Victoria Fish and Game Protective Association

HISTORY - After a government funding shortfall and vandalism concerns the early version of the Colquitz Fish Counting fence was abandoned in 1983. Originally built in 1973 the Colquitz counting fence was paid for with government funding. The manning of the fence was done under contract for some 10 years. Bob Langford, a municipality of Saanich employee, was the lead person on the original counting fence team. The original "temporary" structure was made from wood, however it lasted in tact throughout the first ten years of service and much of the frame of the structure was still present until 2001.

In 2001, the Victoria Fish and Game Protective Association (VFGPA) - Conservation Committee, working in partnership with the Saanich Parks and the Coastal Enterprise Resource Centre (CERCA), sought and received funding to rebuild the fish counting structure.

We received a BC Government capital cost grant of $ 22,850 from the Urban Salmon Habitat Program (USHP). With our volunteers involvement, we have rebuilt the fence and access footbridge. Adhering to the original fence design, Gary Taylor, the Project Coordinator from the CERCA, assisted by Victoria Fish and Game volunteers reconstructed the counting fence with durable aluminum tubing. Also, a sturdy metal footbridge was built with donated materials and equipment from Victoria Shipyards Inc.

An in-stream work permit was duly issued to us in order that work could be carried out in the creek during early September 2001.

The counting fence was unveiled to the general public at the official project opening on 24th November 2001. The Mayor of Saanich, Frank Leonard graciously attended our event and cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare our project official open.