Volunteers pledge to help raise $2M to help repair White Rock pier
A local community group in White Rock has pledged to help the city repair the iconic White Rock pier.
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White Rock’s community-based Friends of the Pier Fundraising Committee unveiled plans Thursday to help the City of White Rock fund the replacement of the iconic White Rock pier by fundraising for the rebuilding project’s shortfall — expected to be about $2 million.
The pier’s entire 470-metre-long structure was severely damaged during an intense wind storm last December. The total repair costs for the 104-year-old pier were estimated to be around $16.2 million.
“Even with insurance, potential contributions from other levels of government, and dipping into the city’s reserves, there is an estimated shortfall of about $2 million,” explained Bob Bezubiak, Committee Chair of Friends of the Pier Fundraising Committee.
Instead of getting the City of White Rock to borrow money, the Friends of the Pier think that bringing the community together for the sake of this iconic White Rock landmark is more important.
“We believe a better option is for all of us who are friends of the pier, and every generation that has enjoyed the pier over the years, to lend a hand and help out as a community.”
White Rock Pier reconstruction design – concrete and steel structure. (City of White Rock)
White Rock Mayor Darryl Walker congratulated the fundraising committee for stepping up and involving the entire community.
“Everyone was devastated by the storm damage, but we’re all committed to making the pier better than ever,” said Walker.
“Our community and region are famous for working together to help out, and I want to thank the Friends of the Pier and all those who will step up and help us rebuild our pier over the next couple of years. It’s a chance for all of us to work together as we rebuild the pier, something that means so much to all of us.”
The group plans to fundraise by selling wooden planks for the new pier for $1,000 each, celebrity chefs dinners, a number of concerts for the pier throughout the summer, and asking for donations on their website.
“This is a chance for all of us to build something special for future generations,” says Bezubiak.
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