BURNABY – The Province of British Columbia
is providing $10 million to dredge Burnaby
Lake,
re-establishing it as an international rowing venue and improving the lake’s
fish and wildlife habitat, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.
“Revitalizing Burnaby Lake
is a critical step forward in re-establishing an important centre for amateur
sport, and creating a new centre for sport development here in the Lower
Mainland,” said Premier Campbell. “Burnaby
Lake has a rich history
of rowing competitions, and this work will bring the lake back to the standard
required for international rowing and kayaking competitions, as well as improve
the lake’s habitat for fish and wildlife and restore its stormwater management
function.”
The rejuvenation project will
include removing 360,000 cubic metres of lake bed sediment to improve water
quality and enhance the lake’s fish and migratory bird habitat. The dredging
will also restore the open water environment on the lake that will allow for a
2,000-metre rowing, canoe, kayak course required to accommodate competitive,
international-standard events.
The City of Burnaby will also contribute $10 million to
the project. Today’s announcement fulfils a 2005 election commitment to invest
in the rejuvenation of Burnaby
Lake.
“The City of Burnaby appreciates this
boost from the provincial government and is eager to get started on this
project,” said Derek Corrigan, Burnaby’s
mayor. “Almost one quarter of our city’s land is dedicated park and green
space, and the Burnaby
Lake project will enhance
our already world-class recreational facilities.”
A rowing venue was initially
created on Burnaby
Lake in the early 1970s
for the 1973 Canada Summer Games. For the next two decades, the lake was host
to a number of major rowing and kayaking competitions and was recognized as one
of the best venues on the North American Pacific Coast and the only
international standard course. Notable Olympic rowing medallists such as Tricia
Smith, Kathleen Heddle and Mike Rasher and kayakers Renn Crichlow, Hugh Fisher
and Alwyn Morris all trained at Burnaby
Lake.
Inflow of sediment began to impact
the rowing course in the 1980s and 1990s, degrading the water quality and
decreasing the depth of the water to the point where it was unusable for
competitions.
“This is fantastic news.
Revitalizing the international course at Burnaby
is a win for sport, the environment and the entire community,” said Tricia
Smith, four-time Olympian. “This funding will help re-establish Burnaby Lake
as one of the best world-class rowing facilities in North
America. I want to thank all partners for working together to
develop this facility that will be a legacy for current and future Canadian
rowers.”
“This is wonderful news for our community and the province,” said Harry
Bloy, MLA for Burquitlam. “Burnaby
Lake is an important
resource for families in this region, and I am pleased to have been able to
work on this project and to help secure funding.”
“Re-establishing the lake as a hub for outdoor sporting events is a
great way to encourage healthier lifestyles,” said Richard T. Lee, MLA for
Burnaby North. “This ties in nicely with our government’s ActNow program, which
aims to get people outdoors to enjoy physical activities.”
“This funding demonstrates our commitment to our athletes and the future
environmental health of our community,” said John Nuraney, MLA for Burnaby-Willingdon.
“I’m delighted this project will have the added benefit of enhancing the fish
and wildlife habitat at Burnaby
Lake.”
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