MUSQUEAM RESERVE #2 NOTICE
In partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Musqueam is working on an environmental restoration project at the Fraser River foreshore and the slough at the mouth of Musqueam Creek.
Restoration begins Tues. August 6
Environmental restoration work in the foreshore and slough area begins on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
A construction notice was delivered to Musqueam Indian Reserve #2 (the main Musqueam reserve) households on August 2, 2024. The notice is issued in compliance with the Musqueam Comprehensive Development Permit for the foreshore restoration project (permit number MIB-CDP-2024-06-001).
The same information in the construction notice is included on this page.
The Musqueam Newsletter on July 26, 2024 also included an update about the foreshore restoration project with the construction start date and a printed copy of the community update report.
- Related page: Foreshore Restoration Project
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.
To learn more about the project, including information about the design, permitting, and frequently asked questions: Click here to read the July 2024 Community Update Report
Construction details
Anticipated work period: August 6 to September 30, 2024
The construction work is expected to take 29 days, with buffer time for potential unforeseen issues.
You may see workers, equipment, fencing, and temporary barges (for transport of equipment and material) in the area from August 6 to September 14.
Habitat enhancement work in the slough is expected to take 18 days. Logs & large woody debris will be installed to improve fish habitat. No major sediment removal will occur.
Foreshore restoration work is expected to take 29 days. Between the boat ramp and the Highbury Interceptor pipe, the existing broken concrete will be replaced with new rock material for enhanced erosion protection.
Monitors from Musqueam Archaeology, Lands, and Environmental Stewardship will be present during the work. All work will occur within the fish protection timing windows for marine and freshwater environments.
Working hours
Work hours are regulated by Musqueam’s Nuisance Bylaw (2015):
- Monday to Saturday: 7am-8pm
- Sunday and holidays: 10am-8pm
Movement of equipment and materials can start at 6:30am. Changes to work hours may be necessary to accommodate the tides, and will be approved by Musqueam’s CAO.
Boat ramp and foreshore access
The boat ramp will stay OPEN for use during construction.
Access to some of the foreshore will be closed to accommodate the required laydown area for safety and storage.
Access to the path on the east side of the slough (near the Musqueam golf course) will be limited during the time that the logs are being put in.
Due to the campfire ban enacted on July 12, cultural fires have been temporarily relocated to a site close to the restoration work. If families require a burning, Musqueam staff will coordinate to have construction paused on the day of the burning. Read more about the fire ban here.
About the restoration project
Musqueam Creek and the Fraser River foreshore are important areas to Musqueam, but are exposed to coastal and river hazards, including:
- wind & ship waves
- king tides (extreme high tide)
- storm surges
- freshets
- flooding
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).
Musqueam permitting process
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) applied for a Comprehensive Development Permit on May 21, 2024, which Musqueam Council approved on July 2, 2024.
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.
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)