Tetayut Creek
Formerly called Sandhill Creek (or Shady Creek), Tetayut Creek is one of the largest watersheds on the Saanich Peninsula, with the mainstem running for over 7.6 km through the agricultural, industrial, and residential areas of Central Saanich before draining into Saanichton Bay. The creek plays a fundamental role in preserving the local genetic diversity of native fish species, as it hosts both coho salmon and coastal cutthroat trout.
Tetayut Creek is a source of water for crop irrigation and livestock. While most of the water eventually returns from the agricultural fields, it usually carries soil and dissolved compounds. In addition, high velocity water flow through a 54 m culvert under the Patricia Bay Highway has historically scoured the creek channel, leading to the culvert outlet being perched above the creek. This created a vertical barrier that prevented fish from accessing approximately 2 km of upstream habitat.
Restoration Work
Since 2011, PSS has worked with the District of Central Saanich to monitor water quality throughout the watershed, and in 2018, in conjunction with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, PSS initiated a restoration project to restore the upstream creek channel and improve fish passage that was impeded by the Patricia Bay Highway culvert. The barrier was eliminated by constructing a series of rock riffles in the creek. The riffles act like small dams, raising the water level of the creek to the same level as the culvert outlet. We also added woody debris and other features to the creek to improve habitat.
In 2020, the District of Central Saanich plans to implement the Adam Kerr Park Stormwater Detention/Habitat Pond to mitigate erosion downstream and provide habitat for native species.
We continue to monitor the upstream habitat for native coho salmon and cutthroat trout, as well as water quality with a regular sampling and testing program.
