Dollarton Highway Bridge Construction
The Dollarton Highway Bridge over the Seymour River
is going to be widened this summer, during the July to September fisheries
window. This will affect the paddling
community in several ways including:
-the river will be potentially impassable during
construction.
-a bridge piling may be put in the center of the
river channel.
-the piling may collect wood debris in the future
and be a potential hazard.
-there is a possibility that some of the old wooden
pilings under the bridge could be removed. Also the concrete slab that encases
a pipeline a few meters below the bridge could be made safer, as it is somewhat
undercut. (This needs more investigation.)
I am meeting with the District of North Vancouver’s
Engineers to discuss this, and then send comments off to Navigable Waters
Branch of the Canadian Coast Guard, who speak for the paddling community. This pool below the bridge is used by
beginner canoeists and kayakers, and occasionally more advanced paddlers as a play
and exercise area. It is one of the
best spots in the Lower Mainland to learn.
For more information contact Roger Warnatsch at environment@bccanoe.com