Green Shores for Homes Case Study QUALICUM BEACH, BC (2016)
Design and Build General Contractor: Parksville Heavy Equipment Geotechnical Engineer: Lewkowich Engineering Associates Native Plants Supplier: Streamside Native Plants This shoreline was fronted by a failing wooden bulkhead and a concrete boat ramp. The bulkhead was removed and the upper shore was regraded to a more natural slope. Non-native invasive plants were also removed. Large boulders were placed at 1m (3 ft) depth and infilled with smaller rock similar to the natural beach cobble of the area. Sand and gravel were also used to provide a growing medium for native shoreline plants. Large woody elements were buried along the upper portion of the natural revetment, again to mimic the local shoreline and
provide sheltered spots for plant regrowth. Boulders placed at the shoreline ends provide smooth transitions to the armored neighboring properties. In brief‌
Location
Qualicum Beach, BC
Year built
2016
Type of development
Rebuild shoreline protection structure
Site type, area
Semi-rural, 0.43 acres
Shoreline type
Marine, sand-cobble
Shoreline length
30 m / 100 ft approx.
Shoreline project
Bulkhead removal, beach nourishment, revegetation
Credit Category
Points
Shoreline Process
13
Shoreline Habitat
9
Water Quality
2
Stewardship
4
GSH Rating
Chinook (Level 1)
Shoreline Physical Processes With 90 feet of armoring removed from the 100-ft shoreline (the concrete ramp was retained), the project qualified for 75-94% of net bulkhead removal. Points were also awarded for conducting the bulkhead removal in spawning habitat for forage fish, and for agreeing to monitor the shoreline improvements for 5 years.
Shoreline Habitat About 50% of the riparian buffer would fill in with native vegetation established by the planting plan, with the remainder of the buffer occupied by exposed boulders, beach rock and woody material. Additional points were achieved by removing invasive plant species and placing large logs to attenuate wave energy and provide some habitat value.
Water Quality As development activities occurred in the shoreline area only, this project was not eligible for most of the water quality credits. Points were achieved for excluding the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizer in the shoreline planting area.
Shoreline Stewardship The contractor informed neighboring property owners about the project and construction activity along the foreshore through signage and by dropping off brochures at their doors. The contractor also worked closely with the Nile Creek Enhancement Society and to avoid any impacts to the outflow to Nash Creek on the east side of the property. In addition, at the end of the project, the owners and contractor hosted a public Open House, inviting nearby residents, local governments and the press to view and ask questions about the project.