Charman Creek

Project Background

Charman Creek is a key component of Gibsons’ natural stormwater management system. Over time, portions of the creek have experienced erosion and constrictions, increasing the risk of flooding to nearby properties and negatively impacting the natural habitat.

In 2021, a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) identified 23 potential remediation sites along the lower reaches of Charman Creek and provided additional recommendations which will be implemented through creek restoration.

View the 2021 Charman Creek Assessment Report here.

In response, the Town has launched a multi-year project to both restore Charman Creek and enhance long-term monitoring and maintenance of the waterway.

Current Work:

Lower Watershed Climate Adaptation Project

In 2023, the Town of Gibsons received $5.93 million through the Strategic Priorities Fund stream of the Canada Community-Building Fund to undertake the Lower Watershed Climate Adaptation Through Natural Assets Project (CATNAP).

This major initiative focuses on the restoration and naturalization of Charman Creek and a portion of Goosebird Creek, with the goal of improving stormwater management and enhancing habitat in Lower Gibsons.

A key component of Phase 1 is the removal of a creek constriction downstream of Gower Point Road, which currently poses a flooding risk to several downstream properties. Removing this constriction will significantly reduce or eliminate that risk.

Because in-stream construction must occur during the fish timing window (end of July to September 15), the project is being phased over 2–3 years.

Phase 1: Focus on flood risk reduction and habitat enhancement

• Summer 2024: Beachcombers Lane culvert replacement and removal of failing retaining wall at Dougall Rd
• Summer 2025: Charman Creek section between Gower Point Road and Marina Place Strata bridge

Phase 2: Continue with habitat enhancement and restoration

• Summer 2026: Charman Creek section from Marina Place Strata Bridge to the harbour
• Summer 2026/2027: Goosebird Creek culvert replacements at Cochrane Road

Ongoing Monitoring and Natural Asset Management

Alongside restoration efforts, Town staff are also developing a long-term monitoring and maintenance plan for Charman Creek as part of our commitment to Natural Asset Management.

This plan includes:

• Flow accretion study
• Flow monitoring
• Stream habitat assessments
• Riparian zone assessments
• Identification of Streamside Protection and Enhancement Areas (SPEAs)
• Water temperature data collection
• Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling