After a successful first round, Summerland Rotary has started Round 2 of its 50/50 draw to raise money for the rebuilding of the pier at Rotary Beach.

The first round of the 50/50 draw raised an astonishing $31,390, with a winning amount of $15,695.

The overall goal is for the Summerland Rotary Club to raise up to $100,000 for the enhancement of the new pier, with additional funds to come from the community at large.

Some of the most desired additional features for the pier are a rope swing, additional benches, shade structures and a jumping board.

The 50/50 ticket sales are open now and close on Feb. 28.

Summerland could be getting a brand new pier by July 2024 if all goes to plan. Funding is from the District of Summerland and the Summerland Rotary Club.

The structure has been closed to the public since November 2022 because of its poor structural condition. In September the beloved pier at Rotary Beach was dismantled and removed.

鈥淏eing part of the pier rebuild movement is a way to come together and add a signature piece 鈥� a magnet in fact 鈥� to our community,鈥� said Dave Handy, with the Summerland Rotary Club.

He added that charitable receipts will be given for donations to the project.

Graham Statt, Summerland鈥檚 chief administrative officer, said the district is currently working with the provincial government to get permission to put in the new piles in the new year.

The district is requesting an extension to the environmental window to quickly begin work to replace the pier.

If it gets that permission, a basic pier could be in place by May or June with an official opening in July, said Statt.

鈥淭his timeline is entirely dependent on the province allowing us to extend that working window. If we don鈥檛 get that, expect delays on the opening of the pier,鈥� he added.

Council has earmarked $797,400 for a basic replacement of the pier coming from the $4.533 million provincial Growing Communities Fund.