The Jericho Beach Park Pier could be demolished.
The pier has been closed since the storm surge in January, 2022, which left it, along with Kitsilano pool and parts of the Stanley Park seawall, heavily damaged.
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation staff are recommending that rather than repair the structure the pier be taken apart completely.
In 2017, a new design for the pier was proposed and approved by the Park Board to accommodate the Disabled Sailing Association that uses the Jericho Sailing Centre and pier. The renewed concept would cost $25 million to build in 2023.
A Park Board report on Sept. 5 cites insufficient funding as one of the reasons for suggesting the removal of the pier instead of rebuilding it according to the revamped concept that was approved in 2017.
The report also lists four considerations regarding the future of the Jericho Beach pier.
The first is the opportunity for decolonization and reconciliation initiatives.
"Removal of this colonial structure will demonstrate the Park Board’s commitment to decolonization and reconciliation," reads the report, noting that the areas surrounding the pier are particularly sensitive areas for local First Nations communities. "Future changes at this site can be undertaken in collaboration with the Host Nations, with a key consideration being the linkage and needs arising from the redevelopment of the Jericho Lands."
Other factors include concerns over climate change, as rising sea levels which will exacerbate the magnitude, frequency, and extent of coastal flooding at Jericho Beach Park; aging infrastructure, because the pier is 80 years old and maintenance and renewal costs will far exceed the funding available; and future development in the area.
"The nearby Jericho Lands development project contributes to a future need for a Park Board to embark on a joint comprehensive planning study for Jericho Beach Park with the local First Nations. [The Park Board] will determine the best future plan for the park including the site of the pier," reads the report.
While Park Board staff recommend deconstructing the pier, they also suggest maintaining the breakwater. The Park Board will make a decision on Sept. 11. If demolished, the pier is expected to be completely removed by the end of 2024.
Can a local yacht club rebuild the pier themselves?
A post on social media alleged that the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club is going to rebuild the Jericho pier themselves, which would cost around $32 million -- $7 million more than the Park Board's estimate.
However, the club tells V.I.A. that this is not the case and they do not intend on rebuilding the pier.
