Phase 1, completed in 2022, involved the removal of debris, hard armour, contaminants, and asphalt, the re-grading and stabilization of the beach to gentler slopes, and nourishment with new sand-gravel mix. Following close monitoring of sediment movement and forage fish spawning over the winter, the success of this phase was signalled by the identification of surf smelt eggs on the beach, just weeks after Phase 1 was completed. Forage fish are small schooling fish, such as Pacific sand lance, surf smelt, Pacific herring, and anchovy, that play a critical role in the ocean food web, feeding on plankton and transferring the energy up to salmon, seabirds, marine mammals, and humans. Forage fish spawning beaches are undergoing a coastal squeeze, experiencing the effects of shoreline development on land and climatic conditions from the sea.

Phase 2, completed in 2023, involved the creation of additional beach area by excavating into the backshore, providing more sand-gravel nourishment to the beach, and stabilizing the new backshore with boulders. We then extensively planted the backshore area with various species of native plants for habitat and erosion protection, and created a formal universal access pathway from Songhees Walkway to the beach. Today, a welcome pole made by Master Carver Tom LaFortune proudly overlooks the revitalized shoreline.

These restoration treatments improve public access, cultural enjoyment, and return the shore to its once ideal condition for landing canoes, supporting the Songhees initiative to host cultural marine tours in the Victoria Harbour. They also enhance the resilience of major public infrastructure against erosion, sea level rise, and storm surge flooding, creating a safer and more enjoyable experience for both visitors and residents along the Songhees Walkway. Ecologically, they reintroduce and maintain vital nutrient and sedimentary processes which support all five Pacific salmon species found in the area: Chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, and pink.