QWhat will you do with the sediment?

AThe dewatered solids will be disposed of offsite. This will help protect the lake environment from the contaminants collected in the sediment. Removal of contaminants from the lake environment is just one of the benefits that dredging will bring to the lake.

QWhere will dredging take place?

AThe dredging will occur in various locations on the lake. You can view the dredging plans here.

QWhen will dredging take place?

AThe dredging will begin in August, 2009, and is expected to conclude in March, 2011.

QWhy is this project so expensive?

ATo yield the greatest environmental benefit, and to ensure that the environment is not unduly harmed during the dredging process, the project needs to be done in stages. For example, the sediment that is being dredged from the lake needs to be disposed away from the lake. This is more time-consuming and costly than placing it in the lake area, but it is the responsible and correct action to take to preserve the long-term health and well-being of the lake.

QHow will you be protecting the environment while you dredge?

AProtecting the environment is the primary goal of this project. From using silt curtains to contain suspended sediments, to isolating fish from the dredging, to protecting painted turtles, the City has a Provincially approved environmental plan to help ensure that protection of the Burnaby Lake environment. While the dredging takes place, there will be individuals on-site constantly monitoring and assessing the project to ensure that all environmental commitments are being met.

QWhat effect will the dredging have on the lake?

AIf left untouched, Burnaby Lake would continue to infill with sediments, and open water habitat would be lost to wetland and mud flats. The loss of the aquatic environment would negatively impact water birds, and fish abundance would decline, along with the wildlife that feed on them. By dredging the lake, the environmental benefits will lead to more deep open water for diving ducks and salmon, and allow residents to continue to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake.  There are also other benefits that dredging will bring to Burnaby Lake, such as water-based recreational activities.

QIs it true that there's an international rowing course planned for the lake?

AThe lake has a long history of residents sharing its beauty with the wildlife that makes the lake their home, and this will continue to be the legacy of the lake. At a time when many have voiced concern about the lack of resources available to athletes, the lake will provide a valuable venue for local athletes to prepare for competition. However, this will be managed in a way that is respectful and mindful of the sensitive lake environment.

QWhat will the course look like? How much of the lake will be used by the course?

AThe course will be quite similar to the previous one that was created in the 1970s. The rowing course will be 8 lanes wide, or approximately 2166 metres long and 124 metres wide, and a depth of 2 metres.

QHow will you minimize the effect of a rowing course on wildlife?

AThe City of Burnaby has developed a Rejuvenation Project management plan to ensure that events, such as regattas, do not occur during key bird breeding or migration times. We will also be working with other groups that use the lake to ensure that information is shared and proper planning is in place.  Sharing the lake with the wildlife is possible; it just has to be managed wisely.

QCan you prove that an international rowing course won’t affect the wildlife in Burnaby Park?

AIn urban parks there is always a challenge to balance human activity with wildlife areas. The environmental assessment studies we conducted indicate that the rowing program can co-exist with the natural environment and wildlife habitat in a sustainable and respectful manner. Furthermore, the City is committed to undertaking environmental monitoring to ensure that the impact of post-dredging activities on the lake environment are minimized and, if necessary, mitigated. The primary goal of this project is for environmental enhancement, and habitat protection is therefore a top concern.

QWhere can I see the environmental studies?

AThe environmental studies are available on the City of Burnaby’s Rejuvenation Project website. We encourage anyone interested in this project to review these studies or to contact the information line.

QHow could wildlife not be affected when we are dramatically changing the makeup of the lake, and increasing the population that will visit and disrupt the lake’s surface?

QHow will you ensure that Burnaby Lake remains a quiet, peaceful retreat, when there is an international rowing competition in process on the lake?

AIt’s important to note that international rowing competitions would happen only occasionally, at the most they would occur once every five years. The majority of the time the rowing activity would consist of local residents using the lake for training. But this training will not come at the expense of the environment.  Preserving the health and well-being of the lake is our first priority, however our research shows that it is possible for the lake to support the wildlife and recreational activities. It just has to be managed wisely and respectfully, and the City is committed to that goal.

QHow will bird populations in Burnaby Lake Park be affected? Will their migratory paths be influenced? If so, how will this be compensated for?

AWe will be following stringent Provincial and Regional standards to ensure the protection of birds and other wildlife during the dredging process and we are also creating plans for after the dredging is complete. As part of the plan, the City can ensure that events, such as regattas, do not occur during key bird breeding or migration times, allowing recreation to be as non-intrusive as possible.