The District of West Vancouver is preparing to restore an eroded section of Argyle Beach between 14th and 15th streets, according to engineering drawings issued for tender.
The project would reshape approximately 140 metres of shoreline using layers of gravel and cobble, while creating a new upper beach and planting dune grass beside the Ambleside waterfront pathway.
Tender drawings identify a roughly 750-square-metre upper-beach area and approximately 330 square metres of dune-grass planting. The work is intended to establish a more natural beach profile along the waterfront.
Gravel and cobble to rebuild beach
The new shoreline would be constructed with different sizes of imported material. Very coarse rounded gravel and cobbles measuring up to approximately 200 millimetres would be used in one layer, while larger cobbles measuring at least 300 millimetres would form another.
The beach material would be graded from the upper shoreline toward the water to create a gradual slope, the tender documents say.
Existing large boulders and surface rocks within the construction area would be moved and stockpiled before placing the new material. The drawings call for returning the boulders to the restored beach once construction is complete. Rock with established marine growth would also be temporarily relocated and then reinstated after the beach fill is placed.
Concrete structures to be covered
The plans show existing exposed concrete walls and slabs along the shoreline. Concrete covered by less than 700 millimetres of new beach material would be broken up and distributed beneath the proposed gravel fill.
Concrete structures receiving more than one metre of cover could be left in place beneath the reconstructed beach.
The project also includes a planted area between the restored beach and the existing gravel pathway. Dune grass would be planted along the upper shoreline, similar to landscaping already found elsewhere along the Ambleside waterfront.
Pathway closure and pedestrian detour
The Ambleside pathway would be closed through the construction zone while the restoration is underway. Pedestrians would be directed to Argyle Avenue, with barricades and detour signs installed at both ends of the work area.
Construction vehicles would access the site from Argyle Avenue, and a staging and storage area would be established beside the pathway. Temporary fencing would separate the construction area from the surrounding park and waterfront.
The contractor would also be required to install erosion and sediment-control measures and comply with environmental requirements. Residents and businesses directly affected by the work must receive at least five days’ written notice before construction begins.
The tender drawings are dated September 4 but don’t specify the project’s estimated cost, construction start date or anticipated completion date.
