A version of this letter was sent to Whistler’s mayor and council, and shared with Pique.
As someone who has observed and studied the 21 Mile Creek drainage, also known as the River of Golden Dreams, for 43 years, I am highly skeptical of a new weir and fishway system.
Alta Lake’s outflow is a critical piece of habitat in a system that has been altered extensively by multiple man-made blockages.
The meandering outflow to the present day dam is a relatively complex habitat that is well-suited to juvenile trout. Below the dam, the 300-metre ditch-like channel has been complexed slightly, mostly to accommodate boat travel to the much larger 21 Mile Creek confluence.
Unfortunately, and with due respect to the commercial outfitters that incorporate this channel into their business plan, the ecological potential of this stream is highly compromised by this activity.
Outflows from lakes make prime conditions for fish spawning and rearing. The excessive boat traffic severely compromises the ability of this section of stream to flourish.
Installing another dam, even with a fishway, will not alleviate the damage done by paddles and boats.
In 1999, a team comprised of the leading American river experts highly suggested complexing this ditch and to allow beaver dam activity to occur. If done correctly, this would not allow for boat travel.
Continuing to accommodate boat traffic through this 300m stretch of stream will only exacerbate the excessive, carnival-like behaviour that presently exists.
I would encourage that the large amount of capital for this project be allocated to this or other parts of this watershed that align better with ecological values.
