Vancouver’s first floating ecosystem has been launched onto Trout Lake as a pilot to improve biodiversity, plant and wildlife habitat in John Hendry Park.

The floating habitat is the first of its kind in the Lower Mainland, supplied by ecological technology company, Biomatrix Water, and donated by BlueTech Research.

Made from sustainable, non-toxic materials, the 60 square metre island is constructed from a series of interlocking platforms, and planted with native species such as sedges and rushes to support plant and animal life above and below the surface of the water.

Designed to improve water quality as the system grows, the island’s submerged roots create a habitat for millions of microorganisms that consume algae, carbon, and excess nutrients to purify the water. A subsurface forest of roots provides shelter for fish, while varying platforms provide a nesting and preening habitat for birds. The island will be floated towards the middle of Trout Lake to reduce conflict with lake users.

“The impacts of climate change – unseasonably cold temperatures, extreme heat, extended drought – are a continued threat to Vancouver’s environment and wildlife, we must do everything we can as a city to seek new, sustainable ways to support our greenspaces through this climate emergency,” says Chad Townsend, senior planner of environment and sustainability at the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “Not only is this the a positive step in increasing biodiversity in John Hendry Park, it’s also an experiment in testing innovative new solutions to support our local flora and fauna system-wide and improve the natural habitats in which they live long term.”