A local pier that is over a century old will have an official reopening celebration.

On December 20, a severe windstorm, with winds up to 91 kilometres an hour, damaged and severed the 479-metre-long pier as boats crashed into it. A portion of the pier broke off, trapping a man on one end of the pier who was rescued by helicopter.

The total cost of repairs for the wooden pier, which was built in 1914 and restored in 1977, was estimated at over $14 million. Insurance covered $7 million while the B.C. government provided $1 million in funding and Friends of the Pier raised $2 million in donations.

In July, the City of White Rock restored and reopened the East Beach Promenade in July.

Repairs were completed in August and the pier was initially reopened to the public on August 27.

Then on August 30, White Rock RCMP announced that they were seeking to find a plaque that had been stolen from the pier either on or prior to August 15. The bronze plaque was located on the east side of the pier.

When the Georgia Straight contacted White Rock RCMP, Sgt. Chantal Sears stated that she has not received any confirmation yet that the plaque has been returned. Anyone who knows of its whereabouts can contact White Rock RCMP.

Now, an official reopening celebration for what is being called "Canada's longest pier" will be held on Saturday (September 21).

The event will include an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Darryl Walker, city council members, and invited public officials and guests at noon.

Limited-edition commemorative postcards will be given out while supplies last.

Throughout the afternoon, live music will be provided by a number of performers, including Cloverdale singer-songwriter Madison Bell, White Rock honky-tonk band The Beaten Path, White Rock R&B perfomer Havyn, and Surrey trio Ludic.

The White Rock Museum and Archives will provide facts and trivia, a historic photo exhibit will be on display, and food vendors will also be available.

Full details are available at the City of White Rock website.