Written by: Bill Ralston
2025
Located along the Fraser River estuary, Cutthroat Creek is the last remaining creek in Vancouver that remains accessible for salmon and trout migration. The creek runs through the Shaughnessy property, serving as a vital aquatic corridor that connects fish habitats from the Fraser River estuary to Musqueam Creek and Pacific Spirit Park.
In 2007, Shaughnessy Golf Club partnered with volunteers from the Musqueam Fisheries’ Aquatic Habitat Restoration Team to restore the migration paths of salmon and trout along Cutthroat Creek. The restoration efforts aimed to remove invasive blackberry species that hindered fish migration, establish buffer zones through native plant growth, and restore a healthy ecosystem by preserving shaded areas for cooler water temperatures. Since these efforts, the Shaughnessy Course and Grounds team has continued to maintain the naturalized buffer zone.
In 2022, Musqueam volunteers documented the largest number of juvenile coho salmon and cutthroat trout to date in the restored waterways on the property. This ongoing success has been an inspiring endeavour, demonstrating the importance of restoring key ecosystems and fostering healthy wildlife habitats.
