Second Narrows Dredging Works

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (the Applicant) is proposing to conduct works to improve shipping efficiency in Burrard Inlet's Second Narrows waterway, including facilitating the potential for vessels calling at Trans Mountain's Westridge Marine Terminal to more fully load. They include three components: 

  • Dredging along the edges of the deep-sea navigation channel with the proposed footprint east of the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge 
  • Removal of sections of decommissioned waterlines within the proposed dredging areas 
  • Installation of new navigation aids (range lights) 

Proposed dredging activities will occur along the northern and southern margins of the navigation channel, over an approximate surface area of 17,000 m2 with a potential dredge volume of approximately 25,000 m3, and achieving a maximum navigation channel depth of -13.5 m chart datum. The dredging footprint overlaps with two Metro Vancouver drinking water pipes that extend across the Second Narrows in a north-south direction and that are in the process of being decommissioned. To enable the proposed dredging, segments of decommissioned waterlines overlapping with the deep-sea navigation channel in the area will need to be removed. 

In parallel to the dredging, and to facilitate the potential for cargo ships moving through the Second Narrows waterway to load more fully, two new range lights will be installed west of the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge, on Burrard Inlet's south shore. Range lights provide spatial reference points for cargo ships transiting through confined waters such as the Second Narrows. 

The proposed works are anticipated to start in Q3 of 2026. Dredging could take place within a 24-hour window, seven days per week to facilitate works during optimal tide windows. Works related to the navigation aids will occur during standard construction hours, Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Additional details on the proposed project can be found here Second Narrows dredging works | Vancouver Fraser Port Authority 

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Latest update

End of Public Comment Period 

The public comment period on the project is closed. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Contacts

Project and Environmental Review
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3T4
Email: per@portvancouver.com


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Second Narrows Dredging Works (British Columbia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Ports and Harbours
    • Other, not otherwise specified

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2026-02-20

  • Proponent

    Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

  • Authorities

    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    • Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90243

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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