While the focus of a recent request for cost estimates on chainlink meshing is for handrails in East Beach, White Rock officials confirmed the addition is eyed for the entire stretch of waterfront fencing.
Peace Arch News reported last month that a request for quotes had been issued by the city for work along the south edge of Bayview Park and from the pier east.
Mayor Wayne Baldwin said the balance of the barrier – for railing between the boat launch and the pier – is dependent upon re-establishing two pedestrian crossings at West Beach.
The at-grade crossings are eyed for the waterfront areas across from Oxford and Anderson streets. Baldwin said he hopes to see the work completed by the end of December.
Once in place, “Transport Canada said they will amend their whistling order again,” Baldwin said.
In June, the federal body ordered that engineers blast the horns of trains rolling along the waterfront “from dawn until dusk,” further exacerbating what has long been a sensitive issue for residents – excessive overnight whistling.
In July, the order was modified to cover the hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Baldwin said design of the at-grade crossings will force pedestrians to look both ways before proceeding across the tracks.
“We’ll put in some kind of a gate… so they’ll look to the left, then they’ll be forced to look to the right.”
Installation of the West Beach meshing will follow.
Last month, the city’s director of engineering described the mesh as “an interim measure until the crossings can be developed and a more attractive barrier can be installed.”
Baldwin said residents and visitors should also expect increased enforcement of trespassing rules.
Noting Transport Canada has said “we have the worst trespassing record in the northwest,” Baldwin said “if that’s the case, we have to change people’s attitude.”