Peachland pier critic says it’s too costly, but he appears to be in the minority
Critics of a proposed pier in Peachland fear the project will wind up being a costly ongoing liability for the municipality.
As well, claims the pier would provide enhanced fishing opportunities are exaggerated, they say.
A simpler and better idea is simply to convert an existing walkway around a marina to make it more accessible, town resident Richard Smith says.
“There is already a day wharf there that could be used with simple modifications,” Smith says. “Why not try it and see if a new wharf expense is warranted?”
About 80 people attended an open house on the pier proposal last Thursday in Peachland. Supporters say they’ve raised about $160,000 of the $400,000 necessary to build the 122-metre pier along the shore at Heritage Park.
“In terms of written comments, positives outnumbered negatives by more than four to one,” pier advocate John Grimes says. “The overall tone of the meeting was very, very positive.”
A typically supportive comment left by one of those attending the open house: “Wonderful idea! Great addition, and I do believe it is affordable. You are thinking 40 years into the future.”
The project is being advanced by the Peachland Sportsmen’s Association, Lions Club and Rotary Club. They say they have the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Environment and hope to begin construction soon.
But Smith, a lifetime Peachland resident, doubts the pier is necessary or would be well-used.
“The more it costs, the more maintenance taxpayers will have to pay to maintain it when it is turned over to the municipality,” Smith says.
Other recreation projects should have a much higher town priority, Smith believes, such as new playing fields.
Since the pier would be built between a boat rental business and the day-use marina, Smith believes it wouldn’t offer a good fishing location, as project supporters say.
“Is it a good fishing location between two facilities that are used extensively in season and which are dedicated to power boats? No,” Smith says. “There are very few game fish there.”