Fix approved for Kiwanis Walking Pier

City to spend $200,000 from emergency fund to repair flood-damaged popular attraction while council considers future of pier

City council voted Tuesday to pull $200,000 from an emergency reserve to repair and reopen the Kiwanis Walking Pier.

It has been out of service since last spring, when waves on top of the record-high surface of Okanagan Lake battered the pier into submission.

Council heard Tuesday the city’s insurer will shell out $78,000 to cover the cost of repairing damage attributable to the flood, while the extra $200,000 is required to fix pilings and other deteriorating parts of the structure.

City engineer Ian Chapman estimated the work will buy the pier five years, during which council can come up with a long-term plan for the attraction.

He also put forward two additional options.

The first was a total rebuild of the pier, estimated to cost $1 million for a wooden structure and $1.5 million for a steel and concrete version. The second was demolition of the pier at a cost of $235,000.

The approved repair work is expected to go out to tender soon and be complete by summer.

Chapman cautioned, however, that dock builders are extremely busy in the Okanagan right now repairing flood damage, and that rising water again this spring could require extra permitting, both of which could delay work.

The repair was approved by a 52 vote, with Couns. Helena Konanz and Andre Martin opposed.

Konanz suggested holding off on any work until the public could be consulted about rebuilding the pier so that pleasure boats can dock at it, while Martin suggested further studying a long-term fix.

Council also voted Tuesday to apply for a $750,000 grant through a provincial flood mitigation program to fund improvements to Penticton Creek as part of its longterm rehabilitation.