Surf park planned for Britannia Beach, B.C.

A sixacre surf park is planned for Britannia Beach, about 50 kilometres north of Vancouver, as part of a larger redevelopment near Minaty Bay. The project, called South Britannia Surf, would sit beside Highway 99 and is being developed by Tiger Bay Development with Spain's Wavegarden. The proposal also includes 190 hotel rooms and 1,050 homes, including 150 affordable units, to be built after the surf park is completed. Developers say the yearround facility could open in 2029 and would host up to 100 surfers at a time on waves designed for different skill levels. Some local residents support the plan because it would keep public access to the bay and add a new recreation attraction, while others are worried about traffic on Highway 99 and the effect on the area. Local tourism officials say the project could support overnight visits and bring benefits to restaurants, retail, and other businesses.