A proposed development at 1533 Cedar Avenue that is right adjacent to Brooklyn Creek has been submitted to the Town of Comox.
The Directors of Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society have reviewed this proposal and strongly and unanimously recommend that the Town rejects the proposal.
Our reasons for this conclusion are detailed in the report below. Please spread the word to your contacts!
Most interesting is at page 15 there is a section explaining gaps between policies and practices:
Review of Brooklyn Creek’s Ecological Accounting Process, The Town of Comox OCP and the Cedar Avenue Development Proposal: Policy-to-Practice Gaps
As a Society, we advocate for the health of Brooklyn Creek and undertake just a few activities each year, recognizing we are all volunteers. But you know the saying, many hands make light work. If you are interested in attending the AGM or are considering becoming a Director, please send a note through the BCWS website or email directly. We’d love to see you!
John Neilson
President, Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society
November 2024 coho in Brooklyn Creek
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The beautiful Birkdale Farm on Guthrie Road is a landmark, well recognized by Comox and Valley residents. Led by Guy Sim, Birkdale Farm was established in 1920 and has a three-generation long proud tradition of producing milk from grass-fed Ayrshire dairy cows. The farm has supplied local businesses including a well-known and respected yogurt manufacturer.
But did you know that the Birkdale Farm also produces coho salmon? Brooklyn Creek is a 7-km long stream that flows through the Farm. Adult coho come to spawn and the resulting tiny fry remain in the creek for one or two years. When the young salmon (smolts) are ready to enter the ocean, a downstream migration occurs, with annual runs of up to several thousand young salmon known as smolts moving through the urban stream. You may have seen the counting fence maintained by the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society in Baybrook Park, where it obtains counts of migrating young salmon each spring. In this way, this small stream makes its contribution to the iconic BC salmon populations.
While much of Brooklyn Creek (particularly the lower sections within Mack Laing and Baybrook Parks) contains good habitat for spawning and rearing, the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society (BCWS) was aware that some of the upper sections needed improvement. Fortunately, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and other willing local partners stepped up to restore those sections.
Over the years, stream banks at Birkdale farm had become unstable, with high winter flows causing erosion and loss of spawning habitat from siltation and infilling. Contractors significantly improved the stream (about 800 m over four years) with creation of deep pools, bank stabilization and shallow gravel areas for spawning. The photo below shows Mr. Sim with a section of the restored stream in the background. Volunteers worked hard to help clear stream banks of invasive plants like blackberry and replanted them with native plants.
Representatives of lead contractors Current Environmental Ltd. Origins Environmental Services Ltd. joined with volunteers and the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society to thank Mr. Sim October 15th during restoration planting. The photo below shows BCWS President John Neilson presenting Mr. Sim with a commemorative photo thanking Mr. Sim for his continued generous support during the four years of the restoration work. The plaque on the photo reads: “In Recognition of Mr. Guy Sim’s Support of Coho Salmon in the Comox Valley. With Gratitude, Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society.”
Comox, BC Residents Witness Remarkable Return of Salmon in Brooklyn Creek
An Afternoon at the Balmoral Fish Ladder: Pink Salmon Make Their Journey
On the afternoon of October 2, 2025, an extraordinary sight unfolded at the Balmoral fish ladder in Comox, BC. More than 80 pink salmon were observed valiantly attempting to make their way up the ladder, providing a thrilling experience for local residents and visitors alike.
Nature’s Timing: The Salmon’s Return
The timing of this impressive salmon run was almost identical to the same week two years ago, when Brooklyn Creek saw a remarkable influx of salmon. Pink salmon, known for their biennial return cycle, typically make their journey back to their spawning grounds every two years. This year’s event reinforced that pattern, as the large numbers of fish mirrored the previous run, much to the delight of those who came to watch.
Conditions Support the Salmon Migration
The environmental conditions were just right for the salmon’s journey. Heavy rainfall the previous night had led to a moderate flow of water through the fish ladder, creating an ideal passage for the migrating salmon. The increased flow, while not overwhelming, offered enough current for the fish to navigate upstream, demonstrating their strength and determination.
Community Excitement and First-Time Sightings
For many in the community, this was a momentous occasion. It was the first time some people had ever witnessed salmon in Brooklyn Creek, making the event even more special. The sight of dozens of salmon circling in the fish ladder’s bottom pool and surging upstream against the current drew crowds to the fish ladder, their enthusiasm and amazement palpable. Locals expressed their delight at seeing such a clear example of the salmon’s natural cycle and the health of their local ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: The Cycle Continues
The return of the pink salmon to Brooklyn Creek and the Balmoral fish ladder is more than just a natural spectacle—it is a sign of ecological resilience and a cause for celebration in Comox. As the community looks forward to future runs, this year’s event will be remembered as a highlight for both seasoned salmon watchers and those seeing the phenomenon for the first time.
For Comox, the presence of the pink salmon in Brooklyn Creek marks a vibrant chapter in the region’s ongoing relationship with its aquatic life, and serves as a wonderful reminder of the cycles of nature that continue to unfold before our eyes. And lets not forget all the efforts of volunteers who work tirelessly at stream restoration, invasive plant removal, native plant placement, etc. etc. Thank you!
Two Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities for Brooklyn Creek Supporters!
Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society is entering into the fourth year of restoration work at Birkdale Farm, working with the landowner Mr. Guy Sim and Current Environmental Ltd. With the instream work completed now, the work will be focussed on establishing native vegetation in the stream-side areas. This year, the re-planting work will be led by Elodie Roger of Origins Environmental. Elodie has identified two opportunities for our volunteers, listed below.
Please let us know by email if you plan to participate. We will post more information on meet-up points, clothing suggestions and other information closer to the start of the events.
October 15-16-17
During the planting series in October, volunteers will gain hands-on experience with riparian restoration while learning about the role healthy riparian areas play in supporting biodiversity and water quality. The activity will explore how to identify and choose native plants, the ecological reasons behind these choices, and the succession processes that follow planting. Volunteers will also learn about the role of mycorrhizal fungi in plant establishment, the challenges posed by invasive species, and how mulch can be used effectively to support native plants while suppressing weeds. This is a chance to contribute directly to habitat restoration while building ecological knowledge that applies to both wild and garden settings.
Late-January or February (tbd)
The bioengineering work later in the season will be a workshop-style opportunity focused on live staking techniques. Volunteers will walk through every step of the process, from selecting and harvesting suitable stems to preparing and planting them in the field. Along the way, they’ll gain exposure to the tools and techniques used in professional restoration, and an understanding of how live staking stabilizes banks, supports vegetation recovery, and creates habitat. This hands-on experience offers a unique way to learn by doing, while contributing to meaningful ecological outcomes in the watershed.
Mr. Sim standing by a new riffle structure installed at Birkdale Farm, summer 2025.
Please let us know by email if you plan to participate. We will post more information on meet-up points, clothing suggestions and other information closer to the start of the events.
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Join Us in Helping Preserve Local Fish Habitats! 🐟🌿
Checking fish traps for fry and other species.
You can assist with fish salvage efforts at Birkdale Farm ahead of in-stream works. Volunteers will help relocate fry and set up isolation measures.
Dates: Tuesday, August 12 to Monday, August 18 (yes through the weekend) Time: 9:00–11:00 AM daily
Volunteers can sign up using the Birkdale Fish Salvage 2025 Google Sheet, or by emailing me directly at with the dates they’re available and I’ll add them to the sheet.
Orientation/Training Session: On Tuesday, August 12, we’ll hold a training session on fish capture and release methods for up to 8 volunteers. These individuals will ideally help lead efforts on some or all of the following days. Volunteers who can’t attend the orientation are still very welcome to join on other days — however, the more trained hands, the better!
Additional Info for Volunteers:
All are welcome, regardless of physical ability. Folks are encouraged to join even if they prefer to participate from the bank in a lawn chair — their presence and support are valued!
Meeting location: Daily at 9:00 AM at the entrance to Birkdale Farm (1836 Guthrie Rd, Comox). We’ll enter the property as a group.
To manage site access (as it’s private property with machinery in operation), we’re aiming to have a clear volunteer list by the evening before each day — last minute drop-ins are discouraged.
Recommended gear: Rubber boots or hip waders, eye protection, and work gloves — though not required.
There will also be riparian planting event in October — more details to come on that soon.
Together, we can make a real difference for our local fish populations. Don’t miss this chance to give back to nature and be part of something meaningful!
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The Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society invites you to the River Never Sleeps Festival, a family-friendly celebration of the vibrant living ecosystem we share with nature! Mark your calendars for May 4, 2025, and join us for a day full of fun, education, and community spirit. Click to view the poster.
Event Highlights:
Release of 20,000 Coho Smolts into Rosewall Creek
Fish Printing with real Coho fish (take home your own beautiful piece of art!)
Live Music by Ryder Bachman and a cozy, country atmosphere
Meet a Live Owl and learn about the fascinating creatures of our watershed
Hands-on Activities like stream life exploration with live bugs
Food & Drink available, including BBQ favorites (Oysters TBA depending on health regulations)
Booths from Over 30 Local Environmental Groups, government agencies, and more
Meet the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society at Our Booth!
Come visit our booth and chat with volunteers about the amazing work we’re doing to protect and enhance the local watershed. We’ll have information for the grown-ups, and lots of ways you can get involved in local conservation efforts.
Volunteer with Us! 🌿
The River Never Sleeps Festival wouldn’t be possible without the help of our incredible volunteers. As a wholly volunteer-run organization, the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society has many tasks to complete in their mission to rebuild the wild Coho population and restore Chum, and Pink salmon to their historical habitats – all in an urban environment.
If you’re passionate about salmon conservation and want to make a real impact in our community, we need your help at our booth during the festival! As a volunteer, you’ll get the chance to:
Assist with activities for children and families
Share information about our projects and initiatives
Help manage our booth and keep things running smoothly
Be part of the energy and excitement of this amazing event!
Volunteering at our booth is a fun way to get involved, meet like-minded people, and make a positive impact on the environment. Plus, you’ll gain valuable experience and have the chance to connect with other volunteers and environmental organizations in the area.
Event Details:
📅 Date: May 4, 2025 📍 Location: 8425 Berray Rd, Fanny Bay, BC (Off Highway 19A, just north of Cook Creek Rd)
Help us celebrate Earth Day and give back to nature! The Town of Comox is hosting an Invasive Plant Removal Event on Tuesday, April 22, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and we’d love for you to join us.
We’ll be working together to remove invasive plant species and help restore local natural areas. It’s a great opportunity to make a difference, get outside, and connect with community members who care about the environment.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 22
🕘 Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
📍 Location: Brooklyn Creek Greenway entrance –near 142 Mack Laing Court (east end of Comox Ave.)
What to bring:
Gloves (if you have them – we’ll have extras too!)
Water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothing
Enthusiasm!
Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Let’s work together to protect our local ecosystems and make this Earth Day count!
Please let me know if you have any questions, and feel free to forward this post/email to anyone who might be interested.
The ever-popular fish counting on Brooklyn Creek 2025 is starting! As a volunteer you are now able to choose your day (morning or evening) for counting Coho Smolts (and other species) that are captured in the fish box. The fish are counted and then released unharmed back into the creek. At this time of year Coho Smolts are on their way to the ocean and years later will return to the same stream they were born. Capture and release is an excellent way to determine how healthy the runs are.
Workers will install the fence and capture box Thursday in Baybrook Nature Park with DFO officials and BCWS volunteers. Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society has been recording smolt counts annually for over 13 years and passes this valuable information to the Department of Fisheries for evaluation.
Sign up now online to reserve your morning or evening spot each day. It is up to the person reserving the time (morning or evening) to find your friend or partner to coordinate a meeting time. “Evening” can be anytime after 5;00 pm. We prefer to have 2 people each time for safety and it makes for much easier recording! Or, you can request a BCWS member to join you. Call/text Alan 250-792-2687 or .
Please review the available times below and click on the “Sign Up” buttons. You can choose several days before clicking “Save and Continue”. Enter your name and email (phone optional) and “Sign Up Now”.
There are instructions in the supplies box onsite, but first you may want a refresher to help conduct your count safely and properly: www.brooklyncreek.ca/checklist .
There is a very slight chance you may encounter other species, here is help for salmon identification:
Be part of something amazing! Join us at Birkdale Farm as we enter the final year of our four-year restoration project to bring Brooklyn Creek back to life! Your help is crucial in removing invasive plants and improving this vital salmon habitat.
🔥 Why Join? ✔️ Make a real impact on local wildlife ✔️ Get hands-on experience with cool restoration tools like the Extractigator (on loan from MARS!) ✔️ Work alongside a fun, passionate community ✔️ See firsthand how restoration efforts are bringing coho salmon back to the creek!
📅 When: 🗓 Tuesday, March 18 Morning Session: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 🌧 Rain Date: Wednesday, March 19 (if needed)
📍 Where: Birkdale Farm – 1836 Guthrie Road, Comox
🔨 What We’ll Be Doing: ✅ Removing invasive plants using specialized tools ✅ Weed whacking and hand-pulling unwanted species ✅ General cleanup in restored areas ✅ Helping improve salmon habitat—spawners have been spotted downstream!
Using the Extractigator
👕 What to Bring: 🔹 Work gloves & sturdy footwear (rubber boots recommended!) 🔹 Long pants & weather-appropriate clothing (we work rain or shine!) 🔹 Water & snacks 🔹 (Optional) Protective glasses, a portable weed-whacker, shovel, or loppers
🔸 Please arrive on time (9 AM or 1 PM) so we can enter as a group with minimal disturbance to the farm. Late? Call Mikala at 613-532-7020 for access.
✨ No need to sign up—just show up! ✨
This work is only possible because of amazing volunteers like YOU and the generous support of Leighton Contracting and LaFarge Courtenay, who have donated over $12,000 in spawning gravel and rock!
📢 Mark your calendar and spread the word! Let’s make a difference together.
🔹 Questions? Reach out here: BCWS contact or call Mikala at 613-532-7020
Each year, the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society (BCWS) receives several requests to set up a booth at local events such as Earth Day celebrations, The River Never Sleeps festival in Fanny Bay, and various high school special events. These opportunities are wonderful ways for us to connect with the community, share our mission, and inspire stewardship of our watershed.
While the Board makes every effort to accommodate these invitations, we believe this important work would greatly benefit from a dedicated Event Coordinator. This volunteer role would involve organizing our participation by coordinating the setup of our shelter tent, distributing pamphlets and posters, and ensuring that printed materials are ready. It would also include recruiting and guiding other volunteers from our list to staff the booth during events.
Your support in this role would be a tremendous asset to BCWS and would directly enhance our ability to educate and engage the community. If you’re passionate about outreach and would like to contribute in this way, please don’t hesitate to email me.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our watershed’s future.
Warm regards,
Dr. John Neilson
Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society
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Witnessing the large coho salmon spawning in Brooklyn Creek this past November was a remarkable experience. The males, with their vivid red sides, put on a dramatic display of aggression and territoriality, a striking reminder of nature’s raw energy. The coho were also easily viewed the week before. The spawners were mostly between Balmoral Ave. and Cedar Ave., but reliable reports were coho seen in Salish Park as well as Birkdale Farm.
During breaks between the heavy Southeast storms, the creek’s waters cleared, offering an exceptional view of this amazing spectacle. The scene drew admiration from many, with several people expressing their appreciation for the dedicated efforts over the years to restore and protect the creek’s habitat. These efforts have undoubtedly ensured the continuation of such incredible natural events for all to enjoy.
On Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, our family took a walk along Brooklyn Creek and were treated to an incredible sight: several large, mature coho salmon moving through the clear water, preparing to spawn. The recent heavy rains have brought the creek to life, urging these majestic fish to swim upstream on their final journey. It was a mesmerizing experience to watch them navigate the currents, instinctively following a cycle that has repeated for generations. The attached video captures some of this amazing natural display in action.
Jean Sarrazin recently scored a remarkable win with his interview featuring two dedicated Brooklyn Creek volunteers, who shared insights on the fascinating fish-counting box project. Competing against nearly 50 entries from across Canada, Jean’s audio file stood out, landing him a place in the esteemed “Top 8” and earning him a $500 prize.
Demonstrating true community spirit, Jean is donating $100 of his prize to the Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society to support the continued conservation work. Huge thanks go to Jean and the Pattinson brothers, Alan and Howard, for their efforts and shared success in spotlighting Brooklyn Creek’s vibrant ecosystem!
Come and put some native plants in the ground to help in the restoration alongside Brooklyn Creek.
Volunteer planting alongside Brooklyn Creek. Click to enlarge.
This past summer there was the third stage of restoration of Brooklyn Creek on the property of Birkdale Farm in Comox. Come and see the results of recently completed work.
No need to register, just show up, please pick your time to participate in this helpful volunteer work:
Activities will include planting native shrub species. Plants will be in 1-gallon pots (<10lbs) and will be planted with shovels along the bank, where there is some mud and uneven ground. People with mobility limitations may be paired up with someone to help them plant, bring plants and prepare the ground.
We recommend bringing work gloves, weather appropriate wear, good work shoes or boots and some snacks. We would also really appreciate if anyone has a shovel that they could bring and work with. We have several to share but may be limited if we have a good turnout.
Planting native species on Birkdale Farm, Comox. Click to enlarge.
Please arrive before time at the front gate so the group can walk to the work area together to minimize disturbance to the farm workings. You will be meeting with Mikala from Current Environment who will direct our work. If late, please text her at +1 (613) 532-7020.
