Update: Friday, August 16
The River of Golden Dreams and Valley Trail will reopen tomorrow on Saturday, August 17.
As in previous years, a mandatory portage will be in place from the cement weir to the CN rail bridge. The mandatory portage is to protect fish during spawning season. It is also to complete some land work for the River of Golden Dreams project. Please obey signage when floating down the river. Â
Parking at the end of Lorimer Road remains closed while we remove construction equipment and machinery.
Thank you for your patience while we improve fish habitat, protect the River of Golden Dreams ecosystem, and enhance river passage.
*August 1 Update* – The Rainbow Park shuttle is running daily from Friday, August 2 to Friday, August 16, due to the River of Golden Dreams closure and Valley Trail disruptions to Rainbow Park.
Expect closures on the River of Golden Dreams (ROGD) due to construction between July 30 and August 16. It is still possible to float the river at this time.
You can enter at Alta Lake Road and exit at Meadow Park (see maps below) or enter at Meadow Park and exit at Nicklaus North or Green Lake (see maps below).
Please note it won’t be possible to portage along the Valley Trail at the closed area, as the Valley Trail will also be closed at this time. You will not be able to access Rainbow Park or the Meadow Park Sports Centre via the Valley Trail from Lorimer Road between July 30 and August 16.
The River of Golden Dreams will see closures between Alta Lake and the CN rail bridge on Thursday, August 1, Friday, August 2 and from Tuesday, August 6 to Friday, August 16.
During the closures, the river can still be accessed via the Meadow Park Sports Centre dock or by entering the Valley Trail from Alta Lake Road.
Option A: Entry from the Meadow Park Sports Centre dock
Option B: Entry from Alta Lake Road
Parking at the bottom of Lorimer Road will also be closed between July 30 to August 16.
The Valley Trail will be closed from the Valley Trail bridge above the cement weir (below the bird viewing platform near Rainbow Park) to the end of the Valley Trail bridge at Lorimer Road.
Please note there will be no access to the River or Valley Trail from the bottom of Lorimer Road between July 30 to August 16.
Why this work is essential
We are undertaking critical work to:
- Protect the valuable ecosystem in the area.
- Improve fish passage and habitat.
- Create a safer and better experience for locals and guests who float the river.
Background
In the 1990s, the Resort Municipality of Whistler installed weirs in sections of the river to help regulate water flow. However, due to decreased annual water levels, climate change, and increased river usage, these weirs have become ineffective and now obstruct fish passage.
What the work involves
This essential restoration work was approved by the Province and reviewed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and includes:
- Removing old log weirs.
- Installing a new concrete weir and fishway that will increase water depth, improve fish passage, and keep the section open longer for recreational users.
- Adding a new light alarm system to inform users of river closures.
- Installing a new boat take-out area.
- Riparian planting to increase shade, support the cooling of the channel for fish and offset any removal of vegetation.
This work is scheduled for the first two weeks of August to comply with provincial regulations designed to protect fish and their habitats.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to improve the River of Golden Dreams for everyone.
