The Editor,
(Recently) I had the privilege of taking part in the formal announcement related to the much-needed Ladner Steveston dredging project.
Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) led the event to announce $10 million in funding for dredging. Since federal funds for dredging were ceased in 1998, silt buildup in the secondary channels of the Fraser River has been an ongoing issue in the Ladner and Steveston areas.
While deep sea navigation channels have been maintained thanks to PMV, side channels have not been dredged. The secondary channels for fishing vessels, tugs, barges, commercial and pleasure craft have not been cleared in over a decade and the accumulation is causing problems for residents and commercial craft.
The province, PMV, the City of Delta and the City of Richmond have agreed to jointly fund dredging to address this issue.
Thanks to this critical investment, dredging the channels will assure safe navigation for fishing, commercial and recreational vessels, enable local families to maintain or improve their quality of life, provide better access to waterfront businesses and residences, and protect habitat for fish and wildlife. As a long time Richmond resident, I am so thrilled to see the dredging of these channels.
I would like to thank PMV, the Ministry of Transportation and the cities of Delta and Richmond for making this funding available. I would also like to thank MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, whose focus and persistence paid off in bringing the federal departments involved to provide the support and funding needed.
John Yap Richmond-Steveston MLA
