Working Together for Coquitlam Watershed and Kwikwetlem Sockeye

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June 16 Event Overview

Return of the Salmon

Kwikwetlem First Nation Canoe Carving Project

Working Together for Coquitlam Watershed and Kwikwetlem Sockeye

Since the 1890s Coquitlam Lake has been used as a drinking water source.

In 1914, a new hydroelectric dam blocked the salmon run. Salmon behind the dam became landlocked fish known as Kokanee.

Working Together for Coquitlam Watershed and Kwikwetlem Sockeye

In 2003 the Kwikwetlem Salmon Restoration Program, which includes Metro Vancouver, Kwikwetlem First Nation and BC Hydro, began working to determine the feasibility of restoring sockeye salmon in Coquitlam Watershed while protecting drinking water quality.

After an absence of nearly 100 years, adult sockeye salmon returned to the Coquitlam River in 2007. There are still questions to be answered before a full-scale run can be re-established, and water quality protection is a critical consideration. Metro Vancouver and Kwikwetlem First Nation are conducting a three-year study of lake ecology and potential water quality impacts of returning sockeye.

This joint approach demonstrates the interests of the partners to:

restore and enhance sockeye salmon runs;
deliver clean and safe drinking water; and
maintain the reservoir’s function as a source of clean, renewable hydro-electric power.

June 16, 2010 – Public Open House & Presentations

On Wednesday, June 16, 2010 the partners hosted a jointly-organized evening Open House and Panel Presentations entitled “Working Together for Coquitlam Watershed and Kwikwetlem Sockeye.” The event, held at the Poirier Community Centre in Coquitlam, was attended by approximately 50 people.
The Open House showcased the project and the partnership with posters, videos, interactive activities, and one-on-one discussions with staff and partners. Following the Open House, presentations were made by representatives from the partner groups.

Poster Displays

People and the Project: partner profiles and project overview

Watershed at Work: BC Hydro’s Coquitlam-Buntzen Water Use Plan; City of Coquitlam’s Coquitlam River Watershed Strategy

Our Water Our Health: Coquitlam Reservoir Drinking Water Quality Study and Drinking Water Treatment

Presentations

Kwikwetlem First Nation: Glen Joe & Carl Miller, Kwikwetlem Fisheries - Cultural perspective
Presentation	Video
Kwikwetlem Salmon Restoration Program: Craig Orr, Committee Member - Project overview
Presentation	Video
Metro Vancouver: Albert van Roodselaar, Utility Analysis & Environmental Management Division – Drinking Water Quality Study
Presentation	Video
Scientific Research Panel: Dr. John Stockner, Water Quality Expert Panel (consultant) – Water Quality Study mid-term results
Presentation	Video