Updated August 2, 2024
In partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Musqueam is working on an environmental restoration project within Musqueam Reserve (IR2) at the Fraser River foreshore and the slough at the mouth of Musqueam Creek.
Musqueam Foreshore Restoration Project
Musqueam Creek and the Fraser River foreshore are important areas to Musqueam. They are critical for environmental stewardship, including fish habitat restoration, and community use for fishing, canoe pulling, and connection to the river. Because of their importance, Musqueam designated these areas as Protected under our Land Use Plan (2014).
The foreshore and slough are exposed to coastal and river hazards, including:
- wind & ship waves
- king tides (extreme high tide)
- storm surges
- freshets
- flooding
Currently, most of Musqueam’s foreshore is shielded using broken waste concrete pieces that are haphazardly placed, creating safety risks that could destabilize the river bank and contribute to land loss.
In 2021, Musqueam and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) signed a relationship agreement that included a $2,200,000 commitment towards environmental restoration of Musqueam’s foreshore.
The main goals of the foreshore restoration project are to protect the existing river bank and improve fish habitat within the slough (mouth of Musqueam Creek).
Learn more about the project, including information about the design, permitting, and frequently asked questions:
- Community presentation slides (PDF) (June 5, 2024)
- Foreshore Restoration Project Update Report (PDF) (July 26, 2024)
Project area map
There are two major components to the project:
Foreshore restoration: The blue area on the map highlights the area where existing broken concrete will be replaced with new rock material to improve erosion protection and stabilize the bank. This area is between the boat launch and the Highbury Interceptor pipe.
Creek habitat enhancements: The yellow circles on the map highlight spots in the slough where five angled “digger log” and “large woody debris” structures will be installed to improve fish habitat, by creating cover for fish and controlling sediment and wave action in the water. Thanks to ongoing stewardship by Musqueam people, Musqueam Creek is the only wild salmon bearing stream within the boundaries of the City of Vancouver. Fish habitat enhancement at the mouth of the Musqueam Creek system is long over due.
Project timeline
May 21, 2024
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) applied to the Musqueam Lands Governance Office for a Musqueam Indian Band Development Permit.
Musqueam issues Comprehensive Development Permits for all development work on Musqueam Reserve lands. These permits are issued through the lands governance authority set out in the Musqueam Land Code (enacted 2012, operational 2017) and the Subdivision Development and Servicing Law (enacted 2023).
Permits are required before any development work within Musqueam Reserve lands can begin.
This permitting process helps ensure that any development projects happening on Musqueam lands are safe, appropriate, and aligned with Musqueam’s environmental and cultural values. Musqueam Council has the authority to approve these permits based on recommendations from the Musqueam Lands Committee.
June 5, 2024
Musqueam members were invited to an information session to learn about upcoming environmental restoration work at the foreshore and Musqueam Creek.
The session was co-hosted by Musqueam and VFPA, and included a presentation and Q&A.
June 17, 2024
Musqueam Lands Committee completed their review of the Comprehensive Development Permit, and recommended the permit to council for approval. This review included a summary of the community information session. Feedback from members about soil testing for contaminants, construction notice and timing, and access to the boat ramp have been incorporated into the conditions of the Musqueam Comprehensive Development Permit.
July 2, 2024
Musqueam Chief and Council approved the Comprehensive Development Permit for the foreshore restoration project (permit number MIB-CDP-2024-06-001).
The Comprehensive Development Permit approves the design, layout, environmental management plan, and construction tender. The project will follow all conditions set out in the Comprehensive Development Permit. The Comprehensive Development Permit is valid for 12 months (from July 2, 2024 to July 2, 2025), with possibility for extension with written application to Musqueam.
July 26, 2024
Based on community feedback, Musqueam project staff released a report to provide more information about the project and answer questions raised at the info session.
If you’d like a paper copy of the report, please contact Kim Guerin (604-263-3261 or [email protected]) or Lindsay Gibson ([email protected]).
August 6, 2024
Environmental restoration work begins in the slough (mouth of Musqueam Creek) and the foreshore area on Tuesday, August 6.
Work is expected to be complete by September 30, 2024.
Contacts
Community members can contact any of the below staff by email, or by calling the band office reception (604-263-3261) and asking to speak with the staff member.
General questions about the project:
- Kim Guerin (Lands Governance Officer, Musqueam Indian Band)
- Lindsay Gibson (Musqueam Relationship Liaison, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority)
Questions about construction:
- Norm Point (Public Works Manager, Musqueam)
Fishing-related questions:
- Martin Louis (Fisheries Manager, Musqueam)
Questions about related cultural work (burnings during fire ban):
- Dawn Campbell-Sparrow (Public Works Administrative Assistant, Musqueam)