Councillor Helen Fathers says requests have also been made for grants

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We’re all hopeful we’ll get a chance to walk White Rock’s famous pier again, and now that city’s council has set aside cash to repair the beloved landmark following December’s windstorm.

The decision has been made to add $5.4 million to the city’s financial plan up to 2022 to reconstruct the pier and carry out other repair work.

White Rock Councillor Helen Fathers is hopeful senior levels of government can also help, and notes requests have been made for grants.

“The message is, please help us,” Fathers says. “It’s integral really to the ongoing businesses. People coming to visit the pier, and visiting the businesses. It’s something we just absolutely have to repair. There’s no ifs, ands or buts to it.”

Like many people in the region, Fathers says the pier means a lot to her.

“I just absolutely love the pier,” says Fathers. “When my dad comes over from England, we walk along the pier, and talk about how nice it is and how far we can see, and all the history behind it. It’s a very great conversation that we have, and we just love going down there.”

Fathers says while the damage was unfortunate, she’s been heartened by fundraising efforts locally to pitch in some cash to help with repair efforts, from various community groups and the business community.