2011

In November 2011 the project work focused on establishing a sub-tidal reef footprint fronting the rip-rap rock armoured shoreline west of Navvy Jack Point.  As outlined in previous plans, the reef is multi-functional: to provide stable kelp substrate, to mitigate ongoing erosion of the sub-tidal and intertidal zones fronting the seawalk infrastructure and, over time, to gradually allow for the natural accretion of an intertidal beach salient.
It has been recognized since the Waterfront Directions Study 1991 that the best protection for this shoreline would be a naturally wide beach.  Without recovery of a natural beach profile the long term costs of sea level rise induced storm damage are likely to gradually worsen, requiring major works and repairs.

October to November, 2011 saw the compilation of monitoring assessments, surveys, and documentation analysis of the various project sites as a key component of the Shoreline Preservation Plan (SPP) work plans.  The SPP work plan is updated annually but re-affirmed and committed in a formal process on a three year cycle.   Monitoring is vital to learning and tweaking approaches and designs for the most productive, protective, and economic outcomes, and also as a working example to other jurisdictions of an incremental adaptive response to climate change impacts to urban shores.

September

The various pilot project sites continue their evolution as they are worked by waves, biology and sediment inputs from the creeks. Habitat marshes and riparian vegetation zones are continuing to develop and are flourishing at numerous pilot project sites. Several privately funded, municipally managed projects have been enabled as a result of the success of the pilot project examples including residential frontage, street end parks and Horseshoe Bay park.  Work in 2011 has largely involved tweaking of existing pilot projects and private / public projects at various locations.

In particular, the kelp habitat reef at Ambleside pier received additional boulders and has developed a substantial kelp forest due to the stability of the rock holdfasts. The adjacent sand/cobble beach area has become more stable as it has taken on a more flatter profile that breaks storm waves over a wider surf zone as contrasted to the prior groin captured beach that was often over-steepened by fill/erosion cycles. The broad flatter upper beach profile is now more storm resistant.  The beach was successfully assessed for the presence of surf smelt spawn by volunteers and schools.

The boat ramp is again functioning with better low tide access.  Sandy cobble that had in-filled the ramp was transported and placed to enhance the upper foreshore at various locations last year. Rock rip rap that was lowered to restore the reflected sea views across the infinity edge fountain pools at the 14th Street pier was placed into the kelp reef.  The reworked armour rock bench has provided both improved aesthetics as well as the opportunity to plan for natural planting of this previously sterile riparian fringe.

The beach fronting the 15th  St. park continues to widen and shape to the point were much of the prior armour rock and the concrete seawall has become redundant. Some of this rock was again relocated to create offshore kelp reefs.  

As the more stable beach profile matures there is a noticeable increase in upper beach vegetation and expectations of successful conditions for smelt and sand lance spawning.

From 15th  westward the reef and tombola  induced accretion and stabilization of the foreshore both supports and merges into the upper beach trail that was placed in 2010. The trail  is intended to be an integral walkable part of the foreshore that provides both for a defined access corridor as well as a storm resistant backshore. Large driftwood debris is embedded in the upper beach to provide storm protection as well as nutrients and shading characteristics. The natural appearance of the driftwood beach has replaced the previous cobble armour and seawall characteristics.

Additional round field boulders were placed in the intertidal and subtidal zones at strategic locations to enhance tombola and reef formations fronting Lawson Park. The development of a crenelated, crescent shaped upper foreshore has provided both increased human enjoyment as well as more extensive and viable spawning conditions for surf smelt. Again school students and other volunteers have documented the increasing productivity of these areas.

At this time in September 2011 there has been a temporary placement of a large quantity of round field boulders adjacent to Lawson Pier that became available to the District at no cost. This temporary stockpile  will be subsequently moved into kelp reef formations off the mouth of Lawson Creek that will further stabilize this very successfully recovering estuarine creek outlet.

Boulders from the same donation were also placed along the last remaining vertical concrete seawall at 21st street. This has created a riparian berm that has been planted with dune grass.  The porous nature of the boulders will soften the erosional seawall wave reflections and should lead to gradual widening and flattening of this zone over the coming years.  The material was placed very quickly and the intent is to fine tune this area for best performance in conjunction with future work activity in the area.

Plans to provide kelp reef and tombola formations at Navvy Jack Point have been slow in realization.  Biological and coastal engineering assessment, design and approvals have been put in place…   Implementation awaits funds, rock supplies and appropriate seasonal tidal cycles. The pilot placement of boulders around the sandstone pinnacle have populated with kelp and molluscs and seem to be attracting increased seabirds to the area.

Plans for similar works at the east end of the Dundarave, Marr Creek seawall zone are also pending subject to resources.

The WVSPS would like to thank Mr. Stephen Jenkins as he leaves his position with the municipality to pursue new career challenges.   His energy and engagement have been critical to the successes since the Shoreline Planning Framework (2005) and the formally adopted Shoreline Protection Plan (2009) were tabled.  The Directors of the WVSPS look forward to carrying forward the fresh awareness and momentum that has been achieved by working with staff and council (and Nature) to protect and enhance the Waterfront Community Shoreline.