Sidney council has greenlit a half-a-million dollar project to help rehabilitate the Bevan Fishing Pier.
The popular walking and fishing spot is in need of preventative maintenance work, and on Monday, Sidney council agreed to fund the estimated $550,000 required to complete the underwater repairs.
The budget is higher than the $300,000 estimate that was established last year, but municipal staff say the new cost is cheaper than separating the project into two phases over several years.
“This is more expensive than originally estimated; however, marine work has seen high inflation in recent years, and contractors continue to be in high demand,” reads a staff report presented to council Monday.
Work on the pier is expected to begin this fall and finish by the end of the year.
“The Bevan Fishing Pier may be closed to the public for short time periods while the work is underway to ensure safety,” said the town in a release Tuesday.
The Bevan Fishing Pier pile wrapping project comes as Sidney continues to mull what to do with its iconic Beacon Wharf.
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In 2021, the town agreed to take a pause on potentially replacing or simply removing the more than 60-year-old wharf after there was significant community pushback.
Repairs to the wharf were completed in 2020 to extend its lifetime seven or eight more years, though the town acknowledges the historic wharf is reaching the end of its life.
Another condition assessment for the wharf is planned for 2024.
Adam Chan
