City offers virtual tour of waterfront

The city is offering people a sneak peek of the progress made at Prince Arthur’s Landing before the snow flies this fall.

The first of two virtual tour videos will be released Friday depicting the work that’s been completed so far at Pier 2.

"When I’m out and about I get a lot of questions about where the waterfront is standing, what’s being done and the public just anxious to see where we are with things," said waterfront project manager Katherine Dugmore.

"The idea was to create a series of videos as we’re progressing with the site so that folks that either are unable to get down here or not able to get on the website might be able to see some of the progress we’re making."

The video will be posted on the city’s website, Facebook and will also be available on DVD in the city libraries.

Running at about five minutes long, the video shows the conversion of Pier 2 from a primarily boating pier to a public promenade complete with picnic docks, viewing lanterns, public art and a viewing circle at the end of the pier.

"It’s just spectacular," said Dugmore, adding construction is moving according to plan, which is surprising for a project of this magnitude.

"I’m really delighted to see the results of Pier 2," she said. "It’s beyond what I hoped it would be."
The second video installment will feature the water garden pavilion, baggage building arts centre and skating rink/splash pad. It will be released later this fall.

The city is also hosting as open house Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Pier 3 at Marina Park.

Dugmore said it will allow people to see beyond the construction fences to see what’s happening on the site.