The City of White Rock will temporarily close one lane of Marine Drive starting June 7, extending patio space to help Waterfront restaurants impacted by the pandemic.
City Council made the decision at a May 10 Council meeting, adding at a May 31 Council meeting that the temporary closure will stay in place until the Provincial Health Officer allows restaurants to operate at 100-per-cent indoor seating capacity. The original end date was Sept. 30.
Marine Drive will open for eastbound travel only from Vidal Street to Maple Street. The residential area known as “the hump” will have two lanes open for eastbound travel for residents to maintain access to street parking.
Details of the temporary lane closure include:
- The City has developed a traffic management plan that protects parking for residents on Marine Drive while operating as safely as possible during the temporary lane closure.
- The City has also worked with White Rock Fire Rescue and the White Rock RCMP to confirm its safety plan during the temporary lane closure.
- TransLink buses that travel on Marine Drive will be rerouted.
- Garbage collection and deliveries for business have been planned by the White Rock BIA and approved by the City.
- The City is encouraging motorists to take alternative ways to get the White Rock’s beach. More details will be available at whiterockcity.ca/marinedrlaneclosure.
- Visitors to Marine Drive are encouraged to park at the West Beach Parkade at Vidal Street and Victoria Avenue to avoid congestion on Marine Drive.
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Quotes
Mayor Darryl Walker
City of White Rock
“As we close in on what we hope is the end of the pandemic, our Marine Drive restaurants are struggling during the warm weather season when they should be their busiest.
I want to thank the residents for your patience and co-operation as we work together to keep our Waterfront vibrant, I want to recognize our emergency responders who work together to ensure White Rock continues to be safe, and I want to also thank the White Rock BIA and South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce for being a champion for local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.”