Officials expect the Savary Island dock to be open more frequently than they originally thought.
The dock is undergoing repairs and maintenance from May 27 to June 26, a project that comes under the auspices of Powell River Regional District.
Sean McGinn, manager of community services, said the float, about 30 breakwater piles, a few structural piles and most of the decking on the wharf is being replaced. Additionally, the area around the float will be dredged so it is deeper and the shed on the wharf is being rebuilt.
The regional district awarded the contract for the work to Sawchuck Pile Driving Ltd. from Vancouver Island.
Originally, the regional district thought the dock would be closed for over half the month. However, it looks like it will be able to be open more times than originally believed.
“We had discussions about how to accommodate people coming and going,” McGinn said.
The regional emergency program coordinator has devised an emergency evacuation plan for when the dock is closed, McGinn also said, in cooperation with Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department and other emergency services.
Signs will be posted at the Lund Water Taxi, at the government wharf in Lund and at the dock on Savary to provide updates on when the dock will be closed and when it will be open. As well, the regional district will be providing information on dock closures on its website.
The 2013 financial plan for the Savary marine service includes $553,115 for dock upgrades. In February, the regional board amended the Savary public marine transportation parcel tax bylaw to increase the rate by approximately $97 per parcel to fund the work.
