The Stanley Park Storm of 2006

From Crisis to Opportunity

New lookout above Siwash Rock

Update: five year anniversary of the Stanley Park storm news release.

In December, 2006 a devastating windstorm struck Stanley Park, leveling 41 hectares of forest, causing extensive damage to the Seawall and creating a crisis situation that required an organization-wide response. The crisis presented incredible challenges but also extraordinary and unexpected opportunities.

Staff developed a restoration plan and set out to enlist the help of a diversity of experts. Creative partnerships were formed and leaders from a broad range of fields were recruited to assist in developing and implementing the plan. The public outpouring of concern for the park resulted in a level of financial and in kind support that made the $10 million restoration achievable.

Volunteers of all ages came
out to help plant seedlings

All levels of government, businesses and the public, both in Canada and abroad, rallied around the efforts to restore the park and the attention of local, national and international media substantially raised the visibility and credibility of the organization.

Staff seized the opportunity to use the blow-down areas to set the stage for a stronger, more resilient forest for future generations. The Seawall and forest trails were upgraded, providing better public access. Legacies were established that would enhance visitors' experience and knowledge of the park for generations to come.

Out of the tangled chaos left in the wake of the storm, opportunities to renew, restore and improve the park were created. Important lessons on topics ranging from forestry to fundraising were learned that will have far-reaching application and value.

Special thanks also are due to the corporations, organizations and individuals from across Canada and beyond, as well as the Government of Canada, the Government of BC and the City of Vancouver for their generous outpouring of support that helped to create a lasting legacy for future generations.

New interpretive panels explain
the park's ecology and history

Here is a summary of the major accomplishments:

• 15,000 new trees and shrubs planted in the blow-down areas
• Road realignment and re-landscaping at Prospect Point, improving the safety, accessed and aesthetics of the area.
• Structural upgrades and improvement to the seawall
• Slope stabilization and improved safety between Prospect Point and Third Beach
• Over 10,000 trees and sections of fallen trees removed and distributed
• Upgrades to Siwash Trail
• Significant (and ongoing) progress on invasive plant removal
• Upgrades and reopening of the historic lookout above Siwash Rock
• Development of a long-term forest management plan
• Installation of new interpretive panels around the park that tell the stories of the parks history, ecology and geology.
• Archeological elements in the park have been identified and documented
• Extensive mapping of various natural and manmade elements of the park have been completed
• The Stanley Park Environmental Art Project, a collaboration between park stewards, ecologists and artists that used only natural materials. More information at www.vancouver.ca/spea
  

One of 15,000 seedlings
planted for the future

Trees from the blowdown used in
foyer of new Trout Lake ice rink.

A fallen tree takes on a new life as a traditional
canoe by students at Britannia Sec. School.

Background »

The impact of the storm was widespread, leaving large swaths of downed trees and tons of debris on the Seawall. The impact on the public was just as overwhelming, resulting in a generous and spontaneous outpouring of support from across the country.

Committees »

The task of restoring the park after the extensive damage caused by the December 2006 storm was long and complex, requiring the dedicated efforts of staff, consultation with forestry, geotechnical and ecology experts and input from community stakeholders and partners. Several committees were instrumental in guiding and supporting the restoration process.

• Top