Pier plan picks up public support, but not everyone’s in favour
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. About $140,000 in cash and donated materials have been secured over the past two years, but supporters are now getting professional help to try to accelerate the campaign.
The pier is proposed to extend out from the boulder-strewn shore at Heritage Park and run parallel to the park north to a day-use marina.
“The beach is way too rocky for anyone right now, so this would really improve how people can use the water,” said Al Springer of the Peachland Sportsmen’s Association. The Ministry of Environment has issued the necessary approvals for the pier, the group says, with the town of Peachland also lending its administrative support, so construction awaits only completion of the fundraising campaign.
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, such as new playing fields, should have a higher town priority, Smith believes.
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.”