The Vancouver Park board has decided to defer a decision to build a 2.5-kilometre seawall extension from Kits to Jericho beaches despite an anonymous donor putting forward the cash.

Park Board chair Sarah Blyth said Monday’s meeting went late into night with other issues snowballing from the proposal.

“We heard from a lot of people who were focused on the Fraser,” said Blyth of her motion to develop options for connecting Kits and Jericho beaches and improve public access to the Fraser River.

“Rising sea levels and how to protect our beaches was also a concern,” she said. “There’s lots of conversations that have come out of this proposal so I’m very happy.”

A similar seawall expansion proposed was turned down in 1994 in an effort to preserve the beach.

Cost will be another major factor, she said, as the $10-million reported donation may not cover the final price tag.

“I think it’s wonderful that someone has come forward with an anonymous donation but it’s up to the community to decide,” Blyth said.

On Tuesday, a portion of the seawall between Siwash Rock and Third Beach was closed due to a hemlock tree crashing onto the path. The area was closed overnight while crews worked to stabilize other trees in the area.
The Vancouver Park board has decided to defer a decision to build a 2.5-kilometre seawall extension from Kits to Jericho beaches despite an anonymous donor putting forward the cash.

Park Board chair Sarah Blyth said Monday’s meeting went late into night with other issues snowballing from the proposal.

“We heard from a lot of people who were focused on the Fraser,” said Blyth of her motion to develop options for connecting Kits and Jericho beaches and improve public access to the Fraser River.

“Rising sea levels and how to protect our beaches was also a concern,” she said. “There’s lots of conversations that have come out of this proposal so I’m very happy.”

A similar seawall expansion proposed was turned down in 1994 in an effort to preserve the beach.

Cost will be another major factor, she said, as the $10-million reported donation may not cover the final price tag.

“I think it’s wonderful that someone has come forward with an anonymous donation but it’s up to the community to decide,” Blyth said.

On Tuesday, a portion of the seawall between Siwash Rock and Third Beach was closed due to a hemlock tree crashing onto the path. The area was closed overnight while crews worked to stabilize other trees in the area.