History of Dredging the Secondary Channels in the Ladner Area

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Early Context

The lower reaches of the Fraser River—including branches such as the channels around Ladner, Canoe Pass, and Sea Reach—transport an enormous volume of sediment. It is estimated that about 20 million tons of silt flow down the river each year. southfraserriverenhancementsociety.ca
Historically, certain side or “secondary” channels had navigability and dredging regimes. But over time, reduced flow in those channels and shifting management responsibility led to increased sedimentation and neglect. delta-optimist.com

 

Shift in Responsibilities & Onset of Neglect (1990s onward)

• Until about 1998, federal agencies (e.g., Canadian Coast Guard / Public Works Canada) dredged many channels, including the secondary ones around Ladner. citycouncil.richmond.ca

• After the implementation of the Canada Marine Act (1998) and changing jurisdictional structure, the responsibility to dredge the main navigation channel was shifted to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (formerly Port Metro Vancouver). However, this reorganization left a jurisdictional vacuum for the secondary channels: they were no longer clearly covered by any mandated dredging regime. citycouncil.richmond.ca

• Local stakeholders highlight that in the secondary channels, sediment accumulation became acute—with channels becoming dangerously shallow, impacting navigation, marinas, float homes and local businesses. Open Parliament

Major Dredging Initiatives: 2010s

• In 2010, a hydrological study was commissioned for the channels in the Ladner area (by the Ladner Sediment Group together with authorities) to explore mitigating options (wing-dams, training walls, etc.). The study found that those options had benefits but were expensive relative to traditional maintenance dredging. delta.ca

• On 17 December 2012, a joint funding commitment of $10 million was announced (by Port Metro Vancouver, the Province of B.C., the Cities of Delta & Richmond, DFO) to dredge the local channels around Ladner and Steveston. dredgingtoday.com

• In January 2014, dredging work began in Ladner Harbour and nearby channels. For example, in the article dated 27 Jan 2014: The first phase removed approximately 210,000 m³ of material from the channel where Ladner Reach meets the Harbour. delta-optimist.com

• Dredging was also conducted in 2014, 2015 and 2017 under that joint program to restore channel depths near Ladner and Steveston. delta.ca+1

Spot Maintenance & Funding Exhaustion (Late 2010s–2020s)

• After the main dredging phases, the funding allocated by Port Metro Vancouver was spent or committed by 2018. From 2018 to 2021, only “spot dredging” was undertaken in areas of highest sediment accumulation; a long-term sustained maintenance program was not in place. delta.ca

• In 2023 and 2025 local advocacy groups (e.g., South Fraser River Enhancement Society, formerly Ladner Sediment Group) continue to press the provincial ministry for a dedicated maintenance program. For example, in July 2025 the ministry responded that it does not hold funding for dredging of local side channels. southfraserriverenhancementsociety.ca

Specific Dates and Milestones

Date Event

~1996 - Recognition that side-channels were silting significantly due to diverted flow; local property owners raise alarm. delta-optimist.com

- Dec 2012 - Announcement of $10 million joint commitment for local channel dredging around Ladner and Steveston. dredgingtoday.com

 - Jan 2014 - News report marks commencement of dredging in Ladner Harbour channel (phase 1). delta-optimist.com

- 2014–2015 - Major dredging phases executed under the 2012 commitment. delta.ca

- 2017 - Additional dredging under that program. 

- 2018–2021 - Only spot dredging occurs; no full program. 

- July 2025 - Ministry letter states no provincial funding for secondary channel dredging this fiscal year. southfraserriverenhancementsociety.ca

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Implications & Current Situation

• The neglect of the secondary channels has navigation and safety implications: boaters, marinas, float-homes in the Ladner area have reported groundings or very shallow water at low tides. delta-optimist.com

• Ecological and social concerns: The secondary channels provide sheltered flows and habitat for juvenile salmon and other species. Sedimentation diminishes water flow, quality and habitat function. southfraserriverenhancementsociety.ca

• Funding & governance gaps: The main shipping channel is maintained by the port authority; secondary channels lack a clear mandated agency, sustainable funding source, or long-term program. Local authorities continue to lobby for a formal maintenance plan. delta.ca

Why This History Matters

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For communities in Ladner and the Delta region, the health of the side-channels influences:

• Access and safety for residential float-home communities and recreational vessels.

• Marina and commercial activities dependent on navigable waterways.

• Flood risk and sediment storage in areas adjacent to the channels.

• The viability of local fisheries and First Nations access.

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Looking Ahead

Although major dredging occurred in the mid-2010s, the absence of a dedicated, ongoing maintenance program means the channels are again accumulating sediment. Stakeholders argue for a long-term sustainable dredging plan, backed by governance, funding, and multi-jurisdictional cooperation. The key questions include:

• Who will be the responsible agency/agencies for ongoing dredging of the secondary channels?

• What dedicated funding mechanism will ensure annual or multi-year maintenance?

• How will ecological, Indigenous rights and navigational safety concerns be balanced in future channel-maintenance strategy?

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What is SFRES Doing?