Shoreline adaptation and restoration - Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park)

The proposed project


The District of North Vancouver (DNV) and səlilwətaɬ/Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) propose to implement approximately 1.3 km of shoreline adaptation and restoration at Whey-ah-Wichen (WaW; Cates Park). The shoreline is eroding and likely to worsen with sea level rise and climate change, which threatens archeological resources, shoreline habitat, park infrastructure, and cultural sites.

The project will include the placement of approximately 26,000 cubic metres of fill and rock materials in the mid and upper intertidal and restoration planting above the high-water mark. The approximate footprint is 29,500 square metres. Planting will include dunegrass and riparian habitats. Restoration works will occur within the Fisheries Least Risk Windows and in two phases, with each phase lasting approximately a year:

Phase 1 – Roche Point and East Beach (~2025-2026)

  • Pre-construction invertebrate salvage
  • Mobilization and site clean-up
  • Placement of fill materials and construction of access points
  • Demobilization
  • Riparian and dune grass habitat planting

Phase 2 – West Beach, Central Beach, Little Cates (~2026-2027)

  • Pre-construction invertebrate salvage
  • Mobilization and site clean-up
  • Placement of fill materials and construction of access points
  • Demobilization

To reduce environmental impacts, construction will primarily take place at night during low tides, including weekends (i.e., 24/7). Existing infrastructure (outfalls) may require upgrades (outfall extensions) to facilitate the project.

Material will be delivered to the site by barge or via trucks.

More

Latest update

Notice of Determination


North Vancouver, B.C. – July 31, 2025 – The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has determined that the proposed Shoreline adaptation and restoration - Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park) located at Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park, North Vancouver 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
  • Community knowledge
  • Comments received from the public
  • Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures

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Contacts

Project and Environmental Review
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3T4
Email: per@portvancouver.com


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Shoreline adaptation and restoration - Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park) (British Columbia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Ports and Harbours

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2025-05-22

  • Proponent

    The District of North Vancouver and səlilwətaɬ/Tsleil-Waututh Nation

  • Authorities

    • Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89542

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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