The Great Northern Railway first came to White Rock in 1909 and built a very small station at the foot of Anderson Street. At the time, the railway operated a single daily freight train each way, primarily transporting construction material and mail, along with limited passenger services.
It was Canada Customs policy to have ports of entry at least one mile from the border. It was therefore Canada Customs who determined the exact location of the future community when they located their office at White Rock. The tiny railway station and customs office became the centre of gravity for a new community.
Soon, White Rock’s lifeblood flowed along the rails and the station was the community’s heart. Four trains a day rolled into town from either direction. Introduced in 1911, the three-car Campers Special ran between Vancouver and Blaine from July to October. The station at the foot of Anderson was quickly overwhelmed by the rapidly growing community.
A new station was opened on New Year’s Day, 1913, and still stands today. It housed the newly expanded railway station, as well as the Canada Customs and Immigration offices.
At the posted coordinates, on the building, is a blue plaque.
A- 2-1-1
B- 2-5-1
C- 5-2-5
North Checksum: 16
At the posted coordinates, on the building, there is a description of the photograph.
D- 1-2-2
E- 4-6-1 MINUS 5-1-4
F- 3-10-5
West Checksum: 14
FINAL: N 49 01.ABC W 122 48.DEF