Out with the old, in with the new.
To make way for the Newport Beach Squamish Park, its developer is going to be demolishing all the derelict wharf structures along the waterfront.
The remaining dolphins and pilings will also be removed. The work is set to start and is expected to last two months.
All permits have been granted and an environmental monitoring program will ensure fish habitat is protected as much as possible, according to the District of Squamish.
The structures are relics of the industries that used to thrive in Squamish.
Some locals were nostalgic when the pending work was announced online.
"Go get your photos of 100 plus years of the history of the industries that built this town before it is wiped out forever," wrote Trevor Mills on the Squamish Historical Society Facebook page.
Peter Vartanis recalled his childhood memories of the area.
"I played on those structures and the log bundles in the water there, as a kid," he said.
Others said they were looking forward to the area's reincarnation.
" Yeah! Good work DOS getting this area cleaned up," Tammy Shore said.
The District sold the waterfront land for $15 million in cash, plus construction of the $10 million oceanfront park to what became Cornerstone Developments on Feb. 3, 2016. In addition to commercial, institutional areas, the oceanfront will be home to 6,5000 people, once it is built out. As part of the deal, the park has to be completed before housing is occupied.
