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 which were historically known to spawn in the creek.
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, creating a vertical barrier and preventing fish from accessing upstream habitat.
Restoration Work
Since the early 2000s, Peninsula Streams Society (PSS) has been actively involved in restoration and stewardship within the Tetayut Creek watershed, working alongside municipalities, First Nations, and community partners to support salmonid habitat. Since 2011, PSS has worked with the District of Central Saanich to monitor water quality throughout the watershed.
In 2018, following a period of reduced activity related to staffing changes and in recognition of the cultural importance of Tetayut Creek and the presence of high-quality habitat on Tsawout First Nation reserve lands, PSS initiated the Tetayut Creek / Patricia Bay Highway Culvert Remediation Project in conjunction with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. This project addressed the long-standing fish passage barrier created by the perched culvert constructed in the 1950s. Two engineered rock riffles were installed downstream of the culvert to backwater the outlet, restoring hydraulic connectivity and enabling coho salmon and coastal cutthroat trout to access approximately 4 km of upstream habitat, while additional habitat features such as woody debris were incorporated to improve channel function. The project was delivered in partnership with MOTI, Michell Excavating Ltd., the District of Central Saanich, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
From 2019–2020, PSS continued engagement in the watershed by coordinating with the District of Central Saanich on the design and construction of a wetland in Adam Kerr Park, supporting collaborative habitat planning with Tsawout First Nation and participating in the release of 2,000 coho fry into lower Tetayut Creek alongside Tsawout members in a culturally guided event. Creek walks with the Tsawout Fisheries Coordinator also identified additional blockages, informing subsequent restoration actions.
Since 2022, PSS staff and volunteers maintain active restoration efforts in the reach of Tetayut Creek flowing through Heritage Acres. Two additional riffles, spawning gravel, and a boulder run have been added to support salmonid reproduction and improve flow diversity and channel stability. Multiple Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS) were recently installed to increase habitat complexity and provide refuge during high-flow events. Riparian restoration has included the removal of more than 3,000 m² of invasive English ivy and replanting with native vegetation to improve bank stability, shading, and long-term habitat function. PSS continues to monitor habitat conditions for coho and cutthroat, alongside an ongoing water-quality sampling and testing program.
