The pier at Kal Beach in Coldstream. (file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Pete McIntyre

tourist attraction

Coldstream seeks partner in Kal Beach pier replacement

Dec 13, 2022 | 12:45 PM

Coldstream council will see if any of its regional partners would be willing to pay part of the cost to replace the pier at Kal Beach.

District staff say the popular facility has multiple failing piles and is showing signs of deterioration.

“Over the summer, a dip appeared in the deck of the Kal Beach pier. An investigation revealed that pile 15 had rotted out, causing a localized collapse,” the staff report stated.

Photo showing rot in wooden piles under the pier at Kal Beach. (District of Coldstream photo)

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Staff are recommending the wooden piles be replaced with steel ones, which last about three times longer and cost about $63,000 more than wooden.

The estimated cost to replace the piles, supports and decking from the beach to the ‘T” is $500,000.

Coldstream mayor Ruth Hoyte said council, at their meeting Dec. 12, decided to ask the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) if their members would be interested in funding part of that project.

She said the pier is used by residents from around the area, and by visitors as well.

“That pier is not just Coldstream, but it’s a tourist attraction for the greater area,” Hoyte told Vernon Matters.

Hoyte said her council will not seek a specific amount of support from GVAC.

“We’re just putting the feelers out to see if they would contribute,” the mayor said.

Coldstream staff are recommending gas tax funds be used for the project.

Hoyte said once council has more information on the costs and design, they will make a decision on when the project will be done, but the plan is to move ahead in 2023.

“We want to do it as quickly as possible because the season is coming up faster than we think,” Hoyte remarked.

The mayor said it’s not known yet if a complete demolition of the current structure is needed or if the end ‘T’ section can remain. The current version of the pier was constructed in 2008, and in 2019, the ‘T’ portion was repaired following storm damage.

Staff said the lifespan of the current wood piles is 14 to 20 years while steel piles can last 60 years or more.

More information will be brought back to a future council meeting.