After a one-year break, our Paddle the Slough event is set to launch on May 10, 2025, along the serene waters of Hope Slough in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Co-organized by Watershed Watch Salmon Society and SOS Save Our Sloughs, this gathering invites community members and paddling aficionados to gather for a day of exploration, education, and celebration of one of the region’s most cherished waterways. Participants can join a flotilla paddle and learn about the vital role this waterway plays in the community.

Can’t make it to the launch day? Not to worry. From May 11th to June 15th is the Paddle the Slough Challenge where you can enjoy a paddle on your own time and explore not just the Hope Slough but all the other sloughs in the area. Share your photos on social media or by email to be entered to win prizes and help spread the word about this unique and threatened waterway. Registration is now open. Visit our Eventbrite page for full details and to sign up.

Habitats Program Manager Lina Azeez

A Waterway Under Threat

Recently, the Hope Slough has faced significant environmental challenges. In September 2024, a toxic spill resulted in the death of thousands of juvenile salmon, devastating the aquatic life and alarming local communities. Investigations suggested that the spill caused a sudden drop in oxygen levels, leading to the mass fish kill. The source of the contamination was suspected to be related to agricultural activities in the area. Subsequent incidents in November and December 2024 involved further discharges of industrial waste into the slough, highlighting ongoing threats to this fragile ecosystem.

Paddle the Slough 2023. Photo: Jeff Janz

A Place Worth Celebrating

At the same time, there is so much to celebrate! The Hope Slough has received a lot of love over the last two years thanks to an awesome restoration project led by Cheam Nation. The Slough now has five salmon spawning beds, one juvenile salmon holding pond and 3.5 kilometres of riparian habitat restored with thousands of plants. This extra attention on the Slough is the reason field crews were able to alert authorities of the fish kills and raise the issue to national level.

Why Hope Slough Matters

Hope Slough is more than just a picturesque waterway; it is a vital component of Chilliwack’s natural heritage, offering a multitude of ecosystem services that benefit both the environment and the community. Slow-moving waters like the Hope Slough serve as crucial habitats for various fish species, including salmon, providing spawning and rearing grounds essential for them to complete their life cycle. These waterways also contribute to flood mitigation by absorbing excess rainfall and reducing the impact of flood events on surrounding areas. They also offer recreational opportunities such as kayaking, bird-watching, and nature walks, enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a connection with the natural world.

Paddle the Slough 2025: How to Take Part

Paddle the Slough 2025 aims to raise awareness about the significance of preserving and restoring Hope Slough. By participating in this event, community members can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and support initiatives to safeguard our waterways. The event will feature a guided paddling tour, educational sessions on local flora and fauna, and discussions on the challenges facing Hope Slough and the measures needed to address them.

Registration for Paddle the Slough 2025 is now open. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a newcomer, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with your community and safely explore a local waterway. 

May 10 – Community Flotilla
Join us on the water for a guided paddle and learn about local wildlife, restoration efforts, and what’s needed to protect Hope Slough into the future.

May 11 – June 15 – Paddle the Slough Challenge
Take your own self-guided paddle anytime during the challenge window and share your photos by email or on social media to be eligible for prizes. You’re invited to explore Hope Slough or one of the other nearby sloughs in the area.

Prizes

This year’s prize packs include:

• Three Watershed Watch and SOS- Save our Slough Prize Packs
  • Get geared up for one of the greatest migrations on Earth. Witness salmon spawning in style with a Watershed Watch toque and t-shirt, a copy of the Pacific Salmon Field Guide, and SOS water bottle—everything you need to look the part and know your fish while out on the riverbank.
• One Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance Prize Pack
  • Rep the wild salmon defenders with this prize pack, complete with a hoodie, t-shirt, and necklace that says: you’re in it for the fish!
• One Fair Prize Pack
  • Includes a Family Pass to the Chilliwack Fair (Aug 8–10) and two SOS water bottles to stay cool while exploring the exhibits, eats, and entertainment.
• Two Grow & Flow Pack Prize Packs
  • Get your garden growing and your playlist flowing. These prize packs come with a $25 Fruits & Shoots gift card, and a tumbler and pair of headphones courtesy of Water Wealth! It’s perfect for watering your veggies and your soul.
• Two Brew & Bloom Prize Packs
  • Start your day strong—coffee in one hand, garden tools in the other. Each prize pack includes a $10 Amble Coffee gift card, $25 Fruits & Shoots gift card, and SOS water bottle.
• One Fuel & Flowers Prize Pack
  • Top up your car and your flower beds with this handy little prize pack. It’s got a $20 PetroCanada gift card, $25 Fruits & Shoots gift card, and an SOS water bottle

Photo: Roxanna Kooistra