Reducing Boat Speeds on the Vedder River
Consultation has concluded
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.
Comments
Consultation has concludedCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Who's Listening
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Phone 604-793-2810 Email fortin@chilliwack.com
The river is too small and shallow to permit motarized boat traffic, accommodate fish and increased visitations and urbanization of area. With depleting stock of salmon , we are only speeding this process
I fully support this initiative! We live close to the river and walk along it daily. I have been very concerned about the number of boats travelling at high speed along the waterway. Besides the noise and disruption they bring, I worry about the wildlife that call the river home.
I would hope no power boats are allowed upstream from the Keith Wilson bridge, especially once the weather warms and people start swimming and tubing on the Vedder River between the Vedder and Keith Wilson bridges. Those two activities don’t seem safely compatible. There are plenty of other places to rip around in a boat, but it’s the pinnacle of summer swimming and leisurely tubing. Of course the adrenaline rush of dodging rocks in a boat and risking manslaughter must be quite tempting.
We definitely need a speed limit on the river. Too many jet boats speeding and not being considerate of small boats and swimmers. This summer while paddling on the Vedder slough in our small boat, two jet boats raced past us and their wake almost capsized us. Their are some good boaters out there but unfortunately they are outnumbered by the bad ones. Not sure how the speed limit would be enforced but we need to start somewhere.
I would prefer no boats on the river. I think they are unnecessary, loud, dangerous.
I think reducing speed limits to 5kmh would be acceptable but certain parts of the river should be off limits since it gets too low and could ruin the boat. Another thing is in certain areas people swim. I myself witnessed a boat almost hit 3 ducks and spalshed me.
From June to September people swim, tube, snorkel, and fish all along the Vedder, including children. There should be a year-round speed restriction and ban on boats during the summer months when the water is low to protect public safety and sensitive habitats.
This river should he closed to boats. Bad for wildlife and tubers and swimmers. Drunk kids on a pleasure cruise up the creek should be discontinued.
We back on to the river, and the noise from boats on the river is very disturbing. There are no motorised vehicles allowed on the trail, so why are they allowed on the water?
Just last weekend there were people swimming in the river just minutes before a boat sped past where they were. I don't believe a speed limit is the solution, how would it be enforced? I believe boats should be banned completely.
I'm shocked every time that I see a boat on the Vedder. It seems so dangerous for both the boater (because of all the big rocks and trees) as well as all the people fishing and wading in the water. I'm sure that it's just a matter of time before there's a fatality!
The speedboats are hazardous to the ecosystem and wildlife of the river, as well as being loud and unpleasant for people trying to enjoy the natural beauty of the river and its trails.
I know I’m late but I would like to see power boats restricted or Banned from the Vedder River.
Thanks
Hope this helps
Jeremy
It's so loud and dangerous. It's only a matter of time until there's an accident.
Get those boats off the river and leave me my peace and quiet