White Rock pier re-opens after months of repairs

WHITE ROCK (NEWS 1130) – Eight months after it was damaged in a windstorm, the White Rock pier is open again. People in the city say they’re excited to have it back, considering this summer has been quieter than usual along the waterfront.

People here are stoked for the pier re-opening. The damage and closure brought a lot of sadness, not to mention losses for the shops here #WhiteRock pic.twitter.com/blwLcZwZFl

— Kurtis Doering (@KDnewsguy) August 27, 2019

It took months of repairs and millions of dollars after December’s windstorm caused extensive damage. The 104-year-old pier was severed in half after winds up to 91 kilometers an hour sent boats flying into it. Money from the province, a fundraising campaign, and insurance went into the restoration.

There’s still some work needed to complete all the repairs, but returning visitors will see some new elements. The middle of the pier has been entirely replaced, while the end of the pier remains the same except for a few upgrades.

You can see where the newer section of the pier is. Up top, the lantern-style lights are still missing #WhiteRock pic.twitter.com/LeH9JPgX0w

— Kurtis Doering (@KDnewsguy) August 27, 2019

Shops in the area also lost significant business this summer. As the pier is a major attraction in the area, the City of White Rock made efforts to help businesses near it by offering free parking and holding special events.

Canada’s longest pier began welcoming visitors again at 11 a.m. on Aug. 27.