If you’re anxiously awaiting elevator access into Westminster Pier Park, you’re going to be waiting a while longer.
While parkgoers have been able to access the waterfront park via stairs at Fourth Street since March, the opening of the elevator continues to be delayed.
“The latest update on that is it is still pending B.C. Safety Authority approval,” Mayor Jonathan Cote told the Record. “Once we can get approval, then we are probably six to eight weeks out from opening the elevator. There has been some challenges in even getting that. It will be resolved, but we still have some things to deal with.”
The city has been dealing with the contractor, as well as the engineering and elevator firms, to find a solution to get the elevator moving.
The project has experienced delays as a result of delays in parts coming in on time, coordination issues between the parties involved in the project and changes made to the size and design of the elevator.
“We are frustrated with the delay,” Cote said. “Once we can get through the hurdle with the B.C. Safety Authority, hopefully we will have that pedestrian bridge and elevator fully operational for the spring of next year when the use really does go up there.”
Until the overpass opened in March, the only way for people to access the popular waterfront park was from the parking lot at the western side of the park, next to Fraser River Discovery Centre and River Market.
The Record contacted city staff overseeing the project but did not get a response before deadline.
