Mixed reaction over plans to remove English Bay Barge
Posted February 7, 2022 7:04 am.
Last Updated February 7, 2022 2:48 pm.
Plans are underway to finally remove a grounded barge which has been stuck on the sand and rocks near the Burrard Street Bridge.
The barge was sent adrift due to high winds off English Bay on Nov. 15. Combined with a King Tide, it ran aground on Sunset Beach and would not budge despite a few efforts from the company that owns it.
Now, three months later, the removal of the barge means the end of a surprisingly divisive time in Vancouver’s history.
Happening now: the loose barge. The tugboat. They’re trying. @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/jEkQ66yV0a
— Kier Junos (@kierjunos) November 16, 2021
Many argued the barge was an eyesore, while others called it an art installation. The barge has been used by some as an example of inaction by Vancouver’s Park Board, despite the board moving quickly to put up a sign reading “Barge Chilling Beach” in homage to another unofficial city park “Dude Chilling Park.” That sign was later vandalized.
It also sparked a social media frenzy called #BargeWatch2021 where many would post pictures and videos as they flocked to the beach in hopes of catching the barge being towed away, to no avail.
On Christmas Day, Patrick Levesque got down on one knee, and asked his partner Callum Snape to marry him in front of the accidental attraction. (Courtesy Callum Snape)
The barge also had a livestream camera broadcasting its movements, or lack thereof, but as of Feb. 7 the stream has gone dark.
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An online parody account called “English Bay Barge” mourned the news it would soon be dismantled.
“I could not have asked for a more Vancouver experience. How fitting it ends with a demoviction!” the account’s so-called statement reads in part.
CityNews has not confirmed the timeline for removal, but is expecting to hear from the City of Vancouver Monday regarding next steps and any possible repairs which will be required to infrastructure along the shore.
