$26 million in federal funding to rebuild most of the White Rock Pier | Daily Hive

White Rock Pier. (Chris Allan/Shutterstock)

The Government of Canada has announced nearly $26 million in federal funding to replace most of the existing landmark White Rock Pier with brand-new structural segments.

The announcement, made yesterday on Canada Day during White Rock’s waterfront festivities, will specifically target the two-thirds segment of the iconic pier that was not rebuilt shortly after the December 2018 wind storm, which severed the timber structure and completely destroyed a 100-metre segment.

Following that storm, it was estimated the cost of a complete rebuild of the entire pier would cost $16 million, but the City of White Rock decided at the time to proceed with a $4.3-million repair of the segment that was destroyed — a smaller repair project to expedite the safe reopening of the pier for public enjoyment. Those repairs were ultimately completed in August 2019, enabling a reopening to the public in just eight months after the substantial storm damage forced a prolonged closure.

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The forthcoming reconstruction project will not touch the one-third segment of the pier that was rebuilt in 2019.

However, the construction cost of building brand new segments for the remaining two-third segment has soared — not only due to the pandemic-induced inflationary impact on the market prices for construction, but also the provincial government’s recently implemented updated building and seismic code standards that now require greater design and engineering considerations for essentially all buildings and structures.

In addition to the $25.935 million provided through the federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund, White Rock’s municipal government will also contribute $4.065 million, bringing the total cost of the second phase of the pier reconstruction project to $30 million.

White Rock Pier. (JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock)

White Rock Pier. (Max Lindenthaler/Shutterstock)

This project is now moving forward as the remaining two-thirds span is approaching the end of its lifespan and needs to meet current seismic safety, structural, and accessibility standards. This includes enhanced features such as a new ramp from the upper intertidal beach to the north end of the pier, expanded landing space for emergency vehicles, and embedded utility conduits.

Ernie Klassen, the MP for South Surrey-White Rock, said this “investment in the White Rock Pier reconstruction will restore a waterfront landmark to preserve its long-term legacy for residents, visitors, and future generations. It will improve safety and accessibility, strengthen weather resiliency, and ensure the Pier remains a notable feature in White Rock for years to come.”

White Rock Mayor Megan Knight shared that this funding is the largest federal grant ever received by her small municipal government.

“It is an honour to have advocated for the iconic White Rock Pier — our City’s most cherished public space and destination enjoyed daily by residents and visitors,” said Knight.

“This essential restoration will protect our community’s crown jewel for generations to come, ensuring it remains safe, resilient and ready for use as we continue safeguarding the heritage and history that defines our city.”

The timber pier originally opened in 1914, and its last major restoration before 2019 — after the wind storm — was in 1977. It is Canada’s longest public pier, with a length of 470 metres extending south into Semiahmoo Bay.

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