Douglas College and the City of New Westminster are collaborating on a new project to identify and map local “lost streams,” small waterways that have vanished during decades of urban development.
“This project represents an exciting partnership between Douglas College and the City of New Westminster. We hope our work to document these lost streams helps to strengthen people’s understanding of and connection to the natural environment,” said Mike McPhee, Douglas College geography instructor, in a media release.
The first phase of the project will involve gathering information about historical waterway locations from various sources such as archival documents, field visits and interviews with knowledgeable locals. The Glenbrook Ravine and watershed have already been identified as areas of interest. However, the project’s exact geographical scope has yet to be determined.
“The Lost Streams project is an exciting opportunity to ‘peel back’ the urbanized landscape and reveal New Westminster’s hidden streams,” Mayor Jonathan Cote said. “The City of New Westminster is pleased to be a part of this important initiative which aims to create an appreciation of the city’s water systems and potential implications for urban sustainability.”
Once the information has been collected, organizers hope to map the geographical data using digital technology and to decide on the best way to share the results with the public. Some ideas include creating a watershed atlas, launching a website, installing interpretive signage or organizing guided walking tours.
The project will also create opportunities for Douglas College students in geography, environmental studies and other disciplines to apply their skills and gain hands-on learning experience. The student involvement could include roles in conducting research, mapping and field work, McPhee says.
McPhee encourages anyone with information about “lost streams” in New Westminster to contact him at [email protected]. The project is expected to run until March 2017.
For more information, visit douglascollege.ca.
