Vancouver Park Board votes in favour of repairing Jericho Beach Pier

The Jericho Beach Pier has been a seaside fixture for more than 80 years, and the Vancouver Park Board has voted in favour of making repairs to keep that legacy alive.

The motion — brought forward by Commissioner Angela Haer — will see “like for like” repairs conducted on the aging pier, which a staff report says has been done on several previous occasions.

“This would include replacing damaged decking, guardrails, beams, pile caps, piles, and selective repairs to the ramp and float,” staff outlined prior to the vote.

Commissioners voted on a staff report that recommended deconstructing the pier, which has been closed since it sustained serious damage during the atmospheric river in November 2021, and a King Tide event in January 2022.

Decision tonight: Park Board directed staff to proceed with the like-for-like repair of Jericho Beach Park Pier. Staff were also directed to prepare to receive donations to address the remaining balance after the insurance reimbursement and other funding sources. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/6crCMhXhIx

— Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (@ParkBoard) September 12, 2023

Commissioner Tom Digby called going down the path of repair a “terrible mistake” — but the rest of the board ended up voting in favour of the motion.

A full replacement of the pier would not be possible now, the report says, as it would cost between $21 million and $25 million and this funding isn’t available. Whereas “like-for-like” repairs are estimated to cost between $100,000 and $2.35 million annually.

Related links:

• Vancouver park board considers deconstruction of Jericho Pier

• Jericho Lands housing development looks to add 13,000 units of housing to Vancouver

Staff estimated that deconstructing the pier would cost between $1.3 million and $3.6 million. The report recommended this option in part because the existing breakwater would be kept in place and reinforced to shelter the harbour of the Jericho Sailing Centre. As well, it would mitigate existing safety risks and costs associated with future storm damage.

“Building like-for-like at the same elevation is not an ideal solution,” said Park Board Chair Laura Christensen. “As staff noted, the current pier is on life support, and I think this motion is to keep it on life support.”

“We’ve heard from the public that this is important to them.”

Christensen notes that a complete repair or replacement of the pier could happen as part of a later “master plan” for Jericho Beach Park.

“We’ll have more opportunities to refine the vision of the pier and what that will look like, how it will work with the Park, who will work with the growing community.”

Digby has previously told CityNews that, although it would be sad to see the pier gone for good, deconstruction is still the way to go.

“It’s just got too damaged and unfortunately, the Jericho Pier has reached the end of its service life,” he said.

Another reason staff recommended deconstruction, the report says, is because it would demonstrate the Park Board’s commitment to decolonization and reconciliation.

“Jericho Beach Park and the surrounding areas are particularly sensitive areas for local First Nations communities,” it said. “Opportunities for collaborative restoration of naturalized areas need to be considered. 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.”

With files from Cole Schisler and Greg Bowman.