Vancouver’s Jericho pier should be demolished, parks staff say

Vancouver park board staff are recommending the damaged Jericho pier should be demolished due to the cost of rebuilding it, and as a way to remove a colonial structure from the landscape.

According to the staff report, the pier was built during the Second World War as part of a Canadian Air Force base and was refurbished in 1977.

It is built on lands archeologically, culturally, and ecologically significant to local First Nations and until it was closed in January 2022 after being severely damaged by a storm surge, had served as a mooring location for marine rescue vessels and as a view and crabbing spot.

The report states it will cost up to $25 million to replace and $3.6 million to demolish. If it is removed the parks board can expect up to $550,000 in insurance payout but a claim must be lodged by Jan. 2024.