by Jacqui Birchall
(click images to enlarge)

LOST LAGOON PLAN FOR REGENERATION

As parts of Lost Lagoon show signs of algae growth, locals are once again asking for a remedy.

**Lost Lagoon, fringed with blotches of algae.** *(Jacqui Birchall Photo)*

(See “Related Links” at the end of this story for links to all cited documents, reports, etc.)

In 2023 Stanley Park Ecology commissioned an investigation into the water quality of Lost Lagoon and the effectiveness of Stanley Park's biofiltration ponds. This study was part of a UBC Undergraduate Research, Environmental Science report.

The study revealed that the biofiltration ponds need to be regularly cleaned and that heavy metals are washed into the Lagoon from the heavily trafficked Stanley Park Causeway. The sediment is deep and toxic, and most of Lost Lagoon is very shallow, less than one metre deep.

Before the construction of the Stanley Park Causeway, Lost Lagoon was tidal. Named by poet Pauline Johnson in 1910, she regretted the frequent disappearance of her favourite canoeing spot.

The First Nations called Lost Lagoon Ch’ekxwa’7lech, which means “gets dry at times.” The lagoon was originally a fully functional coastal salt marsh and tidal mudflat when it was open to the ocean on the Coal Harbour side and, at times, to Second Beach. It was used by the Squamish, Musqueam, and the Tseil-Wauthuth First Nations for shellfish harvesting and waterfowl hunting.

Research shows that Lost Lagoon would have had tidal channels and a vegetated marsh, most of it dry at low tide. The area would have supported a diverse ecosystem of fish, birds, crustaceans and invertebrates.

The construction of the causeway in 1916 blocked tidal activity, and further human interference with the lagoon over the decades (including the introduction of trout, the designation of a freshwater fishing spot, and the offering of boat rentals) caused further damage.

The combination of shallow water, extreme contaminants from traffic on the causeway, warm temperatures, and a reduction in oxygen fuelled summer algae blooms.

A working fountain cannot fix such problems. The UBC study clearly shows that pollution levels are deep and toxic in the sediment.

**Tidal reconnection concept for Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park.** *(Kerr Wood Leidal/Vancouver Park Board)*

The Vancouver Park Board commissioned the engineering firm Kerr Wood Kendal to study the possibility of reconnecting the lagoon to tidal waters. The study shows that this would be both feasible and good for the environment.

To make the lagoon tidal, the study suggests reconnecting it to the ocean on the west side with a water channel linking the lagoon to English Bay at Second Beach, and with culverts under the Stanley Park Causeway connecting the lagoon to Coal Harbour.

The study, which has the approval of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, the Port of Vancouver, and Fisheries and Oceans Vancouver, is extensive and would significantly alter Lost Lagoon and its surroundings.

**Vancouver Park board chair tom digby.**

Park Board Chair Tom Digby shared the following:

“Lost Lagoon is currently unhealthy, eutrophic and dying. It is about one metre deep at its deepest spot. As soon as the springtime sun arrives, the water begins to warm up. It receives very little water inflow during the dry summer months. All this leads to very poor conditions for aquatic species. Large fish kills are sometimes a consequence of toxic algae that grows in the water.

“It is important to note that this is not just a Park Board plan, but incorporates many voices. The Stanley Park comprehensive planning process is underway to develop a long-term comprehensive intergovernmental plan and vision with Musqueam, Squamish Nation, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. The Lost Lagoon work is in coordination with this plan, and the reconnection concept was shared with the Stanley Park Working Group (a staff-level group of representatives from the local First Nations and the Park Board). Further, a referral regarding the Lost Lagoon initiative was submitted to each of the local Nations in 2022 and was recently updated. Prior to the feasibility study, in 2017 the Tsleil-Waututh submitted the attached letter of support (see Appendix A). All three local Nations have expressed interest in being included in the discussion about incorporating traditional knowledge, species of cultural significance and their rights.

“Returning Lost Lagoon to an intertidal estuary would provide extensive habitat for biodiversity recovery. A great example is the intertidal estuary at New Brighton Park. The seawater rises and falls twice a day through its many channels. With consultation with the First Nations, it may be possible to create habitat zones in Lost Lagoon rather than just a single open cove as it was originally. For example, there could be a series of islands and channels, some of them connected by bridges. There is a wide variety of very natural design alternatives.

“I am working with staff to identify potential funding sources to get started on this work” said Digby.

Funding for this expensive but necessary work is important and may be hard to come by, considering the ABC Party’s antagonistic relationship with the Park Board and what seem to be extensive costs preparing Vancouver for FIFA.

The report is an important, in-depth read, necessary before ranting about the deteriorating state of the Lagoon and correcting erroneous comments that the Park Board doesn’t care.

NEW BUS SERVICE TO CIRCLE STANLEY PARK

A new bus service is proposed to circle the park. Translink and the Vancouver Park Board have proposed a new seasonal weekend-only bus route around the perimeter of Stanley Park. If approved, the service would run from Waterfront Station every 15 minutes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., from April to Labour Day, starting as early as spring 2027.

FREE SWIM LESSONS

The city has approved free swim lessons for all, while precedence will be given to 3-12-year-olds. Further information is slim at the moment.

Park Board Chair Tom Digby tells me the Park Board was not consulted before the announcement, and the mayor said he will consider the Park Board’s funding request for the programme. Tom said it sounds good to him.

ECOLOGY EXPERIENCES IN STANLEY PARK
Groups Partnering with Stanley Park Ecology

Stanley Park Ecology is offering a programme for joining the stewardship in Stanley Park.

Are you a business, organization, school or community group looking to engage your team while supporting local conservation? Stanley Park Ecology partners with groups of all sizes to create meaningful outdoor experiences in Stanley Park. Groups are asked to reach out six weeks in advance, although there is some flexibility. The bookings are for August and September. Find the connection in “Related Links” below.

BAT CONDO IN THE ROSE GARDEN

Alyx Coulter of Stanley Park Ecology has shared information on the new bat condos being constructed near the Rose Gardens. This project is intended to help support local bat populations by creating long-term roosting habitat for species found within the park. Many bat species use large-diameter trees and natural cavities as maternity roosts and overwintering sites. Suitable roosting spaces can be limited in urban environments.

**Home for the bats in the rose garden.** *(Marisa Bischoff Photo)*

SPE is working alongside community partners, including the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada and the South Coast Bat Conservation Society, for this project.

Target species include silver-haired bats, little brown myotis, yuma myotis and California myotis.

The bat condo is designed to provide high-quality long-term maternity habitat for building-roosting bat species while also supporting ongoing stewardship and opportunities for researchers to better understand bat populations in Stanley Park.

I feel lucky to watch bats flit past my high-rise windows at dusk and sunset.

AFRICAN DESCENT FESTIVAL RETURNS TO ENGLISH BAY

The largest African Descent Festival is returning to English Bay for its 12th anniversary. The organizers have announced that they have received Park Board approval and will celebrate Joe Fortes and showcase Afrobeats, Reggae, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Samba, Afro-Latin, African Drum Circle, a fashion show, and amazing vendors and food.

SYMPHONY AT SUNSET MOVES TO DAVID LAM

The annual Symphony at Sunset will take place this year on Saturday, July 11, at 8 p.m.

The concert will take place in David Lam Park due to the Metro Vancouver Water Supply Tunnel project at Sunset Beach.

The concert is free, and the park will be open all day for folks to picnic and grab a spot. The city advises low chairs so all can see.

ARE YOU A PARK & BEACH CLEANER?

For our July issue I have been interviewing members of the general public who help clean the parks and beaches for our July edition.

If you are one of these folks, a corporation, or a business that encourages its employees to clean the park and beaches, please contact me at jacqui.westendjournal@gmail.com