Coquitlam River Watershed Research and Stakeholder Engagement


Year 2008
Proponent City of Coquitlam and Kwikwetlem First Nation
Project type Governance
FSWP funding source Living Rivers
Grant amount $45,000
Total project value $90,000
ID number 2008 PG D 122

Location: Greater Vancouver, Coquitlam River, BC

Project Summary

Coquitlam River is consistently ranked high on the Outdoor Recreation Council’s list of endangered BC waterways.  The river has been negatively impacted over the last century by the Hydro dam, industry, urban growth, agriculture, and other pressures.  In spite of these major impacts the fish stocks have managed to be preserved and are showing some signs of improvement.  This delicate balance is fragile and decisive action is required today to ensure success into the future.

There are many jurisdictions that are actively working and studying different aspects of the Coquitlam River including the Cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, BC Hydro, Fisheries and Oceans, the Aggregate Industry, and the Kwikwetlem First Nation.  The Coquitlam River watershed is part of the traditional territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation.  The Band lives on the Coquitlam River and is working hard to restore their culture, traditions and livelihood, all of which depends on a healthy Coquitlam River.

The project works towards a Watershed-based Fish Sustainability Plan for the Coquitlam. Deliverables:
a) developing a common vision for this urban river;
b) develop guiding principles, goals and objectives to gain broad support for decision making and develop options for a governance framework ; and,
c) enhance relations and ongoing communications between stakeholders on the river.


Final Results

A signed agreement to a Common Vision was achieved at March 14th, 2009 workshop.  Elements of the guiding principles and governance framework, and a finalized Mission Statement were developed over the March 14th and completed during the March 26th workshops.  The watershed strategy development process was designed to engage as many stakeholders as possible. A contact list of over 150 people was developed. Commitment was evident by participants in attendance at the final March 26 Workshop to advance to Phase III.


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