City of Vancouver to build marshland in New Brighton Park

The Vancouver Park Board announced that they will be adding salt marsh into Brighton Park to help restore the fish and wildlife habitat along the shore of the Burrard Inlet.

The city says it approved the plan Monday evening to create two hectares – or five acres – worth of marshland, which will be critical for salmon runs, shorebirds, and water fowl. The plan is part of the city’s Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to create healthier ecosystems in and around Vancouver.

“The salt marsh is unique in Metro Vancouver and will provide critical habitat for juvenile fish, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating birds in one of our most beautiful shoreline parks,” says Vancouver Park Board Chair Sarah Kirby-Yung in a statement.

The Park Board and the Fraser Port Authority have joined forces to create the marshland, which will include viewing platforms, interpretive signs, picnic tables, and enhanced access to the east beach.

The city will fund $400,000 towards the creation of the wetlands, while the Port will fund the remainder of the $3 million budget. The target completion date is spring of 2017.

The Biodiversity Strategy aims to restore or enhance 25 hectares of natural areas by 2020.