Funds for the Davis Bay Wharf project have been quietly growing during the past few months with 70 per cent of the $600,000 needed now confirmed.
"That includes $100,000 committed by the District of Sechelt, $150,000 approved in principle by Island Coastal Economic Trust, community purchases of 350 planks and commitments in our Major Gift Appeal," said Wharf Rats member Bruce Milne.
The Major Gifts Appeal was launched in the fall and to date has brought in more than $130,000.
"This includes corporate support from West Coast Log Homes, Holy Crap Cereal, Lehigh Hansen Materials, Gibsons Building Supply and Wakefield/Hansen Marine," Milne said. "In addition, there have been 11 individuals who have pledged over $5,000 each thus far."
The Wharf Rats, a group born out of the Davis Bay-Wilson Creek-Selma Park Community Association, are overseeing the restoration and expansion of the landmark wharf in Davis Bay.
Their plans call for a new, 66 per cent larger platform complete with a gazebo, a wider walkway and a float to be added to the wharf, which has stood in the area since 1950.
While the Wharf Rats wanted to see the new wharf constructed last year, the District of Sechelt owns the wharf and "will determine when the reconstruction starts," Milne said.
The District of Sechelt debated earmarking more money to the project in their 2014 budget but decided to wait until they received an update on the project to commit any more funds.
"I think we're all supportive of the wharf construction. It's just the devil is in how we get it done," Sechelt Mayor John Henderson said at the Dec. 18 regular council meeting before asking staff to gather additional information for council.
About another $180,000 will have to be committed to the Davis Bay wharf project before it can proceed.
Milne noted that the Wharf Rats have "a major application" for funding "being considered by the board of forestry corporation and are considering other corporations that could take a lead role in funding."
The Wharf Rats would like to have the new wharf built and open to the public before summer of 2014.
Find out more at www.davisbaywharf.com.
