The City of White Rock has issued a news release to clear up the "misunderstanding and confusion" surrounding dedication plaques on the waterfront.
White Rock residents raised questions last week over the future of plaques along Marine Drive's promenade given the planned replacement of light poles and benches.
In a release sent to Peace Arch News this week, the city says only the light poles are slated for replacement at this time – and "members of the public who currently have a dedication on a light fixture will be given the opportunity to renew their dedication."
Light poles are being replaced due to their "potential risk to the public's safety," the city says, noting two poles have fallen down within the past year. Poles in East Beach have dedication plaques attached to them.
A city request for tenders to replace the polls closes Aug. 18.
The city also clarified its plaque policy. As it stands now, dedications remain in place for the life of a fixture – up to a maximum of 20 years. The policy also offers residents a chance to renew their dedication "for an additional fee."
That fee has yet to be determined – and whether a fee will even exist in the future is being reviewed, according to city staff.
Initial fees are, however, listed on the city's website: $3,000 for a bench dedication, $3,200 for a picnic table dedication and $4,200 for a drinking fountain dedication.
The news release also confirms what civic politicians have been saying, that it's now time to review the dedication program.
"At this time, only the light poles on the promenade are being considered and will not be replaced until mayor and council have reviewed the policy for the dedication program," the city says. "No other replacements of dedication plaques on benches, picnic tables, fountains or other locations are currently being considered."
In an Aug. 5 article in PAN, a resident raised questions over the future of the plaques as part of the city's planned promenade upgrade. Many of the plaques were purchased by residents as memorials to deceased family members or friends.
Mayor Wayne Baldwin said council will be discussing alternative placements for existing plaques. Residents have suggested building a memorial wall, he said.
"These offers are very much appreciated and will be considered as possible solutions when the time comes."
Plaques installed in paving stones outside the White Rock Museum and Archives (shown being installed in 2010 at left) are not part of the city's dedication program and are in no danger of being removed, according to Farnaz Farrokhi, communications manager for the City of White Rock.