Chilliwack Creek. (Image Credit: Image: S.A.Y. Lands)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Funding boost

Foundation provides $10K in funding to protect Chilliwack Creek salmon from road pollution

Jan 28, 2026 | 1:01 PM

CHILLIWACK – The Pacific Salmon Foundation says it has awarded $10,000 to a Chilliwack land management entity to restore coho and chum habitat in a Chilliwack waterway.

In a statement, the foundation says the funding allocation will restore important habitat in Chilliwack Creek and protect it from polluted road runoff.

The project is expected to generate upwards of $25,000 in total value for salmon conservation through in-kind contributions and volunteer time. 

S.A.Y. Lands – a land management office representing the Skowkale, Aitchelitz, and Yakweakwioose First Nations – will work to restore a riparian buffer zone between Chilliwack Creek and a nearby road, where polluted runoff currently flows directly into the water. To help mitigate this, nutrient-rich soil, mulch, and native trees and shrubs will be added to filter contaminants before they enter the creek, as well as improve soil health and retain moisture during the summer heat.

Chilliwack Creek salmon habitat has been polluted by a nearby road. (Image Credit: Image: S.A.Y. Lands)

Shelter and drop-in

Chilliwack Wellness Centre closes on Trethewey Avenue

2h ago

Missing teen

14-year-old girl reported missing

6h ago

Police investigation

Highway 1 briefly closed in Abbotsford overnight after alcohol-involved crash

6h ago

“These funds will support the restoration of riparian habitat for coho and chum salmon in Chilliwack Creek as part of S.A.Y.’s award-winning, Indigenous-led, comprehensive ecological restoration approach,” said Ilesha Maharaj, Stewardship Coordinator, S.A.Y. Lands. “By integrating salmon habitat enhancement with climate-informed design, this work will provide thermal refuges, high-quality spawning areas, and nutrient-rich food sources into the future. Designed for a warming climate, the project will support salmon for generations while inspiring the next generation of salmon stewards through volunteer and school involvement.” 

The Chilliwack Creek restoration is one of 42 conservation and stewardship projects funded in PSF’s latest Community Salmon Program cycle. Every year, this grant program strategically leverages $1.5 million in revenue from the Salmon Conservation Stamp, along with generous donations, to support more than 150 salmon conservation projects in B.C. and the Yukon. 

In the latest funding round, PSF awarded nearly $200,000, generating a total value of $1.3 million for salmon conservation. The spring cycle – currently accepting applications – will remain open until Feb. 15, 2026.