Powell River Wharf at Westview

The Wharf at Westview project, located in the center of the Powell River waterfront, had been in the planning and construction phases for nearly 10 years. Due to unresolved tenure issues, the site languished in an incomplete state. The BC Ferries Terminal area sees significant tourism traffic and important economic opportunities had been missed over the previous decade.

The new Wharfinger building is centrally located within the site, allowing for easy access for visiting boaters and commercial fishermen. The renovated tanker-wharf has been transformed into a community fishing pier providing an open-air venue for local and visiting entertainers to hold performances. The Wharf has also been designed to accommodate smaller cruise-ship type vessels or visiting military vessels. Many local components were used in the project, including handrails fabricated in Powell River, timber work on the walkway, benches and wood used for framing the Wharfinger building.

The completion of the Wharf at Westview project, in 2013, has revitalized the heart of the Powell River waterfront and has allowed for the integration of the site to other areas of the waterfront by linking them with boardwalks. The Wharf at Westview area is now a welcoming gateway for visitors arriving in Powell River and enables the City to capitalize on the tourism traffic passing through the BC Ferries terminal.

The City of Powell River does not have an official Town Square, so the new Wharf at Westview also serves as a gathering and celebration space for the community, adding increased vitality to the downtown core and increasing business and opportunities for downtown merchants.