The Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society held an annual event with hundreds of people celebrating salmon spawning at the Return of the Salmon on Sunday.
“It’s really nice to see families and youth coming out to watch the salmon,” said KEEPS education coordinator Ross Davies. “We had 450 people and one back bear.
“Having salmon in our hometown is really special, and it’s something we want to celebrate,” said Davies. “It’s part of who we are.”
The event was held at the Kanaka Creek Park fish fence on 240th Street, at Kanaka Creek Road.
Some of those attending were fortunate enough to catch a wildlife scene, as a large black bear went into the river fishing, and came out with a salmon.
There were displays by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and Wildsafe BC, the Maple Ridge Lions brought popcorn, and Holly Arntzen provided music with her guitar and keyboards.
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Ross said the salmon run appears to be typical for the waterway so far this season. Last week, after there was about 10 centimetres of rain in 36 hours, the fish started up the Kanaka to spawn.
“We’re at the front end of the chum return, and so far it’s looking pretty average,” said Davies, which for the waterway typically means 3,000 to 4,000 chum.
He said the run will peak around Halloween.
There also coho salmon in the system, and a small number of sockeye.
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