A letter from a Squamish environmental watchdog has opened the floodgate.
Earlier this month, John Buchanan approached the District of Squamish about its floodgate between the end of Third Avenue and Vancouver Street. Installed in the early 1980s, the gate was infrequently opened to allow salt water into the sensitive intertidal zone. This was harming the environment, Buchanan wrote in a letter to council, resulting in "major changes to the vegetation[and] a severe decline in the water quality of the area."
After a meeting with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the gate's operations was adapted to allow for greater flow, municipal spokesperson Christina Moore noted in a press release.
"The gates will remain open unless closure is required for flood control reasons in high tide or rain events," officials stated.
At Tuesday's (July 16) council meeting the district's operation manger Bob Smith said staff did see spots of flooding in the area. Municipal officials are working to find a balance to accommodate the estuary's needs and guard infrastructure.
