White Rock to look at ways of revitalizing waterfront
White Rock council on Monday will respond to concerns that waterfront businesses are leaving and the area is in danger of becoming a “ghost town.”
“This is a pretty serious situation,” said Coun. Dave Chesney, one of three councillors pegged to serve on a new Marine Drive Business Task Force. “I think it’s a worthy initiative, but the proof will be in the execution.”
The term “ghost town” was used on Jan. 26 by Preet Grewal, the restaurant manager at Charlie Don’t Surf, who noted four or five eateries have recently closed down. Although some say the term is an exaggeration, a handful of other businesses have also been shuttered along one section of the strip.
Concerns have been raised about the seaside community by area residents, many of whom remember the famous sandcastle competition that brought out more than 400,000 people in its 1980s’ heyday.
Suggestions include allowing dog walking, replacing “dingy” 60-year-old storefronts and putting up visitor-friendly signs.
“I believe the heart is gone,” said Laura Mawhinney, operator of the Project Aftershock Thrift Store. “Whoever is in charge of the money doesn’t have a heart or connection to this little beach town.”
She said fewer flower baskets were put out last year, signs used to be more welcoming and the beach is “so uninviting it looks dead.”
“It’s the details, the heart, the light and the beauty that make the difference,” she said. “These are very simple, cost-effective things which would make a huge difference.”
One-time visitor Cameron Sinclair believes the area’s problems have to do with the restriction of activities on the beachside promenade.
“There’s no cycling, no rollerblading and no dogs,” he said. “I used to love going down to the beach and exploring the shops and walking along the waterfront. That stopped when no dogs were allowed on the beach path and the cost of parking increased.”
White Rock resident Roy Hardy said the buildings have changed little in 60 years.
“Most are outdated, dark and not very pleasant to be in,” he said. “It is little wonder that these facilities are losing business to newer facilities” that are more accessible to seniors.
Councillors Megan Knight and Bill Lawrence are also slated to serve on the task force, the latter as chair. Recommended members include the economic investment committee, the chamber of commerce and the business improvement association.
“We have too many restaurants,” said Chesney. “The waterfront used to be a full-service venue, with a drugstore, bank and clothing stores.”
But he thinks everything will be OK.
“We’ll put our heads together and figure this out. We need to remind people from West Vancouver to Chilliwack that we’re here,” he said.
The recommendation to set up the committee comes before council at Monday’s meeting.