A permanent 600-foot floating dock at Garry Point Park, which has raised controversy among local residents, was unanimously approved by Richmond city council last week.
The new dock will include a 300-foot permanent float and a 300-foot temporary one, with a removable part connecting both.
The new dock is “much wider and deeper than the current steel and timber floating docks at Imperial Landing,” according to a staff report.
“It will alleviate safety concerns regarding tidal events, enhance maritime activities and add to the character of Steveston Village.”
The new pier will not incorporate a view point or a formal staging area. It will be open to the public but may require to be closed when exposed to inclement weather, according to the report.
The project is estimated to cost $2 million and will take 15 months. Funding for it is expected to be approved for the 2019 budget by the city council.
A temporary floating dock was constructed in 2010 for the Ships and Shore event, however since then, the docks were relocated to the inner harbour except for special events, leaving the steel pilings resting along the shoreline.
Since then, there has been a debate about whether to remove the pilings, which are called an “eyesore” by some local residents, or to build a permanent pier.
A petition was launched last year to oppose a tentative proposal to install a permanent pier at Garry Point Park so the park can remain “in its natural state.” It collected more than 1,000 signatures.
