Bowker Creek Initiative

The section of Bowker Creek, which runs along the border of Oak Bay High School and the municipal facilities of Oak Bay Recreation Centre, will soon become an outdoor classroom and a natural amenity for generations to come thanks to a recent grant.  This innovative project will showcase and demonstrate how this reach of Bowker Creek can be transformed from a degraded, highly urbanized creek to a  naturally functioning creek; restoring green infrastructure that will reduce flooding, improve water quality and aquatic habitat, while creating a learning space for students and a beautiful community greenways amenity.

 

The District of Oak Bay, in partnership with the Bowker Creek Initiative (BCI), (comprised of the Capital Regional District, and the municipalities of Oak Bay, Victoria and Saanich along with community groups, and institutions, such as University of Victoria and Urban Development Institute), are pleased to have been selected as the successful candidate in receiving $738,000 from the Innovations Fund, Water and Wastewater Investment Category. This fund is administered by Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) as part of the Gas Tax/Public Transit funds.

 

For project details see:

1. Project Summary

2. Conceptual plan of Bowker Creek restoration at Oak Bay High School

3. Site Map

 

Currently, this reach of Bowker Creek, is contained in an open concrete channel, sustaining no aquatic life or native riparian habitat and is known site for flash flooding in times of heavy rainfall. As the Greater Victoria School District (SD 61), in cooperation with the District of Oak Bay, is undergoing a redesign process for a new school, a Neighbourhood Learning Centre (including a theatre, learning and daycare facilities) and new sports fields, this is an excellent opportunity to restore this section of the creek. 

Since the creek runs through the community high school property, partnership opportunities exist to involve students in all aspects of creek restoration, from channel design and planting to monitoring, and to the creation of curriculum where the naturalized creek becomes an outdoor classroom and a community amenity.  The project to restore Bowker Creek at its Oak Bay High School reach demonstrates collaboration, partnerships, long-term visionary thinking and development of innovative green rainwater infrastructure.  Collaboration, partnerships, timing and external funding are critical to take advantage of this innovative project.

 

“With the recent acceptance by all three municipalities of the Bowker Creek Blueprint: A 100-year action plan to restore the Bowker Creek watershed, moving forward with this project is a true "watershed moment" for the creek and the community. It will be a wonderful example of how a long term coordinated plan to restore function to a degraded watershed can happen, piece by piece, and when opportunities arise, when we work together towards a common vision.”

Jody Watson, Chair of BCI

 

For more information see Recent Media.

 

 

Restoration project #1:

Monteith/Oak Bay Community Native Plant Demonstration Garden

Over the past several years the BCI and volunteers have focused on riparian restoration of the Bowker Creek in Oak Bay. The restoration site is located at the Monteith Community Gardens (off Monteith Street at Cranmore Rd -- behind Fireman's Park). Currently, the project is focusing on the establishment of a native plant demonstration garden adjacent to the community allotment gardens. In 2010 we sheet mulched and planted the site. This Fall we are looking for volunteers to help continue with weeding and planting.

 

The BCI is pleased to see this project take deep roots in the community with the establishment of the Friends of Monteith Indigenous Plan Area (Friends of MIPA). This is a group of local residents that have adopted the site and are the active caretakers of the native garden for the long-term. We are looking for volunteers to help with weeding and planting. Gloves, tools & refreshments provided. Groups and individuals welcome.

*If you are interested in getting involved please contact BCI ( Email ).

MAP for site location.

WHEN: Ongoing weeding -- 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 1-3pm
with Friends of Monteith Indigenous Plants Area (MIPA)

 

Restoration project #2:

Browning Park Riparian Restoration

Over the past several years the Municipality of Saanich has been able to make several improvements to Browning Park through a federal grant. Much of the work focused on restoration of the Bowker Creek itself through removal of invasive plants and the planting of native plants. Other improvements include a play park and a greenway with playful public art connecting the path to the adjacent Bowker Creek. The local community and the Bowker Creek Initiative (BCI) continues to support the efforts to improve the riparian area through Browning Park by co-hosting with Saanich's volunteer program "Pulling Together".

*If you are interested in getting involved please contact BCI ( Email ).

MAP for site location. All ages welcome. Tools, gloves, drinks & snacks provided. Rain or Shine.

WHERE: Browning Park (meet at the bridge)
WHAT: Bowker Creek volunteer invasive removal
WHO: Saanich’s Pulling Together Program and the BCI
WHEN: Saturday, April 28th 10 am - 12 pm

CONTACT: Andrea @ 250 598 9837 or BCI (Email )