The Town of Qualicum Beach has awarded the contract to create additional waterfront parking to Edgett Excavating.
The work is part of a larger proposal to activate underutilized town-owned land on the central waterfront, facilitating greater community gathering places and economic opportunities, according to a news release by the Town of Qualicum Beach.
“Creating additional parking at the waterfront is a crucial component of the Town’s plan to improve the visitor experience, attract new visitors, entice repeat visitation, and support sustainable tourism growth,” the release read. “It also adds critical safety for users of the waterfront amenities.”
The town will use $700,000 in funding received in 2021, provided by the province’s Tourism Dependent Community Fund to complete the project. The project’s budget is $636,107.85.
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The contractor will be responsible for infilling approximately 420 meters of roadside ditch, laying gravel and painting guidelines along the north side of Highway 19A along the central waterfront area, according to the release.
“We are excited about this project, and we believe it will have a positive impact on the community, visitors and business owners,” Mayor Teunis Westbroek said. “The additional parking spaces will make it easier for people to access the waterfront and amenities. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community.”
This phase of the project is expected to begin in the coming weeks and is anticipated to be complete before the start of the busy summer tourism season, the release said.
More information on the project can be found on the town’s website.
— NEWS Staff, submitted