Characteristics

• Thames Creek is the main tributary of Hastings Creek
• Thames headwaters north of the urban development of Lynn Valley and flows south through residential area in Lynn Valley until it joins Hastings Creek at Ross Road
• Thames Creek is bordered by the Coleman Creek Watershed to the west and the Pierard Creek Watershed to the east
• 21% impervious surface in the Hastings Creek Watershed (GVRD, 1999)
• 54% of the Hastings Creek Watershed had forest cover (GVRD, 1999)

Watershed Use

• Fish: Cutthroat Trout
• Wildlife: Various species including raccoons, mink, river otters, black bears
• Vegetation: Coastal Western Hemlock, dry subzone.
• Residential: The area surrounding Thames is highly residential
• Parks: Upper reach parallels Baden-Powell Trail
• Schools

Concerns

• Stream classified as endangered due to impacts (FRAP)
• Significant loss of riparian vegetation along more than 50% of the fish frequented length of the stream due to development and removal by landowners (FRAP)
• Urbanization in the watershed has significantly affected the stream basin (FRAP); 17 storm drains flow into Thames
• Channelization and/or armourization (riprapping) of over 50% of the fish frequented length of the stream (FRAP)
• The construction of culverts severely reduced coho populations
• Status: Endangered - due to riparian removal, urbanization, culverting and degraded water quality