Applying nature based solutions.
Lower Chute Creek Restoration
What we’re doing:
The Society is committed to ensuring that the required remediation of lower Chute Creek (in the Okanagan valley of British Columbia on the traditional, unceded and ancestral territories of the Syilx First Nations people) is accomplished in a way that not only addresses the flood risk to the community, but also restores the in-stream and riparian ecosystems employing progressive nature-based-solutions that welcome and encourage the return of healthy, resilient, wild salmon populations. Complimentary objectives are to conserve and enhance biodiversity, contribute to improved water quality, and to inspire and support community stewardship through public engagement and education. The Society is taking the lead in developing the necessary partnerships with supportive organizations and individuals in order to ensure that the required expertise and resources are available to fully realize this vision.
History:
In the early 1960’s, the natural flow of water from the apex of the alluvial fan of lower Chute Creek was constrained in a concrete flume in order to carry the water across the fan into the Okanagan Lake over the shortest possible distance. As a consequence, the fish spawning grounds and associated ecosystems were completely disrupted. In addition, on several occasions, the residents on the alluvial fan have been subject to flooding from the overtopping of the banks of the flume, most recently in 2017 and 2018. Furthermore, the concrete flume failed in 2018 as it is reaching the end of its functional lifespan and is in urgent need of replacement. Short term repairs, including filling holes with concrete and bolstering the terminus of the concrete flume which had failed, were carried out in 2018 and 2019.
Indian Rock bridge during recent spring run off with temporary sand bags and concrete block in place to prevent additional flooding.
Lower Chute Creek concrete flume during recent short-term concrete repairs showing damage from deterioration.
Lower Chute Creek concrete flume during low summer water-flow.
PROJECT STAGES:
STAGE 1 ~ Feasibility & Conceptual Design: (COMPLETED)
Mould Engineering Inspection and Remediation Report.
Agreement between the land owners on project design and land contribution.
Creation of a registered charity, the Chute Creek Stewardship Society (the “Society”) to lead the restoration and fund/friend raise.
Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment and Mapping provided by Penticton Indian Band.
Design input and advice provided by Okanagan Nation Alliance fisheries at the direction of Penticton Indian Band.
Project review meetings with the local community property owners, Penticton Indian Band, and regional, provincial and federal politicians.
Exploratory discussions with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (“MOTI”) regarding the replacement of the Indian Rock bridge.
Design concept chosen from several developed by Mould Engineering. Provides for more than a 1-in-200 year flow capacity while also creating the maximum potential area for salmon spawning of all the concepts considered.
STAGE 2 ~ Reconstruction: (UNDERWAY)
Phase 1 ~ Replacement of Indian Rock Road bridge (COMPLETED)
The Society partnered closely with MOTI and established a collaborative design team, advised by Penticton Indian Band and Okanagan Nation Alliance, which established the design of the ‘temporary transition’ between the works associated with the new bridge and the pre-existing downstream concrete channel.
MOTI commenced replacement of the bridge in mid-August 2024 with completion achieved in November 2024.
MOTI implemented a temporary transition that will facilitate the downstream remediation of Chute Creek.
Excavation work begins for the removal of the old bridge over Chute Creek (August 2024).
Chute Creek pipe bypassed and removal of old bridge over Chute Creek (August 2024).
Construction of formwork for concrete footings for new bridge (September 2024).
Bridge footings complete with formwork for abutments underway (September 2024)
Natural creek bed ‘day-lighted’ after over 60 years under concrete (October 2024)
Phase 1 completed with the new bridge over Chute Creek (November 2024)
Phase 2 ~ Remediation of Chute Creek (UNDERWAY)
Collaborative design team (involving MOTI and the Society) developing a ‘permanent transition’ between the completed Phase 1 works associated with the new bridge and the downstream creek remediation to take place in Phase 2.
Completion of 100% design documents and submission of applications to the Provincial and Federal agencies for the required restoration permits. (December of 2024)
Remediation work to take place during the summer of 2025.
Penticton Indian Band archaeological inspections & monitoring to be performed during the remediation.
Indigenous riparian replanting to be completed with input from the Penticton Indian Band.
STAGE 3 ~ Stewardship: (UPCOMING)
Create an interpretive viewing platform with signage in English & nsyilxcən languages.
Historical record of the project to be displayed and archived at the Naramata Museum (www.naramatamuseum.ca).
Consider the development of a salmonid-fry release program.
Monitor creek functioning and project outcomes.
Watch this space for more information and updates as our project unfolds.
(Last update: November 22nd, 2024)
Lower Chute Creek Location
Lower Chute Creek flows approximately 500 feet from the apex of the alluvial fan of lower Chute Creek into the Okanagan Lake in British Columbia on the traditional, unceded and ancestral territories of the Syilx First Nations people. The site is located about 20 kilometres north of Penticton. The total watershed area of Chute Creek is approximately 82 square kilometres with a predominantly west facing aspect. Elevations range from 343 metres (at the Okanagan Lake level) upwards to 2000 metres east of Chute Lake and the Big Meadow Reservoir.
(Click on the red flag to visit the location)
“If there is magic on this planet,
it is contained in water.”
— Loren Eiseley