Responsible dredging

In order to protect fish stocks, dredging is not permitted from March through mid-July each year. More recently, due to concerns over at-risk white sturgeon, the dredging window for local channels has been restricted to between November and February each season.

This month, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority announced CAD$1m in funding towards a near-term dredging solution to support key Delta channels within the Fraser River communities, focusing on Ladner Harbour and Gunderson Slough.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and Member of Parliament for Delta, said: “Dredging these channels will make it easier for vessels to safely navigate and potentially can help local biodiversity. We look forward to working with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and other partners to find an ongoing, sustainable, long-term solution to dredging the Fraser River.”

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority dredges deep sea channels to support Canada’s trade. For 10 years and as a gesture of good will, the port authority committed to providing a CAD$7m interim dredging solution to support the Fraser River communities. As the funding for the programme has now concluded, the port authority is working with government to identify other sources of funding that will provide a longer-term solution to support dredging in the local channels.

In consideration of the environmental impact, the port authority will be issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to complete the dredging work.

Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, said: “We are pleased to support the governments as they work together to find a long-term, sustainable solution for local channel dredging that will protect the environment and benefit local communities.”