New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project

Project status

Construction complete

The New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project is situated within New Brighton Park, along the south side of Burrard Inlet, west of the Second Narrows Bridge in Vancouver, B.C. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, along with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, worked together on this collaborative project that supports the Park Board’s Strategic Plan, Rewilding Action Plan, and Biodiversity Strategy. It also implements the vision of the 2010 Hastings Park/Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Master Plan and the 1997 New Brighton Park Master Plan.

Project construction was completed in summer 2017. This included an extensive planting program within the newly constructed wetland, including approximately 25,000 salt marsh plugs, 200 native trees and 4,000 coastal shrubs. Fencing will remain in place for the first few growing seasons to deter Canada geese from feeding on the salt marsh plantings, and to allow the vegetation to successfully establish within the wetland.

September 2016 (before construction start)

May 2018 (post-construction)

Project features

The project presented a significant opportunity to restore coastal wetland habitat on the south shore of Burrard Inlet. Juvenile fish from the Indian and Seymour rivers have been known to experience high mortality as they migrate through Burrard Inlet. The creation of a tidal wetland at New Brighton Park provides critical habitat for juvenile salmon that migrate along the Burrard Inlet shoreline as they head out to sea. This wetland also provides resting and feeding habitat for local shorebirds.

The site was selected based on its potential to benefit a broad range of fish and wildlife species and to increase the overall ecological function. The project has restored and enhanced a historically filled foreshore and upland area by providing high-value habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife.

Milestones:

  • Between November 21 and 25, 2016, at suitable night-time low tides, crews successfully opened the wetland’s east and west outlets to Burrard Inlet
  • This work was a major milestone for the project as it was the first time since the mid-1960’s that this area has been opened back up (restored) to tidal influence. Canada geese and gulls were the first wildlife to visit the new wetland.

Before construction start (September 2016)

View looking northeast, with the constructed tidal wetland in the foreground (May 2018)

Juvenile salmon using the wetland during the second spring season after connection to Burrard Inlet (May 2018)

 

Other project features include the following:

  • Installation of park features such as picnic tables, view decks and gravel pathways
  • Installation of fences to protect the sensitive wetland, particularly during the plant establishment phase

 

Park benches and walking paths were installed as part of this project (Photo: Wilco/Brett Ryan Studios, June 2018)

 

Project recognition

In 2018, the Project received a gold rating under the Stewardship Centre for B.C.’s Green Shores® for Coastal Development program, which demonstrates the highest possible achievement of project environmental goals and leadership in shoreline stewardship. This gold rating is based on a number of factors including excellence in rehabilitation of coastal habitat, innovation and climate change adaptation.

This project was also selected as a finalist for the 2018 Environmental Managers Association of British Columbia’s Environmental Management Awards, and was a featured presentation regarding port cities and thriving environments at the 16th Annual World Conference of Cities and Ports.

 

Project design

Four rounds of public consultation were undertaken in 2015 and 2016, with input incorporated into project design.  A stakeholder advisory group made up of community representatives, park users, and technical experts were also a key part of the engagement process.

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Background

The port authority manages a Habitat Enhancement Program that focuses on creating and enhancing habitat to benefit fish and wildlife throughout the region. The program is a proactive measure intended to provide a balance between a healthy environment and future development that may be required by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, its tenants or terminals.

As is the case with all Habitat Enhancement Program projects, annual monitoring is being completed at New Brighton Park by biologists and coastal engineers to ensure the wetland habitat meets its biophysical objectives.

Related initiatives

Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation’s Strategic Framework [PDF]
City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan
City of Vancouver’s Hastings Park / Pacific National Exhibition Master Plan [PDF]
Rewilding Vancouver: Environmental Education and Stewardship Plan [PDF]
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Habitat Enhancement Program

Progress

  • Summer 2017: Construction complete
  • Fall 2016: Construction start
  • July 2016: Detailed Design Public Consultation Summary Report and Consideration Memo
  • May 2016: Detailed Design Public Consultation
  • April 18, 2016: Approval by Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation of concept plan for the project
  • February 2016: Consideration Memo
  • February 2016: Public Engagement Regarding Dog Off-Leash Options
  • December 2015: Preliminary Design Public Consultation Summary Report
  • December 10, 2015: Stakeholder advisory group meeting #3
  • November 2015: Preliminary Design Public Consultation
  • September 2015: Conceptual Design Public Consultation Summary Report
  • September 29, 2015: Stakeholder advisory group meeting #2
  • August-September: Conceptual Design Public Consultation
  • July 21, 2015: Stakeholder advisory group meeting #1
  • May and June 2015: Background technical studies by the Port of Vancouver
  • May 11, 2015: Approval by Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation for conceptual design and engagement process
  • Fall 2014: City-wide review of potential shoreline habitat enhancement projects

Resources

October 2018 – Project Overview: VFPA New Brighton Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project [PDF]
July 2017 – Construction Complete Update: VFPA New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project [PDF]
May 2017 – Construction Update: VFPA New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project [PDF]

December 2016 – Construction progress update: New Brighton Park Habitat Restoration Project [PDF]
October 2016 – Construction notice: New Brighton Park Habitat Restoration Project [PDF]
July 2016 – Detailed Design Public Consultation Summary Report [PDF]
July 2016 – Detailed Design Public Consultation Summary Report Appendices [PDF]
July 2016 – Consideration Report [PDF]
March 2016 – Dog Off-Leash Engagement Summary Report [PDF]
February 2016 – Dog Off-Leash Options for New Brighton Park [PDF]
February 2016 – New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project Consideration Memo [PDF]
December 2015 – Preliminary Design Public Consultation Summary Report [PDF]
May 2015 – Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation: Staff Report to Board [PDF]
May 2015 – Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation: Presentation [PDF]
June 2015 – City of Vancouver’s Hastings Park / Pacific National Exhibition Master Plan [PDF]
August 2015 – Conceptual Design Public Consultation Discussion Paper and Feedback Form [PDF]
June 2015 – Ecological Conditions Report [PDF]
September 2015 – Conceptual Design Public Consultation Summary Report [PDF]
November 2015 – Preliminary Design Public Consultation Discussion Paper [PDF]