Background
Archaeology
The Horseshoe Bay Park site is identified as an area of archaeological significance; it has a subsurface shell midden (a large quantity of shell debris left by human populations on their habitation and processing sites) and has been associated with a seasonal fishing village. The site is listed in the Province of BC's inventory of archaeological sites and historic places and is protected under the Heritage Conservation Act. The District of West Vancouver has obtained an archaeology permit in conjunction with the park restoration work.
Archaeology excavation is required by the archaeology permit, which has been happening in tandem with the park construction. First Nations and an archaeologist are monitoring the site. Many of the excavations required for the park construction were initially dug by hand instead of using machines. The hand digging process early in construction was slow, but the project is expected to be completed on time.
Representatives of the First Nations are on the site daily and have given permission to commence with machine excavation and continue to provide guidance, along with an archaeological consultant on-site, in the event any artifacts are discovered.
Temporary retaining wall
Phase 1 of the Horseshoe Bay Park Revitalization Project is bordered on the east by a temporary retaining wall that runs on the west side of the propellor plaza. This temporary retaining wall will allow Metro Vancouver's upcoming pump station replacement project to occur without undoing new park work. Metro Vancouver anticipates the replacement project to begin in 2024 and take approximately one year to complete.
Phase 2 of the Horseshoe Bay Park Reviltazation will take place after Metro Vancouver has completed the pump station replacement and will include the area east of the temporary retaining wall to the east park adjacent to the BC Ferries terminal.
Phase 1 work began in mid-February, 2022, and will take approximately one year to complete.
Temporary no-parking signs will be posted in two of the angle parking stalls on the north side of Bay Street, adjacent to the washroom building to allow construction access and egress to the park. If there are anticipated parking or traffic impacts related to the project, every effort will be made to provide notice through this project page.
All work will comply with fisheries and archeological permits and is anticipated to take approximately one year to complete.
Highlights of the proposed park improvements:
- Continuous waterfront path
- Improved park lighting
- Better access to beach and water
- Picnic shelter
- Large open lawn
- More seating opportunities
- New playground
- Updated public washroom, featuring a design inspired by coastal shed buildings and our native salmon
