The City of White Rock is pleased to announce the reopening of its iconic pier, the longest pier in Canada, after it was closed for major repairs following a devastating storm in December 2018.
The pier was battered and severed in half by a storm surge with winds of up to 91 kilometres an hour on Dec. 20, 2018. Working with Greystone Design Management Contractors, the City of White Rock restored and reopened the East Beach Promenade in July. Working with contractor PPM Civil Constructors, the City has now repaired the pier for public use.
The community, businesses and the Province of British Columbia contributed funds to help repair and reopen the pier, paying for costs not covered by insurance. Donations will be publicly recognized at the official reopening of the White Rock Pier scheduled to be held on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Facts about the White Rock Pier
The 470-metre-long White Rock Pier is a major attraction in White Rock, a picturesque city of 20,000 located on Semiahmoo Bay in southwest B.C. Here are some facts about the pier:
- Originally constructed in 1914/15
- Extends north-south into Semiahmoo Bay
- Unique wood construction
- 470 metres long
- Underwent restoration in 1977
- Breakwater located at its southern end
- Significantly damaged during the severe storm of Dec. 20, 2018, with wind gusts exceeding 90/km hour, heavy rain and a heavy tide
- Damaged promenade was reconstructed and reopened in July 2019
- Official reopening takes place Sept. 21, 2019.
Quotes
Mayor Darryl Walker
“Reopening the White Rock Pier is a highlight for me as Mayor of this beautiful city by the sea. I am extremely proud of the work of City Council and staff for making it a priority to reopen the pier before the end of the summer. Residents and visitors have been enjoying our beach and restored promenade. Now, everyone can enjoy the much-loved White Rock Pier.
There is a long list of groups and individuals to thank for raising or contributing funding to the pier, including the Province of British Columbia, Friends of the Pier, the White Rock BIA, artist David Klassen and many more. I look forward to seeing everyone at the September 21 official opening of the White Rock Pier where we can publically say ‘thank you’ to each of you.”
Dan Bottrill
White Rock CAO
“The City’s Engineering team has done an outstanding job in getting the White Rock waterfront, including the pier, opened following such a significant storm. There is more work to be done to make our pier enjoyable for many years to come. The City will do its best to minimize the length of any future closure so the community can continue to enjoy Canada’s longest pier.”
Can’t make it to the White Rock Pier? Check out the pier camera.
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Media Contact:
Donna Kell, APR
Manager, Communications and Government Relations
City of White Rock
dkell@whiterockcity.ca
778-866-8514 (cell)
604-541-2138 (office)