Man charged following Westminster Pier Park fire has died
A man charged in connection to the Westminster Pier Park fire has died, according to New Westminster Police.
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CBC News ·
Posted: May 20, 2021 5:14 PM PT | Last Updated: May 21
Fire crews work to put out a fire on the historic New Westminster pier in New Westminster, B.C., on Sept. 16, 2020.(Ben Nelms/CBC)
A man charged in connection to the Westminster Pier Park fire has died, according to New Westminster Police.
A written statement from police says 49-year-old Sean Warnick was charged with mischief to property and arson with damage to property in October 2020.
The giant “W,” an iconic public art piece on the timber wharf section, also had to be removed due to extensive damage.
New Westminster’s iconic “W” at Pier Park has been removed due to fire damage. (City of New Westminster)
The reopening of Westminster Pier Park includes a new play area below the Sixth Street pedestrian overpass.
Westminster Pier Park (City of New Westminster)
Westminster Pier Park (City of New Westminster)
The City also says that they’ve completed the demolition of the damaged pier, as well as the removal of all debris and piles from the river surface and shoreline.
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New Westminster Pier Park will reopen Friday, just in time for the Easter long weekend, after it closed last year because of a huge fire that smouldered for days.
New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Coté says not all of the park will be ready but the city has opened the part that wasn’t badly damaged in the blaze.
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The century-old wooden part of the pier was destroyed and won’t be open Friday but some of the newer concrete development, which was added seven years ago as part of its $33 million waterfront park development, has been repaired.
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In mid-October, police charged a man for arson and mischief in connection to the fire.
As of earlier in January, contracted crews have completed the demolition of the damaged timber pier, including the removal of all debris and piles from the river surface and shoreline. Work has also been completed to stabilize the shoreline next to the rail lines.
Work has now moved on to remove the sunken debris that collapsed from the structure.
No timeline has been established for rebuilding the destroyed eastern section of the park, but city officials previously stated it was insured for replacement.
Westminster Pier Park demolition work on September 24, 2020. (City of New Westminster)