Port Moody's Mossom Creek - alive with salmon thanks to the work of volunteers - should serve as an inspiration for state-of-the-art sustainable development of the former Ioco lands, say members of the group that looks after the Mossom watershed and hatchery.
Ruth Foster and Rod MacVicar, who founded the hatchery, which is now run by the Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society (BIMES), said the creek is home to several species of salmon and the forests are full of wildlife, and neither should be displaced by development in any plans for development of 232 acres bought by Brilliant Circle Group Investments Ltd.
"We need an environment-first philosophy established at the onset of planning," said MacVicar in a prepared statement. "We need a Brilliant commitment to stewardship of this land."
Both Foster and MacVicar, who have been working on the creek and running education programs since 1976, are pleased from the outset that the developer's architect, James Cheng, is reaching out to the group.
Below, Village Creek divides the Ioco townsite and is full of invasive ivy and blackberry. - Tri-City News photo
Cheng has already announced his intention to plan a community that respects the environment and he told The Tri-City News that his first order of business is to do an assessment of creeks in the area and talk with stream stewards.
"We have some experts, environment assessment people, we would like to commission a study - what are the native inhabitants, what should we do," said Cheng, noting that Village Creek, which runs through the Ioco townsite, is choked with invasive blackberry.
He also said that Imperial Oil is digging out oil tanks next to houses on the now Brilliant-owned half of the townsite, which will prevent any oil leakage into the soil, which could eventually leach into the creek.
"Imperial Oil has to deliver a clean site to us," Cheng said.
Aside from the short-term environmental considerations, the purchase by the Brilliant Circle Group of 232 acres in Port Moody and Anmore means David Avenue will have to be extended to accommodate additional traffic from new homes in the area.
Above, Mossom Creek and the forests around it is a haven for wildlife, says members of the Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society. - Submitted photo
But the right-of-way for that road is only 300 m upstream from Mossom Creek, and would require a bridge. Foster said protecting the watershed is critical in any future development and will present challenges.
BIMES has an agreement to use the road to the hatchery, which is located on what is now Brilliant property, but Foster said the forest on both sides of the road and the creek is owned by the company and could potentially be developed.
"Where the housing can start has to be determined by a qualified environmental professional," she said.
Foster also expressed concern about nearby North Schoolhouse Creek, saying work is needed to protect environmental values of the area, she said.
MacVicar agreed and called on the city of Port Moody to set new landmark standards for green development in the city, which would address the region's specific "geophysical and biotic communities."
BIMES also plans to develop a vision and best practices for the watershed, and will seek city and community endorsement.
Said MacVicar: "We look forward to working with the new owners."
