The sánəsaʔł (Alouette River) in Katzie Territory was once a thriving sanctuary where all five Pacific salmon species prospered —including the revered sockeye. Returning each year, to nourish the land, waters, and people. This sacred cycle was disrupted by the construction of the Alouette dam, which blocked ancient salmon pathways and forever altered a delicate ecosystem that had sustained life and culture for generations. The Alouette River Management Society was then formed as a society in 1993 by a group of passionate community members who recognized the urgent need to address fish passage and preserve wild salmon species in the Alouette Watershed.
At the time of formation, the primary focus of ARMS, was to negotiate with BC Hydro an increase in the river’s base flow from the Alouette Dam. This would require changes to the management of the Alouette Dam and Hydro’s methods of flow releases. This goal was achieved in 1996, when the base river flow release was increased by fivefold. Since 1996, ARMS has become involved in almost all aspects of watershed stewardship, including education, inventory, monitoring, habitat restoration and lobbying for the protection of aquatic habitat. We are proud to have strong community connections and are able to connect with private properties in order to assist landowners with the implementation of sound stewardship practices on their land.
As a grassroots registered charitable organization, we envision the Alouette Watershed as a resilient ecosystem rich in biodiversity, culture and recreation. Our mission is to sustain and enhance the integrity of the Alouette Watershed through advocacy, education, collaboration, and stewardship using science-based decision-making. We believe that true restoration requires a comprehensive approach that respects the interconnectedness within ecosystems. By addressing the underlying causes of habitat loss and species decline, we focus on revitalizing the natural processes and relationships essential for these environments to thrive.
Looking for ARMS HQ? Welcome to the Rivers Heritage Centre!
In 1996, ARMS secured funding for a period of time from the federal and provincial programs to support salmon habitat restoration and enhancement. Those funding sources ended in the early 2000s, leaving no replacement support from either level of government. While the Rivers Heritage project initially had funding, dwindling resources meant we could no longer retain HQ Management’s services. Determined to see it through, ARMS partnered with BC Corrections to complete the Rivers Heritage Centre. Thanks to their collective efforts, the Centre was finished in March 1999, and we proudly celebrated its official opening during Rivers Day that same year!
Originally planned as an outdoor educational shelter, the Centre evolved into a full facility with offices, a kitchen, and washrooms. Today, the Rivers Heritage Centre serves as ARMS’ home base, housing supplies for restoration projects and hosting educational workshops, summer camps, spring break camps, and hatchery tours, making it a hub for community engagement and environmental stewardship.
The Rivers Heritage Centre is located at: 24959 Alouette Road, Maple Ridge
The Rivers Heritage Centre is located on corrections property, and all visitors must check in upon arrival. Please note that the hatchery is not open to the public, as it is operated by Corrections as part of their inmate program. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting these guidelines.
We honor the long-standing care and stewardship that the Nations have provided to these watersheds since time immemorial. With deep respect for Indigenous rights and title, we are grateful to work in collaboration with the (q̓ic̓əy̓) First Nation and Kwantlen (qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓) First Nations, recognizing the strength of these partnerships.
