Vancouver Fraser Port Authority | Columbia Containers Shoreline Protection Repair

Project status

Permit issued

In August 2020, a project permit was issued to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (the Applicant) to conduct repairs to approximately 600 metres of existing shoreline protection infrastructure along the foreshore of the leased property at 2319 Commissioner Street, Vancouver, B.C., on federal lands and waters managed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

The project was approved subject to 46 permit conditions that the Applicant must meet to ensure the project does not result in significant adverse environmental effects.

In-water works will be conducted during Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Least Risk window for Burrard Inlet (August 16 to February 28, inclusive).

Construction notifications were distributed to nearby residences and businesses on September 8, 2020, and on August 16, 2021.

About the project

The project consists of the removal and disposal of woody and other organic debris and concrete slabs, salvage of existing rip rap, and import of new materials to the site. The Applicant proposes to place armour rock, filter rock and gravel over geotextile fabric to restore the existing shoreline protection infrastructure.

The shoreline protection repair works are proposed to be completed in sections of 5-10 metres width that can be completed in a single shift to prevent exposure of unprotected slopes to water and waves. A silt curtain is proposed to be deployed to contain suspended solids along the sections of shoreline under active construction. The work is proposed to be done during low tide conditions, such that all works will be completed in the dry to the extent possible. Works are proposed to be conducted primarily with marine-based equipment with limited upland works, based on logistics for access, minimizing disruptions to the tenant, and tide height. Marine-based equipment would include a materials barge and barge mounted crane for placing filter and armour rocks, and tugs to assist in barge movement. Land-based construction equipment would include a crane or an excavator and a front-end loader for placement of rocks. Marine based equipment is proposed to be staged on a floating barge adjacent to the shoreline and land-based equipment would be staged from the top of the bank in sequence to the marine-based work. Works are expected to be completed in shifts which may extend beyond regular port authority construction hours and include nighttime works in order to complete works at low tide.

Contact information