Vancouver adaptive sailing program prepares for Jericho Pier-less summer

The fate of a historic piece of Vancouver’s waterfront is unknown after the beloved Jericho Pier was damaged in a series of storms over the fall and winter.

The pier was first closed due to damage sustained in November due to a king tide and strong winds. That storm also set a barge adrift and later beached it on Sunset Beach.

Then, another king tide hit in January, further destroying the pier, the iconic Stanley Park Seawall, as well as the widely popular Kitsilano Pool. Officials provided an update two weeks ago that the pool may not open for the summer as a result.

Now, it seems the pier will also be out of commission for its busiest months, as options for the future of the pier are still being determined, according to the Vancouver Park Board.

The news is taking the wind out of the sails of many summer programs which rely on the pier, including the Adaptive Sailing Association of BC (ASABC).

“The sailing program is just a wonderful way for people to get out of their wheelchairs, get away from their walkers, and get into sailboats. And many of our members say that when they’re in a sailboat, nobody can tell they have a disability,” program manager Eric Molendyk said.

The association has operated for 33 years from Jericho Beach and has kept its rescue boat and safety equipment at the pier itself.

“Without the pier and no concrete plan of how they’re going to move forward, we’ve had to think on the fly. With our … season happening in May, what will be our safety protocols?” Molendyk said.

He says the ASABC has a great safety record but is always prepared to respond in case a member has a medical emergency while sailing. The organization is trying to think of a temporary fix, which Molendyk admits is not easy.

“We’ve never had the program without a pier so really part of our anxiety is just the great unknown, right? The pier has always been a fixture, it’s therapeutic. It’s a great way to take in Jericho Beach and your surroundings and be out with nature. And it’s just part of the scenery there that’s always there. And the pier is one of the things I think fits into the category of you don’t know how much you [need] something until it’s gone. And that’s what we’re dealing with. We’ve never had a season without it.”

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When asked about the pier, the Vancouver Park Board says it was not able to even examine the full scope of the damage due to safety concerns following the storm.

“The damage to Jericho Pier was severe and created a safety hazard that slowed down inspection of the pier. The Park Board’s marine consultants have now successfully completed a detailed assessment of the structure by boat to determine possible paths forward based on the condition of the major structural elements. Options for the future of the pier are currently being determined and staff will be bringing them forward to the Park Board for a decision later this summer,” Vancouver Park Board communications strategist Andrew Burns said in an email to CityNews.

“You always want to know the best way to move forward — what’s the safest way where can we put our boats in and the more we can line up ahead of time where to put our equipment, that leads to a better sailing season. So we’re definitely hoping that this gets resolved sooner than later,” Molendyk said.

The program aims to empower people to re-imagine what is possible. Each summer, some 1,000 sailings see people get onto the water.

The boats are modified to allow sailors with all ranges of motion to enjoy a day on the water.

“Our members … they’re dealing with arthritis, they’re dealing with MS, they’re dealing with a cognitive issue… mobility challenges,” Molendyk said.

However, despite the setback, he says they are still hopeful the season will start May 26.

Jericho Pier is still a mess after the storm. pic.twitter.com/KMw5roWYxY

— Richard Campbell (@wrychrd) January 25, 2022

There are also concerns the pier will not be rebuilt at all, something which Molendyk calls very sad.

A 2017 proposal saw the Vancouver Park Board work with the sailing association to draw up plans for a floating dock that would be more accessible to those who use wheelchairs or have other mobility needs. However, that plan never got off the ground and there is no information as to if that would be a priority if the pier is restored or rebuilt.