Photo: CTV

A detached three-storey staircase has been raising eyebrows in New Westminster, B.C. since it was put up in the spring. July 25, 2017.

It's not exactly the stairway to heaven.

In fact, these stairs don't really go anywhere.

Since the day it was installed, passers-by have wondered what is going on with the New Westminster three-storey staircase.

Some have speculated it is an art installation, but Mayor Jonathan Cote said the city removed a parkade on Front Street that contained a fire escape for a neighbouring heritage building, and was obligated to replace it – which it did over the spring at a cost of $200,000.

What has people scratching their heads is the stairs don't go anywhere or attach to anything.

"The plans are all in place to be able to connect the staircase to the building," Cote assured.

According to officials, the project was briefly put on pause over complaints that the fire escape is an eyesore, leading the city to consider the possibility of moving it somewhere else.

- with files from CTV Vancouver