Last week’s powerful windstorm badly damaged White Rock’s iconic pier — but it’s also caused another unexpected casualty in the community.

The White Rock Rotary Club says it has been forced to cancel its annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim because of storm damage to the beach.

“Following the events of this week, we are sorry to announce that the Polar Bear Swim for this New Year’s Day is officially cancelled,” said the organization in a statement.

“We hope to see you there again for the start of 2020 and the 50th Anniversary of this fun local celebration.”

The City of White Rock has been asking people to keep away from the area because of the large volume of hazardous debris that was blown ashore during the storm.

The pier itself is expected to take several months and millions of dollars to restore.

Eager dippers looking to take a polar plunge on New Year’s Day can still participate in Vancouver’s Polar Bear Swim.

The annual event, which draws about 2,500 participants, takes place at English Bay on Jan. 1 at 2:30 p.m., and is accepting donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Participants are encouraged to dress in costume and are asked to register.

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