It was a heartwarming sight over the weekend for those along the Hope Slough to see a flotilla of kayaks and canoes paddling by.
More than 50 people showed up Saturday to show support for restoration of the vital urban waterway in Chilliwack known as the Hope Slough.
Friends of the Camp-Hope Slough and Watershed Watch hosted a leisurely tour of the slough that started near Reeves Road, and went as far as Corbould Park.
“We want to raise awareness about this issue in as many ways as possible,” said Lina Azeez, with Watershed Watch.
“Getting on the water and relearning where we live, and recognizing the benefits of these waterways, is one way to do it.”
Roxanna Froese of SOS Save Our Slough said organizers of the canoe tour expected maybe 20 people would show up, but it was more than double that in attendance.
”You guys totally blew us away, so we appreciate you all coming and helping us raise awareness of the issues facing our slough,” Froeses said before they hit the water. “So take pictures of the gross stuff and the beauty, to share with friends and family, and write letters to the city.”
Coun. Sam Waddington expressed appreciation for the tour, and for area residents who allowed vehicles carrying canoes and kayaks to stage nearby.
“The neighbours are in full support of what we are trying to do here, and many remember the days when you could swim in this water here and catch salmon off the front lawns of a lot of these places.
“It’s exciting phase we’re in, to see the kind of support for what is an inevitable outcome for this waterway, which is that it is going to get restored ecologically, but also for the recreational value.”
City of Chilliwack has started studying what it would take to restore the slough, whether by introducing more fresh water somehow, or looking at dredging options, as opposed to culverts.