The City of White Rock is converting the temporary 30-minute pay parking at White Rock’s Waterfront to two-hour pay parking to support local businesses as the Province enters phase two of BC’s Restart Plan.
White Rock closed the Pier, Promenade and Waterfront parking lots, including the West Beach Parkade, starting in March to promote safe physical distancing.
A reduced number of spaces, with pay parking for up to 30 minutes, had been put in place to support quick trips to local businesses. Four-hour reserved parking continues to be available on the West Beach to residents with yellow, annual parking decals (2019 and 2020).
Starting this week, the Province is allowing restaurants to open for dining, providing they meet WorkSafeBC’s requirements for operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants, including some on Marine Drive, have been open for takeout and delivery during the first phase of the pandemic.
Phased reopening for City of White Rock buildings, services
White Rock City Council will review a reopening plan at its May 25 Council meeting. Further reopening of parking on the Waterfront, as well as the phased reopening of the Promenade, Pier, West Beach Parkade and closed city buildings and services, will be addressed in the report for Council’s consideration.
The City of White Rock is offering services online and by phone and email as many White Rock employees continue to work from home. Find out how to connect with the City at whiterockcity.ca/COVID19.
White Rock needs volunteers for its COVID-19 Recovery Task Force
The City of White Rock is recruiting members of the community who want to help with the City’s social and economic recovery in the short and longer term.
The COVID-19 Recovery Task Force will:
- Assist local businesses and social services during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Prepare for White Rock’s reopening by advocating with senior levels of government to ease the burden of COVID-19
- Provide communication on resources and programs available to help the community
- Work with stakeholders on new initiatives for recovery
- Consider the social and economic impact of reopening White Rock.
The City is looking for up to five members to volunteer until June 1, 2021. Complete applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2020.
To complete a form or to get more information, visit www.whiterockcity.ca/committees, email ClerksOffice@whiterockcity.ca or call 604-541-2212.
Quote
Mayor Darryl Walker
“I understand the desire to move quickly, reopen everything that has been closed, such as our Pier and Promenade, and to just get back to normal life. It’s important that we move deliberately and thoughtfully. We have a responsibility to create a healthy community, both socially and economically, over the long term, and that takes planning and careful thought.
This week, we are taking a first step by extending the short-term paid parking on Marine Drive from 30 minutes to two hours. That will take effect on May 21 as a way to help shoppers and diners enjoy restaurants and shops on the Waterfront as many prepare to reopen.
Next week, White Rock Council will have more news to share as we review City staff’s plan for a Phased reopening of City of White Rock facilities. We are also recruiting passionate community members who can help us move forward by volunteering to serve on the COVID-19 Recovery Task Force.
I want to thank everyone for being kind and patient and following the instructions of our Provincial Health Officer. We are in this together, and we will get through this together.”