Current Firehall Creek restoration project

Over the past several years, invasive species have taken over the creek bed and riparian area of Firehall Creek beside the Luxton ball field.  Invasive species harm ecosystems by out-competing native species and disrupting habitat. 

We began the restoration by cleaning hundreds of pounds of garbage from the creek and vicinity over the past two years, and collaborating with the City of Langford to place roadside signs to identify Firehall Creek.

In late summer/fall of 2025, we will remove Gorse, Broom, Yellow Flag Iris and other aggressive invasive plants from the stretch of creek between the Luxton ball field and the Mann Group headquarters under construction.

We’ve been authorized to remove invasives by hand and by machine where necessary, during the annual “fish window” for work in and around creeks.   

To avoid using herbicide near the creek and to prevent further erosion of the creekbank if roots were to be removed, we’re cutting gorse plants to ground level, then covering the gorse areas with heavy tarps that completely block light from the roots and seedbank. The tarps will be anchored in place for 12 to 18 months before we can revegetate those areas with native plants. Regular volunteer monitoring and maintenance will be carried out to ensure that the gorse is completely suppressed.   

In the non-gorse sections we’ll anchor and stake erosion blankets to protect the integrity of the creek banks while encouraging new native plants to take root. To ensure success, much of the planting will be delayed until fall rains set in. 

We’re using fully biodegradable hemp and jute erosion blankets to stabilize the subsoil and accelerate establishment of native vegetation.

Volunteers will monitor and maintain this reach of Firehall Creek in the coming years to assess the work and find other ways to enhance habitat values. We’d love to have your help to protect this part of Bilston Watershed as a member or volunteer with the BWHPA!

The BWHPA has received support and encouragement from many partners and stakeholders, including the Mann Group, Metchosin Farmers’ Institute, Canada Water Agency, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Sellentin Habitat Restoration & Invasive Species Removal, Satinflower Native Plant Nursery, Corvidae Environmental Consultants, Slegg Building Materials, Metchosin Foundation and the City of Langford.

Past Firehall Creek improvements

Part of Firehall Creek runs through the Luxton Fairgrounds parking area, just west of Happy Valley Road and Sooke Highway. In 2004, a gas supply pipeline was installed along the Galloping Goose Trail, adjoining the creek at this location.  As part of Terasen Gas' community projects, it was decided to improve this section of the stream. The area was badly infested with non-native gorse, which restricted the growth of other more desirable native plants.

Teams of workers from CRD Parks, Terasen Gas, students from Pearson College, Langford City employees and BWHPA members removed gorse, Scotch broom, and blackberry bushes from the stream bank over the course of a year.  Gorse is particularly challenging to remove as it can grow back from the smallest root or shoot left behind. 

Willows were also planted along the lower bank of the stream.  During the summer of 2004, it was found that adult cutthroat trout were being trapped in the remnant pools left as the stream slowly dried up.  Due to the extensive channeling done, there was no longer enough shade.  The trout were using the large area of exposed clean gravel as a spawning area but were becoming trapped as the water levels diminished.  By planting large willows and tying them across the stream, the hope was to provide shade and reduce the evaporation and water temperature.