The planning, design, and outreach phase of the Colquitz Park Green Shores Demonstration Project is well underway. In the winter, spring, and summer of 2024, the project team conducted design workshops, community engagement, training, and technical studies in the District of Saanich.
On November 29, 2024, Saanich Parks and Recreation staff, key partners, and stakeholders participated in a full-day Green Shores Level One Training Workshop to understand the principles, objectives, and application of Green Shores nature-based approaches to protecting the shoreline of the Colquitz River estuary.
A design workshop was held on February 2, 2024, during which staff from Saanich and the Capital Regional District, community stakeholders, and representatives from Associated Engineering, DHI, and the Stewardship Centre for BC collaborated to create a preliminary conceptual design incorporating Green Shores nature-based approaches to shoreline restoration.
On April 27, an informational open house was hosted at GR Pearkes Recreation Centre. Community members learned about the project’s objectives, preliminary design concepts, and how Green Shores best practices will be incorporated at the Colquitz Park Green Shores Demonstration Project site to enhance habitat, improve water quality, and increase community resiliency to climate change.
Claremont Secondary School’s Institute for Global Solutions, which launched in September 2012, is an innovative program intended to encourage students to explore the defining challenges of our time. On June 10, IGS students learned about Green Shores principles from Green Shores Projects Manager Kelly Loch. On June 11, students applied their knowledge during a two-hour field exercise at Colquitz Park.
Saanich community members interested in learning more about nature-based solutions for shoreline protection are invited to attend a Green Shores Level 1 training workshop rescheduled from June 12 to September 25, 2024. Green Shores training introduces participants to the Green Shores program, including its rationale, benefits, and application. It covers shoreline ecosystem principles and management practices. It can also inspire the application of nature-based solutions on private shorelines, contributing to the community’s coastal resilience.
During regularly occurring meetings, the Colquitz Park Green Shores Demonstration Project Technical Advisory Committee has provided advice on best practices for applying nature-based solutions on the estuary shoreline. The TAC includes experts on hydrology, habitat, optimal construction timing to protect sensitive aquatic wildlife from harm, and other technical considerations.
As technical information and community feedback regarding priority habitats, community use, access, and aesthetics are gathered, the conceptual design continues to evolve. In April and May, the District of Saanich held an open house and conducted an outreach survey to gather feedback from residents. Associated Engineering and DHI recently completed their coastal analysis. This information is essential to producing an engineering report and finalizing the design for the Colquitz Park Green Shores Demonstration Project. Stay tuned for updates!
Next Steps and Important Dates
Project updates, including project timing and public service announcements, will be available on the Saanich Parks and Recreation website and the Stewardship Center for BC’s Green Shores news page.
- Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – Green Shores Level 1 Training
- Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Informational Open House at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre. Come learn about the final design!
