Vancouver Seawall Path section closed after structural assessment

The City of Vancouver says a deck path near Science World must be closed after a concerning structural assessment.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the path along False Creek between Creekside Community Centre and Science World is reportedly closed to the public “until further notice,” due to safety concerns.

The city says the path will remain closed while it assesses the condition of the “aging Expo Deck structure that supports this segment of the seawall pathway.”

In the meantime, the city says pedestrians will be able to walk along the sidewalks that are not supported by the Expo Deck, and cyclists will be redirected to bike lanes on Ontario Street, the curbside southbound lane on Quebec Street, and the pedestrian path on Switchmen Street.

“Cyclists will be asked to dismount or slow their roll on the pedestrian path between Ontario and Switchmen streets,” the city said in a statement Tuesday.

An attendant will reportedly help people reach Science World from the south parking lot. Access to the dinghy dock south of Science World will also be closed, but no path north of Science World will be.

“The Expo deck structures were built in 1984 for the 1986 World Expo for temporary purposes. City consultants have indicated that the deck structures are nearing the end of their useful service lives,” the city said.

The statement says the City of Vancouver hired a consultant last year to make recommendations on the future of the deck.

“The planning work for deconstruction is underway, with the on-site work planned for 2028-2032. In the meantime, the city will continue to inspect and monitor the structures to ensure public safety.”