The City of White Rock will reopen two-way traffic on Marine Drive as early as Aug. 7 after closing the westbound lane of traffic to help restaurants by expanding patio space.
The temporary closure of the north lane from Vidal Street to Maple Street began June 7. The City was approached by the White Rock BIA on behalf of Marine Drive restaurants to help the struggling businesses expand their patio space to increase dining capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council voted May 10 to approve the lane closure and then amended the closure on May 31 to end once restaurants could return to full capacity indoors.
B.C. entered Stage 3 of its Restart Plan on July 1, which allows restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs to operate at 100-per-cent capacity.
This includes:
- No group limits for indoor and outdoor dining with events allowed
Public Engagement
City Council invited businesses from the East Beach and West Beach to two separate special Council meetings on July 5 and July 12 to provide their input into how the lane closure was affecting their businesses.
The City will publish a survey at www.talkwhiterock.ca to invite input from residents and businesses.
Helpful Links
Quote
Mayor Darryl Walker
City of White Rock
“These extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. I want to thank the restaurants that came forward to ask for help from the City of White Rock in getting back on their feet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marine Drive is at the heart of the tourism experience in White Rock and we look forward to seeing you flourish in the future.
I also want to thank residents who are buying from businesses across White Rock, whether at the Waterfront, Uptown or at Five Corners. Buying local helps us to get through the pandemic and will help our friends and neighbours in the future.
Finally, thank you to the residents on Marine Drive and the surrounding streets who have shown patience during the temporary lane closure. We look forward to hearing your impressions and suggestions in an upcoming survey. We have heard from the businesses on both of White Rock’s beaches and now want to hear from residents. Your input helps to shape our decision-making in the future.”