Reeve Slough Salmon Habitat Reconnection Project 2024
This multi-year project will reconnect the 31,800-square-metre Reeve Slough relic channel to the Coquitlam River.
Once complete, water supply and intake structures will be installed at the Reeve Park pump station to sustain year-round fish flows. The outfall will maintain water levels in the slough to support the existing native aquatic and semiaquatic species of plants and animals as well as all seven species of Pacific salmonids and deter non-native fish species.
Executive Summary
Introduction
Kwikwetlem First Nation (KFN) is embarking on aprocess that will see Reeve Slough reconnectedto the Coquitlam River. As part of thereconnection project, environmental restorationwill be undertaken to support primary projectgoals, including:
• The creation and enhancement of habitatsfor fish, and other target species such as the Barn Owl and Western Painted Turtle, and
• Reducing groundwater levels in theKwikwetlem First Nation’s setɬamékmən cemetery adjacent.
Purpose of the Document
The purpose of this document is to support the conceptual design proposal for the Kwikwetlem First Nation Reeve Slough Reconnection Projectdeveloped by Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (NHC). As part of the concept development,this document communicates the overall visionfor the project, recognizing and amplifying thesocial, cultural, and ecological co-benefits ofundergoing hydraulic engineering to reconnectthe Reeve Slough to the skʷƛ̓əma:ɬ stál̕ əw̓ (Coquitlam River).
As a non-technical document, it uses descriptive graphics to convey a vision and intention for the restored Slough water body and landscape. It can be read in conjunction with the hydrotechnical engineering concept design prepared by NHC, or as a stand-alone document.
A Collaborative Project
Great care was taken by the Kwikwetlem First Nation team members and the consulting team to accommodate elements of cultural and archaeological significance in this historic and culturally important landscape, with the expert input and advice of Brown and Oakes Archaeology. In addition, environmental restoration proposals were carefully guided and integrated holistically into the concept designby KL Environmental and McTavish Consultants. Representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) ensured that reconnection and environmental restoration proposals would meet fish habitat goals and be acceptable to the relevant Permitting Agencies.
Proposed Concept Design
The restoration goals are to improve habitat for fish and other target species, and to reduce the ground water level in the cemetery adjacent. To meet these goals the concept design includes the following restoration proposals:
1. Reconnect the Reeve Slough to the skʷƛ̓əma:ɬ stál̕ əw̓ (CoquitlamRiver) at two points: upstream and downstream.
2. Localized grading and modifications to the Reeve Slough bed to create a channel that ensures tides move in andout of the Slough.
3. Installation of a culvert at the Old Pitt River Rd and re-establishment of the cemetery procession route.
4. Aquatic, foreshore, and riparian enhancements that support critical habitat and integrate traditional/medicinal planting.