Removing 70-year-old concrete weirs to restore Sumgas Creek headwaters for fish spawning and migration

Sumgas Creek Fish Passage and Stream Restoration

Salmon spawning is one of British Columbia’s natural wonders. But when weirs were installed on Sumgas Creek in the 1950s, they blocked off upstream salmon migration and isolated a cutthroat trout population for 70 years. LNG Canada Development Inc. looked to address this environmental impact and engaged us to help re-naturalize the creek.

Throughout the study and design process, our multidisciplinary team of biologists, engineers, and geomorphologists collaborated closely with the client and contractor to follow regulations and address the public’s expectations. Our passable stream channel design incorporated sustainable measures to restore fish habitat and divert flood overflows from neighboring communities. We also salvaged and incubated cutthroat trout eggs upstream, resulting in high survival rates and allowing for smooth construction. 

Happily, within weeks of this project’s completion, coho salmon spawning was observed in the re-naturalized creek. Not only is the creek restoration good for salmon, but it’s also a great educational opportunity in the community. At Kitimat’s Kildala Elementary school nearby, children can now see salmon migration. And the public can enjoy an enhanced experience with new walkways, resting benches, and an upgraded lighting system along the creek corridor.  

With the successful naturalization of the creek, this natural wonder of British Columbia—salmon spawning—will be maintained for years to come.