After more than 30 years of ownership, the Metro Vancouver Regional District granted public access to Widgeon Marsh Regional Park for the first time on Saturday. The park, situated approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Coquitlam’s downtown, was predominantly acquired by Metro Vancouver in 1992 through a collaboration with Ducks Unlimited and the Nature Trust of B.C.
Widgeon Marsh Regional Park, located in an environmentally delicate region and part of the largest freshwater marsh in southwest B.C., underwent lengthy development processes and consultations with local First Nations. The park boasts a four-kilometer accessible paved trail, prohibits dogs, and has limited cell service to preserve its ecological balance.
To maintain the park’s ecological integrity, Metro Vancouver strictly enforces a no-dogs policy except for service animals. Visitors, primarily accessing the park via a steep gravel road, are advised to pre-book parking spots or utilize a complimentary weekend shuttle service operating between Lafarge-Lake Douglas SkyTrain station and the park.
Metro Vancouver officials lauded the park’s unveiling, emphasizing the opportunity for residents to explore a pristine area with stunning mountain vistas and meadows. The statement from Metro Vancouver board chair Mike Hurley highlighted the commitment to safeguarding sensitive habitats while facilitating meaningful interactions with nature.
Spanning 621 hectares, with two-thirds designated as wetland, the park is crucial habitat for various bird species and large animals like bears, cougars, and deer, as outlined in a 2019 regional park management plan. The waterways within the park support diverse species including fish and amphibians, such as steelhead, rainbow trout, salamanders, frogs, and newts.
In alignment with the overarching goal of protecting ecologically sensitive zones, Metro Vancouver stresses the park’s limited cell service and absence of drinking water, underscoring the importance of adequate preparation for visitors. Operating hours for the park are set from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, contingent on weather conditions and construction activities.