Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw has significant concerns and outstanding questions about the potential dredging project moving forward in Burrard Inlet. The stated objective of this dredging is to unlock further movement of oil and goods through our waters — movement that could directly impact our reserves at Ch’ích’elxwi7kw (Seymour), Eslha7an (Mission), and X̱wemelch’stn (Capilano), as well as our village site at X̱wáýx̱way (Stanley Park).
Existing tanker and port-related vessel traffic already has major impacts on Burrard Inlet, and cultural impacts on our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People. Increasing vessel movement will only compound these issues.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss our concerns directly with the federal government. In the meantime, we are working internally to determine our next steps.
-Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams
Background:
On June 23, 2026, the Vancouver Port Authority issued a project permit to undertake dredging activities in Burrard Inlet. The aim of the dredging is to improve shipping efficiency along the Inlet’s Second Narrows waterway.
Currently, large oil tankers docking at Trans Mountain’s Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby only fill to 80 percent capacity due to risks of bottoming out in the channel underneath the Second Narrows Bridge. Dredging Burrard Inlet would allow the tankers to fill to 100 percent. The dredging work is scheduled to begin in September, and be complete in 2027 or early 2028.
You can read more about this project on the Port of Vancouver website here