greendale trestle cowichan river

Riparian Area Regulations remain in place – this project cannot determine whether or not changes to the regulations would be supported. TCT Western Terminus? I will do my best to respond over the next couple of weeks. Easy walking distance to shops and services. Speed and power restrictions apply. ( Log Out /  We have determined that we cannot reuse the concrete dam, the concrete sills nor the fish ladder. While I am not the right person to give you all the facts and figures on why a new weir is necessary, I can point you to few places to get all the information you need at the end of this posting. We will continue with the design in the new year and consider what we have heard. The current ‘Weir’ actually has several distinct and unique elements making it the WEIR as we commonly describe it today. Born in 1912, he lived at Greendale, his family's homestead just east of the village of Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island. CREEK DRAINING MAYO LAKE. ( Log Out /  In the fall spawning salmon can be viewed at the Skutz Falls and Marie Canyon areas. No fishing downstream of Mile 66 trestle between Aug 1-Nov 15. Cell: 250.709.7308. The location seemed enchanted, offering enormous scope for an imaginative boy to dream and grow. The current weir crest height is at 162.37m. The columbarium will be located in the small park at the east end of Greendale Road, near where the railway trestle walkway crosses the Cowichan River. The Cowichan River flows from Cowichan Lake through town. The Historic Kinsol Trestle is open to the public for cyclists, hikers and equestrians to experience the full Cowichan Valley Trail in the Cowichan Region. Data of precipitation, flooding, earthquakes, seismic activity are much more robust now than 65 years ago. The graph is referenced as: Real-Time Hydrometric Data Graph for COWICHAN LAKE NEAR LAKE COWICHAN (08HA009) [BC]. This can be found on their website at http://www.wateroffice.gc.ca and look for station 08HA009 where it will show you current water levels and you can search historical data as well. I can tell you that the current structure, built in 1957, does not meet todays engineering standards or Dam Safety requirements. People with expertise in this area of study would need to evaluate those different scenarios. Their existing water license and the current weir have secured that supply since 1957 and that will continue into the future, regardless of a new weir. Ma. When the trail meets Mayo Road, turn right and return across the bridge. leroy.vanwieren@cvrd.bc.ca Under the ‘Weir Design’ TAB on this website you can see the presentation and hear the Q&A session. Similarly the new weir (at 163.07m) will be submerged during the high water … Follow the Trans Canada Trail until crosses the river. Phone: 250.746.2509, Leroy Van Wieren It appears that both the boat lock foundation and the gate foundation can be reused and would save considerable costs of demolition and rebuilding new. Sooke Lake K o k s i l a h R i v e r Sooke Lake Rd? 70.2 mi Trestle Greendale Rd Trailhead? This then leads to a longer period of erosion. They have deteriorated over the past 63 years but most importantly they are at the wrong elevation. Cowichan River Provincial Park? The Cowichan River supports two species of native trout: the rainbow and the cutthroat , and an introduced species: the brown trout . ny. Upon further thought the earlier and prolonged HWM will result in prolonged erosion of our property. The Kinsol Trestle is one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route and by far the largest and most spectacular. I just wanted to thank everyone for making the December 10 virtual presentation regarding the Weir Preliminary Design a success. Photograph By Submitted Tonnes of gravel have been removed from the river … Just after crossing the Trestle follow the footpath that branches off to the right. The final piece, connecting the Cowichan Valley Trail to the Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail, was completed in 2017. Kilometres. A Transport Canada rep says there is support for the town if they decide on restrictions Similarly the new weir (at 163.07m) will be submerged during the high water season and shouldn’t impact annual High Water levels. Gunn had no idea he was creating a viral video when he scaled down an embankment with his chainsaw, on Dec. 16, to cut away a tree blocking the river. This project is just one of the ways we can help protect one of our finest assets in the Cowichan Valley. But officials remain uncertain what can and should be done about it. Stay tuned. Although not required for fish health or fish passage, items like a walkway over the weir, hydroelectric power, lighting, and recreation are items of interest to people in the area. The Cowichan River narrows to a natural "pinch point" at the Greendale trestle. While hiking, biking or riding along the Cowichan Valley Trail, there are six stunning trestles you’ll pass over: McGee Creek Trestle, Kinsol Trestle, Holt Creek Trestle, 64.4 Mile Trestle, 66 Mile Trestle and the 70.2 Mile Trestle. As is turns out the Government of Canada has been recording lake levels and river flows for decades. Leroy. Quiet neighbour hood with no through traffic. Cowichan River from 66 Mile Trestle; The Skutz/66 Mile Loop Trail is a beautiful hike, but it isn’t for the feint of heart. An earlier and prolonged HWM has not yet been determined. It has some pretty steep sections, and there are a few places where the river has undercut the banks, making for some unstable ground along the … Great location for cyclists, hikers and fishermen. Greendale Rd ichan Cow Lake. The current weir crest height is at 162.37m. It also means that it is not as robust as it would be if we apply today’s standards. ailw ay. Having said that, a feasibility study could be taken on (by others) and could take into consideration our current preliminary design and it’s hydraulic outputs. One would certainly expect changes to engineering and design standards over time particularly as populations have increased around water bodies. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Nov 4, 2020 - Find the perfect place to stay at an amazing price in 191 countries. Riparian Area Regulations remain in place – this project cannot determine whether or not changes to the regulations would be supported. Lake Cowichan listed properties average 1,625 sq ft, 2 beds, and 1 bath. No crossing difficulties are encountered, as the old rail grade has culverts, bridges, or trestles over all crossings. RiverQuest Charters owner and fishing guide Dave Gunn adds spectacular photos and videos of the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island to his social media channels all the time. The flow control shifts downstream to the natural river valley close to the Greendale Trestle and it is the river valley that then controls the HWM as the valley narrows and the river bottom rises. At high lake levels the “pipe’ that water has to pass through is smaller at the Greendale trestle than at the weir, so it is that natural constriction near the trestle that “backs up” the lake and causes flooding. SKUTZ FALLS. Designated as both a BC and Canadian Heritage River, the Cowichan River is a true gem in the Cowichan Valley.Along with its ecological significance, it is most importantly a large part of the history, culture and customs of the Cowichan First Nation as part of their traditional territory. Essentially the weir is needed to support environmental (i.e. on. The issue most recently surfaced as an issue for the town of Lake Cowichan council after a report about “a new tubing company offering to use jet skis on the river to tow people back, so no shuttles.” One of the biggest concerns I hear are to do with lake levels, particularly in the winter at peak water levels or often referred to as the High Water Mark (HWM). With longer, hotter and dryer summers becoming the new norm it will be important to hold back some more of these winter waters for release through the summer months. With longer, hotter and dryer summers becoming the new norm it will be important to hold back some more of these winter waters for release through the summer months. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. er. CREEK DRAINING MAYO LAKE. Change ), Kate Miller The following are a couple of links to websites with much more information on why we need the weir: http://www.cowichanlakeweir.ca/water-use-plan/, Kate Miller NR. Phone: 250.746.2509, Leroy Van Wieren This data shows us that before the existing weir was constructed in 1957 the HWM averaged 164.16m from 1953 to 1956 and has since averaged 164.01m for the 61 years from 1957 to 2018. WEIR. The Kinsol Trestle was a must-see in the Cowichan Valley. With an average HWM of 164.01m you can see that the weir is actually submerged (by 1.6 meters or 5 feet) during the high water season. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. CNR TRESTLE AT MILE 66. Similarly the new weir (at 163.07m) will be submerged during the high water … Phone: 250.746.2687 I took a few photos a couple of weeks ago and the flow over the weir is hardly noticeable as the water flows completely over it, across the weir island and around the south side. P Skutz Falls? An earlier and prolonged HWM has not yet been determined. I suggest keep your agenda moving forward by integrating your ideas into the local governments planning processes. So the HWM will be reached sooner with the higher weir meaning that our properties will experience prolonged flooding? Jet ski activity on the Cowichan River is creating a wave of concern. Cowichan River Provincial Park: This is a great hub for camping, fishing, swimming, paddling, hiking, cycling or simply enjoying a forested river setting. Will property owners such as us, with elevations below the HWM and only 50cm above the new weir be given concessions to allow for addition of erosion protection to our property without having to go through a Riparian Protection development permit process? Otherwise, most other surface water is small seasonal creeks and swampy areas. Kitchen strictly for breakfasts only. I did not answer each of the questions that have come through individually – instead I thought I would address it here. han Road Cowic Lake Old. Stay safe, take care and Best of the Holiday Season to you! This will be part of our modelling and analysis. This Shoreline Assessment Project is being done to inform the public, future water license holder and application approvers. Trevor Green spent his long life beside the Cowichan River. WEIR. During the winter months (November to March) the gates are laid down and are considered fully open. This ownership entity is still unknown. Complimentary tea & coffee . The lowest HWM was 162.33m in 1978 and the highest HWM was 165.39m in 1968. Parker Jefferson of the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society, who was also in the audience for the meeting, said his group was also worried about the important salmon spawning beds which are located in the river near the Greendale trestle, which could be seriously damaged. That doesn’t mean it isn’t safe, it just means that it requires regular reviews, inspections and that maintenance is necessary. The flow control shifts downstream to the natural river valley close to the Greendale Trestle and it is the river valley that then controls the HWM as the valley narrows and the river bottom rises. kate.miller@cvrd.bc.ca 18. Skutz Falls. Perhaps there is opportunity to consider something immediately downstream of the weir or even further downstream throughout the entire reach of the river. The Greendale Trestle water main upgrade was delayed to 2019. rie. I would also like to apologize for those who did not receive enough notice regarding this meeting. ( Log Out /  This will be part of our modelling and analysis. Phone: 250.746.2687 Our neighborhood is quiet with no through traffic. This can be found on their website at http://www.wateroffice.gc.ca and look for station 08HA009 where it will show you current water levels and you can search historical data as well. Apparently some of the letters were delivered well after the meeting date. From north to south it is a collection of a boat lock, a concrete dam, a concrete sill across the weir Island, a gate structure with 4 independent gates, a fish ladder and finally a concrete sill into the south abutment. I take responsibility. If not, please send me your question through this site. The concrete dam and sills give us the elevated water supply for us to control but they do not control the flow volume. leroy.vanwieren@cvrd.bc.ca Cowichan River Trail is a 5.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Cowichan Valley F, British Columbia, Canada that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The lake levels in the winter are controlled by a natural channel restriction near the Greendale Trestle. The lowest HWM was 162.33m in 1978 and the highest HWM was 165.39m in 1968. Guests are welcome to make use of our open living area and patio. Similarly the new weir (at 163.07m) will be submerged during the high water season and shouldn’t impact annual High Water levels. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Sku. Our Heritage Cowichan river has seen much degradation in it’s fish bearing capability over the past 100 years primarily due to development and climate change. P LAKE COWICHAN Capital Regional District Regional District of Nanaimo McGee Creek Trestle? One of the biggest concerns I hear are to do with lake levels, particularly in the winter at peak water levels or often referred to as the High Water Mark (HWM). The flow control shifts downstream to the natural river valley close to the Greendale Trestle and it is the river valley that then controls the HWM as the valley narrows and the river bottom rises. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The understanding of science, geology, engineering, material technology has also progressed substantially over the past several decades. Only the gates control the flow during the control period (from April to October). The primary reason for raising the weir is for environmental flows to support fish habitat and create a better environment for salmon in particular. Trestle House is a comfortable, older bungalow along the bank of the Cowichan River beside the picturesque Greendale Trestle; now a footbridge. There has been a lot of interest and questions regarding paddling, kayaking, surfing and general whitewater types of recreation in connection with this project. A quartet of historic Cowichan Valley railway-trestle bridges, that is, the last of which has now been restored to its former glory. We will share that information with you on December 10. Strategic plans usually look ahead 5 or more years and these new ideas need to be integrated into those systems for long term support and success. The health of those concrete structures will be verified over the next couple of weeks. A new weir is not required to ensure water supply to Crofton’s pulp and paper mill. fish) flows due to climate change which has resulted in greatly reduced precipitation (including snow) in our valley. Most importantly we had over 100 participants and you really added value with all of your great questions. kate.miller@cvrd.bc.ca As we design a new elevated weir one of the questions is whether or not any of the existing structures can be reused. Oct 12, 2011 - And then there were four. As is turns out the Government of Canada has been recording lake levels and river flows for decades. I certainly appreciate your energy and enthusiasm and coming forward with such a strong and cohesive voice. Cell: 250.709.7308. Will property owners be given leeway in installing erosion protection for our properties without having to through the Riparian Protection development applications? This work is to inform the eventual water license holder who would also become the owner and operator of the new weir. I took a few photos a couple of weeks ago and the flow over the weir is hardly noticeable as the water flows completely over it, across the weir island and around the south side. This trail takes you through the forest, then over Stoltz Bluff, and back to Mayo Road. All of these were or … The whole notion of another form of recreation is important in my estimation, however it needs to be brought forward in a planful way and start fitting into strategic plans for local communities such as the CVRD and the Town of Lake Cowichan. Picture the river at the outflow of the lake being like a pipe draining a barrel. Fly Fishing only above CNR Trestle (mile 66) Aug 1-Nov 15. CNR TRESTLE AT MILE 66. The flow control shifts downstream to the natural river valley close to the Greendale Trestle and it is the river valley that then controls the HWM as the valley narrows and the river bottom rises. The … Although we ran out of time, we did address most of the questions and I am hoping it addressed yours. Apartments make up less than one quarter of properties for sale in the district around 7940 Greendale Road. Quite frankly, we are not even sure an integrated water feature would be feasible given the hydraulics, landforms and land ownership issues in this immediate area. The design is becoming clearer as we near our Preliminary Design deadline. The 3 bed, 2 bath house for sale at 7248 Indian Rd, Lake Cowichan is comparable and listed at $800,000. Belong anywhere with Airbnb. This data shows us that before the existing weir was constructed in 1957 the HWM averaged 164.16m from 1953 to 1956 and has since averaged 164.01m for the 61 years from 1957 to 2018. The higher weir will mean the HWM is reached sooner in the fall winter than in the past meaning that there will be earlier and prolonged flooding for property owners. r de. This project and the associated grant from the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) is targeted towards the improvement of environmental/fish flows and doesn’t have the mandate to design integrated whitewater recreational features. ( Log Out /  It is about a 20 minute mainly flat walk from the parking lot to the Trestle and it is part of the Cowichan Valley Trail which is popular with cyclists. 18. Although not a paddler of any sort I can certainly understand the attraction of using this heritage river and all of it’s surrounding beauty and to want to ‘play’ in it. A half-dozen waterfront sites allow a variety of ways to access the 27 km of protected riverfront parkland. I agree we need to find the balance between a basic functional design and a design that is pleasing, educational and supports the local community. Greendale Rd han CowicLake. Trestle House - Room 2 SORRY, WE ARE PRESENTLY CLOSED THROUGH TO OCT DUE TO COVID-19 Trestle House is a comfortable, older bungalow along bank of the Cowichan River beside the picturesque Greendale Trestle; now a footbridge. This Shoreline Assessment Project is being done to inform the public, a future water license holder and application approvers. 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