Characteristics
- Slaughterhouse creek runs north entering Burrard Inlet near the east end of Rocky Point Park.
- A tidal wetland of approximately 86 ha at the mouth of the creek.
- Source is groundwater in the Chines hillside in the City of Coquitlam
- Second largest creek flowing into Burrard Inlet and is the most sensitive environmental component in the Rocky Point area of the Shoreline Park
- There are several tributaries which are now part of the stormwater systems.
Watershed Use
- Ownership: City of Coquitlam, City of Port Moody, various residential owners,
- Landuse: Industrial, Commercial, Residential, CP Rail Right of Way
- Fish: Chum and Coho Salmon; Cutthroat Trout
- Vegetation: Urban stream. No distinct vegetation other than landscaping.
Concerns
- Most in need of restoration.
- Habitat within the stream and along the riparian area is damaged.
- There are several, long culverts in the lower reaches which are likely impassable to migrating fish.
- Access trails have permitted easy access to ecologically sens Industrial washwaters and discharges into the creek have caused fish kills.itive riparian areas. Limit pedestrian trails, and dog access to fish and other wildlife areas.
- Several problems have been noted which can affect the overall water quality of this stream:
- A number of storm drains run into the creek; extensive culverting; sewage cross linkage above St. Johns Street.
- Dense residential areas surround the majority of the stream, high proportions of impervious surfaces surround nearly all of the mainstem area.
- Urban development has caused infilling and erosion.
- Industrial wash waters and discharges into the creek have caused fish kills.
Key Interest Groups/Government Bodies
- Municipal Gov’t: City of Coquitlam, City of Port Moody
- Regional Gov’t: GVRD, Vancouver Port Authority
- Provincial Gov’t: Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks
- Federal Gov’t: Department of Fisheries and Oceans
- Local NGO’s: Port Moody Ecological Society, Pacific Streamkeepers
- Other Stakeholders: West Coast Express, CP Railway, Rocky Point Marina, various commercial and industrial owners.
Watershed Projects
- Unknown at this time
Recommendations and Suggested Actions
- This creek is in need of habitat restoration.
- Slaughterhouse creek would benefit from a thorough review of potential sewage cross connections leading to the stormwater system which drains into this creek.
Available Sources of Information
Port Moody City Hall
Port Moody Ecological Society Library
Port Moody Public Library
References
Olsen, C., Weber, S., Coombs, R., Firth, E., Ford, B. 1998. Ecological and Educational Plan for Shoreline Park Aquatic Ecosystems. Master Plan. Prepared for City of Port Moody and UBC Natural Resources Conservation 481.
Fraser River Action Plan. 1999. Lower Fraser Valley Streams (Vol.1): Strategic Review. Queens Printer. ISBN 0-662-26167-4
Precision Identification Biological Consultants. 1997. Lower Fraser Valley Stream Review (Vol. 3): Wild, Threatened, Endangered and Lost Streams of the Lower Fraser Valley. Prepared for Fraser River Action Plan. Queens Printer. ISBN 0-662-26029-5
Priority Connections Consultants Ltd. 1998. Master Plan for Shoreline Park: Increasing Connectivity via Ecological and Recreation Corridors. Prepared as Conservation 481: Final Project.