Vancouver proposes building new $16-million Jericho Pier

Oct 25 2017, 12:41 pm

For four decades, Jericho Pier has been a hotspot for recreational fishing and crabbing and one of the best places in the city for panoramic views of the skyline, but the City of Vancouver says the wooden structure is deteriorating and in need of replacement.

In response, the Vancouver Park Board is in the process of exploring the idea of demolishing the existing pier at Jericho Beach and replacing it with a new and longer structure at a cost of $16 million.

The proposed new Jericho Pier at Jericho Beach in Vancouver. (City of Vancouver)

To account for intense storm and wave action and the expected rise in sea levels, the new structure will be built out of concrete and steel to ensure greater durability, and its height will be 2.5 metres higher than the existing pier.

The height of the proposed new concrete and steel structure versus the existing wooden structure. (City of Vancouver)

The new pier design is also considerably wider than the existing pier to accommodate more people and special events.

As well, an area currently covered with boulders and beach sand will be turned into an entry plaza to provide more flexible public space. Granite steps at the western edge of the entry plaza will maintain the pier’s direct water access and provide a connection between Locarno Beach to the west and Jericho Beach to the east.

Artistic rendering of the new entry plaza into Jericho Pier at Jericho Beach in Vancouver. (City of Vancouver)

There will be an accessible floating dock on the east side of the pier for emergency marine vessels and sailors with disabilities on the east side of the pier. This dock will have a berthing capacity for up to 15 sailboats for the Disabled Sailing Association’s adaptive sailing program.

Artistic rendering of the accessible floating dock as part of the new Jericho Pier design. (City of Vancouver)

Other ‘universal access’ design elements include accessible gangways, wide concrete floats, hoyer lifts, and a parking area for wheelchairs and scooters.

Ample seating on both the pier and entry plaza will allow locals and tourists to take in the views of Burrard Inlet and English.

Artistic rendering of the habitat enhancement as part of the proposed new Jericho Pier project. (City of Vancouver)

A new accessible public washroom facility is envisioned for the entry plaza as the nearest washrooms are currently on the upper floor of the Jericho Sailing Centre.

Recreational fishing and crabbing opportunities will be retained in the new design.

The Park Board hopes to begin the detailed design process next year and have construction begin in 2020 for a completion in 2021, but this is subject to funding and the project’s approval by Park Board commissioners.

If approved, fundraising is set to begin this fall, with the City reaching out for donations from the public and corporate sponsors.

The existing 1977-built Jericho Pier at Jericho Beach in Vancouver. (Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive)

Aerial view of the existing 1977-built Jericho Pier at Jericho Beach in Vancouver. (City of Vancouver)

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