New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project receives highest achievement of environmental project leadership
Press Release
November 6, 2018
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority announced today the New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project has received a gold rating under the Stewardship Centre for B.C.’s Green Shores® for Coastal Development program.
The New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project is a collaboration between the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, and Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The project enhances fish and wildlife habitat in Burrard Inlet, and increases public access to nature.
Since project construction was completed in September 2017, juvenile salmon have been observed using the tidal wetland as a stopover on their way through Burrard Inlet.
The Green Shores gold rating is based on a number of factors including excellence in rehabilitation of coastal habitat, innovation and climate change adaptation. This recognition demonstrates the highest possible achievement of environmental project leadership in shoreline stewardship.
“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that future generations of Canadians will enjoy the benefits of trade, an improved quality of life, and a healthy and vibrant ecosystem, and the New Brighton Park project is one example of our work toward this goal,” said Cliff Stewart, vice president of infrastructure of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We are very proud of the recognition this project has received and look forward to future opportunities to work with our partners to build on this success together.”
The New Brighton Park project was also selected as a finalist for the 2018 Environmental Managers Association of British Columbia’s Environmental Management Awards, and was a featured presentation regarding port cities and thriving environments at the 16th Annual World Conference of Cities and Ports.
“We are thrilled that we have been honoured – along with our partners – with this environmental stewardship recognition,” said Vancouver Park Board chair, Stuart Mackinnon. “The restoration of this beautiful place as an oasis of biodiversity in the urban environment is one of this board’s proudest achievements.”
More information:
- New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project
- Habitat Enhancement Program
- Port Authority’s Community Investment
- Green Shores for Coastal Development
- Photo New Brighton Park
About the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for the stewardship of the federal port lands in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. It is financially self-sufficient and accountable to the federal minister of transport and operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act. The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest, and the third largest in North America by tonnes of cargo, facilitating trade between Canada and more than 170 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada’s west coast, the port authority and port terminals and tenants are responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, integrating environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. Enabling the trade of approximately $200 billion in goods, port activities sustain 115,300 jobs, $7 billion in wages, and $11.9 billion in GDP across Canada.
About the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
The Vancouver Park Board’s mission is to provide, preserve, and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit all people, communities, and the environment. It has exclusive possession, jurisdiction, and control over more than 240 public parks in Vancouver and a large public recreation system of community centres, pools, rinks, fitness centres, golf courses, street trees, marinas, playing fields, and more. The elected nature of the Park Board and the strength and focus of its mandate have resulted in urban parks and recreation that today hold an enviable and esteemed position world-wide.
About the Musqueam First Nation
Musqueam First Nation are a traditionally hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people whose traditional territory encompasses what is now Vancouver and surrounding areas. From time immemorial, they have utilized the lands, waters and seas of their territory. Stewardship for future generations is a central tenant of Musqueam people.
About the Squamish Nation
The area known as Kha-nah-moot (New Brighton Park) is part of the Squamish Nation origin stories. In this location, one day a man and woman appeared from out of the creek waters. The descendants of this man and woman lived there until the arrival of European settlers. The traditional territory of the Squamish people is rich in history and mythology, and the restoration of the salt marsh is a first step in recognizing the importance of the natural habitat to all people.
About Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Tsleil-Waututh Nation is a progressive, vibrant Coast Salish community of approximately 500 members. The Nation is located along the shores of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver.
Media contact:
Danielle Jang
Media Relations Advisor
604.340.8617
Danielle.Jang@portvancouver.com
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