Back to PortCoquitlam.ca



 
Email
Print
Project Scope and Timing

Map-of-Habitat-AreaThrough the Pitt River Intertidal Habitat Project, 23 acres of habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife will be created along the west side of the Pitt River directly north of Lougheed Highway. The new habitat is expected to draw even more birds and wildlife to the area, which is already popular with birdwatchers.
  • The project will create 16.4 acres of new intertidal wetland and riparian (riverside) woodland habitat, and protect 6.5 acres of wildlife habitat, including two bald eagles’ nests.
  • The intertidal wetland habitat area will be created on brushland and former farmland now on the interior side of the dike.
  • After the new dike is constructed around the perimeter of the new habitat area, the current dike parallel to the Pitt River will be removed,
  • The new intertidal wetland habitat area will be open to the waters and tides of the Pitt River and have no storm drainage connection to the lands inside the dike.
  • The area is being sculpted to create a variety of habitat and to resemble the foreshore.
  • Features will include channels, ponds, marsh, islands, woody debris, native shrubs, grasses and trees, roosting posts and basking rocks for snakes.
  • A viewing platform with interpretive signage is also to be constructed.
The project will be constructed by Conwest Contracting Ltd., with 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.


Colour drawing - intertidal habitatDike access

The project includes the re-routing of a section of dike, which is part of the Traboulay PoCo Trail. Maintaining user access to the dike during construction is a top priority.


Estimated project timing
  • June 23 to end of September 2010: mobilization, land clearing, construction of new perimeter dike, partial removal of existing dike
  • Fall 2010: filling, relocation of woody debris, hydro-seeding
  • Mid-November 2010 to March 2011: winter shut-down
  • March to September 2011: complete the removal of existing dike, planting, re-grading of dike surface