Delta, Richmond, Tsawwassen First Nation, and Musqueam Seeking Federal Government Support for Local Channel Dredging in the Lower Fraser River

Mayor George V. Harvie of Delta

Mayor Harvie, in partnership with Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Laura Cassidy, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, and City of Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier David Eby. The letter urges the federal and provincial governments to work collaboratively with local governments and First Nations and to commit to establish a long-term strategy and appropriate resources for dredging of the lower Fraser River and its local channels.

A Working Group has been re-established by Delta, Richmond, Tsawwassen First Nation, Musqueam, and other key partners to develop a pilot project that may serve as a model for other waterfront communities across Canada; however, federal government support is needed to help develop a long­term funding and management model for the project. The Working Group is seeking a representative from Oceans and Fisheries Canada to join the group to help work through some of the regulatory approval challenges and also assist in the development of a long-term dredging maintenance strategy.

In a recent discussion paper by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, it is estimated that the annual funding of $2.5 Million would ensure that our local channels and communities remain safe for watercraft navigation for years to come.

View the full letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and BC Premier David Eby.