Willingdon Beach float inaccessible after high-wind event

Repairs are underway at the Willingdon Beach pier, which was damaged during a high-wind event on February 13.

According to a media release from the City of Powell River, the pier should be open in a day or two.

"We’re asking the public not to go onto the pier until the work and final safety inspections are done," the release stated. "We’ll let the public known when it’s reopened through social media."

The high-wind event caused damage to the gangway leading to the pier at Willingdon Beach, pulling the structures apart.

According to City of Powell River parks supervisor Mike Kaban, in an interview February 14, the strong northwesterly wind compounded matters at the float, causing the breakage.

“It’s an excellent asset for the residents of the City of Powell River and the city fully intends to get it back and going again,” said Kaban. “At this point we are sorting out our options on how to achieve that. We don’t want to make any rash moves, so we are going to do this the best way possible and not damage anything any further.”

Kaban said city crews had been on site the morning of February 14 and had taken precautions to ensure the public does not access the ramp.

“Our civic properties department was down there first thing this morning,” said Kaban.