A community wharf in the B.C. Interior that’s been closed to the public for months will undergo much-needed repairs this year.
That’s according to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), which says its directors voted unanimously to provide $180,000 to help rebuild the wharf at Seymour Arm.
The wharf was closed to public use in October 2022 due to structural safety concerns.
“The $180,000 CSRD contribution will be added to the $120,000 contribution from the non-profit Seymour Arm Community Association to ensure the project moves ahead as soon as possible,” said the regional district.
The regional district says its contribution to the wharf will have no effect on local tax rates.
“The community association approached the CSRD for financial assistance,” said the regional district, “as the wharf not only supports boaters to the area, but is a key piece of infrastructure for emergency response by the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.”
According to the CSRD, there were 12 medical emergencies in 2022 that required a search and rescue boat.
“This is a critical community asset for safety and tourism,” said Electoral Area F Director Jay Simpson.
“The community association has put in a significant amount of money, so what they need is topping up to get a community asset that will last 25 years or better.”