Work to widen a pportion of Graham Creek through Centennial Park in Central Saanich is nearing completion, as crews replant grasses and brush to stabilize the banks.
In August, the District of Central Saanich hired specialists to increase the size of the waterway by removing debris and undergrowth along the banks of the creek. District engineer Dave McCallister says the project was part of the municipality’s ongoing storm water management plan. He said the job helped increase the volume of water the creek is able to handle in times of high runoff.
McCallister added the work also enhances access to the water by area farms — specifically to ensure better land drainage.
Since Graham Creek is a fish-bearing stream, McCallister said the work could only be done during a specific window — when it would have the least amount of impact on fish and other wildlife. He added the B.C. environment ministry supervised the work to ensure the impact was low.
Machinery used was specific to that type of work, designed to lessen its impact on the area.
Graham Creek is one of the district’s three major water courses identified in their storm water plan.
After the in-stream work was complete at the end of August, McCallister said re-vegetation was done last month and into October.