A community conversation about the future of Gill Bar is coming Feb. 21 in Chilliwack.
Pelólxw Tribe members from Cheam and Sqwá are inviting everyone from area residents, onetime avid users, Stó:lō community members, and interested members of the public to attend the project launch, conversation, and dinner.
Xá:y Syí:ts’emílep means ‘Gill sand bar’ in Halqu’méylem, and that’s the name chosen by the Gill Bar Restoration and Management Plan Team, a partnership between S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance (STSA), the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance (LFFA), the Watershed Watch Salmon Society (WWSS), and the Pelólxw Tribe.
”This community event will focus on the plans and actions being taken to revitalize and restore the Gill Bar reach of the Fraser River,” according to the invite.
These waterways have been well-known transportation routes and food sources for Stó:lō people for generations.
“Now, with the leadership of the Cheam and Sqwá, this popular recreation and fishing site is being given the attention and care it needs to thrive.”
People can show up to the project launch, learn a little about the project, have dinner and share some feedback on the project plan for this important river reach.
“In appreciation of your time and interest in this amazing biodiverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem, we will be providing dinner at 5:30 p.m. and we will be raffling off some door prizes.”
READ MORE: $1.5M for Indigenous-led planning for Gill Bar restoration
The restoration work on Gill Bar on the Fraser River near Chilliwack is expected to start with an assessment of the habitat destruction from years of heavy recreational use, garbage-dumping and squatting.
Funding of $1.5 million came through last year for Gill Bar from federal and provincial governments through the B.C. Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.
Vehicle access to the sprawling river-side area was shut down last summer after years of locals reporting incidents of environmental damage to the riparian zone, and calling foul on the constant destruction of the long-standing, multi-user recreational area.
READ MORE: Gate idea arose in 2019, finally installed in 2022
Gill Bar Project Launch and Community Conversation, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 52161 Victor Drive, Rosedale, (Cheam First Nation hall). Tickets on EventBrite.