White Rock closing part of Marine Drive to help struggling beachfront businesses

WHITE ROCK (NEWS 1130) — White Rock is coming up with a plan to close one lane of Marine Drive this summer in order for restaurants along the waterfront to have more space for outdoor seating since indoor dining is not allowed under B.C.’s current pandemic restrictions.

Darryl Walker, the mayor of White Rock, believes businesses need the help so he’s in favour of the closure, which will likely mean it’s eastbound only on Marine Drive. But he admits this could slow you down if you’re driving through.

“Potentially there could be more traffic down there, and it could be longer to get in and out. We’re hoping people understand that White Rock is not open for business as usual.”

He says it’s even more reason to stay away from White Rock if you don’t live there.

“If people continue to come down here, the traffic will get heavier, so that’s going to be a problem. We want to make sure the residents are respected and can get in and out of their dwellings, their driveways, their garages.”

The City expects the lane on Marine Drive to close sometime after May long weekend. Measures will be put in place so emergency vehicles won’t get stuck in the backlog if they are needed at the beach.

“Our engineering staff will work with the police, fire and ambulance to make sure that there’s methods of people being able to get there when there’s an emergency or something of that order,” says Walker.

Walker also adds, even if the restrictions on indoor dining are lifted by the Provincial government, the closure on Marine Drive will continue.

City Council voted almost unanimously for the shutdown. Councillor David Chesney was the only one to say ‘no.’

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today