Local groups work together to clean up section of Mamquam Blind Channel

A community project launched this week to improve the spawning habitat for herring in the Mamquam Blind Channel.  An initiative led by the Squamish Streamkeepers Society has resulted in an agreement that also includes Squamish Ocean Point Holdings (a joint venture between Bosa Properties and Kingswood Properties), the Province of British Columbia, Squamish Nation, Squamish Marine Service and the District of Squamish, with additional funding support from the Squamish Harbour Authority. The project will see the removal of approximately 270 creosote wood pilings and steel pilings that were remnants from the former Interfor Mill on the east side of the Mamquam Blind Channel. 

In addition to improving the habitat for herring spawning, the removal of the pilings will also reduce the opportunities for unauthorized mooring and anchoring that has led to pollution in the Mamquam Blind Channel through oil spills, unauthorized discharge of sewage and sunken derelict vessels.  Further, the parties have employed a coordinated approach to reduce the likelihood that current unauthorized mooring and live-a-boards will relocate to other parts of the Squamish marine environment.

The timing of the project takes into account the recent herring-spawning window, and is estimated to be complete by the end of April. The District of Squamish has committed to waiving up to $40,000 in tipping fees as required to dispose of the pilings to support the project. 

“Phase one of the District’s Marine Strategy identifies our interests in supporting activities that will improve the marine setting, environmentally, visually, and from the experience of those who navigate the channel. I applaud this collaborative effort to find a community-driven solution that benefits Squamish on a number of levels, and thank all parties for their commitment.” - Patricia Heintzman, Mayor, District of Squamish

“The Squamish Streamkeepers Society has been pursuing this project for three years and is very pleased to see the parties come together to facilitate it. Removing the pilings achieves some key environmental benefits for us that will result in improved habitat for herring roe and reduced pollution stemming from the occurrence of unauthorized mooring.” - Jack Cooley, Squamish Streamkeepers Society

"Squamish Ocean Point Holdings is very excited to be working together with the Squamish Streamkeepers Society, Squamish Marine Services, Province of British Columbia and the District of Squamish in a joint effort to clean-up and remove the abandoned pilings in the Mamquam Blind Channel, improving the habitat for the herring fisheries. This coordinated community initiative will go a long way to improve the environment as a whole, including the aesthetics of the Mamquam Blind Channel for residents and tourists alike and will help activate this area for a more enjoyable marine experience." - Wayne Vickers, Squamish Ocean Point Holdings (a joint venture between Bosa Properties and Kingswood Properties)

April 7, 2016