Have a question? Enter it at the bottom of this page in the comments area.
We will answer questions during the live presentation on December 10, 2020.
The preliminary design is based on recommendations from the 2018 Cowichan Water Use Plan (WUP), stakeholder engagement, Provincial and Federal legislation and industry accepted practices. Fish passage and riparian environment objectives are the priority in the design and the basis for the project funding.
This project is managed by the CVRD and is made possible through the generous support of the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF).
More information will be posted in the following days.
Please join us for a live presentation on December 10, 2020.
Presentation: 6 to 7 PM
Q&A: 7 to 8 PM
Online public link:
https://cowichanvalleyrd.webex.com/cowichanvalleyrd/onstage/g.php?MTID=ef3b29b2c638a185fa0773f84c5c7ebaf
Call-in number: 1-844-992-4726
Call-in access code: 146 385 7474
Have a question? Enter it at the bottom of this page in the comments area. We will answer questions during the live presentation on December 10, 2020.
We are currently exploring the option of a walkway over the weir. Further analysis is required to determine the feasibility of this option.
I would like to second the above comments re a recreational whitewater feature. This has the potential to be a driver for local tourism, recreation, increase the safety of area and an attraction for young families to move to the Cowichan. See Quesnel BC’s waterfront plan for further details on an existing plan from another similar town in BC: https://www.quesnel.ca/sites/default/files/docs/government/quesnel_waterfront_report-final_print_version-small.pdf
If, as we have been told, that the weir is for the benefit of the river ecology and enhancement of the fishery in the river and not for water supply to Catalyst Paper or for tubing or other miscellaneous purposes, then the cold water bypass MUST be incorporated into the weir structure. Why is this only considered to be an “optional” item? Why would this be secondary to recreational uses or aesthetic items such as concrete stamping and signage that the survey seemed to spend a energy and time on.
If you are building a weir, why not incorporate a feature for white water kayakers? It’s a great opportunity to contribute to an environmentally friendly sport and it will become an asset to the community
I believe the original weir was financed, owned and operated by forest companies, primarily BCFP. The new weir is being financed by grants from fisheries and other government supported organizations. Who will have ownership and operational control of the new weir and be responsible for future maintenence and repair?
I, like many others would love to see a planned project incorporating some whitewater play/boating features to the new Weir. It is a very clean, environment safe sport which can only enhance tourism to the area. The benefits of this in the long run justify any added cost that may be incurred to the project.
I see my thoughts have been mentioned in the previous posts. Would like to emphasize a playpark for paddling enthusiasts, spectators and visitors to connect with the water.
A water park should be talked about for
all the whitewater enthusiasts spectators as it would be beneficial to spectators as well
How will those who want to paddle from the lake into the river be accommodated? Before the weir I’m sure that one could just paddle away without any trouble. Now the option seems to be to use the lock (energy/time) or attempt to portage. The portage option would be nice to have – takeout above the weir at the lock is currently easy, but putting in below isn’t. What plans are there to facilitate a easy portage that wasn’t necessary before the weir and removed by the weir after its construction?
I would like to add my support for exploring the development of a safe structure for all, whether it be for watercraft, swimmers, tubers or those who finds themselves in the water by accident. I can think of no better way to do this than to have it designed with safe recreational use in mind. This will have the added benefit of being a huge resource for the community as well. One only needs to look at recent dam removal efforts to the south, particularly in Colorado. Whitewater sports have flourished in countless European communities where existing waterways, weirs and dams have built modest structures for safe whitewater use. It would be a missed opportunity to not include a feasibility study for incorporating these considerations into the cost of building the new weir.
I echo the thoughts about the need for whitewater recreation features to be incorporated into the design plan. The economic and social benefits would soon be realized. It is a tremendous opportunity to establish a landmark for recreational outdoor activities on beautiful Vancouver Island for all to enjoy.