Crews are continuing their work in rebuilding an iconic pier in Summerland, with completion anticipated for early July.
The structure, for years a popular waterfront landmark in the community, was dismantled in 2023 because of structural damages and safety concerns.
Joe Mitchell, director of works and infrastructure for Summerland, said the new structure will look similar to the former structure and will follow the same footprint. However, the pilings and base are steel instead of wood.
The former structure had a wood base. When it was dismantled, most of the pilings had been rotting and were unsafe.
“What we are trying to do is match what we had before,” Mitchell said. “The look will be very similar to what it was prior.”
Summerland council had earlier earmarked $300,000 of its $4.533 million Growing Communities Fund money for the pier replacement. This was in addition to $200,000 set aside by Summerland council to remove the old pier.
The pier has a long history as a community landmark.
In 1910, the Canadian Pacific Railway wharf had been built at the site, and was in use until the 1970s. When the wharf was constructed, Okanagan Lake was a primary transportation corridor in the region.
Later, the wharf had deteriorated and was eventually dismantled.
In 1999, a new pier, on the same footprint, was opened. That pier was the result of community fundraising initiatives. It had become a popular summer recreation spot on the lakefront in Summerland.
An official opening of the rebuilt pier is expected for July 11.
The Rotary Club of Summerland is raising money for amenities for the pier. The preferred amenities identified by the community in 2023 included additional benches, a shade structure, a rope swing, a jumping board, aquatic stairs, lighting on the railing, a slide, a stepped-down platform, solar lighting on the shade structure and a floating dock and ramp.
The amenities will not be included when the pier is reopened, as the permit for the work only covers the replacement of the original pier. A second permit will be needed in order to add enhancements to the pier.