surrey to deliver services at lower cost.

Spend Tax Dollars Wisely: Conduct a review of city spending with a focus on value for money. Question large purchases such as a $50,000+ robotic mower and $80,000+ electric trucks when more economical, long-lasting alternatives are available.

Citizen-Focused Governance: Shift the focus of city administration to facilitate residents instead of creating unnecessary obstacles. Apply practical solutions to local challenges such as steep terrain and limited space, especially in matters like boulevard use and retaining walls.

Faster Permitting for Homeowners: Streamline the permitting process for single-family and low-density projects by prioritizing essential plan checks. Reduce unnecessary delays by focusing staff efforts on core responsibilities, rather than duplicating work already handled by the licensed engineers and professionals involved in the project.

Increase Public Transparency: Improve access to information by routinely publishing more city records, so residents do not have to rely on time-consuming and costly Freedom of Information requests.

Clarify the City–BIA Relationship: Review the current connection between the Business Improvement Association and City Hall. Ensure an arm’s-length relationship and examine the levy, currently applied through an additional property tax, to determine if transitioning to a self-levied independent association could better support local businesses and improve affordability.

I only accept support that comes with no strings attached. No favours, no backroom deals, and absolutely no promises made behind closed doors. My position will always be public. I will vote and advocate for what is in the best interest of our community, not just one specific group.

It’s been a humbling experience to meet so many in our community who share both concerns and passion for change in the place we call home. Some of these community members have graciously donated and endorsed my campaign.

But the endorsement I’m most proud of is from my two boys, who told me that if they could vote, they’d vote for me! And honestly, that’s the kind of backing that matters most.