Appendix 6 Glen Urquhart Creek Mapping and Inventory Project Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping (SHIM) Surveys

Reports Prepared by: Gord Bainbridge and Christine Kuta

For: Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Box 3007 Courtenay, BC V9N 5N3

November 1999

Glen Urquhart Creek SHIM Report Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Executive Summary

During 1999-2000 Comox Valley Project Watershed Society conducted a Sensitive Habitat & Inventory Mapping (SHIM) survey on Glen Urquhart Creek. The SHIM method combined Trimble Pro XR GPS, compass & chain mapping techniques with stream inventory data collection, resulting in geo-referenced lines and points with data for viewing in ArcView GIS. This report is the outcome of this survey and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying map of Glen Urquhart Creek. Glen Urquhart Creek is situated in a highly urbanized area of East Courtenay. The lowest reaches, in the agricultural areas, were not mapped. The areas that were mapped include 1.2 km of tributaries issuing into the mainstem, as well as channel carrying flow from the retention pond in the headwaters. Though spawning habitat is limited, migratory fish continue to utilize Glen Urquhart Creek. Restoration opportunities identified in this report include beaver dam management, improved opportunity for bio filtration on tributary WP10 through wetland construction and re-channeling of existing drainage, as well as removing a potential fish barrier and on-going water quality testing. Future development should take into account the environmental resource values identified in this report and ensure that these values are protected should development occur.

Glen Urquhart Creek SHIM Report Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Report Prepared by: G Bainbridge, C Kuta- Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Date of Report: November 29, 1999 Date of Survey: November 23-26, 1999- Main February 2, 2000 –TP-10 Background The information presented in this report was gathered during the 1999/ 2000 field season of Project Watershed’s Watershed Mapping and Inventory Project sponsored by the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans Habitat Restoration and Salmon Enhancement Program, and Fisheries Renewal B.C. Survey Summary Stream Gazette Name: Glen Urquhart Watershed Code: – 920-553400-00000 Map locations: 92F 066-3-3, 92F 076-1-1 Start Date of Survey: Nov 23,1999 End Date of Survey: Nov 26, 1999 Stream Length Surveyed: 3583m List of Accompanying Documents: Photos

Alias: Hobson

Purpose of Survey The streams inventoried were chosen because of a need to collect information for the following purposes: • updates to the Regional District of Comox Strathcona’s Sensitive Habitat Atlas • initiation of, or additions to, a set of “Streamkeepers Data” for the watershed • determining rehabilitation, restoration or protection opportunities for the watershed Methods The methodology used for this mapping/inventory project was “Stream Mapping Procedures for Land Use Planning in Coastal Urban Watersheds” developed in October 1998 by Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Langley Environmental Partners Society, and Community Fisheries Development Center. Overview Glen Urquhart Creek is situated in a highly urbanized area of East Courtenay. The lower reaches transect approximately 28 private properties. The upper reaches are located within crown setbacks and city of Courtenay parks (Greenways trails and Parks). Two storm water detention ponds managed by the City of Courtenay are located in the mid and upper reaches to moderate flooding events on private lands. Landowners report that the creek maintains summer flow throughout the driest months of the year. This suggests connection to ground water sources (possibly from lawn Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 3 of 10

Glen Urquhart Creek SHIM Report Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection watering...) which might benefit species requiring instream lifecycles of more than one year, such as coho, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Only one landowner denied access for data collection through their property. Reach 1 The lower reaches of Glen Urquhart Creek, below Back Road, are very channelized with rip rap bank stabilization throughout. These reaches contain abundant, good quality spawning gravel. During the time of the survey over 300 chum salmon or chum carcasses were witnessed in this section. Reach 2, 3 and 4 The mid and upper reaches are not accessible to anadromous salmonids due to a barrier culvert on Back Road and 10th Street East. The mid reaches extend through a combination of private and park land. Most of the gravel in these reaches has been scoured out leaving mostly hardpan substrate with occasional shallow layers of gravel. Reach 5, 6, and7 The upper reaches extend through right of ways and parks, with housing development on either side. The creek comes to an abrupt halt above the upper water-retention pond on Malahat Drive. The creek is fed here by underground storm water connections from the developments in the Crown Isle Golf Course community. Features of Interest and Rehabilitation/Protection for Glen Urquhart Creek Feature #2 - Channelization Stream channels have historically been directed around fields for better utilization of agricultural land. The channel has very poor riparian cover. Residential properties are occasionally subject to flooding as the channel takes an abrupt 90 degree turn and water backs up. This section is a maintenance concern for the City of Courtenay as they endeavor to keep the channel cleaned out. Restoration Opportunity. Redirecting this channelized portion could be a win - win situation for all parties concerned. Redefining the channel could enhance fisheries values, wildlife and waterfowl values (on Ducks Unlimited property), reduce maintenance requirements for the City of Courtenay, and mitigate landowner flooding conflicts. Feature #4 - Spawning Gravel Shallow layer of anadromous sized spawning gravel over a clay substrate. Adult chum salmon are presently utilizing the gravel. The quality and quantity (depth) of the gravel improves upstream in the residential areas. The gravel extends for a total length of approximately 650m.

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Glen Urquhart Creek SHIM Report Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature #10 - Tributary (Maye’s Creek) Overview: This tributary enters on the right bank at the edge of Ducks Unlimited property. The stream is approximately 600 meters long. It extends to the north side of Ryan Road. From here it parallels Ryan Road, behind housing developments, as a ditch contained within an open culvert. The open culvert continues to a government building on the Ryan Road hill. The ditch eventually extends to North Island College. Most of the tributary is channelized with a lack of suitable habitat and it appears that its primary purpose is to control storm water. There is a 100 meter section located near the end of Williams Road with marginal habitat characteristics. Historically the creek only flowed in the winter months, but landowners report that there is now summer flow. This tributary is accessible to fish up to a culvert under Back Road. Features of Interest and Rehabilitation/Protection Opportunities Location # 17 Within the empty lot there is an area of slightly better habitat characteristics. The stream is no longer channelized, there is more riparian cover, and there are also small intermittent pools. The creek appears to be in a right of way with property pins on either side. Restoration Opportunity A landowner has reported seeing juvenile salmon using this creek. This area could benefit from habitat complexing to improve the quality and quantity of fish habitat available. Feature # 28 – Lack of Riparian Vegetation The lawn on the left bank extends to the edge of the creek for a length of approximately 8 meters. Restoration Opportunity This area of the creek could be planted with riparian vegetation. Feature # 30 – Culvert The steel culvert under Back Road is a barrier due to its length and a two meter drop at its upper end. Feature # 31 – Artificial Modification At the upstream end of the culvert, there is a 2 meter drop from the level of the streambed to the level of the culvert. The opening is 2m wide by 2m long. There is a steel frame at the opening to catch debris. X-Section # 34 – Lack of Riparian Vegetation Both sides of the stream suffer from a lack of vegetation. The left bank shows evidence of recent vegetation cutting. Restoration Opportunity The stream banks could be re-vegetated to cool the water and provide cover, but does not appear that fish utilize this section of the stream. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 5 of 10

Glen Urquhart Creek SHIM Report Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature # 41 – Ditch The ditch is an open culvert (cut in half). This extends behind the property lines parallel to Ryan Road then it angles up to Ryan road near a building that appears to be a pumping station. The open culvert ends there but the ditch continues to North Island College. Feature #15 - Ditch This ditch extends along farm property and is maintained by the City of Courtenay. There was very little flow in the ditch during the time of the survey despite moderate flows in Glen Urquhart Creek. The substrate in the ditch is one hundred percent fines. No fisheries values were observed. Feature # 16 - Boulder Cascade Restoration Opportunity This boulder falls is not a barrier but could be modified to create easier juvenile passage. Feature # 18 - Bank Erosion The banks are vegetated with residential lawn to the edge of the creek. The right bank suffers from some mild sloughing. Restoration Opportunity The right bank would benefit from native re-vegetation or rip-rap at this location. Feature #26 - Rip Rap Bank Stabilization Rip rap placement extends to Back road (on both banks) for a total distance of approximately 275metres. X-Section #31 - Lack of Riparian This large residential property has lawn that extends to the edge of the creek on both banks. Restoration Opportunity The stream-banks would benefit from some from of re-vegetation to regulate water temperatures. Feature # 43 - Barrier Culvert This culvert which transports water under Back road is generally a barrier to the upstream migration of all salmonid species. Upstream landowners report that two pairs of coho made it through the culverts this season. This is their first siting of fish for the duration of at least 11 years. The culverts plunge water onto boulders. There is no plunge pool and the culverts are hanging. There is a gravel wedge at the upstream end of the culverts. The culverts are prone to filling with gravel. Restoration Opportunity Strategic boulder placement (or the construction of a long Newbury weir) could build up the plunge pool and ease passage. The site has very good excavator access, via a short road spur below the culverts. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 6 of 10

Glen Urquhart Creek SHIM Report Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature # 56.5 - Garden Waste Inputs Not a serious concern. Lawn clippings and garden waste have been deposited over the bank and have fallen along the edge of the creek. The landowner has asked for City sponsorship to remove it and has been turned down. Feature # 62 - Barrier Culvert This concrete box culvert under Ashton Place is a suspected barrier for juveniles and possibly adults. At the time of survey there was only 3cm water depth in culvert spread out over total width. Restoration Opportunity Installation of a low flow notch or baffles would allow for easier passage. Feature # 67 - Uncooperative Landowner A section of the creek (approximately 60m long) was not included in this survey because access was denied. The location of the creek was interpreted from orthophotos, and no habitat data was collected. X-Section # 69 - Park Land The creek travels through a designated park. This continues for approximately 310m, but is broken up with a road crossing. Features # 81 & 82 - Barrier Culverts There are two culverts located under 10th Street East. There is a metal one with a diameter of .65m and concrete one with a diameter of 1.25m. Fish are not able to gain access due to hanging culverts with insufficient plunge pools. Restoration Opportunity A plunge pool could be created to assist passage. Feature # 97 - Culvert New concrete box culvert under 12th Street East. It is fish friendly with a low flow notch. Feature # 112 - Fence There is a page wire fence that crosses the creek. It is obvious that it collects debris on a regular basis. Feature # 113 - Spawning Gravel Reasonable quality spawning gravel suitable for resident fish (trout). It continues for approximately 30m. Feature # 122 – Storm Water Retention Structure There is a concrete structure with a metal notch designed to retain storm water. It will back up water into a man made wetland. Feature # 123 – Constructed Wetland A shallow pool has been dug to act as a storm water retention pond / wetland. It dries out in summer and is maintained as a grassy field. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 7 of 10

Glen Urquhart Creek SHIM Report Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Restoration Opportunity This pond could be dug deeper to create off channel rearing habitat. The sides could be planted to prevent erosion, and provide cover. Feature # 129 - Tributary Overview: This tributary enters on the left bank and is 141m long. It is accessible to fish, however; there is little fisheries value. There was minimal flow at the time of survey. The bank-full depth is .15m, the substrate was almost 100% fines, and there was little complexity. This tributary connects with a ditch that extends along the back of a residential area. Features of Interest and Rehabilitation/Protection Feature # 5 - Tributary This tributary is less than 10m long. It is a small collection of water draining from the adjacent field. Feature # 6 - Barrier Culvert There are twin 6 inch PVC pipes under a park trail. Feature # 7 – Ditch Tributary connects to a ditch on the left bank.

Feature # 140 - Culvert Concrete culvert under Glen Urquhart Ave. There is good fish passage. Feature # 143 - Rip Rap Bank Stabilization There is rip rap on both banks, and it continues for 98m. There is poor riparian vegetation associated with this area. There is also a significant increase in gradient from this point upstream. Restoration Opportunity Willow staking among the rip- rap could improve thermal regulation of the creek water. Features # 154 & 155 Barrier Culverts Two concrete culverts passing under Thorpe Ave. The culverts are 0.9m and 0.75m in diameter. There is no plunge pool, and the water falls directly onto bedrock. Restoration Opportunity Construct a plunge pool to allow fish access. Location # 161 - Gradient Break There is a break in the steeper gradient that began at feature # 143. There are potential fisheries values present: cobble and gravel over clay substrate; stable looking banks; moderate flow; long slow moving glides; some resident sized (trout) spawning gravel present in pockets. This area does however; lack fish cover structures. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 8 of 10

Glen Urquhart Creek SHIM Report Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature # 168 - Spawning Gravel There is area of reasonable quality resident (trout) sized spawning gravel. It is approximately 30m and 1.5m wide. Feature # 188 - Spawning Gravel This is an area of spawning gravel suitable for both resident and anadromous sized fish. It is approximately 58m long and 1.5m wide. It is, however of poor quality. It is mixed with fines and is highly embedded. The water quality is suspicious at this location, as gravel has become covered in long stringy brown algae. Feature # 194 - Culvert There is a concrete culvert with a diameter of .9m under Mallard Drive. It is accessible to fish, but the long length (approximately 87m) and lack of light may contribute to possible barrier status. Feature # 195 - Water Retention Structure There is a detention pond flow control device at the upstream end of the culvert. It backs up water into a grassy bowl shaped park. There is a defined channel through the park. Feature # 197 - Channelization The stream bed is channelized through the full length of the park. There is instream vegetation of cattails, reeds and grasses. There may be some coho juvenile rearing potential associated with this retention pond. This is subject to water quality and access. Conclusions Glen Urquhart presently supports a population of pinks and chum in its lower reaches. The culvert at Back Road occasionally allows passage for coho under certain high flow conditions, but the general passage for salmon and trout could be drastically improved. The culvert at 10th Street is suspected to be an absolute barrier to the upstream movement of salmonids. Improving passage at these two sites would be the logical first step to return Glen Urquhart Creek towards a higher level of productivity for salmonids. A fish sampling survey was undertaken by the Ministry of Environment on June 4, 1999 to determine the extent of fish distribution in Glen Urquhart Creek. Coho juveniles in the 60- 75m size class were captured and identified throughout much of the watershed. As it unlikely that adult coho can proceed upstream of the 10th St East culvert, it is suspected that these coho may be the product of a “fish in the classroom” release. Two 20cm cutthroat trout were also sampled below the 10th St East culvert. As development has progressed in the area, the City of Courtenay has been forced to intensively manage the watershed to promote fast and efficient movement of water from roads to storm sewers and ultimately into Glen Urquhart Creek. As the City manages this movement of water they are also responsible to individual stream- side landowners to make sure that flash flooding does not affect their properties. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 9 of 10

Glen Urquhart Creek SHIM Report Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Many portions of Glen Urquhart creek which are close to residences, may not be suitable for enhancing fish habitat due to the chance of inhibiting water flow and creating flood potential. However, there are several sections of parkland and greenway strips where no landowner impacts would arise. Enhancing fish habitat on several park properties would enhance human use of these parks as well as contribute to salmon production. Recommendations/Priority Issues Within the lower section, the channel makes a 90 degree where the stream changes from Ducks Unlimited property to private property. Over the years this has backed up water and been the cause of flooding. The redirection of the channel could be designed to increase both fish and wildlife values, while reducing the chance of flooding on private property.

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Making the culvert Back Road passable to fish would dramatically increase the amount of habitat available. This could be done by strategic boulder placement to build up the plunge pool or the construction of a long Newburry weir. This site has very good excavator access, via a short road spur below the culverts.

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The concrete culvert under Ashton Rd. may be impassable at low flows; this could be remedied with a low flow notch or baffles.

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The metal culverts under 10th Street East, are definite fish barriers. The creation of a plunge pool and/ or culvert modifications, would assist passage. It is recommended that fish gain access to this area because most of it is contained within park land, within an incised gully and poses no danger of contributing to landowner flooding.

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The two parklands on either side of 10th Street East could be aggressively complexed with logs and other in-stream fish habitat structures. Most of the gravel in this mid section area has been scoured out. Gravel placement and retention structures could be implemented to restore habitat integrity.

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The storm water detention pond in Glen Urquhart Park at the end of Hurford Avenue could be modified to create juvenile salmonid rearing habitat. If it was accessible to fish, it could be dug deeper and riparian planted to provide cover. It could also provide a dual purpose as a leisure destination for residents. I.e. Duck pond, model boat practice site.

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There is a significant amount of trout sized spawning gravel and trout rearing potential in upper Glen Urquhart Creek. It may be beneficial to reintroduce cutthroat trout into the upper watershed. (The landowners that we talked to have never seen a fish in upper Glen Urquhart).

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