The Sanctuary

The natural pond and marsh area called The Sanctuary opened in 1999. Already the lake, waterplants, islands and still-fragile landscaping attract bird life into the park. The neighbourhood to the south of Hastings Park was one of the first in the city to receive separated waste and stormwater sewers. The Vancouver Engineering department has enthusiastically collaborated on the project of guiding the stormwaters from this area into the Sanctuary marsh, where the water is cleansed through a sophisticated biofiltration system.

Eventually, this water will run into Hastings Creek which will deliver the water clean into the salt marsh which is planned at New Brighton Park along Burrard Inlet. The ultimate dream is to have fish return to this long buried urban creek, once daylighted. This type of environmentally sustainable system is very much the focus of the regreening project.