Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / The federal government announced Wednesday (Dec. 13) that it will partner with the B.C. government to fund a $1.5 million assessment of Gill Bar, a recreational area on the banks of the Fraser River in Chilliwack, for habitat destruction related to the impacts of what the federal government calls "long-term heavy recreational use" and to conduct an inventory of the habitats and species use. These findings will then dovetail with an in-river island management plan and associated restoration works.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Gill Bar in Chilliwack

Feds, province to fund $1.5 million assessment of Gill Bar in Chilliwack for habitat destruction, restoration works

Dec 14, 2023 | 1:40 PM

CHILLIWACK — The federal government announced Wednesday (Dec. 13) that it will partner with the B.C. government to fund a $1.5 million assessment of Gill Bar, a recreational area on the banks of the Fraser River in Chilliwack, the impacts of long-term heavy recreational use, and a long-term restoration plan.

According to a news release, the federal and provincial governments announced an $86.1 million funding allocation for 58 projects under the second phase of the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF). First launched in March 2019, BCSRIF has supported investments in habitat protection and restoration, ensuring the fish and seafood sector in British Columbia is positioned for long-term environmental and economic sustainability. The projects have joint backing through Canada’s Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) and the province of BC.

Among the 58 projects is a $1,513,649 funding contribution to Stó:lo Service Agency and its project team, along with technical professionals of the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance. The goal of the funding allocation is to assess Gill Bar for habitat destruction related to the impacts of what the federal government calls “long-term heavy recreational use” and to conduct an inventory of the habitats and species use. These findings will then dovetail with an in-river island management plan and associated restoration works.

The projects announced have a stated goal of carrying out important conservation projects, according to the news release from the federal government.

Earlier this month, two off-road motorized sports groups called for improved consultation on what seems to be the permanent closure of Gill Bar in Rosedale, east of Chilliwack.

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According to a joint news release dated Tuesday, December 5 from the Quad Riders Association of B.C. and the Four Wheel Drive Association of B.C. (4WDABC), members of these off-road groups and others are expressing concern over a decision by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to block vehicle access to Gill Bar. The decision came in late July 2022.

The 4WDABC says it collaborated with the Watershed Watch Salmon Society in the fall of 2021 through 2022 on an education campaign to raise awareness to the critical salmon spawning areas at Gill Bar. Further events were planned, the group says, but the closure ended these.

As outlined in an August 19, 2022, letter to DFO, the groups strongly disagreed with the position as presented by DFO regarding the consultation with the respective associations, and requested that they be considered in any future conversations so that its members could provide feedback and allow for truly inclusive consultation to take place. The groups allege that this closure was a temporary measure until the long-term management planning process, currently underway, concludes.

The groups claim they never received a response to its first letter, at which point they produced another letter on September 12, 2023, asking for an update on the “temporary closure” and reiterating their request to have a “seat at the table” for further discussions. After sending a subsequent request for consultation, the groups claim they received a response that indicates the City of Chilliwack and provincial government ultimately control access to this area.

“We are disappointed to see that we have continued to be left out of the conversations regarding the future management of this area, as it was identified during the initial temporary closure that future consultation over the next two years with all stakeholders would take place,” the two groups wrote in their joint press release. “This is simply not the case. While the update provided shows some movement forward with engagement with local First Nations, it doesn’t clearly indicate how they will address the temporary closure or if it will become permanent.”

The groups say Gill Bar is an exemplary community resource that was embraced by thousands of people and has long been an important venue for various community and recreational activities, serving as a haven for rock hounds, individuals exercising their dogs, fishermen seeking tranquil spaces and families enjoying fireside moments. The diverse range of activities at Gill Bar has provided an inclusive community environment, creating recreational connections among residents and visitors alike.

“There are few places as large and as open as Gill that allow so many to enjoy the river and nature while also being somewhat private,” the groups wrote in their news release. “There are few places like this that allow children to learn how to ride motorcycles or quads where they feel free while also being monitored by their parents and guardians. The loss of this place is a tremendous loss to the community as well as a great loss for motorized recreationists.”

The groups hope municipal and provincial authorities reverse course by properly engaging key stakeholders to move toward viable solutions.

“Mapping invasive species areas, recognizing the Indigenous values and history of the area, setting up access gates to route traffic away from sensitive areas and creating a refuse management plan will enable us to address the concerns of DFO, the local community and indigenous groups,” the two groups stated in their news release.

In addition to the two associations, the groups say the B.C. Federation of Drift Fishers supports their collective efforts to push for a reopening of the Gill Road area.

“The B.C Federation of Drift Fishers supports establishing a committee of concerned stakeholders and user groups to review reopening the Gill Road area on the Fraser River,” the news release said. “This was formerly a multi-use recreation area enjoyed by fishers, hikers, picnickers and motorized vehicles. Any reopening must prioritize the protection of sensitive salmon habitat. This location in the ‘Heart of the Fraser’ is a priceless gem with balancing recreation and protection of habitat certainly a worthwhile goal.”

The advocacy organizations say the community as a whole can benefit from a better understanding of the area’s environmental, Indigenous and cultural values. Simply shutting down the area limits the ability to educate and grow together, the groups argue.

“We need outdoor spaces to remain accessible for the many generations that will come after us. We believe by working together, we can create a way to leave it better than we found it and create a net positive experience for everyone,” the groups concluded in the press release. “We encourage the City of Chilliwack and the Province to consider the impacts on all outdoor recreation groups and allow our associations a seat at the table to bring their voices forward in an inclusive manner.”