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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Why is this project necessary?
How long has this project been planned?
Why were the decisions about the project made in-camera (in private)?
How long will the project take?
What are the project costs?
How will this affect my taxes?
What kind of approvals were received for the project?
How is this project being monitored?
Why is this project necessary?
The creation of the habitat area is planned as part of the environmental compensation requirements associated with road construction, including Dominion Avenue and Broadway Street, and to provide for the enclosure of a number of watercourses on properties located in the Dominion Triangle area (south of Dominion Avenue, east of Ottawa Street and north of Lougheed Highway).
How long has this project been planned?
The concept of creating a new habitat area to address environmental compensation requirements dates back to 2001. The Pitt River Intertidal Habitat Project is the result of several years of design and planning with property owners and government agencies.
Why were the decisions about the project made in-camera (in private)?
The project involved a property purchase. It is common for City Councils to discuss property sales and purchases in-camera, as permitted by the Community Charter.
How long will the project take?
Construction began on June 23, 2010 and is expected to be completed by September 2011. More about the project timing.
What are the project costs?
The project cost of $9.9 million includes land purchase, construction of the dike and habitat areas, consulting and monitoring. More about the project costs and partners.
How will this affect my taxes?
Because the City’s share will be primarily funded by Development Cost Charges (fees paid by developers to the City), a delay in capital works projects and available grants, it is not anticipated that the project will affect taxes.
What kind of approvals were received for the project?
Approval for the project has been received from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, Port Metro Vancouver, Fraser River Estuary Management Program, BC Ministry of Environment – Inspector of Dikes Office, BC Ministry of Environment – Fish & Wildlife, BC Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure (Gateway) and Metro Vancouver.
How is this project being monitored?
The project will have environmental monitoring by Envirowest Environmental Consultants and civil engineering inspection by Associated Engineering Ltd. and the City’s engineering inspector. Active environmental monitoring of the habitat and landscaping will continue for five years.
