The City of Richmond has received half a million dollars from the province to design a dike across Shady Island.
The city has already spent $1.2 million on a preliminary plan for the proposed dike that would enclose Steveston Harbour and would include gates at the east and west ends.
The dike would start at London Landing, cross the water and continue along the length of Shady Island and beyond, then curve back to Garry Point Park.
The cost of building the dike has been estimated to come to $250 million.
The alternative would be to build a dike along the waterfront, but this would impede affect local businesses.
Coun. Alexa Loo noted staff have said the cost of building a dike along Moncton and the proposed sea berm along Shady Island would be about the same.
Loo, however, told the Richmond News she questioned whether this comparison was accurate.
“I’m skeptical the numbers are the same in both situations,” she said.
Furthermore, she questioned whether the Shady Island dike would be the final solution, or whether there would still be a need to build a dike between Britannia Shipyards and Homma elementary.
City staff are planning to consult with the public and stakeholders on the project.
