Previously unknown creek in Port Coquitlam could be transformed into salmon-bearing stream

A previously unknown creek discovered as a result of a subdivision project in Port Coquitlam stands to be transformed into a riparian habitat and potential salmon-bearing stream.

Port Coquitlam council unanimously approved a watercourse development permit on Tuesday, Sept. 3, allowing for the modification, enhancement and protection of the creek partially located on 1160 Victoria Dr., an adjacent unopened road, and the Hyde Creek Nature Reserve.

Coun. Nancy McCurrach described the environmental work as “brilliant,” and suggested the city hold a naming and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new stream.

“Anything that’s going to bring the watercourse to actually be salmon bearing … I think it’d be an awesome thing,” McCurrach said.

In May 2024, city council approved rezoning of a 4.27 acre lot on 1160 Victoria Dr. for a residential subdivision, on the condition that a quarter of the property be designated as parks and natural area and dedicated to the city by the developer.

During the course of a site investigation by an environmental consultant, an unmapped class B non-fish bearing stream was identified.

The developer has now proposed a plan to vertically realign the stream, which currently runs diagonally from the western to southern edge of the site, in order to connect it to a passable fish culvert under Lynnwood Avenue and Watkins Creek.

Staff recommended the realignment, noting it will make the site “much more efficient” for the developer to subdivide into different parcels.

“If you were to try to subdivide it the way it was, I think you would have very little useful lots on the south side of the property,” staff said.

The environmental consultant reports states the plan will result in a 3,660 sq. ft. increase in riparian area and a 2960 sq. ft. increase in wetted area. It would also make significant improvements to the function of the watercourse by expanding and upgrading the channel, incorporating pools and riffles, boulders and woody debris, and riparian planting.

Notably, the work would result in the creek being upgraded to a class A fish-bearing watercourse, which is defined by the year-round presence of salmon and other regionally significant fish.

“By connecting the watercourse to Watkins Creek, there is potential for fish passage,” staff said.

The realignment work requires review and approval from senior levels of government, which the province has already greenlit, and the federal government has said is consistent with Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s legislation.

The Hyde Creek Watershed Society has also provided general support for the proposal.

While the work will cause some mature trees to be removed from the watercourse protection area, the developer’s restoration plan proposes planting 190 new trees, 2,775 shrubs, 320 aquatic plants, as well as a wildlife barrier fencing to be installed along the edges of the riparian corridor.

The restored habitat will be dedicated to the city for long-term protection, and will result in a 15-metre setback in accordance with the city’s regulations around class A watercourses.

Coun. Darrell Penner agreed with giving the creek and official name, noting the Hyde Creek Watershed Society held a contest for naming Watkins Creek.

“This might be a great opportunity, if it looks like it’s worth it, to do the same,” Penner said. “There was a real interest in the public.”