Secretary Report to A.G.M. 2002

During the past year the B.W.H.P.A. has been involved in several projects. The major one has been building the "Riffle" structure at the confluence of Bilston and Firehall creeks. This had been proposed several years ago, but was not able to be done until now. On Friday, September 21’st, work started with a small sandbag and plastic dam being built to keep water, fish and debris out of the work area. The excavator arrived, bright and early on Saturday, and work started on clearing a path into the work areas. At each riffle location the machine removed one bucket of material from the stream bed, making a base for the rocks to be placed. A couple of scoops of rocks carefully dumped in, and then the last shaping done by hand with rakes and hand placement. It was interesting that here we did not require the use of a bypass pipe or channel for the water behind the dam, the flow was so low that the water simply rose a few inches behind the dam. The other thing was that by using the excavator the silt released into the stream was almost eliminated. Had the work been done by hand, then foot traffic, wheelbarrows and shovels, would no doubt have caused a great deal of disturbance to the banks and mud would have entered the stream. By noon Saturday all the riffles were in place and the sandbag dam removed, a very quick and clean operation. More details of this project are on our website.

Tying in with this project is the future of the whole Luxton and upper Firehall creek area. We have submitted a discussion paper to Langford on some ideas for the Luxton road section. As outlined in the "Stanley" engineering study several culverts need to be replaced in this section. In fact, one, the old wooden culvert under Luxton at the Ball Field collapsed on April 5. This had been in place at least since the Ball Field was constructed in 1958. Our proposal suggests the possibility of creating fish refuge structures at the same time as culvert work is done, thus minimizing stream disturbance. We are also suggesting the construction of a foot path or "Trail" along Luxton at the same time to enhance the appearance and enjoyment of the area. This "Trail" would connect the Fairgrounds and the Galloping Goose Trail with the proposed trail from Mt. Wells Park through Dewdney Flats.

The upper Firehall creek area behind the Firehall on Happy Valley road is currently the subject of a development proposal. Approximately 12 acres of land may be re-built to provide a large recreation area, ball diamonds and soccer field as well as some residential and commercial uses. A large water retention and habitat enhancement area is included. We view this as a unique opportunity for this group and the neighbourhood to be involved in what promises to be an enhancement of quality of life for this area. As presently proposed this will bring much needed recreation facilities as well as improve the water retention, flood control, and habitat protection. Developed piecemeal this area could be entirely filled and natural areas disappear altogether. A representative for the developer was to be here to describe this but is unfortunately committed to another meeting tonight. The area at present does have limited environmental significance but under existing zoning is subject to considerable risk. Historically part of the area was a "glacial sinkhole" which became the small swampy portion left today, and most of the rest was farmed in the late 1800’s. Some of this has been filled, and there is a suggestion that toxic material was dumped here, and some has been built on. Our participation in this would primarily be to assist in removing plants from areas to be disturbed and re-planting them in the new habitat areas as construction proceeds. As there are presently no fish in the area, specific habitat creation for fish is not envisioned, the water now all disappears in the summer. In all, this project promises to be an overall improvement for the neighbourhood and a chance to show how community volunteer groups can work together with development interests for the enhancement of the community.

Some problems we have seen over the year are much as before. One area of concern is the parking area at the north end of Luxton Fairgrounds along Sooke road. As before, a lot of trash and debris is dumped in and around the stream here. For some reason people feel they can just toss yard waste and garbage out into the brush. I get the feeling many folks do not realize this is part of the Fairgrounds. Perhaps some improved signage would help.

In Pritchard creek this past year some residents noted a reduced number of frogs, even though there was more water than usual, and even though it was a dry year. The reason for the water became apparent later in the summer when a significant leak in a water main was found to be filling the stream. Possibly the resulting higher chlorine levels may have a connection with the reduced frog population. There are still frogs in the small tributary streams and ponds not affected by the leak.

The present controversy over the "Kyoto Agreement" has the Federal government exclaiming how they are counting on the forests of Canada to balance the creation of "Greenhouse" gases. But how can we count on a resource which is being cleared away to make room for urban development. Local Governments have a responsibility to address "Global Warming" as much as everyone else, and urban sprawl, a significant contributor to "Greenhouse Gases", is controlled almost entirely by Municipal policy. In Langford today we see proposals to develop almost every piece of forested land. Is this really the best way to plan for the future?

With the change in Provincial Government we will no longer be able to obtain grants from the Urban Salmonid Enhancement Fund. This means we must look elsewhere if we are to undertake any significant projects. Now more than ever we need the support of business, foundations, local government, and most especially, the membership. We must all work to support the interests of the various community volunteer groups. For us we see a continued cooperation between us and such organizations as, the Metchosin Farmers Institute, the Coalition of Langford Residents, Veins of Life Watershed Society, and many others. If we are to see continued improvement to our quality of life, and the preservation of nature we must all work together, and with the support of business and governments we will.

Thank you