səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Shoreline Adaptation & Restoration

The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) led the protection and restoration of approximately 500 metres of reserve shoreline along the north shore of Burrard Inlet. The project responds to erosion, sea-level rise and habitat degradation while protecting culturally significant archaeological sites and critical community infrastructure.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team led by Westmar Advisors, PWL played a pivotal role in developing nature-based shoreline solutions informed by Indigenous knowledge, ecological processes and technical analysis. Our landscape architecture expertise helped shape a more natural shoreline condition that enhances marine and intertidal habitat while improving resilience to erosion, storms and changing coastal conditions.

Completed in 2026, the project reflects the Nation’s longstanding relationship with Burrard Inlet and commitment to the stewardship of these lands and waters. By bringing together cultural, ecological and technical knowledge, the restored shoreline supports biodiversity and ecological function while responding to the increasing pressures of sea-level rise, storms, marine activity and other changes within the inlet.