An old Chase landmark is giving way to a new, updated structure.

The red wharf that has extended into the Little Shuswap Lake for decades is being taken down, village administrator Joni Heinrich said Thursday.

"We're dismantling it to build a new one. A lot of it is rotten. We did some assessments on it last year and we were told it's past its time. It was beginning to be a concern for safety," she said.

Much of the wharf was built with creosote-soaked logs that can't be reused and have to be disposed of carefully. But there are people who have asked for some of the usable pieces of the wharf.

The village got a $365,000 grant from the province to replace the wharf and it is putting in another $70,000.

"It is a very very popular wharf," said Heinrich. "Kids love to swim and dive off it in the summertime."

She didn't know the exact age of the wharf, but estimated it to be at least three decades old.

"It was built by the federal government years ago. It was the industrial/commercial hub for the community years ago for boats coming out of the lakes, logging transport," Heinrich said.

The wharf is on the northeasterly part of the village along Little Shuswap Lake.

The community also has a landmark bridge. It is farther west and crosses where the lake turns into the South Thompson River. It's not affected by the wharf project.

The new wharf will be the same length but slightly wider. It will have steel pilings, a wood railing and concrete deck.

It will be so solid, service vehicles will be able to drive on it, she said.

Residents will be putting the replacement wharf to good use this summer, she added.

"On Canada Day, we often get a man in town who donates his time and boat to take kids for rides. That's hugely popular. We'll be able to accommodate more this year."