Guichon Creek Culvert and Sinkhole Repair in BCIT

Project Highlights

Sinkhole to Fishway: Emergency Response as a Pathway to Resilience

When a sinkhole formed above the Guichon Creek Culvert at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), the campus seized the opportunity to pursue a long-term, sustainable solution rather than another costly temporary repair. The aging 600m corrugated steel pipe (CSP) culvert had been failing repeatedly. Instead of continuing with reactive maintenance, the project team proposed daylighting a section of the culvert—removing the failing infrastructure and replacing it with an open, naturalized stream and fishway.

This innovative, nature-based approach aligned with BCIT’s sustainability goals and transformed an emergency response into an investment in climate adaptation. The daylighted creek increased flood resilience, improved ecological function, and created valuable green space, while also reducing long-term infrastructure maintenance costs. For the first time in over 50 years, fish passage was restored to the upper reaches of Guichon Creek, supporting local salmon populations and enhancing campus biodiversity.

The project overcame complex challenges, including tight urban site constraints, active campus operations, and heavy rainfall events during construction. The team’s integrated design included a pumped and gravity bypass system, allowing work to continue through most flow events while maintaining environmental protections.

Collaboration and interdisciplinary expertise were central to success. The team worked closely with BCIT to align with their long-term vision and minimize design revisions. The daylighting initiative has become a model of sustainable campus infrastructure, offering educational opportunities for students and inspiring future restoration phases. As the first step in a broader vision to restore Guichon Creek, the project reflects a forward-thinking asset management approach—using natural systems to deliver environmental, educational, and infrastructure resilience.