Construction continues on the Wharf at Westview and new structures are giving Powell River residents an idea of the final project.
Last week, workers put up a covered stage at the end of the wharf. “This is the beginning of our Spirit Square,” said Richard Stogre, City of Powell River’s manager of engineering services. “At the end, there is an area for fishing.”
There will be a guardrail around the wharf and a fishing table with running water to enable people to clean their catch. A barbeque will also be located on the wharf.
A covered stage will be in the centre of the wharf and seating will be available for special functions, Stogre said.
The stage will act as a shelter for special events, including marriages, as well as performances, said Regina Sadilkova, manager of development services.
There had been plans for a first nations longhouse on the north side of the infill area leading up to the wharf. But Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation recently informed the city that it won’t be going forward with that proposal, Stogre said.
A boardwalk will be constructed around the entire area, Stogre also said. Railings and lighting will be ornamental in style.
Parking will be available on the south side of the area, in front of the south harbour. However, tie downs are being incorporated in that space to accommodate tents for special events.
The plan is to eventually have retail outlets on the north side, but Stogre said no spaces have been leased out yet and no buildings are planned. “We’re developing the soils so it can accommodate buildings,” he said. Water and sewage services are being installed as well.
Sadilkova said some of the area could accommodate seasonal leases. “We’ve had some interest from people who wanted to do mobile sales, for tourists,” she said. “I’m hoping that will happen faster than a building and it will add some interest and texture to the area.”
The walkway to the ferry is incorporated in the design. A wharfinger’s office is also planned, but the location hasn’t been decided yet.
Eventually, the Wharf at Westview will connect to the seawalk, Stogre said. While funds have not been included in the project budget for a connector, he said that as the project draws to a close, any available money could be used for the connection.
As part of the habitat compensation the city has to provide for the waterfront projects, the salt marsh located on the edge of the south harbour will be extended to the barge facility, Stogre said. “In the end, what you’ll see is the marsh growing within the harbour, attracting birds and animal life and looking fairly attractive,” he said. “It’s something the community should be proud of when it’s all done.”
The total Wharf at Westview budget is about $3.3 million. Funding sources include: Island Coastal Economic Trust, $1,481,342; BC Spirit Squares, $300,000; Tourism BC grant, $47,000; BC Ferries, $400,000; Western Economic Diversification Canada’s West Coast Community Adjustment Program, $250,000; city reserves, $200,000; and short-term borrowing, $592,658.
