Media Release - West Vancouver Shoreline Protection Plan Advances
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
West Vancouver, BC: The District of West Vancouver has developed the 2011 – 2014 Shoreline Protection Plan (SPP) aimed at reversing the negative effects to infrastructure and habitat caused by erosion, hardening of the shoreline and channeling waterways. The SPP is an innovative plan which couples the District’s resources, professional consultants and a dedicated Shoreline Protection Society with generous contributions from community members.
Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones says, “This plan protects the public and private assets along our waterfront, and signifies the even higher value we place on our natural systems.”
Since shoreline restoration began in 2005, private sponsors and donors have donated more than $3 million for shoreline restoration work between Dundarave and Horseshoe Bay. In early 2012, a community gifting proposal will be presented to Council as a means of encouraging and facilitating on-going and increased giving. As part of budget deliberations in early 2012, there will be a discussion around the possibility of increasing the annual budget for shoreline work from $100,000 to $200,000.
Shoreline work is becoming an increasing priority for waterfront communities around the world, as climate change is increasing sea levels and strong waves and tides are causing erosion which contributes to costly damage to waterfront infrastructure and the loss of critical habitat.
In late November, work was initiated at Navvy Jack point, which seeks to establish a sub-tidal reef between there and Dundarave pier. This phase of the work was completed, in part, by a $10,000 donation from the Shoreline Protection Society.
President of the West Vancouver Shoreline Preservation Society, Ray Richards, says: “The West Vancouver Shoreline Preservation Society is very pleased with the District's initiative to expand its work in the foreshore. The Society will continue its efforts to assist in the designing and funding of these activities.”
For more information on the District’s shoreline activities please visit westvancouver.ca/foreshore. Also visit the West Vancouver Shoreline Presentation Society at westvanshoreline.ca.
About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.
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Media Contact Jessica Delaney Director of Communications
c: 604-360-8131 | d: 604-925-4736 | e: jdelaney@westvancouver.ca