Storm 2018 Waterfront Restoration

White Rock Pier under restoration from the 2018 storm.

The White Rock Pier reopened on Aug. 27, 2019.


The White Rock Pier is repaired and reopened. The new section has steel piles and a concrete deck with timber planks.

On December 20, 2018, a devastating windstorm swept through the City of White Rock that resulted in extensive damage to the Pier, waterfront, and boats along the marina.  BC Hydro reported it to be the most damaging in the Crown utility’s history.

Immediate Action


City staff were on site immediately on December 20, 2018 and accomplished:

  • Barricading areas in the interest of public safety.
  • Opened an emergency reception centre for residents displaced due to the impact the storm had on their homes, which resulted in them being evacuated. 
  • Removed debris from the waterfront, including fuel tanks, life jackets and broken boat components.
  • Contacted BNSF Railway and developed plans for mutual assistance.
  • Worked with the Environmental consultant to develop repair plans and directed the Marine Salvage operator throughout the Christmas period.
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Waterfront Devastation


The iconic White Rock Pier was extensively damaged along its length, not just at the break location. 

* Please note the photos provided have been taken by City Staff or Contractors. The credited photos were taken with a drone.

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East Beach Restoration


The East Beach promenade reopened on June 21, 2019.

The City of White Rock worked extensively on the restoration of East beach and log removal.

Large logs and wood debris have been moved from the shore line along East beach to the White Rock (P’Quals). BNSF Railway assisted with the restoration by supplying a work train to remove the logs that were cleaned up from the shore line.

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West Beach Promenade


The West Beach Promenade reopened in February 2019. 

The City’s Engineering and Operations department, along with contractors and clean up partners like BNSF Railway, collectively moved over 500 tons of logs and garbage. Hazardous materials such as fuel tanks, batteries, metal fragments, and boat components were also removed.

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Question & Answers


Question: Is the Pier covered by insurance and when will it be fixed?

Answer: The Pier is insured and we are working with our insurance broker to confirm coverage under the circumstances. Our discussions have been positive and the City believes that some of the Pier costs will be covered by our policy.

Total reconstruction of the missing and “hanging” sections are needed immediately. Extensive repairs to piles, pile caps, stringers, decking, conduits, arches and lights is required throughout the length of the Pier.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans environmental limitation on work in the water after February 28 (Fisheries Window) is a critical path element in the Pier restoration. The City has submitted a request to extend the Fisheries Window. Without the extension, it will be challenging to construct the immediate necessary repairs this year due to the Fisheries Window. And, reconstruction of the remainder of the Pier to a modern standard will need to be scheduled for subsequent winter construction seasons unless the Fisheries Window can be extended.

For more information, please refer to the January 28, 2019 Corporate Report: "Pier and East Beach Storm Repair Schedule and Repair Strategies" (page 29 - 66).

Question: What is the cost of repairing the Pier and when will it be rebuilt?

Answer: The cost estimates, which do not include all components, are $11.1 million for the steel pile and concrete deck option and $9.2 million  for the timber pile and deck option. When components such as the west float, seismic ground improvement (if needed), design and construction management, environmental/regulatory costs, arches/electrical/lighting, debris clean-up, and PST are added, the full cost estimates are in the range of $16.2 million for the steel pile and concrete deck option, and $14.1 million for the timber pile and deck option. 

Pier Budget Cost Estimates

These figures are preliminary and based on information known to date. For example, at this time, the estimates include $3 million for seismic ground improvement, and until more testing is done, the extent of work needed is not known. In addition, although an estimate of $600,000 has been included for the west wharf ($400,000 for timber option), there may be additional costs involved with re-establishing the marina, as this has not yet been fully examined.

The Pier is insured for approximately $7 million and depending on the details of the policy and cost components, it is understood that more or less than that may be recoverable through the policy. More information will be available once the City’s insurers complete their review. The amount not covered by insurance will need to be financed by other funding sources, such as grants and/or other City funds. A rough cost estimate for the clean-up, restoration of East Beach is $600,000, and this cost is not covered by insurance. Other City funding sources will be required. 

Currently, these costs are not included in the City’s approved Financial Plan. At this time, depending on which option is pursued, it may be challenging to identify sufficient internal funding sources without having significant impacts. More time and information from the City’s insurers is needed before this can be confirmed. It is planned that recommended amendments to the Financial Plan will be presented to Council at its meeting on February 11, 2019. As well, in order to secure more external funding, the City submitted an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program -Community, Culture and Recreation grant application on January 23, 2019, which was the deadline for program applications.

For more information, please refer to the January 28, 2019 Corporate Report: "Pier and East Beach Storm Repair Schedule and Repair Strategies" (page 29 - 66). 


Question: Has the City reached out to the Government of Canada and/or Government of British Columbia about potential grant opportunities?  

Answer: The Mayor and City staff have connected with the federal and provincial governments regarding funding options. As well, the City has submitted an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – British Columbia grant program. The City will also seek grant funding assistance through the Disaster Financial Assistance Fund.