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British
Columbia Heritage Rivers Program |
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Alouette River
The Alouette River flows from Alouette Lake to its junction with the Fraser River at Pitt Meadows. Typical of many Lower Fraser tributaries, it drains a mountain watershed in the Coast Mountains, especially important for its timber and fish values. The hydro power potential of the river and its proximity to major urban populations was recognized early in the province's history, leading to constuction of BC Hydro's Alouette Dam in 1913. The river has a significant place in the cultural heritage of the area. The Katzie First Nation have historically depended on the salmon of the river and have maintained spiritual, cultural and economic ties to the river. The valley was part of a travel corridor for First Nations people between the Lower Fraser River area and the Lillooet area. In the late 1800's, the economic activities of newcomers along the river began to change the face of the valley. Farming and logging came to the area and sawmills were developed in conjunction with the upstream logging activity, since the river was used to float logs downstream to New Westminster. The headquarters of the Abernethy and Lougheed Logging Company was located on the river in the 1920's, presently the site of Allco Park. The park is now home to a fish hatchery and the future site of an Alouette River Interpretive Centre. The river has been an important recreational focus for residents of the area throughout the years. Acquired from the Burrard Power Company in 1927, the site of Maple Ridge Park was developed by the municipality and has been a popular recreation site for generations. Other popular parks such as Davidson's Pool and Horseman's Park are also located along the river. The Alouette has become a model of successful urban river stewardship. Volunteer community groups have done tremendous work to restore fish habitat along the river and educate the public about river conservation. Also, BC Hydro has recently helped to improve fish stocks in the Alouette by voluntarily increasing the amount of water it releases from the dam during critical spawning and rearing periods. Proclaimed BC Rivers:
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