DFO Shuts Down Gill Bar, the Site of FVIDA’s Annual Cleanups

On Thursday, July 28 it was announced that Gill Bar on the Fraser River in Chilliwack is now closed to vehicle traffic. This decision has been made by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) after a long and complicated history of harmful activity that negatively impacts the habitat in the area. Gill Bar is home to gravel beds which provide important habitat for salmon and sturgeon and hold cultural significance for local First Nations.

Some of the gravel beds found along the Fraser River. Photo: Dru!, Flickr.

For over 15 years, the Fraser Valley Illegal Dumping Alliance’s (FVIDA) efforts have removed upwards of 125 tonnes of illegally dumped waste from this sensitive freshwater habitat by leading annual cleanup events at Gill Bar.

Swim Drink Fish staff at the 12th Annual Fraser River Clean-up. Photo: Swim Drink Fish.

Trash collected from Gill Bar. Photo: Swim Drink Fish.

These efforts have made a difference, bringing over 700 people to the waters edge in 2019.

Participants of the 12th Annual Fraser River Cleanup. Photo: Swim Drink Fish.

FVIDA’s work has also contributed to a 60% increase in reporting of dumping to Conservation Officers. But actions including illegal dumping, pallet fires leaving toxic treated nails, and off-road vehicles driving on sensitive spawning habitat continue to harm the area.

This decision is good news for habitat conservation, however Gill Bar remains one of the only access points to the Fraser River and is an important area for recreation. This surprising news highlights the importance of and need for responsible recreation in order to protect the Fraser River and its environment.