Seymour River

The Seymour River has been a lifeline for North Vancouver since 1907. It’s a source of drinking water for millions of people in the Greater Vancouver area, and its waters have been essential to the city’s growth and prosperity. Today, we stand right here, on its banks, where this river flows into the heart of the city. You’re likely wondering why you’re even here, standing by a river that’s probably just another waterway to you. But the Seymour River has a rich and fascinating story. Its waters were once a major source of timber, which fueled the booming economy of the region. In the late 1800s, the area was dominated by logging companies, who used the river to transport timber to the city. While this industry helped shape Vancouver, it came with a cost to the environment. The Seymour River and its surrounding forests, particularly the old-growth giants, were heavily impacted. Thankfully, a man named Ernest Cleveland, in the early 1900s, saw the critical need to protect this valuable resource. He fought tirelessly to conserve the forests around the Seymour, and the conservation movement in the region. He became the first commissioner of the Greater Vancouver Water District and essentially took over the entire process, ensuring that the area was protected from further logging and development. The first dam on the Seymour was built in 1927, and the present-day dam, which lies upriver from here, was built in the 1960s. This dam significantly impacted the Seymour River, which has been a source of contention for many environmental groups. The dam and the reservoir it created are essential for the Greater Vancouver Water District, which is responsible for providing water to over two million people. However, the dam has also impacted the fish populations in the river and altered the flow of clean water to the estuary. The consequences of this flow reduction and dam barrier impacting the fish population have been serious. Yet, despite these challenges, the Seymour River remains a critical part of North Vancouver’s environment and its local community.