TRACK 2, DAY 1
When the Storms Returned: A Creek’s Test of Repair, Resilience, and Mother Nature’s Unscripted Lessons
Tyler Dilley, Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Hall F
ABSTRACT
As atmospheric river events increase in frequency and intensity across British Columbia, their influence on local watersheds, infrastructure, and ecosystems has become a pressing concern. These events are no stranger to the Fraser Valley, along Lagace Creek in Hatzic, BC, where the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy initiated a project to reduce the risk of avulsion and flooding from these events.
In 2024, Milestone Delta Aggregates Joint Venture carried out creek realignment, bedload removal, and riprap installation to restore bank stability. The project incorporated extensive invasive knotweed removal and a large-scale fish salvage operation that required several weeks to complete. Persistent rainfall throughout the construction period hindered progress.
Just after completion of the first phase of work, a major atmospheric river flood on October 19-20, 2024, caused extensive washouts that nullified much of the restoration work. In response, the team postponed repairs until 2025 to reassess the creek’s resiliency features, focusing on improved riffle configuration, bioengineering techniques, and adaptive channel implementation.
This abstract discusses the technical and environmental lessons learned and how collaborative, flexible thinking can strengthen creek systems to withstand the growing unpredictability of Mother Nature.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Tyler Dilley, Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc.
Tyler Dilley is a Regional Manager at Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc. with 24 years of experience in the environmental industry. As Regional Manager, Tyler oversees complex environmental projects in Eastern Canada.
Tyler specializes in environmental remediation, project management, and client relations. Known for his strategic vision and team leadership, he has successfully delivered impactful environmental solutions across Canada, fostering sustainable outcomes and innovative approaches.
Having partnered with federal, municipal, and private sector clients, Tyler emphasizes collaboration in project execution, ensuring customized solutions that meet client needs while maintaining the highest standards of quality.