The Kaibab Park Stream Improvement Project will restore a section of the Fraser River through Kaibab Park in the Town of Granby by reshaping the artificially straightened channel to create a healthier, more natural stream. Project goals are to improve aquatic habitat for fish and benthic macroinvertebrates by increasing channel complexity, narrowing the stream, reducing water temperatures, and enhancing sediment transport. These improvements are expected to increase fish populations, support healthier aquatic ecosystems, and create a more resilient river corridor for future generations. Construction will start in August 2026 and conclude in September 2026.
The Kaibab Park Stream Improvement Project will restore a section of the Fraser River through Kaibab Park in the Town of Granby. Historic channel straightening associated with land use development reduced the river's natural sinuosity and complexity, resulting in an incised channel with fewer pools, limited habitat diversity, and degraded aquatic conditions.
The project will restore important in-stream habitat by strategically placing large wood structures throughout the river corridor. These structures will increase habitat diversity, expand pool habitat, and narrow the channel to improve riffle flushing. Together, these changes will create higher-quality habitat for trout and benthic macroinvertebrates while improving spawning conditions and overall stream health.
By restoring a more natural stream channel, the project will improve river function and increase the complexity and availability of aquatic habitat, creating a healthier and more resilient Fraser River. These improvements will benefit both aquatic ecosystems and the community by creating a more functional and sustainable river corridor for years to come.
The final design, led by Stillwater Sciences, was completed in July 2024. After delays tied to federal funding, the Kaibab Park Stream Improvement Project is set to move forward construction starting in August 2026 and concluding in September 2026. Following implementation, the project will be monitored for several years to evaluate its performance and document improvements to stream function and aquatic and riparian habitat.