Surge Narrows Marine Revitalization Project

At the time of the grant applications, the envisioned project was a “like for like” reconstruction of the existing building, standing wharf and floating dock.

The scope of the project identified in the grant application included:
• Demolition of derelict wharf structures.
• Construction of new docks, gangways and standing wharf, including meeting platform.
• Reconstruction of the “store” building, including new washrooms, electrical, plumbing, generator, solar, well/water and septic systems.
• All related work.

Key project outcomes identified in the applications were:
• Improved transportation/marine infrastructure.
For example, improved access for residents, school children and school staff, general deliveries and mail, and emergency responders; additional public moorage space.
• Improved community infrastructure.
Reconstructed store building.
• Improved emergency support and evacuation capacity.

See SNMR Project Plan with Conceptual for the conceptual site plan included in the application.

Key grant requirements and limitations are:
• Grant contribution of $1,995,003, expenses past this amount are the responsibility of the SRD.
• Funding deadline March 31, 2026.
• Construct the project as described in the scope and application.
• Meet the accessibility requirements of the BC Building Code.
• All contracts for construction are to be publicly tendered.
• Comply with all applicable local, provincial and federal regulations.

Extra amenities that were not included in the grant application are not currently funded and will need to be considered as future projects. This includes:
• Road improvements
• Parking improvements
• Barge landing improvements
• Other improvements to the upland property that were not specified in the grant application

While the SRD is aware of the community’s desire to incorporate these elements, we are not able to include them in the project at this time.

The total budget for this project is $2,752,800, funded in part with a $1,995,003 grant from Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program — Rural and Northern Communities (ICIP RNC). The SRD has committed $400,000 from the Area C Gas Tax Fund and $300,000 from the Growing Communities Fund.

The following table presents the key project components and an approximate percentage of the total project budget for each component.

To date, approximately 5% of the project budget has been spent on planning, design, assessments and studies.

The project has entered the detailed design phase for the wharf, with the detailed building design to follow shortly. Our goal is to tender the wharf construction in winter 2025 and the building construction in spring 2025.

Revisiting or making significant changes to the project layout will delay the schedule and may jeopardize our ability to meet the grant funding deadline of March 31, 2026.

The building has been reviewed by a structural engineer who has concluded that restoring the building is not a cost-effective option given the current budget. The engineer has recommended that the building is deconstructed and removed as it presents life safety and environmental pollution risks in its current state.

The original concept in the grant application was to reconstruct the building in its current location and at its current elevation. However, due to several factors that were not considered at that time, and that have been investigated in more detail during the assessment/study and design phases, a new building location has been selected on the upland property. This location was found to have several budgetary and design advantages as compared to a building on piles over the water. The upland location aligns better with results and recommendations from the project’s studies and assessments, and with environmental regulations and best practices.

See SNMR Proposed Site Plan Layout 2024.11.14.

The conceptual building design includes:
• A multi-purpose open-air space for community gathering and trading. This space features large sliding barn doors opening to a wrap-around deck and exposed timber framing supporting a vaulted ceiling.
• A heated “storage” area. This area may be partially occupied by the post office and will have room for other uses where full protection from the elements is required.
• Two washrooms, one with exterior access and one with interior access.

The conceptual design seeks to balance community input and the form and character of the old store building while incorporating a low maintenance and a low energy demand vision for the building. More details will be provided as the building design progresses into the detailed design phase.

See SNMR Conceptual Building Design 2024.11.04.

The primary building access from the float and wharf will be via ATV accessible gangway ramps. The ramps are being designed to be as flat and short as possible to provide the best level of pedestrian accessibility, within the confines of the project budget.
It is also anticipated that land-based access to the building will be provided. Given budgetary constraints, it is very unlikely that motor vehicle access will be provided directly to the building from the road. However, for construction purposes, it is anticipated that some level of vehicular access to the building site will be developed. These details will be confirmed during the detailed design and construction planning process.

The selected layout of the wharf facilities aligns with what was included in the grant application, and what was presented at the community meeting on Oct 17, 2023. This layout meets project objectives, incorporates community input, incorporates knowledge gained from the project’s studies and assessments, and allows function and flow between the two wharves/floats and new building.

The fixed wharf platform will be supported by steel piles with steel beams and joists. Decking will be fiberglass grating, and the handrails will be constructed with wood. Aluminum gangways, with wood dressing, are proposed for connecting the new wharf platform to the existing timber trestle and proposed building location on the upland property. The material selections allow the project to align with environmental regulations and best practices and provide a high level of cost-effectiveness for construction and long-term maintenance.

Demolition of the existing upland buildings was not included in the grant application and subsequently have not been included in the project plans. However, the SRD continues to evaluate options, and this may become part of the project plan in the future. Given the proximity of the proposed building location to the studio building, it may become apparent that the studio building needs to be removed as the building location/design and construction plans are developed in more detail.

The proposed layout aligns well with a multitude of factors that affect the layout and design of the project, as outlined in the table below. While it isn’t possible to include everyone’s ideas and suggestions, the proposed layout and design is on target to meet the key project objectives and outcomes, and factors in much of the community input.