Fitzsimmons Creek Gravel Extraction Works

Project Introduction:

Fitzsimmons Creek is a glacial stream in Whistler, BC that is subject to periods of torrential run-off which, in turn, results in high sediment loading near the mouth. This sediment loading is compounded by the “Fitzsimmons Slide”, a natural landslide hazard located two kilometres upstream from Whistler Village. The Fitzsimmons Slide involves 0.7 to 1 million cubic metres of gravel that is slowly eroding into Fitzsimmons Creek.The Resort Municipality of Whistler extracts gravel from Fitzsimmons Creek to reduce the creek bedload, and thus lower the overall level of the creek. Lowering the water level of the creek reduces the potential flood hazard and risk to adjacent properties during storm events.

Cascade Environmental Resource Group Ltd. has been involved in the gravel extraction works since 1993 providing environmental monitoring and consulting services such as conducting fish salvages, water quality monitoring, habitat enhancement design, spill control and response, and reporting. Cascade has also conducted the pre- and post- extraction fish habitat assessment, topographical surveys, grain size distribution of surface sediment, benthic invertebrate sampling, juvenile fish sampling, and mapping requirements.