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- September 2020
More lands added to the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area
In September 2020, the City of Delta and Metro Vancouver collaboratively add 321 hectares, including the Delta Nature Reserve, to the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area to enhance the protection of this important ecosystem.
- July 2016
Fire in the bog (78 ha, 193 acres)
On July 3, 2016, a fire starts just west of 80th Street, east of Highway 17. The fire causes a temporary closure of Highway 17 and evacuation of the Tilbury Industrial Area. It burns 78 hectares of bog land and takes three days to fully contain. The fire is fought by Delta Fire, the BC Wildfire Service and Metro Vancouver using helicopters, aerial tankers and ground crews. Firefighters are brought in from Squamish and Hope to assist. Delta Fire also receives help from fire halls in Surrey, New Westminster and Richmond.
- 2012 September
Burns Bog designated a Wetland of International Importance
On September 22, 2012, the Ramsar Secretariat announces the designation of 20,682 hectares of land as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, the highest designation for the protection of wetlands. The Fraser River Delta Ramsar Site includes Burns Bog, the Wildlife Management Areas of Sturgeon Bank, South Arm Marshes, Boundary Bay, Serpentine and the former Alaksen Ramsar Site on Westham Island. Delta hosts a special event to celebrate the designation.
- September 2020
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- 2008 May
Adoption of the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area Management Plan. The Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area Management plan is adopted by all four purchasing partners (Delta, Metro Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada).
- 2007 May
Fire in the bog (2 ha, 5 acres).
- 2007 May
The Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area Management plan is completed.
- 2007 May
Restoration work begins in earnest.
Delta hires the first crew of summer students to build dams in the ditches of Burns Bog to raise the water table and restore the ecosystem. Ditch blocking continues to this day.
- 2005 September
Fire in the bog (205 ha, 507 acres). Delta responds with a fire management plan. A massive fire spreads over 200 ha (507 acres) of Burns Bog. The plume of smoke can be seen from Vancouver Island, and it creates a thick fog over the Lower Mainland for days. Dozens of tires that had supported the old peat extraction railway in Burns Bog catch fire and send black smoke into the air. High winds spread the fire quickly through the bog’s forest canopy, and the peat itself smolders underneath the bog surface, creating dangerous conditions for firefighters.Metro Vancouver posts an Air Quality Advisory of "Fair to Poor air quality rating" for various parts of Metro Vancouver due to elevated concentrations of inhalable and fine particulates brought on by the Burns Bog fire. Residents sensitive to air pollution are requested to reduce their exposure to smoke from the fire. Delta Fire works tirelessly with a team of provincial and regional firefighters to control the blaze. By the 10th day, the fire has been overcome and is in the final mop-up stage.
In response to the fire, a detailed wildfire management plan is developed for Burns Bog, including maps of local water sources in the bog, an access route map showing ATV and foot trails to allow firefighters to navigate the bog, and maps showing the soft peat-mined areas and ditches which can be dangerous for firefighters on the ground.
- 2005 summer
Scientific monitoring of the Burns Bog Ecosystem begins.
Based on advice from the Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel, Delta and Metro Vancouver (the agencies for responsible for managing Burns Bog) undertake an environmental monitoring program in the bog. Delta’s Engineering department begins a comprehensive water level monitoring program to record changes in the vital water table of the bog. Metro Vancouver Regional Parks commences an annual study of the bog’s vegetation, to record how the ecology of the bog is responding to restoration efforts. Monitoring continues to this day.
- 2005 spring
Burns Bog designated as an Ecological Conservancy Area.
Delta adopts a new Official Community Plan that designates Burns Bog as an Ecological Conservancy Area.
- 2005 January
The Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel is formed.
A Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) is formed to provide technical advice to the Burns Bog Planning Team, a committee of staff representatives from the four purchasing partners (Delta, Metro Vancouver, BC and Canada). The SAP gives the Planning Team advice on hydrology, ecology and other scientific issues relating to the management of Burns Bog.
- 2004 November
Delta hosts two special events to celebrate the protection of Burns Bog.
- 2004 November
Delta Council directs staff to proceed with the implementation of water control measures. Council directs staff to proceed with the implementation of water control measures within and adjacent to Burns Bog, and to work with adjacent farmers to move or discontinue existing water licenses within or adjacent to Burns Bog.
- 2004 October
"We're not done yet!" Delta council vows to purchase remaining bog lands. Even after the successful purchase of the majority of Burns Bog, Delta Council continues to pursue the protection of the remaining parcels of bog lands. At the October 4, 2004 regular meeting of Council, the following motion is put on notice: “That The Corporation of Delta hereby give notice that it views all land areas in Burns Bog as possible candidates for future environmental protection.” The question is postponed until November, to take place after the upcoming Official Community Plan meeting. The motion is carried by Council on November 29, 2004.
- 2004 March
"Burns Bog saved!" Canada, British Columbia, Metro Vancouver and Delta purchase 2,042 ha (5,046 acres) of Burns Bog, to be preserved in perpetuity as an environmental reserve. Bylaw 6266, 2004 is passed by Delta Council at a Special Meeting to designate Burns Bog as a Regional Park. Former Mayor Jackson makes the following “Special Announcement” at the March 29, 2004, Council meeting:“Mayor Jackson announced the successful purchase of Burns Bog by Canada, British Columbia, the GVRD and the Corporation of Delta and expressed appreciation to staff who worked on finalizing the purchase. The Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Human Resources and Corporate Planning, and Municipal Solicitor were thanked for their work, along with the Mayor's Executive Assistant. Mayor Jackson expressed appreciation to Council and for the years spent working towards the goal of preserving Burns Bog, and indicated that further work lay ahead, such as the development of a management agreement amongst the partners."
- 2003
Multi-government coalition offers to purchase Burns Bog for $77.8 million. Four levels of government make an offer to Western Delta Lands for 5,426 acres of Burns Bog, for the price of $77.8 million. Former Mayor Lois Jackson describes the offer as “historic”. The agreement between the four offering partners is hammered out at Delta municipal hall where politics are “left at the door”, says former Mayor Jackson.
- 2003 February
Burns Bog tree bylaw passed by Delta Council.
In February 2003, Delta Council passes a bylaw (6122, 2003) to stop tree cutting in Burns Bog without a permit, in response to recent logging activities on bog lands.
- 2002 February
The multi-government effort to purchase Burns Bog continues.
At an October meeting of Delta Council, an update on Burns Bog is provided. The Courts had recently ruled that the Province could foreclose on its mortgage, and that the municipal taxes on this property were now delinquent. It was stated that if they remained unpaid for one year, ownership of the property would default to Delta.
- 2001
Formal offer to purchase and permanently protect Burns Bog announced but rejected. Canada and the Province of British Columbia announce a formal offer to purchase and permanently protect Burns Bog. Delta and Metro Vancouver are to be the other purchasing partners. The offer is rejected by the landowners.
- 2001
Delta taxpayers contribute to the future purchase of Burns Bog.
A 0.3% levy is added to utility taxes for Delta residents, to be dedicated to the possible purchase of Burns Bog and to provide for the eventual closure of the Vancouver Landfill.
- 2001
Delta Council resolves to acquire Burns Bog.
Delta Council resolves to purchase Burns Bog immediately, or if an agreement is not reached in one week, to pursue regulatory options and drainage management to protect the bog from further deterioration. Delta establishes the Mayor’s Task Force on Burns Bog.Delta Council resolves that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities should urge the federal government to participate financially, as a partner with the provincial and municipal governments, in the purchase of Burns Bog.
- 2001
Delta begins controlling water losses from the bog.
Delta’s Environmental Advisory Committee recommends that staff do what they can to “safeguard the ecological values of Delta properties in Burns Bog, and reduce fire hazards on all properties in and near the bog by maintaining higher water levels on all municipal drainage systems in and around Burns Bog”. In response, Delta’s Engineering Department implements a water level management program for the bog, focusing on perimeter drainage management. The water level management program includes installation of control weirs, monitoring of the water levels, and aerial photography.
- 2000
Burns Bog featured on U-Haul trucks.
U-Haul creates a Burns Bog graphic for display on their moving trucks, and features information and stories about Burns Bog on their website.
- 2000
Burns Bog Committee established by Delta Council.
Delta Council establishes an internal Burns Bog Committee, consisting of former Mayor Jackson, former Councillor Gentner, the Director of Community Planning and Development, and George V. Harvie, Chief Administrative Officer.
- 2000
Ecosystem Review concludes "Save Burns Bog."
A comprehensive review of the Burns Bog ecosystem concludes that 73 percent of Burns Bog (2,200 of 3,000 ha) must be protected to maintain its ecological integrity. The morning after the Ecosystem Review is released, former Mayor Lois E. Jackson is on the phone to arrange a meeting with regional, provincial and federal governments to purchase the bog lands. The Mayor receives approval from Delta Council to lead the discussions with multiple levels of government to purchase the bog.
- 2008 May
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- 1999
75 percent of Delta's voters say "Yes" to purchasing Burns Bog.
Delta Council gives three readings to the Burns Bog Referendum Bylaw No. 5771, 1999. The purpose of the referendum, to appear on the November ballot, is to ask the residents of Delta:“Do you support Council’s request to the Premier of the Province and the Leader of the Opposition that the Province enter into non-partisan negotiations with the owners of Burns Bog to purchase it in its entirety, and that if such negotiations fail, they commit to entering into an expropriation process?”
The referendum passes, with 75 percent of respondents voting “Yes."
- 1999
Development, Pacific National Exhibition, and parkland proposed for the bog. Delta Fraser Properties (formerly Western Delta Lands) unveils plans to conserve 1,215 ha (3,000 acres) of the bog and develop 1,102 ha (2,500 acres), including the contentious proposal to move the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) to Burns Bog. Public protest causes the province to back off on the PNE move and request an ecosystem review of the bog, to be paid for by Delta Fraser Properties. The purpose of the review is to determine how much of the bog is required to preserve its environmental integrity. Delta Council turns down the development and PNE proposal, and urges the Province to buy the bog. Delta Councillor McDonald makes a motion to demand the government buy or expropriate the bog (Vancouver Sun and Delta Optimist, February 18, 1999).
- 1998
Several small fires break out in the bog, but are extinguished quickly.
- 1996
Delta strikes deal to send Vancouver Landfill up, instead of out into the bog. The City of Vancouver, Metro Vancouver and Delta agree that a large portion of Burns Bog slated as landfill be transferred to Delta and designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area. A new ESA category is established to ensure that the primary uses of this parcel are: ecosystem management, including the preservation or management of vegetation and wildlife; habitat enhancement; drainage improvements that are necessary to maintain or restore the bog's hydrological functions; and low-impact research activities that contribute to scientific knowledge about the bog. Soon after, the Delta Nature Reserve is also designated as an ESA.
- 1996
Fire in the bog (80 ha, 198 acres).
- 1995
Dr. David Bellamy advises community to save Burns Bog.
Dr. David Bellamy, a well-known English bog expert, recommends protection of the bog ecosystem. He calls Burns Bog a “precious place” and says that it would be protected if it was in Europe.
- 1994
Fire in the bog (extent unknown).
- 1992
Fire in the bog (extent unknown).
- 1992
Racetrack proposed for the bog.
Western Delta Lands proposes a 1-mile thoroughbred racetrack, which would cover 350 acres (142 ha) of bog lands. The design plans are well underway when it is decided that the region does not require such a large-scale racetrack. Instead, Vancouver’s Exhibition Park is upgraded and the bog racetrack plans are rejected (Delta Optimist, Feb 3, 1999).
- 1991
Residents request that Burns Bog be designated as an ecological reserve. A motion to designate Burns Bog as an ecological reserve is brought to Delta Council by a Vancouver resident. The request is defeated by the majority of Council, with the reasoning that the bog designation would be considered during the next revision of the Official Community Plan. Council receives additional correspondence from residents and community groups requesting that the bog be protected as an environmental reserve. By 1999, Delta Council had received hundreds of letters and requests from the community, asking that the bog be saved.
- 1991
Industrial Development proposed for the bog.
Western Delta Lands proposes a 55-acre (22 ha) industrial development to Metro Vancouver (Delta Optimist, Feb 3, 1999).
- 1990 September
Fire in the bog (48 hectares)
Delta Firefighter Mike Cornell is presented with a plaque in recognition of heroic acts in saving four other Delta Firefighters from the Burns Bog fire.
- 1990
Industrial Development proposed for the bog.
Western Delta Lands proposes a 2,500-acre (1,000 ha) industrial development, which is to be constructed over a span of 25 years. The proposal is later defeated (Delta Optimist, Feb 3, 1999).
- 1999
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- 1988
$10 billion deep sea port proposed.
A proposal for a $10 billion deep sea port is brought forward to Delta Council by Western Delta Lands. Dubbed “Bog City” to the horror of Delta’s residents, the site was to include housing for an additional 120,000 people. The proposal was scrutinized during four nights of public hearings, and was defeated six months later (Delta Optimist, Feb 3, 1999).
- 1987
Deep sea port study announced for Burns Bog.
Western Delta Lands announces a study to explore the possibility of developing a multi-billion dollar deep sea port, a large industrial site and a residential development in 6,000-plus acres of Burns Bog. The development would have required a 40-foot deep, 600-acre water basin for the port.
- 1977
Dr. Richard Hebda completes his thesis on the paleoecology of Burns Bog. Dr. Richard Hebda completes his doctoral thesis on the paleoecology of Burns Bog, painting an accurate picture of how the bog developed over the past 10,000 years. Paleoecology is the study of the ecology of past communities by means of the fossil record. Dr. Hebda used pollen grains hidden deep within Burns Bog to study its past plant communities. Dr. Hebda would later be the lead author of the Burns Bog Ecosystem Review, and an expert scientist on the Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel.
- 1977
Fire in the bog (4 ha, 10 acres)
- 1975
Fire in the bog (extent unknown).
- 1950s
Fire in the bog (extent unknown).
- 1950s
22 miles of railway are built in Burns Bog by Western Delta Lands.
- 1930s
Peat extraction begins in Burns Bog, and continues until 1984.
- 1907
Dominic and brother Patrick Burns makes plans to "improve" his lands. In a Delta Times article from November 8, 1907, Dominic Burns announces his plans to “improve” his newly-purchased bog lands by “brushing and draining” the 8,000 acre (3,200 ha) parcel. A large ditch was to be run through the property, as well as smaller ditches, and then the property was to be seeded for “pastoral purposes."
- 1906
Dominic Burns, brother of Senator Patrick Burns, purchases most of the Great Delta Bog.
- 1988
