WHAT’S NEW

Goodbye Barge – That’s a wrap!

December 12, 2022

This is our last update on the English Bay Barge. Deconstruction is now complete and the last pieces of SMT-5000, the barge, have been removed. The barge now sits offsite in many pieces ready to be sorted for disposal and recycling.

Despite some of the unique challenges of this project, our crew and partners worked diligently over the last 15 weeks to ensure the best result possible restoring Sunset Beach and its surroundings to their original condition. Above all, the success of this project was a combined effort between all the subcontractors, suppliers, partners and stakeholders who’ve worked together over the past year to plan and successfully execute this project. 

Throughout the planning, deconstruction, and removal process, we committed to proactive measures to ensure no negative environmental impacts and minimal impact on park activities. Thank you to the West End residents and local community for their patience and understanding throughout this project. Thank you to those who showed interest in this project and checked in for these weekly updates.

We are very happy to now turn the beach back to the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and residents of Vancouver. Although many are happy to see the barge gone, no one will forget it. We hope the public will continue to enjoy English Bay as they’ve always known it, for many years to come. 

TIMELINE

November 15, 2021 –  An atmospheric river drenches the southern part of BC, leading to widespread flooding, high winds and high tides. SMT-5000, the barge drifted loose from its anchor and drifted to shore where it became stuck.

June 30, 2022 – Safety barriers installed to prepare for deconstruction

July 25, 2022 – Deconstruction begins