Re: Established.

Re-establishing and protecting streams and riparian areas takes a well-planned and coordinated effort, and partnerships play a big role. Both the Departure Creek Realignment Project and the Woodstream Park Fish Habitat Enhancement Project saw involvement and planning with the Departure Bay Neighbourhood Association, Nanaimo Stream keepers, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Departure Creek Realignment Project (Departure Bay Centennial Park) 2018-2019

The enhancement and realignment of Departure Creek corrected a decaying part of the creek, by redirecting the stream through the underutilized, dirt parking lot at 1420 Bay Street. A vegetated riparian buffer was re-established with 100 native trees including Red Alder, Douglas Fir, Giant Sequoia and Big Leaf Maple, as well as a wide range of native shrubs and plants. An instream pool and riffle habitat has also been created along with large woody debris. This provides cover for fish and helps to maintain the streambed.

Departure Creek Fish Habitat Enhancement Project (Woodstream Park) 2017-2019

Like the Departure Creek Realignment Project, the City worked together with the Departure Bay Neighbourhood Association, Nanaimo stream keepers, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Snuneymuxw First Nation to complete this three year restoration project at Woodstream Park.

The project included instream fish habitat improvements that provide more pool and riffle habitat, offering more cover for fish. A new side channel was also created for fish refuge during high flowing storm events in the main channel.

Millstone Riparian Restoration Project (Nanaimo Curling Club Site)

Native Trees and Shrubs were planted with the help of staff from Shaw Cable, who came out with their families to plant over 100 native trees and shrubs within a degraded portion of the river’s riparian area.

Chase River Riparian Restoration Project (Harewood Centennial  / John Barsby Community School) 2018 – 2020

As part of an effort to improve instream habitat conditions for fish, this project is focusing on restoring the size and ecological diversity of the Chase River riparian area, between Howard and Bruce Avenues. The project also involves reaching out to neighbouring residents and John Barsby Community School to inform, engage and invite them to participate in the restoration work.

To date, John Barsby School has been involved with planting over 700 Trees in the riparian area behind their school. City staff have presented to students of the Land Based Education Course, offering insight and a City perspective on environmental stewardship and invasive species management. The students have included this project as their submission into the BC Green Games.