Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park) Shoreline Restoration
Client:
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) & District of North Vancouver
Location:
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Dates:
July 2023 – Ongoing
Background:
Whey-ah-Wichen, located in the District of North Vancouver (DNV), is co-managed by the DNV and the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). The park’s shoreline is experiencing ongoing erosion, driven by high visitor use and the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and increased storm activity. In response, the DNV and the səlilwətaɬ are advancing a long-term shoreline restoration strategy to improve resilience to future climate conditions while maintaining the site’s cultural and historical importance. The project includes the design and construction of nature-based shoreline stabilization measures, integrated with Indigenous marine stewardship approaches and habitat restoration efforts.
This initiative is supported through joint funding from the DNV and the səlilwətaɬ, with additional funding from the Province of British Columbia through the Destination Development Fund and the 2024 Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation stream of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. Further contributions have been provided by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund and the Government of Canada.
Services Provided:
Hatfield is leading a multidisciplinary team, working in collaboration with coastal engineers from Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (NHC) and landscape architects from LEES + Associates, to develop a shoreline restoration plan for the Whey-ah-Wichen shoreline. The plan is designed to enhance climate resilience through nature-based solutions, support the preservation of the site’s cultural and historical significance, including opportunities for səlilwətaɬ cultural use, improve fish habitat such as forage fish spawning areas, and integrate visitor access and educational features.
Hatfield is responsible for overall project management, including coordination of design and construction budgets and schedules, as well as leading environmental planning and regulatory strategy, including engagement with regulators. Hatfield and its partners have completed a comprehensive Site Assessment Report, created the restoration design, successfully obtained permits and approvals from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, and Notification to Proceed to permitting from the BC Environmental Assessment Office. Construction began in December 2025 and will conclude in the 2026-2027 least risk fisheries window. Hatfield has acted as the owner’s environmental representative during construction, conducting environmental audits and ensuring regulatory compliance.
