Firehall Creek improvements

Part of Firehall Creek runs through the Luxton Fairgrounds parking area, just west of Happy Valley Road and Sooke Highway. In 2004, a gas supply pipeline was installed along the Galloping Goose Trail, adjoining the creek at this location.  As part of Terasen Gas' community projects, it was decided to improve this section of the stream. The area was badly infested with non-native gorse, which restricted the growth of other more desirable native plants.

Teams of workers from CRD Parks, Terasen Gas, students from Pearson College, Langford City employees and BWHPA members removed gorse, Scotch broom, and blackberry bushes from the stream bank over the course of a year.  Gorse is particularly challenging to remove as it can grow back from the smallest root or shoot left behind. 

Willows were also planted along the lower bank of the stream.  During the summer of 2004, it was found that adult cutthroat trout were being trapped in the remnant pools left as the stream slowly dried up.  Due to the extensive channeling done, there was no longer enough shade.  The trout were using the large area of exposed clean gravel as a spawning area but were becoming trapped as the water levels diminished.  By planting large willows and tying them across the stream, the hope was to provide shade and reduce the evaporation and water temperature.