Reducing Boat Speeds on the Vedder River

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Consultation has concluded

A map of Chilliwack highlighting the Vedder River between the Vedder Bridge and the Fraser River.

Thank you for giving us your feedback. Participants supported several options to reduce boat speeds on the Vedder, including applying for speed restrictions, increased signage, and public education. We will continue to advocate for improved boat safety along the Vedder River and work through possible solutions to achieve this goal.

Background:

The Vedder River/Canal is one of Chilliwack's most popular spots to fish, swim, paddle, and spend time on the shoreline.

As more people visit the area, fast boats on the water have created noise and public safety concerns. The Vedder River also feeds into salmon spawning channels, and is next to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. Fast moving boats could impact fish habitat and other sensitive wildlife, dykes, and groundwater resources.

The Vedder River/Canal is considered a navigable waterway by Transport Canada and falls under the Federal Navigation Protection Act. We are looking at options to allow everyone to enjoy the river safely, including applying to Transport Canada for a vessel speed restriction of 5 km/h on the Vedder River between the Vedder Bridge and the point where the river meets the Fraser.

A map of Chilliwack highlighting the Vedder River between the Vedder Bridge and the Fraser River.

Thank you for giving us your feedback. Participants supported several options to reduce boat speeds on the Vedder, including applying for speed restrictions, increased signage, and public education. We will continue to advocate for improved boat safety along the Vedder River and work through possible solutions to achieve this goal.

Background:

The Vedder River/Canal is one of Chilliwack's most popular spots to fish, swim, paddle, and spend time on the shoreline.

As more people visit the area, fast boats on the water have created noise and public safety concerns. The Vedder River also feeds into salmon spawning channels, and is next to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. Fast moving boats could impact fish habitat and other sensitive wildlife, dykes, and groundwater resources.

The Vedder River/Canal is considered a navigable waterway by Transport Canada and falls under the Federal Navigation Protection Act. We are looking at options to allow everyone to enjoy the river safely, including applying to Transport Canada for a vessel speed restriction of 5 km/h on the Vedder River between the Vedder Bridge and the point where the river meets the Fraser.