Reeve Slough Salmon Habitat Reconnection Project

Notice of determination

 

Coquitlam IR No.2, Coquitlam, British Columbia–August 4, 2026– The Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have determined that the proposed Reeve Slough Salmon Habitat Reconnection Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous Knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

 

Key mitigation measures taken into account for this determination include:

• Environmental monitoring to ensure project compliance with the Construction Environmental Management Plan and Species at Risk Act (SARA) permit terms and conditions.
• No trees above 40cm Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) will be removed.
• All tree and vegetation clearing works will be conducted outside of the regional nesting period for Zone A1 in wetland habitats, which occurs from March 25 - August 9 (Nesting periods - Canada.ca). The recommended migratory bird nesting period is estimated, and the actual nesting period may vary depending on local and seasonal factors, which will be taken into consideration prior to Project activities.
• Appropriate mitigation measures will be implemented to ensure sediment does not enter wetted areas adjacent to the excavation sites.
• Native plants within the excavation footprint will be transplanted adjacent to work site or stored for use in restoration.
• Plant surveys to identify presence/not detected status will be completed in the 2026 growing season and prior to construction. If plants of interest are encountered, a contingency plan will be developed in consultation with a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) experienced in managing and translocating rare plants.
• Excavated soil will be re-used and remain on site to avoid spreading invasive species.
• Spread of invasive vegetation will be avoided through clear delineation of vegetation clearing limits; inspection/cleaning of equipment, vehicles and gear; secondary containment (e.g., absorbent mats or drip trays placed beneath vehicles and equipment when not in use); monitoring disturbed areas post-construction and conducting manual removal or herbicide treatment (where permitted).
• Terrestrial areas will be re-seeded with native grasses and plants.
• Cultural Archeological monitor will be on site during any earthwork activities
• Waste will be removed off-site in compliance with appropriate waste management

procedures and legislation including British Columbia's Environmental Management Act.

• Construction activities (i.e., tree or snag removal, instream works) will be scheduled outside of sensitive periods for wildlife.
• Sensitive habitats (e.g., wildlife trees, active bird nests) will be identified and flagged prior to construction.
• Wetland boundaries for Cattail Marsh (Wm05) and Western redcedar-Western hemlock-Skunk cabbage swamp forests (Ws54) will be delineated prior to commencement of construction and mobilization of equipment and machinery. Impacts to these wetlands will be considered during construction and reclamation.  Where wetland disturbance cannot be avoided, a QEP will determine the area of impact and incorporate site-specific reclamation measures into the channel design.
• All mitigation measures identified by ECCC and DFO and by the Province of BC Environment will be implemented.

 

Species at Risk – All project activities, including mitigations and seasonal activity windows, must comply with the terms and conditions of the SARA permit which is required for the project to be carried out. In addition to the SARA permit, the project activities will also be conducted under the terms and conditions of the associated BC Wildlife Act permits for any salvage activities for Pacific water shrew/small mammals and amphibians/reptiles.

 

Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, if all mitigation measures are applied. Therefore, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada may exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.