Save the Spit, and Make Your Voice Heard!

February 23, 2021

 

People of all ages enjoy the Squamish Spit and Estuary for a wide variety of activities such as walking, bird watching, stand-up paddleboarding, kayakers, canoers, and windsport enthusiasts to name just a few. The area is managed by various levels of government: the District of Squamish provides some services in the area; the land is owned by the Province of BC, and the Federal Government regulates the navigable waterways that surround it and it is located within the Squamish Nation Traditional Territory.

The Squamish River Watershed Society (SRWS) has been working on a Central Estuary Restoration Project for the last 4 years with the goal to restore fish habitat, tidal connectivity, and overall estuarine function throughout the Squamish Estuary. It was our understanding that this would be accomplished through a Spit realignment that would maintain land access to the tip of the Spit that allows people to enjoy the views and recreation opportunities that are a part of Squamish’s motto - Hardwired for Adventure. 

That is all changing with the recent information we have received about the removal of land access to the Spit and we are asking the SRWS and the Department of Fisheries to work with us to finalize a more comprehensive plan that maintains recreation access and accomplishes their goals for the Estuary simultaneously. 

A better solution is possible, one which was originally proposed by the SRWS which would preserve access to the Spit while supporting the habitats of salmons and other wildlife in the area. That solution isn’t possible if this project goes ahead this year in the manner currently planned by the Watershed Society and the DFO.

If you want your voice to be heard, and to see a more inclusive approach to Spit realignment, we encourage you to contact your representatives to let them know. 

Representation in Canada is usually based on where you live. You can find contact info, including phone numbers and email addresses, for your representatives here:

If you live in Squamish our MLA is Jordan Sturdy and our MP is Patrick Weiler. You may feel like just one person, but you can serve a vital role in making sure MLAs and MPs are held accountable for the things that happen in your community.

UPDATE: 

Please send communication to these 2 ministers as well:

If you’re not sure what to say, please feel free to use and modify the following language on the telephone or in an email:

Hello, my name is _______, and I live in _________. [My phone number is __________.] I am deeply concerned about possible plans by the Squamish River Watershed Society and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to remove portions of the Squamish Spit this year, rather than realigning the Spit as initially proposed. 

This is a public project which uses Federal money under the Coastal Restoration Fund, and the public nature of the project should reflect the public’s interests. A project of this scale is too important to be driven by funding deadlines. Instead, it should take account of all of the people who live in and enjoy the environment surrounding the Spit, including recreational users like kiteboarders and windsurfers.

A better solution is possible, one which would preserve access to the Spit while supporting the habitats of salmons and other wildlife in the area. That solution isn’t possible if this project goes ahead this year in the manner currently planned by the Watershed Society and the DFO.

Therefore I urge you to do whatever you can to prevent the planned removal of the Spit this year since it includes no plans for further access.
 

Thank you! For further questions, please contact info@squamishwindsports.com.