HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-07 Workshop Meeting Agenda and Reports.pdfDistrict of Maple Ridge
1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
2.MINUTES –March 17, 2014
3.PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
3.1
4.UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
4.1 Fibre Optic Network – Request for Information and Qualifications (RFIQ) Status
Update and Next Steps
Staff report dated April 7, 2014 providing an update on the status of a request for
information and qualifications seeking out private sector interest in access to the
community fibre conduit network.
COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA
April 7, 2014
9:00 a.m.
Blaney Room, 1st Floor, Municipal Hall
The purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and
other items of interest to Council. Although resolutions may be passed at
this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decision to send an item to
Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to staff for more
information or clarification.
REMINDERS
April 7, 2014
Closed Council 11:00 a.m.
Committee of the Whole Meeting 1:00 p.m.
April 8, 2014
Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Council Workshop
April 7, 2014
Page 2 of 4
4.2 Reserves
Staff report dated April 7, 2014 providing an overview of the District’s financial
resources.
For information only
No motion required
4.3 Noxious Weeds Update
Presentation by the Manager of Parks and Open Spaces and Laurie Kremsater,
Madrone Environmental Services
4.4 Proposed Sign Bylaw No. 7008-2013
Staff report dated April 7, 2014 providing a final update on proposed Sign Bylaw
No. 7008-2013 in advance of proceeding to further public consultation for
additional input.
For information only
No motion required
4.5 Council Review of Advisory Committees & Commissions
Staff report dated April 7, 2014 recommending that an Advisory Committee Task
Force consisting of the Mayor, Councillor Dueck and Councillor Hogarth review the
Advisory Committees of Council.
5. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence has been received and requires a response. Staff is
seeking direction from Council on each item. Options that Council may consider include:
a) Acknowledge receipt of correspondence and advise that no further action will be
taken.
b) Direct staff to prepare a report and recommendation regarding the subject matter.
c) Forward the correspondence to a regular Council meeting for further discussion.
d) Other.
Once direction is given the appropriate response will be sent.
Council Workshop
April 7, 2014
Page 3 of 4
5.1 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (“UBCM”)
Correspondence from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities providing
information on the submission of resolutions to UBCM. Proposed resolutions are
attached.
5.2 Federation of Canadian Municipalities (“FCM”)
Sample Model Housing Resolution for support from Council
6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL
7. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
8. ADJOURNMENT
Checked by: ___________
Date: _________________
Council Workshop
April 7, 2014
Page 4 of 4
Rules for Holding a Closed Meeting
A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one
or more of the following:
(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as
an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
(b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or
honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity;
(c) labour relations or employee negotiations;
(d) the security of property of the municipality;
(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that
disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
(f) law enforcement, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the
conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment;
(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality;
(h) an administrative tribunal hearing or potential administrative tribunal hearing affecting the municipality,
other than a hearing to be conducted by the council or a delegate of council
(i) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for
that purpose;
(j) information that is prohibited or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited
from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at
their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the
interests of the municipality if they were held in public;
(l) discussions with municipal officers and employees respecting municipal objectives, measures and
progress reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98 [annual municipal
report]
(m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting;
(n) the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection of
subsection (2)
(o) the consideration of whether the authority under section 91 (other persons attending closed meetings)
should be exercised in relation to a council meeting.
(p) information relating to local government participation in provincial negotiations with First Nations, where
an agreement provides that the information is to be kept confidential.
District of Maple Ridge
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
March 17, 2014
The Minutes of the Municipal Council Workshop held on March 17, 2014 at
9:00 a.m. in the Blaney Room of the Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple
Ridge, British Columbia for the purpose of transacting regular Municipal business.
PRESENT
Elected Officials Appointed Staff
Mayor E. Daykin J. Rule, Chief Administrative Officer
Councillor C. Ashlie K. Swift, General Manager of Community Development,
Councillor C. Bell Parks and Recreation Services
Councillor J. Dueck P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services
Councillor A. Hogarth F. Quinn, General Manager Public Works and Development
Councillor B. Masse Services
Councillor M. Morden C. Marlo, Manager of Legislative Services
A. Gaunt, Confidential Secretary
Other Staff as Required
R. Stott, Environmental Planner
C. Goddard, Manager of Development and Environmental
Services
C. Carter, Director of Planning
S. Matthewson, Recreation Coordinator-Social Planning
C. Balatti, Recreation Manager, Health Wellness
R. Carmichael, Director of Engineering Operations
D. Boag, Director of Parks and Facilities
Note: These Minutes are posted on the Municipal Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca
1.ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was adopted with the addition of the following item:
4.5 Medical Marihuana Discussion
Councillor Ashlie, Councillor Dueck - OPPOSED
2.0
Council Workshop Minutes
March 17, 2014
Page 2 of 4
Note: Item 2.0 was dealt with following Item 3.1
2. MINUTES
R/2014-114
Minutes It was moved and seconded
March 3, 2014
That the minutes of the Council Workshop Meeting of March 3,
2014 be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
3. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
3.1 Discussion with MLA Marc Dalton and MLA Doug Bing
Mayor Daykin welcomed MLA Marc Dalton and MLA Doug Bing. Both MLA’s
spoke to concerns put forward for discussion which included:
a. Blue Ribbon Panel on Crime Reduction and the lack of Ministry of Health
participation;
b. Provincial Mental Health Programs;
c. Party Bus Regulations; and
d. BC Assessment Classification of Medical Marihuana Operations;
4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
4.1 Environmental Management Strategy
• Catherine Berris, Berris and Associates/Urban Systems
Ms. Berris provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the process for
development of the environmental management strategy in terms of key
findings, goals, objectives, strategies and the next steps in the work to be
done. She advised that the strategy is nearly complete pending Council
feedback. She outlined findings based on consulting and feedback, key
successes, strategy goals and actions on how to achieve goals and the long
term strategy pertaining to development permits.
Ms. Berris also spoke to the possible formation of an environmental advisory
committee. She advised that as part of the next steps in her work, the
Environmental Management Strategy will be completed and an
implementation plan will be provided as part of the strategy for review by
Council.
Council Workshop Minutes
March 17, 2014
Page 3 of 4
Note: The meeting was recessed at 11:03 a.m. and reconvened at 11:14 a.m.
4.2 Compassionate Cities Update
Staff report dated March 17, 2014 recommending that the Maple Ridge-Pitt
Meadows-Katzie Community Network conduct research and propose an
implementation strategy regarding the inclusion of a Compassionate Cities
Designation in the 2015 Business Plan.
The General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation
Services provided a background on the topic and outlined the concept of
Compassionate Cities.
The Recreation Coordinator-Social Planning reviewed the report. She advised
that there are no costs to sign on as a compassionate city other than staff
resources to support the ongoing project.
R/2014-115
Compassionate It was moved and seconded
Cities Update
That the Maple Ridge Social Planning Advisory Committee be
directed to request that the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows-Katzie
Community Network conduct the research and propose an
implementation strategy for the Social Planning Advisory
Committee’s consideration regarding the inclusion of a
Compassionate Cities Designation in the 2015 Business Plan.
CARRIED
4.3 Maple Ridge Leisure Centre Update
Staff report dated March 17, 2014 providing an update on the Maple Ridge
Leisure Centre.
The Recreation Manager, Health Wellness, reviewed the report.
The General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation
Services advised on revenue streams for the leisure centre and the work
being done to maintain these streams.
4.4 Cottonwood Landfill Closure Plan Update
Staff report dated March 17, 2014 providing information on the process to
prepare a formal closure pan for the Cottonwood landfill.
Council Workshop Minutes
March 17, 2014
Page 4 of 4
The Director of Engineering Operations reviewed the report.
The Director of Parks and Facilities addressed questions pertaining to the
viability of the use of the site as a sports filed or playground.
R/2014-116
Cottonwood Landfill It was moved and seconded
Closure Plan
That the staff report dated March17, 2014 titled “Cottonwood
Landfill Closure Plan Update” be received for information.
CARRIED
4.5 Medical Marihuana Discussion
Councillor Morden outlined his concerns with the impact of the changes in the
federal medical marihuana legislation scheduled for April 1, 2014.
Mayor Daykin advised that the Fire Chief will provide an update at the March
17, 2014 Committee of the Whole meeting.
5. CORRESPONDENCE – Nil
6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL – Nil
7. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT – Nil
8. ADJOURNMENT – 12:21 p.m.
_______________________________
E. Daykin, Mayor
Certified Correct
___________________________________
C. Marlo, Corporate Officer
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin MEETING DATE: April 07, 2014
and Members of Council
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Workshop
SUBJECT: Fibre Optic Network – RFIQ Status Update and Next Steps
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
To have a modern, sustainable, high-speed telecommunications infrastructure is a necessary
underpinning to the city of the future. Council has taken steps to ensuring Maple Ridge has such
infrastructure in place to support community and economic development purposes.
Council has taken steps to define the District role in community telecommunications networks and
much progress has been made in the area of wireless and fibre optic development. The most recent
initiative was to develop a Request For Information and Qualifications (RFIQ) to seek out private
sector interest to partner in bringing greater economic development benefits based upon access to
the community fibre conduit network.
This memo notes that process did not yield a viable solution for the District, and that staff are now
undertaking additional research on practical options based upon local opportunities.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That Council receive the report entitled Fibre Optic Network – RFIQ Status Update and Next Steps for
information.
DISCUSSION:
Background Context:
Development of the District conduit network was originally guided by general principles of taking
advantage of our road works, build in extra capacity, look after District interests first, and provide for
economic development spin-offs. There has been good progress and some set-backs over the years.
The District has over 15 km of conduit in the ground, achieved through a combination of:
- capital investments in conjunction with District capital improvements in roads;
- adaptively reusing abandoned infrastructure such as watermains;
- Provincial contributions as part of new infrastructure funding; and
- private sector contributions.
1 4.1
Of the 15 km of conduit, the District utilizes over 3 km for active fibre optic communications between
District Hall and Fire Hall #1 and the Operations Centre. As well, the District has about 8 km of
abandoned underground pipes suitable for inclusion into the active network at some future date.
The guiding principles noted above served the District well as the network started, but to achieve the
fullness of the opportunity it was time to consider enhanced business models to derive the benefits
of an information economy and to gain the secondary business development benefits.
The District has had some success in finding partners in the past. A previous attempt yielded a
beneficial arrangement and some investments in the network from an established
telecommunications company. The investments in the network at that time included fibre optic
cabling that resulted in direct data communications from District Hall to Fire Hall #1, and then to the
Operations Centre. The benefits of having those facilities on our own network included achieving
business continuity and disaster recovery capability, centralized data storage and backup, and
permitting enhanced access to business applications and mapping in support of services to citizens.
However, the partnership ran into the 2008 recession and private sector investment dollars dried up
and the arrangement folded.
A July 22, 2013 memo to Council provided an update on the status of the District fibre optic network
since that time, and received support to undertake a Request For Information and Qualifications
(RFIQ) process to seek ideas from qualified private sector partners in furthering the development of
our network.
This memo provides an update on the conclusion of that RFIQ process.
Results of the RFIQ Process:
An RFIQ process was undertaken late in 2013 to determine private sector interest in the District fibre
optic conduit network. The intention of the RFIQ was to find qualified proponents who have
experience in developing functional networks and to develop ideas on what business arrangements
are necessary to make it successful. Two responses from telecommunications network developers
were received and reviewed by a District staff team.
The 2 responses received were different in emphasis but each required the District to accept most of
the risk, particularly on the revenue generation side, while guaranteeing a payment regime to cover
the costs of partners. In evaluating the proposals, it became clear the market conditions were not
right to define an arrangement that did not have a more balanced risk-reward framework. The
decision was made to collapse the process and to not proceed with conditions needed by the
proponents to make the private sector investment in the network.
In the alternative, if market conditions in the telecommunications sector are such that private sector
interests are reluctant to take on the full network, then we need to define conditions necessary to
develop a model that would be attractive to service providers. It may be service providers who will
see value to accessing certain parts of the network targeting high-value customers. By this process,
we can grow the network incrementally based on local market conditions.
Staff have retained the services of Mr. Roel Coertt, the Coquitlam fibre network consultant, to
provide advice on the Maple Ridge network and this revised approach. Mr. Coertt has experience in
developing community access networks in Europe and was instrumental in developing the QNet fibre
network for Coquitlam.
2
His review of the District network, the opportunities and limitations, is underway. Mr. Coertt will be in
attendance at Workshop to address any questions Council may have.
Conclusions:
The District has been working on developing a fibre optic network in a slowly progressive and
systematic manner over a number of years. The network has grown as funding becomes available,
as opportunities to extend it arise, and as we gain experience in designing and creating such
networks.
The RFIQ process recently completed was helpful in gaining insight from network developers into
what would be attractive to business interests over the shorter term. Staff concluded the requisite
conditions were not suitable from the District perspective and the process was concluded.
As a consequence, the District has retained outside consultative assistance in the interests of
defining a more locally grounded business model and plan, based on local opportunities and the
needs of service providers. More details on this follow-up initiative will be forthcoming when
available.
“Original signed by J. Bastaja”_________________________
Prepared by: J. Bastaja, B.A., M.R.M.
Director Corporate Support
“Original signed by P. Gill”__________________________
Approved by: P. Gill, BBA, CGA
General Manager: Corporate and Financial Services
“Original signed by J.L. (Jim) Rule”_____________________
Concurrence: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
3
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin DATE: April 7, 2014
and Members of Council FILE NO:
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Council Workshop
SUBJECT: Reserves
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This report is intended to provide an overview of the District’s financial resources. They are
grouped into four categories:
1.Accumulated surplus (revenue funds). This is the cumulative balance of excess revenues
over expenses and net transfers to reserves.
2.Reserve funds. These are established by bylaw to hold financial assets for specific
purposes, typically capital.
3.Reserve accounts. These represent discretionary appropriations of surplus established to
meet business needs as directed by Council.
4.Restricted revenues. These are monies collected from others for which we are obligated to
provide specific services.
The amounts on Schedule “A” detail the balances in each of these categories. At the end of 2013,
the balance of accumulated surplus in the revenue funds, reserve funds and reserve accounts
totalled $81 million and we had a further $45.1 million in restricted revenues.
RECOMMENDATION:
None required. For information only.
DISCUSSION:
The District of Maple Ridge has financial resources that have been summarized on the attached
Schedule “A”. Some of these resources are subject to legislation in the Community Charter while
others are not. As part of our financial planning process, detailed projections are done for key
reserves to ensure that the available resources can support the planned activities.
The transactions between our reserves, funds and accounts, are referred to as transfers. Transfers
are internal transactions that do not result in revenues or expenses. For example, the Capital
Works Reserves builds funds for large projects. As another example, each year, we transfer money
to the Equipment Replacement Reserve so that we can replace equipment when needed. These
are both examples of “transfers to” transactions. We also have “transfers from” transactions. For
example, in 2013, some of our fleet vehicles were replaced and the identified funding source was
the Equipment Replacement Reserve, so monies were transferred from the reserve for those
purchases.
Page 1 of 7 4.2
The District’s financial resources can be categorized as follows:
1.Accumulated Surplus (Revenue Funds)
The District’s business is comprised of three major cost centres: General Revenue, the Sewer
Utility and the Water Utility. The excess of revenues over expenses and net transfers to reserves
for each cost centre flows to the accumulated surplus balance. The accumulated surplus
balance in the revenue funds at the end of 2013 is $15.88 million. Of this amount, $8.98
million relates to the sewer and water utilities and, as per Council’s rate stabilization policy;
these balances are used to mitigate the impact of regional rate increases to our rate payers.
The general revenue fund has an accumulated surplus amount of $6.9 million and can be used
to provide funding for extraordinary one-time items in line with Council’s financial sustainability
policies.
2.Reserve Funds
Reserve funds are established by bylaw and hold financial assets for specific purposes,
typically for capital investment. Once a reserve fund has been established, the funds in it can
only be used for the purposes noted in the establishing bylaw and any use of the funds must be
authorized in the Financial Plan Bylaw.
The following provides a brief summary of the District’s reserve funds:
i). Albion Amenities
In 2013, Council authorized the establishment of the Albion Area Amenities reserve
fund. Any collections from development in the Albion Area for amenities in the
specified area will be deposited into this reserve and will help to fund future
amenities in the area. As at the end of 2013, no collections had been realized.
ii). Local Improvement
The balance in this fund is comprised primarily of monies returned to us by the
Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) when debt was retired for which sinking fund
monies had been held. These funds are intended to be used for local capital
improvement projects where a community benefit is derived and a municipal
contribution is deemed necessary.
iii). Equipment Replacement
Each year we transfer monies to this reserve in recognition of the fact that the
equipment in use today will need to be replaced in the future. This reserve provides
for the replacement of our municipal fleet, fire department vehicles as well as our
computers and photocopiers.
iv). Capital Works
The capital works reserve provides for future capital investment. Each year 1% of
general taxation is credited to the reserve along with fixed transfer amounts of
approximately $200,000 as well as 75% of the proceeds from any land sales. Our
practice is to retain a minimum balance of 10% of the prior year’s taxation in order to
have some funds available in the event of an emergency.
v). Fire Department Capital
Each year 2% of general taxation is transferred to the reserve to build the financial
capacity required to respond to increasing the fire protection capacity needed as the
community grows. The balance in this reserve was drawn down between 2007 and
2010 to fund the construction and renovation of Fire Hall #1. Council has authorized
the use of debt financing for the construction of Fire Hall #4 in the future. This
reserve will provide the funding for that debt.
Page 2 of 7
vi). Sanitary Sewer
This fund resulted from surpluses on sanitary sewer projects in previous years and is
available for use on current and future sanitary sewer projects.
vii). Land
This reserve receives 25% of the proceeds from land sales and is used for land
acquisitions. In 2009 the fund received an infusion of $1.5 million as part of the year-
end process to provide funding for land acquisitions of importance to Council where
there is no other identifiable source of funding. In 2010, Council was able to use this
reserve to assist with the purchase of strategic lands in the town centre. In 2013,
this reserve received $27,050 from the sale of District lands.
3.Reserve Accounts
Reserve accounts are appropriations of surplus, established to meet business needs. They can
be established or dissolved as Council directs to ensure that identified business needs are met
and risks are managed appropriately.
The following provides a brief summary of the District’s reserve accounts:
i). Committed Projects (capital and operating)
These represent items approved by Council in prior years that were not completed,
but are still deemed necessary. A number of the capital projects that will receive
funding from this reserve are reliant on third party funding and/or awaiting the
outcome of property acquisition negotiations. Included in these amounts are
allowances for items identified by Council during business planning to be funded
from 2013 surplus.
ii). Self Insurance
In order to control insurance premium costs we have relatively high deductibles and
have chosen to self-insure many events. This reserve account provides funding for
insurance deductibles and for self-insured claims.
iii). Police Services
This reserve was established a number of years ago to fund one-time police services
initiatives. As per policy, at least 50% of RCMP contract savings are transferred into
this reserve each year. Some of the projects funded from this reserve are the result
of changing standards mandated by the RCMP, for example the cell retrofit
undertaken in 2010. There is a possibility that RCMP will be awarded a retroactive
wage increase. Should that occur in 2014, this reserve will provide the District with
the capacity to meet that settlement.
iv). Core Reserve
This reserve was established at the outset of the project that saw the construction of
our downtown facilities. It provided a mechanism to build our capacity to finance the
project over time while smoothing the impact to taxpayers. Today, it assists in
managing the cash flows related to the commercial component of the project and is
also available to assist with capital improvements. In 2010, funds from this reserve
were used to assist with the acquisition of strategic lands in the downtown area.
v). Recycling Reserve
The Recycling Reserve retains the balance of recycling levies in excess of contract
costs as well as the District’s share of the Recycling Society’s profits. The reserve is
used to provide funding for recycling related projects, such as studies or equipment
Page 3 of 7
purchases, or to help offset losses incurred by the Society in the event of falling
commodity values.
vi). Building Inspections
This account is designed to allow us to deal with the impact of an unexpected
reduction in building permit revenues. The amount of revenue realized from building
permits varies from year to year in relation to development activity. In years when
revenues exceed budgeted targets, a portion of the favourable variance is transferred
to this reserve. In years when building permits revenues fall short of financial plan
targets, we can mitigate the impact of that shortfall by transferring monies from the
reserve, providing us with some capacity to sustain service levels in the short-term.
In 2011, we transferred $263,885 from this reserve to offset a shortfall in building
permit revenues. In 2013, building permit revenues met financial plan targets;
therefore, no contribution from the reserve was required.
vii). Gravel
Soil removal fees are credited to this account each year. It is intended to assist with
minor infrastructure repair that may be required as a result of soil removal activities.
In 2011, this reserve provided the funding needed to resurface a portion of Dewdney
Trunk Road that sees a lot of traffic from gravel trucks.
viii). Facility Maintenance
Not all facility maintenance is required on an annual basis and this reserve was
established to smooth the impact of annual fluctuations in required maintenance
costs.
ix). Snow Removal
This reserve in intended to ensure that the District has the financial capacity to
respond to costs associated with higher than normal snowfall without the need to
curtail other services. Our annual budget for snow removal is approximately
$230,000, with actual costs fluctuating in relation to the severity of weather
experienced. In recent years it has not been unusual to see costs in excess of budget.
The reserve was established in 1999 with a balance of $200,000; in each of 2007
and 2008, in recognition of inflationary pressures and the increased costs associated
with changing weather patterns the targeted balance in the reserve was increased to
a balance of $700,000. In 2011, costs exceeded budgeted amounts by $13,985.
This amount was transferred from the reserve to offset the impact to the bottom line;
no similar draw down was required in 2013.
x). Cemetery Maintenance
Any excess of revenues over expenses in the cemetery cost centre is transferred to
this reserve at year-end. The account is used as a funding source to maintain the
cemetery function, both the facility and the related technology. In 2011, this reserve
provided some of the funding needed to install a columbarium at the cemetery. The
perpetual care fund is a separate entity and is managed as a trust.
xi). Infrastructure Sustainability
In 2007, the first infrastructure sustainability account was established in recognition
of the need to build the capacity to maintain our growing infrastructure, the
replacement cost of which exceeds $1.5 billion. The level of annual maintenance
and rehabilitation spending required to maintain our infrastructure to appropriate
standards is estimated at approximately $30 million, our actual expenditures are less
than a quarter of this amount. Starting in 2008, we began to dedicate a 1% tax
Page 4 of 7
increase to address the gap between required and actual spending. In 2013, this was
reduced to a 0.5% increase per year through 2016, increasing to a 0.7% increase per
year in 2017and 2018. In order to alleviate the impact of this funding reduction,
starting in 2014 a portion of annual gaming revenues will be directed to
infrastructure sustainability.
xii). Drainage Improvements
2013 was the first year of Council’s newly established drainage levy. The levy will be
used as a funding source for improvements to the District’s drainage system.
$150,000 was transferred to this reserve in 2013.
xiii). Critical Building Infrastructure
This reserve was established in 2006 in recognition of the need to provide for
emergency or irregular items associated with facility maintenance. Facilities, such as
the RCMP building, Municipal Hall and the Leisure Centre were constructed at
approximately the same time; consequently, some of the building infrastructure, such
as the boilers, will likely need to be replaced at similar times. Such infrastructure is
costly to replace and our existing lifecycle budget does not have the capacity to
provide the necessary funding. This reserve is intended to provide the necessary
capacity without having to defer other planned facility infrastructure maintenance.
xiv). Infrastructure Grants Contribution
This reserve was established in 2008 to provide the capacity to take advantage of
infrastructure grant programs that typically require a municipality to provide matching
funds. In 2010, as senior levels of government began winding down the current
round of infrastructure grant programs, Council authorized using some of the monies
in this reserve to assist in the acquisition of strategic lands in the downtown area.
The federal government has recently announced a renewal of infrastructure funding
programs so Council may wish to reactive this account in the future.
xv). Gaming Revenues
In 2010, Council entered into an agreement with the Province, resulting in the District
receiving a portion of the net revenues from gaming at the Maple Ridge Community
Gaming Centre. Monies received under this agreement must be used to benefit the
community. In June of 2011, Council adopted a policy framework to guide the use of
gaming monies in the community (Policy 5.55). Under this policy, gaming revenues
will be targeted to fund non-recurring items, in particular, capital improvements that
cannot be funded through development charges. In late 2013, the new Community
Gaming Centre opened and financial plan targets were increased in anticipation of
increased revenues from this source. In order to help offset the impact of reducing
the amount of tax revenue directed to infrastructure sustainability, Council decided
that additional gaming revenue should be directed toward infrastructure starting in
2014.
The resources listed above represent the District’s financial assets and do not include non-
financial assets, such as our Silver Valley land holdings, a strategic non-renewable resource
available to Council.
4.Restricted Revenues
Restricted revenues are monies collected from others for which we are obligated to provide
specific works. Due to the restrictions on their use, these monies are reported as a liability
until the specific works are undertaken.
Page 5 of 7
The following provides an overview of the District’s restricted revenues:
i). Development Cost Charges
These funds are collected from the development community and are used to assist in
funding the infrastructure requirements resulting from development. DCC’s are the
largest source of funding for the District’s capital program with planned new investment
in infrastructure exceeding $45 million between 2014 and 2018.
ii). Parkland Acquisition (ESA)
The Parkland Acquisition Reserve consists of monies paid by the development
community that are used to acquire environmentally sensitive areas, such as land
required for watercourse protection. Land acquisitions along the North Alouette and
adjacent to Davison’s Pool exhausted this funding source in 2007. Subsequent
collections have started to rebuild capacity in this fund.
iii). Downtown Parking Facilities
These funds are collected in lieu of providing parking spaces and are to be used for the
provision of parking in the downtown area.
iv). Developer Specified Projects
Charges collected from the development community to assist with the provision of
certain infrastructure works.
CONCLUSIONS:
The above information and attached schedule are intended to provide an overview of the District’s
financial resources. At the end of 2013 our accumulated surplus in the revenue funds, reserve
funds and reserve accounts total $81 million and we have a further $45.1 million in restricted
revenues. Much of this amount is held for capital investment in the community. Not included in
these amounts are non-financial resources, such as our land holdings in Silver Valley.
The District has a sound business planning framework which includes a series of financial
sustainability policies. The resources outlined in this report were established over many years and
assist Council in managing the municipality’s finances.
______”Original signed by Catherine Nolan”_______
Prepared by: Catherine Nolan, CGA
Manager of Accounting
______”Original signed by Paul Gill”______________
Approved by: Paul Gill, CGA
GM: Corporate and Financial Services
______”Original signed by Jim Rule”______________
Concurrence: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
Page 6 of 7
2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
ACCUMULATED SURPLUS (REVENUE FUNDS)
General Revenue 6,871,728$ 6,091,162$ 5,750,719$ 5,156,074$ 4,985,070$
Sewer Revenue 3,183,533 3,139,776 2,508,311 2,515,823 3,059,571 Note 14
Water Revenue 5,802,444 4,004,157 3,176,352 3,638,446 3,383,195
15,857,705 13,235,095 11,435,382 11,310,343 11,427,836
RESERVE FUNDS
Albion Amenities
Local Improvement 2,526,837 2,546,836 2,410,449 2,196,846 2,145,754
Equipment Replacement 11,248,713 10,201,905 8,739,798 7,459,146 6,937,477
Capital Works 11,483,128 11,534,975 9,597,847 8,362,412 8,404,633
Fire Department Capital Acquisition 5,059,939 3,837,795 2,636,745 1,473,146 1,807,185
Sanitary Sewer 1,566,114 1,549,532 1,525,588 1,552,189 1,524,971
Land 267,578 237,793 234,121 231,528 1,919,946
32,152,309 29,908,836 25,144,548 21,275,267 22,739,966
RESERVE ACCOUNTS
Specific projects - capital 5,021,293 3,940,405 4,279,626 4,064,496 4,408,631
Specific projects - operating 8,470,583 7,904,720 4,840,167 3,189,906 2,253,608
Self insurance 833,360 853,830 921,367 956,241 914,702
Police services 4,150,222 3,589,380 3,209,740 2,521,930 2,618,915
Core development 1,357,795 1,337,430 904,121 592,016 1,116,807
Recycling 1,310,331 1,519,591 1,504,858 1,583,709 1,634,271
Community development 1,308 1,296 1,274 1,252 1,218 Schedule 6
Building inspections 1,621,941 1,604,768 1,579,971 1,810,750 1,761,704
Gravel extraction 618,532 487,715 478,835 563,875 419,417
Neighbourhood improvements - - 51,477 50,523 60,697
Facility maintenance 582,358 750,376 479,668 317,512 515,408
Snow removal 686,015 686,015 686,015 700,000 700,000
Youth and arts centre - - - - 3,708
Cemetery maintenance 190,559 125,198 109,068 189,608 151,980
Infrastructure Sustainability (town centre bldgs)135,028 104,860 38,926 - -
Infrastructure Sustainability (road network)848,329 1,013,438 882,417 1,106,822 1,225,888
Infrastructure Sustainability (drainage)289,310 249,861 201,882 493,634 40,282
Drainage Improvements 150,000
Critical infrastructure reserve 205,365 203,191 200,052 196,759 172,072
Infrastructure grants contribution 3,557 9,383 9,383 271,979 1,200,000
Gaming revenues 1,235,451 1,043,811 704,430 125,600
27,711,337 25,425,268 21,083,277 18,736,612 19,199,308
WATER AND SEWER RESERVE ACCOUNTS
Self Insurance - Sewer 121,873 115,373 108,873 102,373 95,873
Specific projects - Sewer 3,028,476 2,557,611 2,917,913 3,109,415 2,160,492
Self Insurance - Water 102,028 95,528 89,028 82,528 99,528
Specific projects - water 2,003,211 2,973,941 3,563,856 2,201,777 1,722,636
5,255,588 5,742,453 6,679,670 5,496,093 4,078,529
TOTAL RESERVES 65,119,234$ 61,076,557$ 52,907,495$ 45,507,972$ 46,017,803$
TOTAL RESERVES AND REVENUE ACCUMULATED SURPLUS 80,976,939$ 74,311,652$ 64,342,877$ 56,818,315$ 57,445,639$
RESTRICTED REVENUES
Development cost charges 38,773,658$ 39,541,745$ 35,660,974$ 32,211,726$ 31,644,928$
Parkland acquistion 764,167 559,473 295,082 162,355 -
Downtown parking facilities 286,849 166,770 164,193 161,244 144,515 Note 11
Developer specified projects 5,325,301 5,089,215 4,922,373 4,641,174 4,367,763
45,149,975$ 45,357,203$ 41,042,622$ 37,176,499$ 36,157,206$
Schedule "A"
Page 7 of 7
1
District of Maple Ridge Noxious Weed Control Strategy
ACTION PLAN
March 2014
Prepared for the District of Maple Ridge
by
Madrone Environmental Consultants
Vision Statement: DMR will provide a sustainable program to reduce the impacts of noxious weeds on
the District’s biodiversity, natural resources, agricultural resources, infrastructures and human health
that includes prevention, control, and restoration, and is characterized by a coordinated, cooperative,
informed approach”
4.3
2
Introduction
This action plan identifies the items in the Strategy that should be implemented over the next year or
two. To avoid repetition, actions that could apply to multiple categories are mentioned only once or
twice (under the most relevant categories):
Leadership and coordination
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Develop and expand partnerships under clear leadership
Recommended actions:
Year 1:
1) Create an internal DMR noxious weed working group with representatives from planning,
operations, parks, development… so that District-wide efforts, initiatives, control issues, etc, are
known and shared within DMR’s local government.
2) Designate the chair of that committee (or other) as the contact for external people to bring
noxious weed issues.
3) Advertise that person and contact numbers on the District website, on pamphlets about noxious
weeds.
4) Designate a person from that committee to stay in touch with regional and provincial efforts
(e.g., participate in ISCMV planning and ISCBC initiatives).
5) Develop an interagency/group contact list and update that annually.
Year 1 and 2:
6) Develop Memoranda of Understandings (or other agreements) with Industry (e.g., B.C. Hydro,
Canadian Pacific Railway, Fortis BC…) outlining management of weeds on properties that affect
DMR.
7) Develop agreements with other government agencies within DMR boundaries (e.g., Metro
Vancouver Parks, Ministry of Transportation)
8) Encourage partnerships with local groups (e.g., ARMS, KEEPS, CEERS, Haney Horsemen
Association, Ridge Meadows Recycling Society,…) to address noxious weeds on District lands.
Planning and Prioritizing
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Create a Strategy and Action plan
Recommended actions:
Year 2:
1. Review the Action Plan associated with this strategy every 2 years
Objective: Prioritize weeds and locations
Recommended actions:
Year 2:
1. Regularly update the noxious plant species list, the category of each plant species,
recommended management etc, as new local and regional information becomes available.
3
a. From that list:
i. Review/adjust treatment of target species in the very high risk category.
ii. Review/adjust species to eradicate.
iii. Review/adjust species to contain or control.
iv. Review/adjust species to focus prevention strategies.
2. Regularly update inventory, including maps.
3. Review sites of concern
Education and Public Awareness
Most of the education and public awareness recommendations can begin in the next year or two :
Objective: Increase education and awareness.
Recommended Actions
Year 1:
1) Develop Educational Materials
Gather existing pamphlets, brochures, video, CDs, and other educational materials from ISCMV
and ISCBC.
Decide if other additional education materials are needed (see Strategy for list of possibilities).
Include at least:
o materials for bylaw enforcement officers to disseminate to home owners about effects
of dumping of noxious weeds and invasive plants in compost and in natural areas.
o news releases on priority noxious weed issues
Year 1 and 2:
2) Disseminate Noxious Weed Information
Develop and maintain web based information (Provide noxious weed identification, technical
information, and resource materials. Include a noxious weed reporting form and updated
noxious weed distribution maps.)
Support noxious weed education through ISCMV, KEEPS, ARMS and others.
o Provide support so ISCMV can educate members (invite these organizations to District
education sessions by ISCMV?)
Provide education materials to encourage nurseries to voluntarily stop the sale of invasive
plants and support nurseries who do
Incorporate weed awareness into appropriate events (River’s day, earth day, country market
booths; Kanaka Creek days ...)
Year 2 or 3: Improve coordination of education
o Create a centralized educational material website
List all organization participating in education in the District
Improve coordination – hold yearly education coordination meeting
3) Increase Municipal Awareness and Competency
Develop and implement noxious weed awareness programs for internal staff (field personnel
and regulators) including:
o Have ISCMV
provide information to increase awareness with managers
Conducting education with field staff both for proper implementation of control
activities and to ensure a thorough understanding to be able to communicate
context to interested public
4
Providing technical assistance to aid planning and implementation
Finalize and follow BMPs for roadside crews doing mowing and crews applying herbicide.
4): Identify funding sources to support education
DMR to brainstorm sources of funding with cooperators.
Prevention and Exclusion
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Develop and implement prevention programs
Recommended Action: Develop programs including;
Year 1:
Detection
Stay abreast of ISCMV’s prevention actions
Stay abreast of weeds that are likely to enter District.
Put in place active and passive surveillance systems to enable early detection supported by
timely identification of suspected high-risk species. (Alert whoever is doing this year’s inventory
to possible new weeds).
Prevention
Begin to develop prevention strategies, usually in partnership with others, to reduce the risk of a
species entering or spreading via a pathway (e.g., codes of practice, machinery hygiene,
commodity quality standards / certification.
o Mandate for washing cleaning of equipment proper rinse water and debris disposal.
o Designate a site to receive noxious weeds from gardens
o Promote garden nursery programs to reduce invasive species. For example, Grow me
instead from ISCBC.
Year 2:
Encourage the use of weed-free feeds (explore if there are guidelines to
purchasers of hay seed etc.).
Encourage use of weed free mulch on public lands.
Develop and distribute guidelines for procurement of weed free seed.
Maintain and update Noxious Seed List to prohibit sale of contaminated
seed.
Create disposal site for weed-contaminated pant material – ISCMV successfully manages some
of these for other municipalities
Consider implementing free pick up and disposal of invasive refuse for private residences
Improve habitat resistance and resilience:
o Support replanting of areas after development or reduce exposed disturbed land.
o Support control (brushing- out) of competing species until planted trees and shrubs
establish and shade competitors.
5
o Use Riparian Areas Regulations or Streamside Protection Regulations to improve and
remove invasive species from riparian zones.
o Avoid restoration options such as seeding with grasses and legumes that create un-
natural successional trajectories. Use Red Alder, Bigleaf Maple and other pioneering
woody species to initiate restoration of disturbed sites.
Improve contaminated materials management
o Work with Metro Vancouver to develop soil transfer and disposal regulations and adopt
regional “invasive free” certification for soil suppliers and keep pace with Best Practices
at a regional level. . DMRs soil transfer bylaw may need revising.
o Develop equipment cleaning protocol to reduce possibility of invasive plant spread via
District equipment. Ensure protocol is required by private contractors hired by District
(and encourage the same with agencies in District and their contractors).
o Support regional and provincial efforts to determine risk of introducing invasive weeds
through pathways such as gravel, contaminated seed, commercial vehicles,
automobiles, boats and other vehicles, plant products, bird seed and landscape
products.
Early Detection and Rapid Response
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Increase efforts for early detection of noxious weeds
Recommended Actions:
Year 1:
1.Hire someone (a summer student?) to drive the roads and identify locations of noxious weeds
2.Engage citizen science monitoring programs that are likely to participate in early detection and
reporting invasive weeds (especially on trails, rivers, etc. not easily covered by road-based
inventory).
3.Engage ISCMV to provide workshops to train DMR managers and field crews (and others) that
may happen on EDRR species during regular work so that they will identify and report
infestations. (This could happen at same time as training of stewardship groups, Hydro and
Fortis contractors, etc.)
Objective: Speed the rapid response to noxious weeds.
Recommended actions:
Year 1:
1.Improve ways public can report weeds (contact person/web-based?).
Year 2
2.Establish rapid response teams and/or partnerships to ensure that a confirmed species report is
responded to quickly with the most effective method of management. (Have control teams
available).
3.Have sufficient short term funds to address new infestations quickly; have sufficient stable funds
for ongoing inventory.
4.Have contractors on standing order to be able to address areas quickly.
6
Objective 3: Coordinate District staff, local groups, and broader groups to effectively address EDRR
priorities.
Recommended Actions:
Year 1
1. Develop a flowchart identifying the roles of different entities in rapid response to new invaders.
2. Increase information sharing between agencies and local entities regarding early detection
reporting and interceptions.
Containment, Control and Management
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Facilitate utilization of IPM strategies for strategic management of invasive weeds
Recommended Actions:
Year 1
1. Confirm if DMR needs an Integrated Pest Management Plan. If so, develop the draft Best
Management Practices/control manual (developed with the Strategy), into an IPMP. Include
steps to ensure safe application and describe the specificity of application methods, use best
treatments of specific species.(see http://wiki.bugwood.org/Invasipedia)
2. Work with partners to control additional high priority species and/or infestations each year.
a. Concentrate on high priority sites such sensitive ecosystems or pathways for invasive
species movement such as roadsides, utility rights of way, and railroad tracks.
Objective: Address identified barriers to management of noxious weeds
Recommended Actions:
Years 1 and 2:
1. Improve public and agency perception and understanding of management through education
and outreach about noxious weeds, health and safety, and efficacy of chemical control practices
by ensuring outreach events are conducted each year. (Can be partially covered off by ISCMV
training noted earlier)
Objective: Follow best control methods
Recommended actions:
1. Implement BMPs for control of knotweed and hogweed, and ensure they are made available to
the public.
Restoration
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Restore areas and ecosystems where noxious weeds have been controlled
Recommended Actions:
Year 1 and 2:
1. Implement restoration for any areas treated for weeds.
a. Provide BMPs for best species to plant and procedures for common restoration
situations.
b. Provide list of experts for advice on more complicated restoration initiatives.
2. Obtain funding to support restoration.
7
Inventories and reporting system
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Continue and improve inventory
Recommended actions:
Year 1:
1. Develop a district‐wide inventory of invasive plants on private and public land and update
continuously. Prioritize inventory efforts by species and geography, identifying priority species
and priority geographic areas.
2. Increase citizen scientist monitoring through education and update or creation of outreach
materials (Provide training opportunities for partners in identification and perhaps learning GIS
and GPS technologies. ISCMV can provide training).
3. Share data/distribution maps from the invasive plant inventory with other
jurisdictions/institutions (e.g. CN Rail, BC Parks, MV Parks, UBC Research Forest, neighbouring
municipalities etc.).
Objective: Choose or create a repository for Noxious Weed Inventory and monitoring information
Recommended actions:
Year 1
4. Determine best data repository for inventory information. Contribute also to IAPPS.
5. Develop a mechanism for the public to report plants on the target list and invasive plants list
and developing techniques for mapping and monitoring of invasive plants so residents and
community groups may participate effectively.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Monitor noxious weed projects to evaluate effectiveness
Recommended actions:
Year 1
1. Coordinate inventory with monitoring so that inventory information system includes:
what invasive plants are present and where they are;
what treatments have been recommended at each location and if it was done;
status of infestation
Research
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Support efforts of local or provincial researchers to fill gaps in knowledge that will facilitate
prevention, management and understanding of noxious weeds and invasive species.
Recommended actions:
Year 1 and 2:
8
1. Stay abreast of ISCMV efforts to be aware of relevant research to predict impacts of invasive
weeds, efficacy of control practices and impacts of control practices to surrounding resources.
Enforcement and Compliance
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Ensure appropriate invasive weeds and agricultural pest regulations are established.
Recommended Actions:
Year 1:
1. Decide which bylaws could use amending to include attention to noxious weeds:
a. Amend the Pesticide Control Bylaw if needed.
b. Parks Bylaw to prevent the use or dumping of invasive plants in District Parks.
c. Amend the Heritage and Rental Premises maintenance standards to include removal of
noxious weeds and to include a reasonable enforcement process and reasonable fines.
d. Other?
2. Prepare an assessment of the implications of adopting the provincial Weed Control Act versus
creating bylaws for the control of invasive plants under the Community Charter.
Objective: Promote cooperation with established regulations, and increase enforcement where
necessary
Recommended Actions:
Year 1
1. Ensure education, communication and incentives precede use of regulations
2. Increase the number of district regulatory inspections
3. Budget resources to implement noxious weed compliance checks.
Funding and Resources
The priority actions over the next one to two years are:
Objective: Secure adequate funding
Recommended Actions:
Year 1:
1. Secure stable funding for ongoing activities such as:
• Developing and coordinating local programs
• Implementing local control projects
• Implementing survey, inventory, and mapping projects
• Assisting private landowners
• Providing education and consultation
• Implementing prevention activities
2. Create an emergency fund to new infestations and immediate actions
9
Summary
The Action plan supports the short term outcomes of the Strategy:
LONG TERM OUTCOMES to be achieved over the next 5 to 10 years
No new invasive plants established;
Reduced impact of established high risk invasive plants; and
Responsibility for invasive plants is a community value.
MEDIUM TERM OUTCOMES to be achieved over the next 3 to 5 years
have sound legislative, policy and planning frameworks for invasive plants;
have an effective program for detection and timely response to new and emerging invasive
plants;
Stakeholders routinely implement practices to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive
plants;
Land managers contain high risk established invasive plants;
Stakeholders work collaboratively to coordinate invasive plant prevention and control; and
Commitment and expectation for participation in invasive plant management is established as a
community norm.
SHORT TERM OUTCOMES to be achieved in the next 1 to 3 years
Effective governance is applied to invasive plant management in DMR.
Tailored programs and services support stakeholder implementation of noxious weed
management practices.
Strong relationships and networks foster information sharing, informed decision making and
increased participation and cooperation.
Stakeholders have the capability (knowledge and skills) to implement their roles and
responsibilities.
Improved techniques and options are developed for invasive plant management.
DMR residents and business are aware of, and support, invasive plant management.
The Action Plan in Appendix 5 outlines the first steps towards implementing the strategy.
Vision
Long Term
Outcomes
(After 10 years)
Medium Term
Outcomes
(Beginning in
years 3-5
Short Term
Outcomes
(Beginning in
years 1-3)
Key Elements
DMR will provide a sustainable program to reduce the impacts of noxious weeds on the District’s biodiversity, natural
resources, agricultural resources and human health that includes prevention, control and restoration, and is characterized
by of a coordinated, cooperative, informed approach
No new invasive
plants established
Reduced impact of established
high risk invasive plants
Responsibility for invasive plants
is a community value
Stakeholders
work
collaboratively to
coordinate
invasive plants
prevention and
control.
DMR has a sound
legislative policy
& planning
framework for
invasive plants.
DMR has an
effective program
for detection and
timely response
to new and
emerging
invasive plants.
Stakeholders
routinely implement
practices to prevent
the introduction and
spread of invasive
plants.
Land
managers
contain high
risk
established
invasive
plants.
Containment and
expectation for
participation in invasive
plant management is
established as a
community norm
Effective
governance is
applied to
invasive plant
management in
DMR.
Tailored programs
and services
support
stakeholder
implementation of
invasive plant
management
practices delivered
in DMR.
Strong relationships
and networks foster
information sharing,
informed decision
making and
increased
participation and
cooperation.
Stakeholders have
the capability
(knowledge and
skills) to implement
their roles and
responsibilities.
Improved
techniques and
options are
developed for
invasive plant
management.
DMR residents
and businesses
are aware of
and support
invasive plant
management.
Leadership,
Coordination,
Planning &
Prioritizing
Education
& Public
Awareness
Prevention, Early
Detection, Rapid
Response,
Containment & Control
Restoration,
Monitoring &
Evaluation
Inventories &
Reporting
System
Enforcement &
Compliance
Funding &
Resources
District of Maple Ridge Noxious Weed Control Strategy
March 2014
for District of Maple Ridge
Vision Statement: DMR will provide a sustainable program to reduce the impacts of noxious weeds on
the District’s biodiversity, natural resources, agricultural resources, infrastructures and human health
that includes prevention, control, and restoration, and is characterized by a coordinated, cooperative,
informed approach.”
Page ii
Contributors:
Produced and coordinated by core team:
Laurie Kremsater, Jennifer Morgan, Kyle Rezansoff, Madrone Environmental Services Ltd.
Jennifer Grenz, Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver.
Dave Polster, Polster Environmental Services Ltd.
Oversight and technical support from DMR staff:
Geoff Mallory
Bernie Serné
Rodney Stott
Community organizations providing input and/or ongoing support:
Ross Davies, Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS)
Nicole, Greta, Alouette River Management Society (ARMS)
Christian Cowley, Jack Emberly CEERs
Also contributing:
Dave Ralph, MFLNRO; Janice Jarvis, MV Regional Parks; Rachel Holt, Veridian Consulting; Gail Wallin,
ISCBC; Debbie Millar, Katsie First Nation; Randy Evans, Pitt Meadows; Lance Lilly, FVRD; Kim Day, Ridge
Meadows Recycling; Jennifer Meier and Kelly Cameron, City of Mission; Rene Roddick, Brent Wilson, BC
Hydro; Lisa Cristoff, Fortis BC; Jennifer Hirner, B.C. Parks; Jeanne Hughes, Fraser Valley Invasive Plant
Council.
Page iii
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the people listed on the previous page, each provided important contributions to the
Strategy. As well, this Strategy benefitted from Weed Strategies completed or in progress in other
jurisdictions. We reviewed strategies from many Canadian cities, regions and provinces, and benefitted
most from ISCMV’s regional efforts, the City of West Vancouver’s draft strategy, and Integrated Pest
Management Plans for various agencies and regions of the province. As well, we reviewed strategies
from many of the western United Sates and found those from Oregon, California, and Alaska most
helpful.
As much as possible we tried to avoid “re‐creating the wheel” and used existing information where
available. In particular, the weed fact sheets benefited from work found in West Vancouver’s draft
strategy and ISCBC’s TIPS publications. Information on appropriate treatment methods and herbicide
application rates were adopted essentially verbatim from Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Integrated
Pest Management Plan then supplemented (for species not in the MVR Park plan) with information from
the Ministry of Agricultures for BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Page iv
Executive Summary
This Noxious Weed Strategy for the District of Maple Ridge stemmed from the recognition that noxious
weeds are having significant negative impacts on human health, infrastructures, productive agricultural
land, property values, riparian habitats, soil quality and biodiversity. This Strategy is a first step to ensure
that public monies and effort currently put towards the prevention of noxious weed infestation and
spread are being used in ways that make the wisest use of limited resources.
This report is divided into three sections.
1. Section 1 – is an Introduction that provides a definition of noxious weeds and outlines why the
District of Maple Ridge (DMR or “the District”) is concerned about them and the benefits of
creating a Noxious Weed Strategy.
2. Section 2 – provides background information; this includes the regulatory framework and
review of current capabilities and approaches for noxious weed management by organizations
in and around DMR.
3. Section 3 – provides the framework and details of the Noxious Weed Strategy itself. This
includes a vision statement, broad goals, specific elements and recommended actions for
effective management of noxious weeds in DMR.
Nine of BC’s noxious weeds have been reported in the District of Maple Ridge.
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea
Himalayan Knotweed (Polygonum polystachyum) Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Bohemian Knotweed (Fallopia x bohemica)Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)
Scentless Chamomile (Matricaria maritima)
This Strategy focuses on those nine species and describes objectives and recommended actions around
12 elements important for successful weed control:
1. Leadership and coordination 7. Restoration
2. Planning and Priorizing 8. Restoration
3. Education and Public Awareness 9. Monitoring and Evaluation
4. Prevention and Exclusion 10. Research
5. Early Detection and Rapid Response 11. Enforcement and Compliance
6. Containment, Control and Management 12. Funding and Resources
Accompanying documents include – fact sheet describing the noxious weeds in Maple Ridge, best
management practices for the control of noxious weeds, and an Action Plan with suggested steps to
implement the Strategy over the next one to two years.
Page v
Table of Contents
CONTRIBUTORS: .................................................................................................................................... II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................................................................... III
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................... V
LAYOUT OF REPORT .......................................................................................................................... VII
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 1
1. What are noxious weeds?..................…………………………………………………………………………………….1
2. Why should we care about noxious weeds?.............................................................................2
3. The need for a strategy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
SECTION 2. BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................... 3
4. Regulatory Framework:………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
5. Overview of Enabling Legislation……………………………………………………………………………………………3
6. Current bylaws in the District of Maple Ridge:……………………………………………………………………….4
EXISTING SITUATION: ........................................................................................................................... 4
7. What is known about the extent of the problem?....................................................................4
8. Current Initiatives…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
SECTION 3. THE STRATEGY ................................................................................................................. 7
9. Scope, Vision and Goals………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Scope ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Vision Statement .............................................................................................................................. 8
Principles guiding the strategy .......................................................................................................... 8
10. Leadership and coordination…………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
11. Planning and Prioritizing…………………………………………………………………………………………………………9
Priority weeds: ............................................................................................................................... 10
Priority Sites: .................................................................................................................................. 10
12. Education and Public Awareness………………………………………………………………………………………….11
13. Prevention and Exclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………………..15
Page vi
14. Early Detection and Rapid Response…………………………………………………………………………………….18
15. Containment, Control and Management………………………………………………………………………………20
16. Restoration…..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..23
17. Inventories and reporting system…………………………………………………………………………………………24
18. Monitoring and Evaluation…………………………………………………………………………………………………..25
19. Research………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26
20. Enforcement and Compliance………………………………………………………………………………………………26
21. Funding and Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………………..28
22. Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..28
APPENDIX I. – B.C. WEED CONTROL ACT: NOXIOUS WEEDS IN B.C. ................................... 31
APPENDIX II. OVERVIEW OF APPLICABLE LEGISLATION ...................................................... 32
APPENDIX III DETAILED INFORMATION ON BC’S NOXIOUS WEEDS .................................. 37
APPENDIX IV CONTACTS FOR DMR NOXIOUS WEED COORDINATION ............................. 41
APPENDIX V – FUNDING MODELS .................................................................................................. 42
REFERENCES: ........................................................................................................................................ 44
Page vii
Layout of report
This report is divided into three sections.
1. Section 1 – is an Introduction that provides a definition of noxious weeds and outlines why the
District of Maple Ridge (DMR or “the District”) is concerned about them and the benefits of
creating a Noxious Weed Strategy.
2. Section 2 – provides background information; this includes the regulatory framework and
review of current capabilities and approaches for noxious weed management by organizations
in and around DMR.
3. Section 3 – provides the framework and details of the Noxious Weed Strategy itself. This
includes a vision statement, broad goals, specific elements and recommended actions for
effective management of noxious weeds in DMR.
Appendices provide details on:
BC’s noxious weeds.
Outline of applicable legislation.
Contacts for organizing educational outreach.
Funding models to consider.
Accompanying documents provide details on:
A two‐year Action Plan.
Best Management Practices for knotweed.
Best Management Practice for general weed control.
Weed information sheets (for the nine noxious weeds reported from DMR).
Page 1 of 44
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
What are noxious weeds?
Not all weeds are noxious weeds. DMR
considers noxious weeds to be those currently
designated on B.C.’s noxious weed list (see
Appendix I) in regulations under BC’s Weed
Control Act. These are typically non‐native
plants that have been introduced to British
Columbia without the climate, plant and animal
communities, insect predators and plant
pathogens that help keep them in check in their
native habitats. For this reason and because of
their aggressive growth, these alien plants can
be highly destructive, competitive and difficult
to control. Of the approximately 40 species on
the noxious weed list, 9 have been reported in
Maple Ridge (see Appendix I and Table 1).
Table 1. Noxious weeds identified in Maple
Ridge
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum
mantegazzianum)
Purple Loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria)
Japanese Knotweed
(Fallopia japonica)
Tansy Ragwort
(Senecio jacobaea
Himalayan Knotweed
(Polygonum polystachyum)
Canada Thistle
(Cirsium arvense)
Bohemian Knotweed
(Fallopia x bohemica)
Flowering Rush
(Butomus umbellatus)
Yellow Flag Iris
(Iris pseudacoru )
Scentless Chamomile
(Matricaria maritima)
The B.C. Weed Control Act imposes a duty on all
land owners and occupiers to control
designated noxious plants and DMR can choose
to create tools to enforce that Act. B.C’s noxious
weeds are mostly terrestrial, and as a result this
strategy focuses on terrestrial species.
Noxious weeds are considered to be the worst
of our invasive species. A variety of terms are
used to describe invasive plants. Each term:
“noxious”, ”invasive”, and “alien” are
sometimes used synonymously, but actually
have different meanings. The following
definitions are given to clarify the terms used in
this strategy.
Alien species: The BC Ministry of Environment
defines alien species as “plants, animals and
microorganisms from one part of the world
that are transported beyond their natural
range and become established in a new
area. They are sometimes also called ‘alien,’
‘introduced,’ ‘non‐native,’ ‘non‐indigenous,’
or ‘invasive’ species.” (BC Ministry of
Environment 2006).
Invasive species: The word “invasive” alone
simply means to encroach or intrude upon
an area or region (Webster’s Encyclopedic
Dictionary). In the case of invasive species,
it refers to a species that is invading or
expanding its range at the expense of
naturally occurring species. An invasive
species may or may not be alien. The BC
Ministry of Environment defines invasive
alien species as “plants, animals and
microbes that are not native to British
Columbia and threaten its biodiversity
(Rankin et al. 2004).
Noxious weeds: Those invasive alien species
designated legally as noxious weeds by the
BC Weed Control Act.
Many invasive and alien weeds have not been
added to B.C.’s Noxious Weed List because they
had less agricultural impact1 and are a lower
priority for regulatory action. Some of these
(e.g., Himalayan blackberry, Policeman’s
helmet, lamium, ivy, periwinkle, parrot feather)
are having large impacts in some locations in
the District of Maple Ridge, but are not, at
present, part of this strategy but still of keen
interest to the public. They may be topics of
later versions. The BC Weed Act can impose
control of species considered “regionally
1 The BC Weed Act initially focused on agricultural weeds;
recently changed to include hogweed and knotweeds; and
is in process of being revised
Page 2 of 44
noxious”, which would be the next species to
include2. The BC noxious weed list is likely to be
updated this spring or summer to include new
species and new regulations guiding approaches
to weed management.
This strategy is specific to the noxious weeds
on the BC weed list. While other invasive
species pose significant risks, this noxious
weed strategy is the District’s first step
towards invasive species management.
Why should we care about noxious
weeds?
The spread of noxious and invasive weeds
across the landscape has been compared to an
explosion in slow motion. Unlike other forms of
pollution that dissipate or accumulate, weeds
reproduce themselves exponentially. Without
sufficient action, a small noxious weed
infestation problem can rapidly grow worse.
Highly damaging to agriculture, rural
landscapes, and the natural environment, these
plants are “out of place” and interfere with
beneficial uses of the land. Impacts of invasive
species include negative effects on human
health and livestock health through toxicity,
economic losses though degradation and loss of
productive land, damage to infrastructure and
reduced property values, harm to our natural
environment though competition with native
species, and reduction in wildlife habitat, water
quality, riparian habitats, and soil quality.
Maple Ridge already hosts a number of invasive
species and will be subject to even higher rates
of weed introduction as human population and
globalization of trade increases. Some of these
plants are rapidly spreading and in recent years
the District has undertaken control activities to
protect the area’s significant biodiversity,
natural resources, infrastructures and property
2 These would include orange hawkweed, wild chervil and
knapweeds that are extensive in other areas and
appearing on the coast).
values. Giant Hogweed and Japanese
knotweeds have become major concerns
because of their potential to affect human
health and safety, damage infrastructure, and
degrade natural ecosystems. Many other
noxious weeds also are of concern and the
District has recognized that a comprehensive
examination of means of prevention,
eradication, control and restoration is required.
DMR’s resources to stop the advance of noxious
weeds are limited and because of this, any
organized attempt to lessen their impact on
society and the environment must be well
coordinated and strategically targeted to ensure
that resources are devoted to the most
damaging weeds in the most strategic localities
and prevent the introduction of new species. In
January of 2014, DMR let a contract for the
development of a strategy to control noxious
weeds in the District. This strategy is a first step
to ensure that public monies and effort
currently put towards the prevention of noxious
weed infestation and spread are being used in
ways that make the wisest use of limited
resources.
The need for a strategy
Noxious weeds in DMR are spreading rapidly
and new weeds are expected. The Lower
Mainland is an international trade centre, with
expanding populations which will bring new
problem species. Without well‐thought out and
coordinated approaches, the situation will only
get worse. A District‐wide strategy will:
Provide an organized approach to
prevention, eradication, and control of
noxious weeds while restoring and
increasing the resilience of ecosystems;
Outline actions to promote education and
awareness about noxious weeds; and
Provide tools to ensure coordination of
approaches to enable efficient and
effective use of resources.
Page 3 of 44
SECTION 2. BACKGROUND
This section discusses the regulatory framework
governing control and management of noxious
weeds, summarizes the current state of noxious
weeds in DMR, and outlines current prevention,
control and restoration efforts in DMR at this
time.
Regulatory Framework:
A strategy to manage noxious weeds in DMR
needs to align with and be guided by existing
regulations. Several government agencies are
involved in invasive plant management through
regulation of lands under their management
authority. Relevant legislation includes many
federal acts and BC provincial acts as well as
municipal bylaws. The relevance of those pieces
of legislation to control and management of
noxious weeds is expanded on in Appendix II
and in a key resource called the Legislative
Guidebook to Invasive Plant Management in BC
(accompanying this strategy and at
http://www.bcinvasives.ca/images/stories/docu
ments/technical_reports/IPC3‐Legislative‐
Guidebook.pdf).
Overview of Enabling Legislation
A suite of existing federal legislation manages
invasive alien species, including the Plant
Protection Act, Health of Animals Act, Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, Environmental
Assessment Act, Seeds Act, Pest Control
Products Act, Forestry Act, Natural Resources
Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act,
Oceans Act, Fisheries Act, Canada Wildlife Act,
Wild Animal and Plant Protection and
Regulations of International and Interprovincial
Trade Act, Canada National Parks Act, and
others. Canada has made commitments to
address invasive plants through Convention on
Biological Diversity 1992, Canadian Biodiversity
Strategy 1995 and the Council of Canadian
Forest Ministers. Many other federal legislative
obligations inform and respond to international
commitments including the International Plant
Protection Convention, Office International des
Epizooties, International Maritime Organization,
and World Trade Organization Agreement on
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.
Provincially, the Weed Control Act (WCA) of BC
is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture
and Lands (MAL). The Act places a duty on all
land occupiers (including public and private
lands) to control noxious weed species listed in
its accompanying Regulations. The Act pertains
to all land in BC, except federal lands. The WCA
can only be enforced by a weed Inspector
appointed by the Minister, or by an inspector
appointed by the local government under the
Act. The province also has a Dike Maintenance
Act that allows maintenance and repair of dikes
(and so allows treatment of weeds along dikes),
which is relevant in DMR. The Community
Charter (administered by Ministry of
Community and Rural Development) applies to
municipalities. Municipalities are authorized to
control invasive plants on their own property,
and to regulate weeds on private property
under a number of enabling provisions. The
selection of the appropriate regulatory powers
depends on whether the species is considered
to be a threat to the environment, a nuisance,
or a public health concern. These are broad
powers that give local governments flexibility in
the types of regulations they might want to
establish for weed management. Municipalities
can use their bylaw enforcement powers to
enforce the invasive plant control regulations.
Besides dealing with private land, the
Community Charter also includes broad powers
to deal with invasive plant issues that arise in
parks and road right‐of ways, and on other land
that the municipality owns and manages. The
Local Government Act (administered by the
Ministry of Community and Rural Development)
includes powers that apply to both regional
districts and municipalities. Regional districts
Page 4 of 44
can, under this Act, establish a service having
invasive plant management as one of its
purposes. The purpose of the invasive plant
management may be to operate an early
detection and response program directly, to
enforce the Weed Control Act, or to implement
and enforce regulations for the unincorporated
areas within the regional district. As with
municipalities, the Regional Districts’ full array
of bylaw enforcement options is available to
enforce its weed control bylaws.
Other Related Legislation – Sometimes the
application of an appropriate herbicide is the
only effective way to manage or eliminate an
invasive plant infestation: this management is
not considered “cosmetic” use of pesticide. The
Integrated Pest Management Act is provincial
legislation designed to ensure that pesticides
will not cause harm to people or the
environment, and that pesticides will be used
within an integrated pest management
program. The Act presides over the sale,
storage, transport and use of pesticides in BC
and outlines training requirements,
certification, licensing of businesses that sell or
apply pesticides for a fee, and requirements for
application to public lands, among others.
Non‐legislated policies – In addition to the
above legislation that directs weed
management at various levels of government,
non‐legislated policies also guide invasive
species management. The Invasive Alien Species
Strategy for Canada seeks to protect Canada’s
aquatic terrestrial ecosystems and their native
biological diversity and domestic plants and
animals from the risks of invasive alien species.
It was developed in response to Canada’s
signing of the International Convention of
Biological; Diversity at the 1992 Rio Summit. It
proposes preparation of a Canadian Action Plan
to address the threat of Invasive. Provincially,
BC recently created its own invasive plant
strategy
(http://www.bcinvasives.ca/images/stories/doc
uments/reports/IS%20Strategy%20for%20BC%2
0Final%202012_06_07.pdf), and as well, Metro
Vancouver Invasive species council is
overseeing development of a regional invasive
species strategy. All these serve as context for
DMR’s municipal strategy. The Regional Invasive
Species Strategy for Metro Vancouver calls for
the development of model invasive species by
laws that can be adopted by each municipality
to ensure consistency across jurisdictions within
the region.
Federal, provincial, regional and municipal
agencies face many challenges in conducting
noxious weed management programs. In one
way or another, they are all confronted with
insufficient resources, under‐developed policies
or management plans, and unplanned
emergencies. The lack of adequate resources
presents the greatest challenge and causes
insufficient attention to many weed issues.
Current bylaws in the District of
Maple Ridge:
The District of Maple Ridge Untidy and
Unsightly Premises Bylaw (6533‐2007,
mandates that no Owner or Occupier of
Property may cause, permit or allow the
Property to become overgrown with Noxious
Weeds including Canada thistle, morning glory,
couchgrass, purple loosestrife, giant hogweed,
Japanese knotweed. Morning glory and
couchgrass are not actually noxious weeds on
the BC noxious weed list and as such are not a
focus of this strategy.
Existing situation:
What is known about the extent of
the problem?
The District has a digital map that captures
locations where invasive species have been
found and reported. Many of these surveys
Page 5 of 44
have been done by BCIT students or have been
reported by concerned citizens. BCIT students
ground‐truthed locations on municipal lands
where recreational trails exist; and also mapped
reported locations on private land, without
ground‐truthing. Further infestations have been
recorded within the provincial Invasive Alien
Plant Program (IAPP) database by the Invasive
Species Council of Metro Vancouver for
inventory projects occurring within DMR in
2010‐11, control projects in 2011‐12 and from
citizen reports through the “Report a Weed
App”.
The map (Appendix V) underestimates the
extent of invasive species infestations and
numbers of invasive species in the District. Local
groups know of many more locations of noxious
weeds. Both ARMS and KEEPS for example,
were contacted during the drafting of this
strategy and know many more locations of
noxious weeds along the waterways that they
steward. That information would take some
effort to assemble and share.
The current map does not focus on noxious
weeds but includes invasive species more
broadly. That broad focus will be of benefit as it
includes all noxious weeds and in addition
includes some of the invasive species of local
concerns (and that may one day be considered
noxious weeds).
Current Initiatives
DMR is participating with other municipalities in
the development of a regional invasive species
strategy for Metro Vancouver, led by the
Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver
(ISCMV). Within the District, DMR has
undertaken inventories of invasive plants
through projects by ISCMV and BCIT students,
and collects locations of invasive plants
reported by the public. As well, the District has
access to the provincial IAPP program results
that shows locations of invasive plants in the
Province. The District has developed some
educational material on its website regarding
identification, management and control of
noxious weeds (specifically knotweed and
hogweed). As well, DMR has initiated this
District‐specific strategy to organize and direct
the current efforts.
DMR currently requires removal of invasive
plants and restoration within riparian areas of
new developments. This is accomplished
through a Restoration and Enhancement
Agreement that is a part of the Development
Permit for any lands being developed within 50
meters of a watercourse (Watercourse
Protection Development Permit). A
maintenance and monitoring period of 5 years
is part of this Agreement to ensure invasive
species do not re‐populate the area.
Within DMR several business or agencies
manage invasive plants. B.C. Hydro has four
distinct integrated pest management plans and
operates under these to control weeds on lands
under their jurisdiction or to which they have
rights‐of‐way. Their priorities are not
necessarily noxious weeds, but rather ones that
affect their operations and facilities. ISCMV
provides control actions on many rights‐of‐way
when BC Hydro reports presence of weeds, but
Hydro has not requested their help in DMR. BC
Hydro control weeds at two facilities in DMR: at
Alouette Lake and at Ruskin. Knotweed
infestations are known on a BC Hydro access
road along the east side of Alouette Lake and
near the power facility there. (There are also
knotweed infestations near the Stave Lake
facility, fairly close to Maple Ridge). B.C. Hydro
employs a contractor to mow the roads to
maintain sight lines and is not aware if the
contractor cleans his equipment after mowing
the knotweed in one location and moving to
other locations. Hydro is interested in
cooperating with any District‐wide coordinated
approach. BC Parks utilizes ISCMV to conduct
knotweed control along Alouette Lake within
Golden Ears Provincial Park and is committed to
the treatment of knotweed within the Park.
Page 6 of 44
Fortis BC also uses ISCMV to control weeds on
rights‐of‐way. Fortis BC has 4 or 5 stations in
Maple Ridge and a right of way. Stations are
controlled for weeds by Fortis’s contractors, but
on the rights of way, ISCMV is usually asked to
control noxious weeds. Levels and areas of
control requested depend on the priority of the
site and amount of funding available. In regards
to weed inventory, Fortis contractors record
weeds in riparian areas long the right of way,
but weeds are not recorded in any systematic
manner from other areas of the right of way.
Fortis is also open to cooperating with DMR in a
coordinated approach in the District.
The Ministry of Transportation partners with
ISCMV to control weeds, specifically knotweeds
along the Lougheed highway corridor. Control
has occurred during 2012 and 2013 and is
planned for 2014. Signs have been erected
informing the public of spraying or stem
injection programs for knotweed. Those signs
have helped educate the public about control
activities and the impacts of knotweed. There is
a section of the Lougheed owned by DMR that
requires some coordination of knotweed
control.
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks has three
Regional Parks in DMR: Kanaka Creek, Blaney
Bog and the North Alouette Regional Greenway.
In Kanaka Creek, Metro Vancouver Regional
Parks, partners with ISCMV, other contractors,
and the Kanaka Education and Environmental
Partnership Society (KEEPS) to inventory and
control invasive plant species. Large areas of
knotweed have been treated in 2012 and 2013.
More work is planned for 2014. Volunteers
organized by MVRParks and KEEPS, pull lamium
English ivy, periwinkle and Himalayan balsam. A
large control effort on Himalayan Balsam is
planned for 2014. Plants that can harm
volunteers such as hogweed and those that
require herbicides (such as knotweed) are left
to the efforts of other groups such as ISCMV
crews or others. ISCMV has undertaken control
of knotweed and hogweed (only one location
within the Park) in Kanaka Creek Regional Park
(KCRP). ISCMV plans more control activities in
KCRP during 2014. Other contractors have
treated large patches of comfrey and lamium
within the park. Together the volunteers and
trained crews are beginning to tackle the issue
of noxious weeds and invasive plants with KCRP,
but much more work needs to be done.
In Blaney Bog, MVRParks has used ISCMV crews
to control knotweed along the south side (bog
side) of 144th Avenue. Treatments occurred in
2012 and 2013 and appear to have been highly
successful. The north side of the road also has
knotweed, but that has not yet been controlled
and would be DMR land and responsibility.
The North Alouette Regional Greenway is jointly
owned by DMR and MVR Parks. DMR manages
this land with input from MVR Parks. There is a
significant knotweed infestation along the
North Alouette River within the greenway and
MVR Parks hopes that treatment will be a DMR
priority.
MVR Parks also produces educational material
and integrates the topic of invasive plant
species into their interpretive programs. KCRP
in particular is long and linear and borders on
many residential properties where invasive
plants have been either dumped over the back
fence or have escaped from the gardens,
establishing within the park. In an effort to
reverse this trend, educational outreach
programs in a number of neighbourhoods are
underway. MVR Parks is eager to work with
neighbours and other levels of government in a
coordinated approach managing invasive plants.
As well as partnering with MV Parks and ISCMV
in weed control, KEEPS promotes attention to
restoration after invasive species control, and
often replants sites with native vegetation to
improve their resilience to reduce opportunities
for future establishment of weeds. KEEPS is
actively involved in education of school‐aged
children and includes invasive species in their
educational material. They have been actively
involved in this noxious weed strategy,
Page 7 of 44
providing inventory information and suggesting
priority areas for management. They are
interested in continuing education about
noxious weeds.
The Alouette River Management Society
(ARMS) produces educational material on
invasive species, educates children and adults
on various aspects of ecosystems (including
invasive species), undertakes control of invasive
species, and restores sites with native
vegetation, all in the context of broad
ecosystem management and education about
ecosystems. Their volunteers, especially the
stream keepers, conduct weed inventories
along many waterways. They cooperate with
ISCMV for control of the noxious weeds beyond
the scope of volunteers, although some
individuals have undertaken stem injection and
some mechanically treat knotweeds on their
properties. ARMS has contracted the ISCMV to
conduct targeted knotweed treatments at high
priority sites with the approval of DMR. ARMS
also coordinates the Adopt a Block program.
That program does not have a central
repository of people caring for specific blocks,
but will provide a very useful resource for
future weed inventories. Arms inventories of
weeds are not yet in a form that can easily be
shared with the District.
Community Environmental Education (CEERs)
helps coordinate communication among several
local groups and provides a means to
coordinate stewardship government support for
various issues and activities (For example, the
groups is contemplating broad support of a
project to restore parts of Katsie Slough). The
organization presents a vehicle for
disseminating educational material and raising
awareness of important weed issues or weed
control sites and activities. CEERs mentioned
the importance of coordinating inventory and
control efforts with BC Corrections who may
have crews to use (but apparently the BC
corrections Program no longer exists). They also
noted infestations of knotweed along McKinney
Creek and some targeted control efforts there.
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society – At present
DMR does not have organized disposal
strategies for noxious weeds or other invasive
plants, but there is a composting program
associated with the recycling society that is
active in educating landowners on the impacts
of some weeds during their activities to
promote composting. They would be eager
recipients of educational material and help pass
that information along to interested
landowners.
Many other local groups and individuals use
“Report a Weed” program to help inventory
weeds in DMR. Not all potentially active groups
that might help with inventory, or know of
weed locations, have been contacted yet;
engaging them will be an ongoing activity.
SECTION 3. THE STRATEGY
Scope, Vision and Goals
Scope
This strategic plan for control of noxious weeds
in DMR includes discussion of overarching
philosophies, and broad goals but then makes
those specific by recommending actions and
implementation approaches specific to DMR.
The plan is written to help guide prevention and
management of noxious weeds by DMR and its
partners within and outside of the District. The
strategic plan allows for flexibility in
implementing actions and adjusting to emerging
issues that may warrant action before a new
plan is written. The strategic plan is
accompanied by an action plan that condenses
the comprehensive actions noted in the
strategy to specific activities that the DMR or its
partners should aim to accomplish over the year
or two.
The strategy does not address all invasive
species that may also be a concern in DMR, but
Page 8 of 44
focuses on species on the BC noxious weed list.
It prioritizes both species and sites for action
and restoration.
Vision Statement
“DMR will provide a sustainable program to
reduce the impacts of noxious weeds on the
District’s biodiversity, natural resources,
agricultural resources, infrastructures and
human health and safety that includes
prevention, control and restoration, and is
characterized by of a coordinated, cooperative,
informed approach”
Principles guiding the strategy
Each one of the following principles was
recognized as pivotal for its potential to
ultimately enhance weed prevention and
control:
Emphasize leadership by the District
while increasing involvement and
coordination of efforts of groups within
the District, and cooperation with other
jurisdictions and regional initiatives.
Promote planning, and prioritization
(prioritize important species, locations
and issues and identify strategies for
addressing these issues).
Encourage education about noxious
weeds (for District staff, businesses, and
residents).
Focus on prevention.
Emphasize early detection and rapid
response in the most cost effective
ways possible.
Follow control through to restoration.
Recognize the importance of inventory.
Recognize the importance of
monitoring and promote clear
performance measures for projects.
Stay abreast of and support new and
ongoing research.
Analyze and address gaps in legislation,
enforcement and compliance.
Develop funding priorities, sources and
partnerships.
In the sections below, each principle is
addressed as an element in the Strategy and
expanded with objectives and
recommendations.
Leadership and coordination
Leadership and organization are required to
direct cooperative noxious weed projects and
allocate limited resources. Because noxious
weeds do not respect ownership boundaries,
leadership is needed at the federal, provincial,
regional and municipal levels to organize weed
control projects, develop partnerships, provide
assistance, and implement effective programs.
Effective management requires support and
participation from all parties and cooperative
management of noxious weed control allows for
prioritizing and pooling of limited resources.
The relationship between DMR and groups with
broader mandates (regional and provincial) and
between DMR with its internal government,
local community groups, and others operating
within its boundaries are key to effective weed
management.
Objective – Develop and expand partnerships
under clear leadership
Recommended actions:
1) Create an internal DMR noxious weed
working group with representatives
from appropriate departments
(Planning, Operations, Parks and
Leisure, Sustainability, etc.) so that
District‐wide efforts, initiatives, control
issues, etc., are known and shared
within DMR’s local government.
2) Designate the chair of that committee
(or other member) as the contact for
external people to bring noxious weed
issues.
Page 9 of 44
a.Advertise that person and
contact numbers on the District
website, on pamphlets about
noxious weeds.
3)Designate a person from that
committee to stay in touch with
regional and provincial efforts (e.g.,
participate in ISCMV planning and ISCBC
initiatives).
4)Develop an interagency/group contact
list and update that annually.
5)Hold provincial government
accountable for their areas in and
around DMR that impact DMR lands.
(Contact Ministry of Forests Lands and
Natural Resources Operations
(MFLNRO) when inventories identify
weeds on provincial land and request
notification of control).
6)Develop Memoranda of Understandings
(or other agreements) with Industry
(e.g., B.C. Hydro, Canadian Pacific
Railway, Fortis BC) outlining
management of weeds on properties
that affect DMR.
7)Develop agreements with other
government agencies within DMR
boundaries (e.g., Metro Vancouver
Parks, Ministry of Transportation,
Provincial Parks).
8)Encourage partnerships with local
groups (e.g., ARMS, KEEPS, CEERS,
Haney Horsemen Association, Ridge
Meadows Recycling Society.) to address
noxious weeds on District lands.
9)Become a municipal member of the
ISCMV and sign the Charter within the
Regional Invasive Species Strategy for
Metro Vancouver.
Planning and Prioritizing
Planning and prioritizing allocates limited
resources efficiently and provides direction for
implementation of programs and projects. This
draft strategy and accompanying action plan are
the tools DMR will use to prioritize important
issues and identify strategies for addressing
these issues. The action plan will need annual
updating and the strategy should be reviewed
every 5 years.
Objective: Create a Strategy and Action plan
Recommended actions:
1.Update this noxious weed control
strategy every 5 years.
2.Review the Action Plan associated with
this strategy every 2 years. The first
Action Plan is submitted along with this
draft strategy; it includes actions
specific to the next two years.
Objective: Prioritize weeds and locations
Recommended actions:
1.Maintain a list of the BC noxious weeds
found in DMR. That current species list
for DMR is found in Appendix I, and
knowledge of each species is captured
in Appendix III. Appendix III includes
specifics on the ecology of each species,
its extent in the District, best control
strategies, etc.
a.Regularly update the invasive
plant species list (Appendix I) and
accompanying table (Appendix III)
as new local and regional
information becomes available.
b.From that list:
i.Prioritize treatment of target
species in the very high risk
category.
ii.Identify species to
eradicate.
iii.Identify species to contain
or control.
iv.Identify species to focus
prevention strategies.
2.Provide a graphic summary of the
priority noxious weeds in DMR (see
Figure 3).
3.Develop a categorization of types of
ecosystems or areas of concern.
4.Develop a map showing location of
priority invasive plant species in relation
Page 10 of 44
to areas of concern. Use the map to
prioritize areas for treatment.
5. Review of priority management zones
every 2 – 3 years to assess effectiveness
and account for changing land uses.
Priority weeds: We developed a risk rating to
determine the relative risk of each species on
the noxious weed list. Appendix III contains
background information on the risk assessment.
Factors considered include:
Impact on human health and/or safety
(e.g., toxins, threat from erosion or
flooding caused by weeds).
Impact on sensitive ecosystems (e.g.
riparian areas (creeks, wetlands, lakes);
prime agricultural areas; old forests;
fragile ecosystems (e.g., rocky bluffs).
Impact on infrastructure (e.g., roads,
homes, changes in watercourses).
Impact on recreational opportunities
and aesthetic values (e.g., water weeds
chocking lakes).
Persistence (i.e., degree of effort and
expertise required for removal).
Also important in prioritizing species is the
stage of infestation. These are discussed more
fully later in the Strategy, but in summary, there
are four stages of colonization:
1. Expected soon – Not yet present but a
close by risk: Prevention and early
detection is key.
2. Introduction – When weeds first enter
an area, populations are usually small
and consist mainly of individual plants.
Eradication at this stage is usually
feasible.
3. Colonization – During colonization, the
weeds begin to spread and infestation
size increases. Eradication becomes
more difficult, but it is feasible to
contain infestations and prevent further
spread.
4. Naturalization – The third stage,
naturalization, occurs when the species
becomes abundant across the
landscape and infested patches are
large and widespread. At this stage it is
only feasible to control the species at
specific sites to reduce impact on
valued land or assets.
The stage of infestation of target plant species
in the District has been estimated based on
local and regional knowledge. The resulting risk
assessment graphic (Figure 2) allows the District
to prioritize management actions. This includes
preventing new invasive plant species through
early detection, targeting emerging species in
the eradicate category, and containing or
controlling high risk established species. Some
species can cross boundaries as they can be
eradicated from some areas of the District while
being contained in others. From this graphic it is
clear that hogweed and knotweed species are
high priority plants for immediate attention.
Risk Assessment
District of Maple Ridge Weeds
Risk
rating
Stage of infestation
Prevent: Not yet present Eradication Containment Control/ Asset protection
See all the
weeds on BC
noxious
weed list
Appendix 1
Flowering
rush
Knotweeds
(all 3
species)
Canada
thistle
Tansy
ragwort
high
medium
low
Knotweed
(all 3
species)
Scentless
camomile
Purple
loosestrife
Yellow flag
Iiris
Knotweeds
(all 3
species)
Giant
Hogweed
Figure 2. Risk assessment of the nine noxious
weeds in DMR. Knotweeds fall in various
categories because in some parts of the District
it can be eradicated, in others only contained or
controlled
The aim is to eradicate hogweeds and
knotweeds, but some knotweed infestation will
first need containment.
Priority Sites: Not all sites are of similar
priority. DMR covers xx ha, xx is agricultural, xx
private, xx is parks or natural areas, xx is other
industry and infrastructure. Much of the District
is forested and the District has a long boundary
with undeveloped crown land (essentially all
Page 11 of 44
forested). Future development will result in
additional changes to land type. A large
proportion of the District is public land for
which District Parks and Engineering staff are
directly responsible. Of particular concern on
public land is the spread of invasive plants along
riparian and transportation corridors, and along
the forest‐urban interface. Prioritization will
help determine the most effective use of
resources to address weed concerns over a
large area. The following principles have proven
effective:
Focus on the least disturbed area first:
(Focusing on least disturbed areas first
may seem counter‐intuitive. Experience
elsewhere shows that focusing
management priorities on areas with
few or no invasive plants is cost
effective in the long term, whereas
removing invasive plants once
established is difficult and costly.).
Focus on small isolated patches before
large patches.
Start upstream and work downstream
to prevent source populations from
spreading downstream.
Start at the outer edge of an infestation
and work inwards.
Focus on “spread pathways” (creeks,
paths and roadways).
Table 2 describes priority management zones in
the District. These zones should be reviewed
regularly to account for changing land use.
Cross walking priority species and priority areas
can help the District to prioritize management
actions. Giant Hogweed and all three knotweed
species should be contained then eradicated
regardless of the ecosystems they are found in,
working from satellite infestation to core areas
and upstream to downstream. The remaining
five species can be targeted based on priority
areas – tackling high priority areas before lower
ones.
Table 2 Priorities in Invasive Plant Management
Zones.
Land Type PRIORITY
Very high High Medium
Natural Area
(includes
parks)
Sensitive and
rare
ecosystems
(riparian
corridors,
rocky bluffs,
foreshore,
etc.)
Forest
ecosystems
Highly
disturbed
ecosystems;
isolated,
small parcels
Urban Area New
development
bordering
natural areas
existing
development
bordering
natural area.
New
development
not
bordering
natural
areas.
existing
development
not
bordering
natural
areas.
Agriculture
Area
Actively used
farmland;
bordering
very high
priority
natural areas
Actively used
farmland;
bordering
high priority
natural areas
Unused,
highly
disturbed
farms, not
bordering
high or very
high priority
areas
Transportation
Corridors (e.g.
highways,
arterial roads,
rail)
Intersection
with very
high priority
natural areas.
Intersections
with sight line
issues posed
by noxious
weeds (e.g.,
knotweed).
Intersection
with high
priority
natural areas
Intersection
with urban
area and
medium
priority
natural areas
Education and Public Awareness
Education, awareness and understanding about
invasive plants are critical to fostering public,
industry, and political support for prevention,
control, and detection activities. As people
become more aware of noxious weeds, the
probability of detecting them is greatly
increased, which allows for more effective and
timely control. Education and awareness assist
weed identification, reporting new infestations,
prevention and control, and fosters cooperation
and partnerships. Key audiences include elected
and appointed officials, key government
Page 12 of 44
agencies and commissions, provincial and
municipal land managers, certified nurseries,
plant and seed dealers, landscape architects,
garden clubs, home gardeners, arborists and
foresters, conservation groups, outdoor
enthusiasts and school children. Key
stakeholders such as farmers, landscapers, the
nursery and greenhouse industry, are groups
that should have first‐hand knowledge of the
impacts weeds can have and how to prevent
their introduction. Appendix IV provides some
contacts for representative stakeholder groups.
Although many individuals within stakeholder
groups are aware and sensitive to the problem
of noxious weeds and invasive species, the
majority of stakeholders will require increased
education, awareness and ‘champions’ to spur
action within their constituencies. Appropriate
education materials and forums depend on the
target groups and should include education on
invasive species that are not yet considered
“legally noxious” but make are of concern and
make impacts in DMR. Pamphlets, bulletins, and
brochures are useful at meetings, for follow‐up
consultations, and educational purposes. The
remainder of this section provides a brief
introduction to the many stakeholder groups in
DMR and methods to improve communication
with those groups.
To date, ISCMV has helped educate Ministry of
Transportation staff and contractors, BC Parks
staff, some nursery personal, and some
stewardship groups in DMR. ARMS and KEEPS
have taken the message of invasive species to
DMR youth. ARMS and KEEPs provide
educational outreach to more than 5000
students in DRM yearly over various grades.
Young people in DMR are other stakeholders
that can provide lasting impacts to community
wide participation in invasive weed and
agricultural pest prevention, control and
detection activities. Children that receive these
lessons take the messages home to their
families. They also represent the next
generation of stewards of public resources.
Other stakeholders that deserve attention
include industry representatives, agency
personnel, and nongovernmental organizations
that represent various interests. Engaging these
groups is vital for successful community
participation in invasive plant management and
prevention. With education, these groups will
likely become participants in prevention,
detection and control work.
Objective: Increase education and
awareness.
Recommended Actions:
1) Develop Educational Materials
Use templated resource materials
developed by the ISCMV to help deliver
a consistent message regionally.
Information is available on ID, control,
signage, restoration, etc.)
Gather educational material
(pamphlets, weed information sheets,
control videos, ID videos) from ISCMV
and ISCBC, specific to target audiences
(see below for list of target audiences).
Use ISCBC educational material for
nursery trades, landscape architects
and gardeners.
Gather information on efficacy of
various disposal programs (highlight
success of free programs).
Provide materials for DMR staff to
disseminate to home owners about
effects of dumping of noxious weeds
and invasive plants in compost and in
natural areas.
Participate with ISCMV to encourage
development of information sheets on
effects of weed‐contaminated soils and
soil disturbance in development
projects. Also address weed‐free gravel.
Include monitoring and removal of
invasive plants as part of development
permits. Currently, construction sites
related to development applications are
currently required to remove invasive
plants along riparian corridors and re‐
plant as part of their restoration plans.
Monitoring to ensure invasive plants do
not re‐populate the area is required for
5 years after the restoration is complete
Page 13 of 44
Develop information sheets on
importance of planting disturbed areas
with native or annual pioneer plants to
prevent invasive plants from becoming
established.
Use ISCMV and ISCBC photo library for
weed ID and control efficacy.
In cooperation with ISCMV, produce
news releases on priority noxious weed
issues.
2) Disseminate Noxious Weed Information
Develop and maintain web based
information (Provide noxious weed
identification, technical information,
and resource materials. Include a
noxious weed reporting form and
updated noxious weed distribution
maps).
Identify key educational groups for
early adoption of prevention, and
management, and high priorities to
prevent further introductions. Identify
key venues for delivery of educational
material. Specific groups can be
identified from the broad target
audience groups discussed below.
o Suggested participants: ARMS,
KEEPS, CEERS, Katsie First Nation,
DMR, MoT, MVRParks, contractors
for B.C. Hydro, Fortis B.C. and
others.
o Prioritize key messages for each
target group.
o Support noxious weed education
for KEEPS, ARMS and others so that
they can improve their outreach.
KEEPS and ARMS can target
school‐age youth and other
groups.
o DMR can support College, university
and technical school programs and
offer mutually beneficial
opportunities for census and
control.
Improve coordination of education.
o Create a centralized educational
material website.
List all participating in
education in the District.
Improve coordination – hold
yearly education coordination
meeting.
Provide education materials to
encourage nurseries to voluntarily stop
the sale of invasive plants and support
nurseries that do.
Incorporate weed awareness into
appropriate events (River’s day, earth
day, country market booths; Kanaka
Creek days).
Support inclusion of noxious weed into
school curriculum (through efforts in
broader groups such as ISCMV and
ISCBC).
Provide education to public and District
about proper disposal of invasive
plants. Include education of District
about the benefits of “free” services to
private landowners.
3) Increase Municipal Awareness and
Competency
DMR will develop and implement
noxious weed awareness programs for
internal staff (field personnel and
regulators) including:
o Providing information to managers
to increase awareness of weeds.
o Conducting education with field
staff both for proper
implementation of control activities
and to ensure a thorough
understanding to be able to
communicate context to interested
public.
o Providing technical assistance to aid
planning and implementation.
o Providing technical training through
ISCMV’s “Weeds In Mind”
education program (these have
been successfully used by many
Page 14 of 44
agencies to update their staff and
ensure new staff are educated).
DMR will develop BMPs for roadside
crews doing mowing and crews
applying herbicide.
4): Identify funding sources to support
education
DMR to brainstorm sources of funding
with cooperators
STAKEHOLDER GROUPS to consider
Specific messages for each stakeholder group
should focus on their level of responsibility to
address invasive species. DMR will aim to
develop a coordinated campaign to educate
stakeholders and improve public awareness.
Target groups include:
Elected and Appointed Officials
This target group has potentially the greatest
influence on reducing the impacts of invasive
species through the creation of legislation at
the national and provincial levels. However,
elected officials are besieged with daily pleas
to address many other serious problems.
Messages provided to legislators must
precisely articulate the seriousness of the
threat and suggest realistic avenues to
mitigate those threats. One of their most
significant contributions would be to
appropriate funding that is commensurate
with the threat posed by invasive species.
Key Provincial Government Agencies
Several key provincial agencies are already
members of the ISCBC, but their involvement
directly in Maple Ridge is not focused. Maple
Ridge has land within or adjacent to the
District that is influenced by Ministry of
Environment (B.C. Provincial Parks), MFLNRO
(crown land), Ministry of agriculture
(Agricultural Land Reserve lands), and
Ministry of Transportation (Highway
corridors).
Municipal Governments
The most directly involved level of
government is of course the DMR
themselves. District staff and policies are
critical to reducing the impacts of invasive
species. DMR owns and administer parks and
conservation lands directly impacted by
invasive species.
Agencies and Industries
BC Hydro, Fortis BC, CPR, and other large
private industries own land and control
rights of ways that are prone to weed
problems. Education of these key players is
very important in an effective strategy.
Certified Nurseries/Plant Dealers/Seeds Sales
This group has the strongest financial link to
production of invasive or potentially invasive
species and will require education and
outreach that is sensitive to this reality.
Every grower faces a plethora of financial
and technical issues with the production of
any plant species. In many cases, the
attributes that make a species invasive make
them the easiest species to grow and sell
(e.g., tolerant to a wide range of growing
conditions, grow rapidly, produce large
amounts of seeds, deer resistant, etc.).
Horticulturalists will be asked to innovate
and adapt to provide nursery stock that
meets practical requirements without
exacerbating the invasive species problem.
At present nurseries do not sell knotweeds
and hogweed, but do sell some other
noxious weeds, but legislation is changing.
Landscape Architects, Garden Clubs and the
Gardening Public
Gardeners and landscape architects are
consumers of invasive species (though not as
often consumers of noxious weeds) and can
provide a demand‐side influence to reduce
the continued use and subsequent spread of
invasive species. Landscape architects are
often faulted for specifying invasive species
in their plans even though the development
and sale of invasive plant species is perfectly
legal. There are now multiple resources that
Page 15 of 44
provide lists of native alternatives to invasive
species, but their production is still relatively
limited. However, there are many non‐
invasive, non‐native species that may be
used in gardens. Garden clubs and can be
effective agents that provide public outreach
and demonstration projects. The noxious
weeds addressed by this strategy are not
usually used by landscapers, but other
invasive plants (that may one day be
considered noxious) sometimes are and so
education of this groups is still of interest.
Conservation Groups
The conservation groups most engaged with
the invasive species issue are societies
engaged in stewardship of particular areas of
land or water. Conservationists have been
aware of the invasive species issue and have
been providing models of management and
outreach. However, proper stewardship of
land owned by conservation groups may be
limited by funding in many cases. These
groups have a strong desire to control
invasive species, but are financially
constrained.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Outdoor enthusiasts consist of a very large
and diverse segment of the public. Interests
include birding, photography, botanizing,
bicycling, hunting, fishing, boating and a
variety of other activities. Collectively, this
group represents a ready supply of potential
volunteers for invasive species detection and
control because they have an appreciation
for nature and many are willing to help
protect it. Unfortunately, trails and
equipment used by outdoor enthusiasts are
often portals for invasive species moving
into pristine areas. There is a need to
provide education, primarily at entry points
of natural areas and lakes, to reduce sources
of new infestations.
Children (K‐12)
When considering any large problem, it is
often the hope that the next generation will
‘get it right.’ In some cases, educating our
children about invasive species could have
immediate impacts as they share their newly
found information with their parents. The
environmental education community is
trained to present messages to children and
most of these professionals are aware of
invasive species. The incorporation of
invasive species concepts into school
education programs should be accelerated
and expanded whenever possible. The core
of this message should be an appreciation
for nature that allows students to build a
commitment to protect biodiversity.
Prevention and Exclusion
The old adage of “an ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure” applies very well to
noxious weeds. The cost of cleaning up existing
infestations is exponentially greater than the
much smaller amounts of resources usually
required for prevention. The word ‘prevention’
regarding invasive species falls into two
categories: 1) preventing the entry of new
introductions that are currently absent from
DMR; 2) protecting areas within DMR from new
infestations of invasive species already
occurring in the District. Prevention is the first
step in an early detection, rapid response
progression (see Figure 3 below)
Figure 3. Schematic of stages of weed
infestation.
Page 16 of 44
Early detection and rapid response focuses on
prevention, detection, then early steps to
eradicate. Containment and Control for asset
protection are steps to take if infestations have
grown beyond the ability to eradicate.
Invasive plants and their seeds can be dispersed
in many ways: wind, water, birds and animals,
illegal dumping, vehicles, equipment, and
transportation of contaminated material are
some examples. Many of these vectors are out
of the Districts’ control; however, strategies can
be adopted to manage others.
Keeping weeds out of DMR may best be done
by keeping weeds out of the Lower Mainland,
out of BC., or even out of Canada, depending on
the context. Programs need to consider, and
account for, potential pathways of spread for
both deliberate and accidental introductions.
Leadership from international organizations and
the federal government are required to slow
the spread of new species introductions among
countries (because global trade policies and
procedures are not decided at lower levels of
government); BC policies and Port of Vancouver
polices can greatly assist prevention of species
entering BC and the Lower Mainland. DMR
policies will affect entry and spread of weeds in
DMR, but DMR can also support and encourage
higher level of government to adopt useful
policies to make actions within DMR easier over
the long run.
When the number of invasive species to
consider is large, then considerable planning
and resources are needed to develop and
maintain prevention programs. However,
focusing on the highest risk species and the
highest risk pathways of introduction is a cost
effective path.
One of the most common and preventable ways
that invasive plants spread into natural areas is
by illegal dumping of green waste. Dump sites
are typically located in natural areas behind
residential properties or at the end of short,
unsanctioned trails on the edge of natural
areas. Education on proper disposal techniques
targeting both residents and landscape
contractors may help curtail this problem.
Control of potentially contaminated materials
(e.g. fill, soil, gravel, excavated material from
construction sites) at the source would also help
prevent the spread of invasive plants. Although
transfer of contaminated materials is a regional
issue, raising awareness of the problem among
target audiences in the District (e.g.
construction, demolition and landscape
contractors) is a first step towards solving the
problem. Simple measures such as inspecting
and cleaning equipment and vehicles after
contact with contaminated materials will
reduce the chance of spread.
Objective – Develop and implement
prevention programs
Recommended Action:
1) Develop programs including;
Prevention
Participate with regional initiatives to:
o Undertake a risk assessment to
determine species at high risk
for entering the District
o Identify the most likely
pathways by which these
species may be introduced.
o Promote education and
awareness ‐ develop and
publish prevention strategies
that communicate risks of
noxious weeds.
o Consider legislation to prohibit
or regulate entry of species and
authorize investigation and
enforcement where required.
Adopt prevention strategies, usually in
partnership with others, to reduce the
risk of a species entering or spreading
via a pathway (e.g., codes of practice,
machinery hygiene, commodity quality
standards / certification.
Page 17 of 44
o Mandate for washing cleaning of
equipment proper rinse water and
debris disposal.
o Proper disposal of garden clipping.
Provide a disposal site for invasive
garden waste.
o Encourage the use of weed‐free
feeds (explore if there are
guidelines to purchasers of hay
seed etc.), mulch, and seed.
o Promote garden nursery programs
to reduce invasive species. For
example, Grow me instead from
ISCBC.
o Create soil movement bylaws and
ensuring weed free soil. DMRs soil
bylaw may need revising.
o Create a noxious weed spoil pile for
infested materials that cannot be
composted to avoid the movement
of contaminate materials within the
district or to other municipalities
o Detection
Put in place active and passive
surveillance systems to enable early
detection supported by timely
identification of suspected high‐risk
species.
Link surveillance to response programs
and follow up on incursions to prevent
reoccurrence.
Many of these prevention programs already
exist but participation and scope in DMR
should be expanded.
Secure adequate funding for prevention
programs.
Consider incentive programs
(brainstorm with ISCMV).
Consider free pick up and disposal of
invasive refuse for private residences.
Improve habitat resistance and
resilience:
o Continue to support replanting of
areas after development or reduce
exposed disturbed land
o Brush out competing species until
planted trees and shrubs establish
and shade competitors
o Continue to use Streamside
Protection Regulations to improve
and remove invasive species from
riparian zones
o Adopt development regulations
that control introduction of new
weeds or immediate removal of
weeds. Developers are currently
required to control invasive plants
on development sites. Regulations
that need strengthening include the
Soil Deposit Bylaw to more strictly
regulate movement of soils.
o Restoration projects in the
development process require
planting of native trees and shrubs
appropriate for the area, such as
matching up with surrounding
native species. Red Alder, Bigleaf
Maple and other pioneering woody
species are useful to initiate
restoration of disturbed sites.
Grasses and legumes that create
unnatural successional pathways
are not preferred but may be
needed in some situations.
Improve contaminated materials
management
o Work with Metro Vancouver to
develop soil transfer and disposal
regulations and adopt
regional“invasive free” certification
for soil suppliers and keep pace
with Best Practices at a regional
level.
o Gather or create invasive plant
communication materials to include
information on the proper transport
and disposal of invasive plants and
Page 18 of 44
contaminated soil in keeping with
regional policy as it is developed.
o Develop equipment cleaning
protocol to reduce possibility of
invasive plant spread via District
equipment. Share protocol with
private contractors.
o Support regional and provincial
efforts to determine risk of
introducing invasive weeds through
pathways such as gravel,
contaminated seed, commercial
vehicles, automobiles, boats and
other vehicles, plant products, bird
seed and landscape products.
Early Detection and Rapid Response
As previously discussed, DMR divides weeds
into three priorities based on the risk posed by
the species to people, infrastructures and
ecosystems, and by the status of the weed in
the District. Status includes the following
categories:
1. New invaders, which are localized and
eradicable district‐wide;
2. Relatively new invaders, which are
firmly established in one or a few parts
of the District but eradicable in most
other parts of the District;
3. Those which are widespread in many
areas of the District (only eradicable in
small regions).
Weed status affects control options. When
aimed at new, incipient infestations, early
eradication can be the most cost‐effective
method of control. Eradication is a control
objective aimed at totally eliminating all
individuals of the target weed within a specified
area. Eradication aims to deal with small
numbers of localized populations by destroying
all plants within the population. The key to the
success of this strategy is early detection and
response. Seed longevity can extend the
eradication period considerably, even for small
populations if they have been established for a
number of seasons before detection. Periodic
monitoring of “eradicated” sites should occur
for many years to ensure populations do not re‐
establish.
Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)
involves finding species that are new invaders
to an area and responding rapidly to prevent
their establishment and spread. After
prevention, EDRR is considered the least costly
and most effective way to manage invasive
species. After initial introduction of a new
invasive plant, there is a short period of
opportunity for eradication and containment
(see Figure 3). Once a species is well established
and spreading, it can cost a substantial amount
of money to manage and remove from areas of
concern, and chances for successful eradication
diminish. Usually, once more extensively
established, a new invader becomes a long‐
term management problem. An Early Detection
and Rapid Response System includes several
elements:
1. Detection and Reporting.
2. Identification and confirmation.
3. Rapid Assessment.
4. Planning.
5. Rapid Response.
An effective detection and reporting system is
key. The province of BC has “Report a Weed”,
an online reporting system that links to IAPPS,
the province’s Invasive Alien Plant Program.
Such reporting systems can be expanded with
trainings of volunteers accustomed to
environmental monitoring and reporting.
Education in identification and systematic
regular inventory of high risk areas are
important. Early detection results from the
efforts of a combination of highly trained
detection biologists and a large group of more
casual “detection partners”, who receive short
training sessions in identification of key species.
The “detection partners” are trained through
workshops, articles, brochures, and other
outreach methods. They are a crucial link in
early detection because of the large areas and
Page 19 of 44
multiple jurisdictions in DMR that they can
traverse in their activities on the land. Even just
the training, data management and quality
control will be sufficient challenge to implement
and organize.
Rapid response is essential when a new weed
species is discovered in an area and the weed
displays a high potential for developing into an
invasive species. Leadership from DMR to
provide authority, establish priorities, and
provide adequate funding is critical. However,
the actual work will be accomplished by crews
which specializes in on‐the‐ground projects,
probably by DRM staff or contractors or ISCMV
field crews. Containment and eradication
activities require focus and commitment, and
they cannot proceed efficiently in an
environment of complex demands and
uncertain requirements. Permits, regulations
and approvals must be clear and stream‐lined.
Paths for early eradication need to be clear
before the arrival of a new invader. These paths
should provide a framework within which
coordination groups and agencies then make
decisions as to the specific course of action to
take when a new weed arrives. Because each
situation tends to include unique conditions
related to the species and the environment, the
rapid response plan needs to be general in
nature. The following elements need to be
addressed in a rapid‐response system:
Well‐defined authority, leadership, and
organizational roles.
Coordination and cooperation among
parties in the response.
Funding and resources.
Quarantine establishment and
enforcement.
Expeditious environmental regulatory
compliance.
Effective public awareness and
education, especially to affected
property owners.
Delimitation survey and mapping.
Review of biology and control options.
Classification of weeds as to their place
on invader curve and classifying sites by
priority
Implementation of eradication or other
management methods.
Assessments of treatments and
modification if necessary.
Environmental monitoring.
Restoration or mitigation.
Objective 1 – Increase efforts for early
detection of noxious weeds
Recommended Actions:
1. Develop and maintain a Watch List of
noxious weeds and invasive plants that
may become noxious weeds. There is a
provincial watch list for the provincial
EDRR program, supported by fact
sheets.
2. Complete directed surveys for EDRR
species and initiate eradication of select
species if they are found.
3. Engage citizen science monitoring
programs that are likely to participate in
early detection and reporting invasive
weeds.
4. Host workshops to provide information
and training to DMR supervisors and
field crews (and others) that may
happen on EDRR species during regular
work so that they will identify and
report infestations.
5. Develop an invasive weeds
identification confirmation
procedure/network.
Objective 2 – Speed the rapid response to
noxious weeds.
Recommended actions:
1. Improve ways public can report weeds.
2. Implement timely treatment of new
invaders.
3. Develop strategies to gain landowner or
land manager cooperation in
management of priority species.
4. Analyze the pesticide use permit
process to determine if changes are
Page 20 of 44
necessary to facilitate treatment of
EDRR species.
5. Establish rapid response teams and/or
partnerships to ensure that a confirmed
species report is responded to quickly
with the most effective method of
management. (Have control teams
available).
6. Develop eradication strategies for high
priority invasive insects that are likely to
be detected at monitored sites.
7. Have sufficient short term funds to
address new infestations quickly.
8. Have sufficient stable funds for ongoing
inventory.
9. Have standing orders of agreement with
control contractors to enable quick
response
Objective 3 – Coordinate District staff, local
groups, and broader groups to effectively
address EDRR priorities.
Recommended Actions:
1. Develop a flowchart identifying the
roles of different entities in rapid
response to new invaders.
2. Increase information sharing between
agencies and local entities regarding
early detection reporting and
interceptions.
Containment, Control and
Management
Control and management may include
eradication, containment or suppression
depending on the extent of the infestation and
potential harm that the species may cause
(Figure 2,Table 2). For widespread weeds,
eradication may not be economically feasible,
especially with if a weed has a long‐lived seed
bank or in situations where sufficient resources
are not available. Containment is a weed
management objective where an infestation is
too large to eradicate and the primary
management goal is to prevent infestation
expansion by suppression and elimination of
spread. For very widespread species, control
and management is used to manage invasive
weeds to avoid impacts on high priority assets
or locations (see Figure 2). Eventually some
species in the control category will gradually be
controlled, contained, then eradicated (e.g.,
knotweeds in some areas)
Containment
In the containment stage the aim is to limit the
species from reaching its full potential
distribution. In this stage of invasion the species
population is expanding, there are usually one
or more core infestations with a number of
smaller ‘satellite’ infestations. The management
strategy is to target the small satellite
infestations for eradication as a priority, while
the core infestation is prevented from further
spread. It may also include a reduction of
population density within the core infestation.
It is not expected that the core infestation will
be eradicated and as such ongoing control
programs are required. Effective containment
programs are generally expensive and long
term. There can be a large number of species
that potentially fit this category, but action on a
species is rarely financially justifiable except for
high impact species. Careful consideration
needs to be given to which species is allocated
‘containment’ status. A high level of community
support is required for any long term
containment program. Containment programs
include several elements:
Mapping to define the boundary of the
core infestation(s) and the number and
extent of satellite infestations;
Planning to always work on removal
from the areas of least concentration
(satellite infestations) towards the main
infestation;
Attention to spread pathways to limit
spread beyond the current infestation;
Community engagement programs and
coordinated action;
Eradication of satellite infestations; and
Page 21 of 44
Reducing the abundance and density of
the core infestation where this helps to
reduce spread.
Control and Management for Asset Protection
In this stage the weed is so widespread and
abundant it is inefficient to implement
containment everywhere. The aim of
management in this stage shifts to protection of
priority assets. The chosen treatments should
take into account many factors which should be
outlined in “Best Management Practices”
documents. Some of the considerations are
outlined below.
Treatment and Control Methods
There is considerable information available
regarding invasive plants and their management
in this province. Science and management
strategies continue to evolve as new threats are
identified. Much of this information can be
publicly accessed and used either directly or
adapted to meet specific conditions in DMR.
Generally, protocols and strategies should be
guided by the Provincial Pest Management
Plan (PMP) for the South Mainland Coast (BC
Ministry of Environment. Pest Management
Plan for Invasive Alien Plant and Noxious Weed
Control on Provincial Crown Lands within the
South Coastal Mainland of British Columbia.
Retrieved August 2, 2013, from
http://gov.bc.ca) and the Integrated Pest
Management Act. The Invasive Species Council
of British Columbia (ISCBC) and the Invasive
Species Council of Metro Vancouver (ISCMV)
are also excellent sources of relevant
information. These local sources provide the
latest Best Management Practices (BMPs)
related both to the treatment of specific
invasive plants and general preventative
practices to reduce spread. Using this
information, the District is beginning to create
its own BMPs for the treatment and control of
invasive plants (see Accompanying BMP
document).
Treatment methods generally fall under four
categories: preventative maintenance,
mechanical treatment, chemical treatment, and
biological control. Determining the appropriate
treatment method depends on several factors,
namely: effectiveness, cost‐efficiency,
practicality, safety, and potential for
environmental harm.
1. Preventative maintenance involves
maintenance techniques that reduce
opportunities for invasive plants to
become established. These measures are
used commonly in landscaped settings
(both large scale planted beds in public
areas and smaller scale gardens on
private property). A good example of
preventative maintenance is applying
mulch to prevent weed seed from
establishing on exposed bare soil.
2. Mechanical treatment involves physically
removing plants by hand, with tools or
with machinery. It also includes other
types of physical treatment such as
covering infestations with plastic,
cardboard or deep mulch to smother
invasive plants. In some cases mechanical
treatment can have a detrimental effect
such as triggering a plant to expand its
root system, sprout new shoots, or
initiate seed germination.
3. Chemical treatment refers to the
application of pesticides to control
invasive plants. DMR shares the concerns
of residents about the use of pesticides
and recommends the use of pesticides
only when necessary. Due to the threats
posed by knotweed species and the
ineffectiveness of mechanical treatments,
current best management practices
recommend the use of pesticides for
knotweed. There may be as well, other
situations when the use of pesticides may
be necessary when other methods are not
possible (e.g., large patches of hogweed,
or sites inaccessible for mechanical
removal).
Page 22 of 44
4. Biological control relies on the
introduction of a plant’s natural enemies
(e.g. insects, parasites and pathogens) to
reduce its population. For widespread
weeds biological control often provides
the best and most economical long‐term
means of reduction. This control method
involves establishing self‐sustaining
populations of control organisms (usually
herbivorous insects and pathogens).
Imported from the foreign country of
weed origin (after safety is scientifically
established), their populations are
expected to build‐up and move
throughout the infested region.
Biocontrol does not eliminate the target
weed, but reduces its abundance.
Populations of weeds and biocontrol
species will vary year to year. Currently
the purple loosestrife and tansy ragwort
are targets for biocontrol in the Fraser
Valley. In the future, bioagents may be
available for control of some other weed
species including knotweed, Scotch
broom and gorse.
Best Management Practices/District Practices
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are science‐
based approaches that result in the most
effective outcome. A document accompanying
this Strategy, sets out the best known approach
for addressing or managing knotweeds in the
District. It is important to update these BMPs
based on monitoring results at local sites,
changes in management practices and new
information learned from other agencies.
Objective 1 – Address identified barriers to
management of noxious weeds
Recommended Actions:
1. Develop lists that describe invasive weeds
management priorities and communicate
those to local groups cooperating in weed
control.
2. Review DMR pesticide use permit
requirements to explore easing the
process for all legitimate management
activities identified by local noxious weed
management groups.
3. Improve public and agency perception
and understanding of management
through education and outreach about
noxious weeds, health and safety, and
efficacy of chemical control practices by
ensuring outreach events are conducted
each year.
4. Develop funding mechanism or grant
programs for control and management of
invasive weeds.
5. Identify and establish permanent funding
source for weed and pest management.
Objective 2 – Follow best control methods
Recommended actions:
1. Ensure the District’s BMPs for invasive
plants follow the most current scientific
information and management strategies.
Update these BMPs as appropriate.
Increase knowledge of suitability and
efficacy of control techniques for
particular weeds. Determine if District
needs its own IPMP.
2. Develop control manual, including steps
to ensure safe application and describe
the specificity of application methods.
3. Implement BMPs (accompanying this
strategy) for control of knotweed, and
ensure they are made available to the
public.
4. On DMR municipal lands, the use of
pesticides to control invasive plants
should only be used when in staff’s
opinion: a) the invasive plant is more
harmful to the environment than the use
of pesticides, or b) other control methods
are not effective, feasible, or are
considered to be more harmful to the
environment than the use of pesticides.
5. On private lands, residents should follow
the BMPs for control and management of
invasive plants. The use of pesticides must
comply with current municipal and
provincial regulations. This can be best
achieved by retaining the services of a
trained professional.
Page 23 of 44
6.Develop guidelines for District staff to
review a site prior to maintenance work
being undertaken on a boulevard or any
District land.
7.Work with partners to control additional
high priority species and/or infestations
each year.
a.Concentrate on high priority areas
such as sensitive sites and pathways
for invasive species movement such
as roadsides, utility rights of way, and
railroad tracks (see Table 2).
8.Not a noxious weed point, but encourage
the removal of any invasive plant species
that may be used as nesting sites prior to
March 15th and after August 15th to avoid
the nesting season (e.g. blackberry
species, English ivy, etc.).
Restoration
Restoration is the process of repairing damaged
or degraded ecosystems. Since invasive plants
are a primary cause of such degradation,
restoration and the control of invasive plant
species go hand in hand, particularly in
terrestrial ecosystems. It is increasingly
understood that you cannot restore native
species and re‐vegetate native habitats unless
you successfully control invasive weeds,
although the control methods can move the site
towards recovery. Similarly, the control of
noxious weeds is just a first step in restoration,
the next steps are to re‐vegetate and take any
other necessary steps to reduce susceptibility to
further noxious weeds. Sometimes, treatment
of invasive plants can result in removal of
vegetative cover and exposure of bare soil.
These conditions are ideal for new invasive
plants to establish. Some areas will recover
naturally after treatment. A technique called
“successional advancement”, where the
invasive species is controlled by establishing a
cover of shade producing pioneering species,
can be very effective (Polster 2003). For
example, in forests at the urban margin and
many parks, there can be enough native plants
to re‐vegetate newly weeded areas through
seed germination or plant spread. However,
other areas may require restoration through
selective planting and/or other methods to
reduce the risk of soil erosion and re‐invasion
by non‐native plants. In these cases, a
restoration plan should be prepared before
invasive plants are removed.
The development of ecological restoration
methods has grown tremendously in recent
years. As the public becomes more
environmentally informed and concerned, they
have been increasingly willing to mandate the
repair of damaged landscapes. Citizens are
getting involved in local volunteer efforts for
Restoration. Invasive species removal and
replanting in the Kanaka Creek watershed and
other sites in Maple Ridge are prime examples.
Restoration methods include:
Natural colonization or succession
(including altering site conditions to
promote succession);
Seeding of desirable grasses (being
careful of grasses in sloughs and
ensuring use of non‐invasive grasses);
Replanting with appropriate trees and
shrubs; and
Planting of live cuttings.
Brushing out of planted species until
they supress competing vegetation
Successful restoration planting is dependent on
choosing plant species which are ecologically
suited to the site conditions. Typically,
pioneering trees and shrubs (those which
naturally colonize disturbed sites) will have the
highest survival rates. Species such as red alder,
bigleaf maple, willow, balsam poplar, and red‐
osier dogwood are suitable for use in the DMR.
Sometimes non‐native species are appropriate
in restoration (e.g., grasses) but care needs to
be taken to ensure they are not invasive or
overly impede desirable native alternatives.
Successful restoration requires ongoing
monitoring and appropriate maintenance of the
site.
Page 24 of 44
Objectives – Restore areas and ecosystems
where noxious weeds have been controlled
Recommended Actions:
1. Recognize control of noxious weeds as
one step in restoration process (not an
end in and of itself).
2. Provide BMPS for best species and
procedures for common restoration
situations.
3. Provide list of experts for advice on
more complicated restoration
initiatives.
4. Obtain funding to support restoration.
Inventories and reporting system
Inventories and maps are invaluable planning
tools that help get the most out of limited weed
management dollars. Armed with maps and
inventory information, weed managers can
develop strategies focused on removing new
and isolated infestations while containing the
principal infestation—the same strategy used
for wildfires. Inventories can be used to
prioritize which part of an infestation to treat
first and can increase the efficiency of almost
any method of weed management. Inventories
allow containment lines to be drawn and
tracked year to year. Prioritization of noxious
weed projects cannot be done until infestations
are accurately delimited. Inventory combines
with monitoring (see Monitoring section below)
to track efficacy of treatments, success of
initiatives, and suggest directions for adaptive
management. One of the most important
benefits of weed inventories lies in their use as
a tool for generating awareness. Being able to
tie the problem back to the public or agency’s
geographic area of interest dramatically
increases their receptiveness and interest in the
problem. Invasive weed inventories also provide
data necessary to quantify impacts of invasive
weeds on native ecosystems. A key need for
weed management programs is to quantify the
impact of invasive weeds so that funding can be
prioritized for weed control programs.
Survey, inventory, and mapping are very
important processes for documenting weed
infestations, but it is equally important to store
that information in a standard format and have
it accessible to DMR and its public. At the
present time, noxious weed information is
fragmented and is recorded and stored in
various formats and locations. Some geographic
information for certain noxious and invasive
weeds or geographic areas is currently available
from the District, Some from the Provincial
reporting system (IAPPS); some from local
groups such as ARMS. A standardized,
centralized data collection and record storage
system for noxious weed information is needed.
Developing an inventory of invasive plants in
the District requires a phased approach.
Currently the District’s efforts are focused on
public reporting of weeds (mostly knotweed
species and hogweed) and by BCIT student
inventories. The District’s large area (much of it
on private property) and high percentage of
forest land and other natural areas, affect how
much inventory work can be completed in a
given year. Availability of District staff and
volunteers to assist is also a limitation.
Currently, the District encourages the public to
report occurrences of invasive plants. However,
implementation of a local online public
reporting mechanism for high risk species
would benefit the inventory process.
Objective 1 – Continue and improve inventory
Recommended actions:
1. Identify gaps in current inventory
2. Develop a district‐wide inventory of
invasive plants on private and public land
and update continuously. Prioritize
inventory efforts by species and
geography, identifying priority species
and priority geographic areas
3. Increase citizen scientist monitoring
through education and update or creation
of outreach materials
Page 25 of 44
a.Increase training opportunities for
partners in identification and perhaps
learning GIS and GPS technologies.
b.Suggested participants: CEERS, ARMS,
KEEPS, Katsie First tion, Haney
Horesmen Association; DMR staff;
interested community people
4.Share data from the invasive plant
inventory with other
jurisdictions/institutions (e.g. CP Rail, BC
Parks, MV Parks, UBC Research Forest,
neighbouring municipalities etc.).
5.Provide distribution maps to persons
doing inventories
Objective 2 – Choose or create a repository for
Noxious Weed Inventory and monitoring
information
Recommended actions:
1.Determine best data repository for
inventory information. Even if local web‐
based applications are used, also adopt
the IAPP protocols for inventory and
submit DMR data to MFLNRO for IAPP.
While IAPP currently is a dated system,
MFLNRO has a project currently
underway to completely update it and
make it world class. MVRParks has an
inventory system that they find robust
and would share the database structure.
2.Develop a mechanism for the public to
report plants on the target list and
invasive plants list and developing
techniques for mapping and monitoring
of invasive plants so residents and
community groups may participate
effectively.
3.Coordinate inventory with monitoring so
that inventory information system
includes:
What invasive plants are present and
where they are;
What treatments have been
recommended at each location and if
it was done;
Status of infestation.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Follow‐up monitoring is essential for evaluating
the effectiveness of the efforts and for ensuring
that the area has not been re‐infested. A
monitoring program should collect the following
types of data:
1.Efficacy of the treatments (recorded by
reduction in infested area);
2.Status of the target weed; and
3.For which attributes of the site is it
being managed (e.g. forage quality,
endangered species status).
4.Evidence of habitat recovery and native
species regeneration.
Information from monitoring and evaluation
directs limited resources toward effective
management activities, allows informed
decision‐making and long‐term planning. The
paradigm of “adaptive management” is built
upon the principle of using monitoring data to
re‐evaluate program methods and goals on a
cyclic basis. For monitoring to be directed and
cost‐effective, program goals must be very
specific and measurable. The metrics for
assessing program success are termed
“program measures”; developing these is part
of an effective monitoring program.
Objective 1. – Monitor noxious weed projects
to evaluate effectiveness.
Recommended Actions:
1.Track all weed control projects (location,
species, treatment).
2.Monitor and evaluate projects for
effectiveness and improvements.
3.Map weed free areas and weed centres:
Display progress of noxious weed free
zones as control reduces ranges.
Page 26 of 44
Objective 2 – Evaluate Progress on
implementing Strategy
Recommended Actions
1. Develop and implement measures of
progress in noxious weed management
within DMR.
a. Develop “program measures”.
Research
Research about invasive weeds is imperative to
make wise management decisions. DMR is a
small municipality and as such does not
anticipate leading noxious weed research. Much
of the research completed elsewhere in similar
ecosystems is applicable to DMR. New research
is going on elsewhere in North America
regarding ecosystem services, and invasive
species impacts to those services. Research also
is continuing on management options to assess
efficacy and fate of bio‐control, physical control
and herbicides. The FVRD, for example, has
trials underway for biological control of purple
loosestrife and tansy ragwort. Prevention is
highly important to invasive weeds and
agricultural pest management, making research
on possible pathways and analysis of prevention
mechanisms highly important. Further research
is needed to rank pathways and vectors of
introduction, and identify practices that can be
put in place to prevent introductions. There is a
dearth of well‐quantified information on the
economic costs of weeds. This information
would be helpful for assessing funding priorities
and weighing the severity of the various weeds.
To make existing research available to DMR
requires an effective network of
communication.
Objective – Support efforts of local or
provincial researchers to fill gaps in knowledge
that will facilitate prevention, management
and understanding of noxious weeds and
invasive species.
Recommended actions:
1. Utilize relevant research from other parts
of the world to predict impacts of invasive
weeds, efficacy of control practices and
impacts of control practices to
surrounding resources.
a. Improve communication that
increases awareness of research that
applies to local situations.
2. Support students and researchers from
centres of higher education who may
want to study noxious weeds and their
control etc. within DMR.
Enforcement and Compliance
While the preferred method of encouraging
people to control weeds is through education
and incentives, there are limits to the
effectiveness of these methods. Mandates,
laws, and policies direct and strengthen the
management of noxious weeds. They give
authority and direction to resource and land
management agencies for noxious weed in BC
and DMR and heighten their importance in the
public perceptions. The current regulatory
structure for noxious weeds was summarized
on Page 3 and in Appendix II. BC has provincial
regulations that address prevention and control
of noxious weed species. The District can adopt
the Provincial Weed Control Act (but is not
required to), or use the Community Charter to
create bylaws to control invasive plants.
The District’s Unsightly Premises bylaw
addresses control of noxious weeds. Several
other bylaws have language that could allow
control invasive plants or could undergo slight
changes to include noxious weeds (e.g., Parks
Regulation Bylaw could include weeds in
definition of ‘foreign matter that might
interfere with appearance’; the Heritage
Maintenance Standards bylaw could include
weeds as part of ‘infestations that are to be
controlled’; the Rental Premises Standards of
Maintenance bylaw could include control of
noxious weeds.
Page 27 of 44
Several other bylaws would require substantial
amendments to address invasive plant
problems. Municipal mechanisms such as the
building bylaw, business licence and building
permitting processes offer opportunities to
communicate how those activities may
contribute to the spread of invasive plants.
Building permits could specify site clean‐up
activities, including removal of invasive species.
The Drainage Facilities Control bylaw could
caution against activities that spread noxious
weeds. The soil Deposition bylaw could specify
using soil from weed‐free sites. The
Watercourse Protection bylaw could require
reduction in invasive species in riparian zones
during new developments or renovations.
Control of invasive species in riparian zones is
already a part of the Official Community Plan
and regulated through Watercourse Protection
Development Permits.
Some existing bylaws may limit management
options for invasive plants. For example, the
District’s Pesticide Use Control Bylaw, although
it allows pesticide for non‐cosmetic uses, may
place restrictions on application close to water
that may limit chemical treatment of knotweed
and other high priority sites. Those bylaws
should be reviewed by experts to assess if
changes would be beneficial.
Education and communication of best
management practices are the preferred option
to encourage property owners to remove
invasive plants and should be carried out before
any bylaw enforcement. However, bylaws can
be used to support the District when property
owners are either unwilling or unable to
remove invasive plants of concern.
Objective 1 – Ensure appropriate invasive
weeds and agricultural pest regulations are
established.
Recommended Actions:
1. Amend the Pesticide Control Bylaw (if
needed) to allow for the use of pesticides
following Best Management Practices for
control of invasive plants when necessary.
2. Amend the Parks Bylaw to prevent the
use or dumping of invasive plants in
District Parks if it is not already clear.
3. Amend the Heritage and Rental Premises
maintenance standards to include
removal of noxious weeds and to include
a reasonable enforcement process and
reasonable fines.
4. Amend the Soil Deposit Bylaw to ensure
that invasive species are not moved from
one site to another through permitted
soil deposits.
5. Increase enforcement of business licenses
for landscaping and gardening companies,
and use the business licensing process as
an opportunity to distribute BMPs and
educational materials re invasive plants.
6. Prepare an assessment of the implications
of adopting the provincial Weed Control
Act versus creating bylaws for the control
of invasive plants under the Community
Charter.3
Objective 2. – Promote cooperation with
established regulations, and increase
enforcement where necessary.
Recommended Actions:
1. Cooperate with regional initiatives to
ensure that regional and municipal
invasive species bylaws align with each
other and represent consistent standards
that can be regulated and enforced across
all boundaries and between all
jurisdictions within the Metro Vancouver
region
2. Ensure education, communication and
incentives precede use of regulations;
a. Use regulations sparingly and only
after other measures have been tried.
3. Increase the number of district regulatory
inspections
3 Advisors have cautioned that care be taken when
contemplating legal tools that will require a landowner to
treat noxious weeds. It is much more difficult in an urban
environment, many land owners and plants grow in very
difficult locations. It is useful to have a legal option that
can be applied strategically depending on the species and
the goal for each species.
Page 28 of 44
4.Budget resources to implement noxious
weed compliance checks.
5.Regularly review invasive species bylaws
to keep them up‐to‐date and effective
Funding and Resources
Stable, consistent funding dedicated to noxious
weed control is needed. Noxious weed
management requires consistent ongoing
coordination, planning, and implementation of
treatment projects to effectively manage
noxious weeds. Weed control projects can be
complex, labor‐intensive undertakings. They
require significant ongoing program support for
inventorying, monitoring, education, and
regulatory compliance. The current rate of
spread of noxious weeds and the introduction
of new weed species will far outstripping our
capacity to contain them, let alone eradicate
them in all but a few circumstances unless
actions are taken quickly and effectively.
Provincial and Federal funding is non‐existent at
present, but various weed programs have
demonstrated success at bringing in significant
matching and in‐kind funds.
Potential funding sources:
Funding for noxious weed control should be a
line item in the District’s budget so that funds
do not get redirected to other activities. There
is potential for funds from Provincial agencies
such as Ministry of Transportation or Ministry of
Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations
where infestations cross jurisdictional
boundaries. As well, B.C. Hydro and Fortis B.C.
would likely contribute where they are
important participants in weed control.
It is not possible or desirable for government at
all levels to provide control of all invasive
plants. Government invests to maximize public
benefit and when benefits outweigh costs. Cost
sharing may be appropriate where there are
both public and private benefits from an
intervention. There are four main ways of
approaching cost sharing arrangements: user
pays, beneficiary pays, polluter pays, and risk –
creator pays. Some examples of each are
provided related to invasive plant management
are presented in Appendix V.
Objectives: Secure adequate funding
Recommended Actions:
1.Secure stable funding for ongoing
activities such as:
•Developing and coordinating local
programs.
•Implementing local control projects.
•Implementing survey, inventory, and
mapping projects.
•Assisting private landowners.
•Providing education and consultation.
•Implementing prevention activities.
2.Create an emergency fund for new
infestations and immediate actions.
Summary
This strategy should enable several important
outcomes (Figure 4):
LONG TERM OUTCOMES to be achieved over
the next 5 to 10 years
No new invasive plants established;
Reduced impact of established high risk
invasive plants; and
Responsibility for invasive plants is a
community value.
MEDIUM TERM OUTCOMES to be achieved
over the next 3 to 5 years
Have sound legislative, policy and
planning frameworks for invasive plants;
Have an effective program for detection
and timely response to new and emerging
invasive plants;
Stakeholders routinely implement
practices to prevent the introduction and
spread of invasive plants;
Land managers contain high risk
established invasive plants;
Page 29 of 44
Stakeholders work collaboratively to
coordinate invasive plant prevention and
control; and
Commitment and expectation for
participation in invasive plant
management is established as a
community norm.
SHORT TERM OUTCOMES to be achieved in the
next 1 to 3 years
Effective governance is applied to invasive
plant management in DMR.
Tailored programs and services support
stakeholder implementation of noxious
weed management practices.
Strong relationships and networks foster
information sharing, informed decision
making and increased participation and
cooperation.
Stakeholders have the capability
(knowledge and skills) to implement their
roles and responsibilities.
Improved techniques and options are
developed for invasive plant
management.
DMR residents and business are aware of,
and support, invasive plant management.
The Action Plan accompanying this Strategy
outlines suggested first steps towards
implementing the strategy.
Page 30 of 44 Vision Long Term Outcomes (after 10 years) Medium Term Outcomes (beginning after year 5) Short Term Outcomes (Beginning in years 1‐3 years) Key Elements Figure 4: Anticipated outcomes of the Strategy DMR will provide a sustainable program to reduce the impacts of noxious weeds on the District’s biodiversity, natural resources, agricultural resources and human health that includes prevention, control and restoration, and is characterized by of a coordinated, cooperative, informed approach No new invasive plants established Reduced impact of established high risk invasive plants Responsibility for invasive plants is a community value Stakeholders work collaboratively to coordinate invasive plants prevention and control. DMR has a sound legislative policy & planning framework for invasive plants. DMR has an effective program for detection and timely response to new and emerging invasive plants. Stakeholders routinely implement practices to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants. Land managers contain high risk established invasive plants. Containment and expectation for participation in invasive plant management is established as a community norm Effective governance is applied to invasive plant management in DMR. Tailored programs and services support stakeholder implementation of invasive plant management practices delivered in DMR. Strong relationships and networks foster information sharing, informed decision making and increased participation and cooperation. Stakeholders have the capability (knowledge and skills) to implement their roles and responsibilities. Improved techniques and options are developed for invasive plant management. DMR residents and businesses are aware of and support invasive plant management. Leadership, Coordination, Planning & Prioritizing Education & Public Awareness Prevention, Early Detection, Rapid Response, Containment & Control Restoration, Monitoring & Evaluation Inventories & Reporting System Enforcement & Compliance Funding & Resources
Page 31 of 43 Appendix I. – B.C. Weed Control Act: Noxious Weeds in B.C. Updated August 22, 2013 Noxious weeds are typically non‐native plants that have been introduced to British Columbia without the insect predators and plant pathogens that help keep them in check in their native habitats. For this reason and because of their aggressive growth, these alien plants can be highly destructive, competitive and difficult to control. The B.C. Weed Control Act imposes a duty on all land owners and occupiers to control designated noxious plants. The purpose for the Act is to protect our natural resources and industry from the negative impacts of foreign weeds. (Note ‐ the Weed Control Act and Regulations are now administered by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.) The following weeds are classified as noxious within all regions of British Columbia: BC Noxious Weeds List Identified in District of Maple Ridge BC Noxious Weeds List Identified in District of Maple Ridge Annual Sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus) Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)Bohemian Knotweed (Fallopia x bohemica) Jointed Goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) Bur Chervil (Anthriscus caucalis) Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)Common Reed (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) North Africa Grass (Ventenata dubia)Crupina (Crupina vulgaris) Perennial Sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis)Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) Dense‐flowered Cordgrass (Spartina densiflora) Rush Skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea)Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina patens)Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) Scentless Chamomile (Matricaria maritima) English Cordgrass (Spartina anglica) Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)Giant Knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris) (within Fraser Valley)Giant Mannagrass / Reed Sweetgrass (Glyceria maxima) Wild Oats (Avena fatua)Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) Himilayan Knotweed (Polygonum polystachyum) Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)Hound's‐tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis)
Page 32 of 44 Appendix II. Overview of Applicable Legislation A. Main agencies responsible for management of noxious weeds AGENCY RESPONSIBLE LEGISLATION Comments Federal National Parks Parks Canada Canada National Parks Act The Governor in Council may make regulations respecting the protection of flora, soil, waters, natural features Indian Reserves & Treaty Lands Nations, Councils or Bands Indian Act The Governor in Council may make regulations for the destruction of noxious weeds and the prevention of the spreading or prevalence of insects, pests or diseases that may destroy or injure vegetation on Indian reserves. The council of a band may make by‐laws not inconsistent with this Act or with any regulation made by the Governor in Council or the Minister, for the destruction and control of noxious weeds Provincial CROWN LAND Agricultural Lands Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Weed Control Act In accordance with the regulations, an occupier must control noxious weeds growing or located on land and premises, and on any other property located on land and premises, occupied by that person. Crown Rights‐of‐Way Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Provincial Parks, protected areas, ecological reserves. Ministry of Environment Crown forest and range lands Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Transportation corridors Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Dikes along waterways Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: Water stewardship Division Dike Maintenance Act Allows dike inspectors and employees to maintain dikes and thus allows weed control for weeds that might damage dikes. PRIVATE LAND Utility Rights‐of‐Way Landowners (i.e. BC Hydro, Fortis BC, etc.) Weed Control Act Applicable Municipal bylaws Land within Regional District Boundaries (excluding Municipalities) Regional Districts responsible to enforce upon property owners In Metro Vancouver: Weed Control Act No specific bylaw to address noxious weeds Land within Municipal boundaries Municipality responsible to enforce upon property owners In Maple Ridge: Noxious Weed and Other Growth Control By Law. Untidy and Unsightly Premises in the District of Maple Ridge Bylaw 6533‐2007 Every owner or occupier of real property is required to clear brush, trees, noxious weeds or other growth. No Owner or Occupier of Property may cause, permit or allow the Property to become overgrown with Noxious Weeds including Canada thistle, morning glory, couchgrass, purple loosestrife, giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed
Page 33 of 44 B. Legislation governing management of noxious weeds B.C. Weed Control Act Duty to control noxious weeds In accordance with the regulations, a land owner or occupier must control noxious weeds growing or located on land and premises, and on any other property located on land and premises, occupied by that person. Notice to control noxious weeds An inspector may serve a notice directing an occupier, in accordance with the notice, to control noxious weeds growing or located on land, premises or property occupied by the occupier. If a notice is served on an occupier the occupier must promptly bring the notice to the attention of the owner of the land, premises or property that is the subject of the notice. Control of noxious weeds by inspector If a notice is served, in the opinion of an inspector, noxious weeds are not controlled within the time, which must not be less than 5 days, specified in the notice, or in the manner specified in the notice; or o an inspector is of the opinion that, in order to prevent the injurious distribution and effect of noxious weeds, it is necessary to immediately control the noxious weeds, an inspector may, without notice, take the action considered necessary to enter on any land, premises or property and control noxious weeds. If an inspector controls noxious weeds under subsection (1), the inspector must prepare a statement of the costs of the control, and send the statement, verified by affidavit, o if the noxious weeds were controlled on land, premises or property in a municipality, other than a regional district, to the designated municipal officer, and o if the noxious weeds were controlled on land, premises or property other than that referred to in paragraph (a), to the minister. If the municipal officer or minister to whom a statement is sent under subsection (2) issues a certificate in respect of the amount of the statement, every occupier of the land, premises or property on which or in which the noxious weeds were controlled is jointly and severally liable to pay the amount specified in the certificate to the municipality or the minister. Highways If a highway is owned by the government, but is in the possession of a municipality, other than a regional district, that municipality is the occupier of that highway. Untidy and Unsightly Premises in the District of Maple Ridge Bylaw 6533‐2007 No Owner or Occupier of Property may cause, permit or allow the Property to become overgrown with any grasses in excess of 30 centimetres in height or brush of any type or allow such brush to encroach onto neighbouring public or private property or Noxious Weeds listed in Schedule "A". Schedule A: Noxious Weeds Canada Thistle (Cirsium arense) Bindweed or Morning Glory (Convolvulus) Couchgrass (Agropyon repens) Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica)
Page 34 of 44 C. Legislation governing use of pesticides Legislation Regulations Notes FEDERAL Pest Control Products (PCP) Act http://laws‐lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P‐9.01/ Pesticides sold or used in Canada must be registered under the PCP Act All pesticides available in Canada should already be registered. If there are health concerns associated with the pesticide, contact the local Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada. PROVINCIAL Integrated Pest Management Act http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_03058_01 Use of a pesticide for the management of noxious weeds requires a pesticide use notice confirmation (from the ministry), a pesticide user license and/or a permit as well as appropriate pesticide applicator certification. A pesticide user license is required if the pesticide is used for the management of noxious weeds on less than 50 ha a year of public land. A permit is required for aerial use of a pesticide to land that is neither in an urban area nor used for residential purposes, or if an exemption to the standard is required. A Pest Management Plan (PMP) is required for the management of noxious weeds on more than 50 ha a year of public land. Pesticide Certification Training is achieved upon completion of the following study kits: ‐Canadian Pesticide Education Program Applicator Core Manual British Columbia Edition: 2011. ‐Supplementary Information for Industrial Vegetation and Noxious Weed Control Pesticide Applicator Certification: 2011. These study kits are available through the Distribution Centre at 1‐800‐282‐7955 MUNICIPAL Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 6413‐2006No person shall use or apply pesticides for cosmetic reason in, under or upon any lands in the District of Maple Ridge unless a permit has been issued. “Cosmetic Purposes” means the use of pesticides for non‐essential use, or where the application is for an aesthetic pursuit. When a plant is added to the Noxious Weeds list, it opens up the use of chemical control methods and Municipal Bylaws do not apply.
Page 35 of 44 Overview of agencies involved in invasive plant management in BC. For more information on the legislation relating to each of these agencies, and a more complete list of agencies, see the Legislative Guidebook (IPCBC 2007). Agency/ Organization Jurisdiction (Land Authority) Comments Federal Agencies Parks Canada National ParksTransport Canada Federal transportation corridors, such as railway, highway, and pipeline corridorsEnvironment Canada & Canadian Food and Inspection Agency (They are leading an Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada)Other Federal agenciesPost offices, airports, national defence landsPort Metro VancouverAboriginal peoples Aboriginal peoples Indian Reserves and treaty landsAboriginal traditional territoriesNations, Councils or Bands involved in consultation regarding management of Aboriginal peoples and other lands.Provincial Agencies Ministry of Agriculture (Crown land Management authority for agriculture in BC).Ministry of Energy and Mines (Includes Crown Corporation rights‐of‐way (see Utility and Gas companies below)Ministry of Environment (Provincial Parks, protected areas, ecological reserves, conservation lands, and wildlife management areas).Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations (Crown forest and range, Wildlife Habitat Areas, Old growth ManagemntAreas, etc., responsible Ministry for the Weed Control Act)Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (Management authority for transportation corridors)Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development (Responsible ministry for the Community Charter and the Local GovernmentAct)Inter‐Ministry Invasive Species Working Group (As above for each agency Designated representatives from various provincial agencieswho work collaboratively to develop policy and cooperative programs and resources).Utility & Gas Companies, other industry Many Management on their rights‐of‐way. For example, Fortis BC, BC Hydro, Canadian Pacific Railway.Local Governments Regional Districts Land within regional district boundaries (excluding municipalities)Municipalities Land within municipal boundariesTreatied First Nations Land
Page 36 of 44 Non‐profit societies/ community groups Invasive Sepcies Council of BC (Comprised of representatives from agencies, groups, and individuals involved in invasive plant management. Addresses provincial‐level issues that deal with multiple agencies and stakeholders.) Regional Invasive Plant Committees (Coordinate multiple stakeholders in their region and may take on some on‐the‐ground delivery on behalf of stakeholders. Boundaries of the regional committee’s operating area are determined by the committee. Some follow regional district lines, but others do not.) Community groups with land management authority (Lands under their management authority) E.g. Ducks Unlimited, The Land Conservancy, The Nature Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Stewardship groups None Stewardship of parks and other areas Land owners and occupiers Private land owners have control and responsibility for land they own or occupy
Page 37 of 44
Appendix III Detailed information on BC’s noxious weeds
Coastal Invasive Alien Plant Program Management Tool2014\03\31Priority Plant SpeciesHigh Risk Ecosystems/Site(Species infestation ClassSpecific Impact(s)General Control StrategyBC Prov. LegislationIAPP InclusionBio-control AgentsChemical ControlManual or Mech. ControlFamilyGrowth HabitLife CycleFlower ColourMain Reprod.Secondary Reprod.Plus Mechanism(s) Heat RequirementLight RequirementMoisture RequirementNutrient RequirementHorticultural SpeciesMiscellaneousBohemian Knotweed Fallopia X BohemicaR,SC-EBI,ER,HY,IN M - - -VC,D BW FPWS,RC AL,AP L H M L9-Bur Chervil Anthriscus caucalis A,B,RP (L)BI E W9- A, V C, P CT F A W S - SH, MS M M M L -http://www.coastalisc.com/priority-invasive-plants/bur-chervil; http://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_A/Anthriscus_caucalis-sylvestris.pdf Jan 15, 2014Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense ACAS,CR M C,F,W9LP A,G,V M AS FPPSRMS,RG,RHLLMM- DCommon Crupina Crupina vulgarisBP (L)CR M C,W9- -B,P,RASF A PS - - MMMM - -IAPP INCLUSION LIST: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/eflora/Invasive_Species_Checklist_2012.pdfCommon Reed Phragmites australis subsp. australis E,WP (L)HY, BA M W - - V C,D,B GR G P W S R SO M H H M9http://lakehuron.ca/uploads/pdf/Phragmites.bmps.4.pdf; http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/HRA/invasive-species/Publications/EDRR_web_Phragmites_Jan2013.pdf; http://www.coastalisc.com/priority-invasive-plants/common-reedDalmatian Toadflax Linaria dalmatica AP (L) AI,CR C C,F,W9GN,MJ - M,P FI FPYSRHS,RG,SVLHLL9DDense-flowered Cordgrass Spartina alternifloraEP (L) BIEW- - VP,M,C,DGRGP-S- - MMHM-Dhttp://www.coastalisc.com/priority-invasive-plants/cordgrass-dense-flowered; http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/detail.asp?weed=130; http://www.cmnbc.ca/sites/default/files/Spartina%2520ID%2520Card_2.pdf; http://pnwhandbooks.org/weed/other-items/control-problem-weeds/cordgrass-spartina-spp (for cDiffuse Knapweed Centaurea diffusaA,BP (L)BI,CR,FR M C,F,W9AZ,CA,LM,LO,UJ V B,M,P AS FPWS - AL,HS MML L9-Dodder (Strangleweed) Cuscuta spp. *6 BC species of concernAP (H)CR,HA M C,W9-VBDDVBWS-HS,RG,SE,SV MLLL- -English Cordgrass (Spartina) Spartina angilicaEP (L)HY C - - - V B,D,P GR GP-SR RG MHHM-D,EFlowering Rush Butomus umbrellatusWCBI,SA M C - - - C FL FPPRS - MMHM9-Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolataUP (L)BI M C - - G M MU F B W S - AL M L H M9OGiant Hogweed (G. Cow Parsnip) Heracleum mantegazzianum C,REBI,DE,EREC9-G,VC,D,MCTFBWS-HS,MS,SH,SV MMMM9-Giant Knotweed Fallopia sachalenensisR,SC-EBI,ER,HY,IN C C,F9-VC,D,P BW SPWC,RSAL,SH,ST,SY M H H L9-Giant Mannagrass (Reed Sweetgrass) Glyceria maximaB,R,WP (L)AI, BI,WFEW- - VD,CGRGPY-G S R SO, RG M M H L9D, Fhttp://www.nwcb.wa.gov/siteFiles/Glyceria_maxima.pdf; http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/detail.asp?weed=57; http://www.coastalisc.com/priority-invasive-plants/giant-mannagrassGorse Ulex europaeus CP (L)BA,DE,FR,SEEC,F,W9-G,VA,D,PPESPYSCNF,ST,SVHMLL9DHimalayan Knotweed Polygonum polystachumR,SC-EBI,ER,HY,IN C -9-VD,H BW FPWRCAL,PS,RH,ST M H H L9DHound's-Tongue Cynoglossum officinale BP (L) AI,CREC,F,W9MC - M BO F B P S - MS,RG M H L M9-Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonicaR,SC-EBI,ER,HY,IN C C,F9-VD,PBWFPWC,RSAL,SH,ST,SY M H H L9DJointed Goatgrass (not present in BC) Aegilops cylindricaA, BP (L)CRCW9-VMGRGAGS- - LLMM9Dhttp://www.weedsbc.ca/pdf/jointed_goatgrass.pdf; http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/detail.asp?weed=3; https://www.co.weld.co.us/assets/4C8652c0751A6cB3564B.pdf (good one)Leafy Spurge Euphorbia esulaB,SP (L)AI,CR,DE EC,F,W9AS V A SP FPYRSAL,RG,SEMHLL- DMilk Thistle Silybum marianumA, BPAI, BI E W9- G, V C,D,P AS FB(P)PS-HS, SV, NF M M L L - Hhttp://www.nwcb.wa.gov/siteFiles/Silybum_marianum.pdf; http://www.coastalisc.com/priority-invasive-plants/milk-thistle; http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/detail.asp?weed=122North Africa Grass Ventenata dubiaA, BP (L)BI,CR, ER M W9-Imazapic C GR GAGS - ST MMMM - -http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/EB2038E/eb2038E.pdf; https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_vedu.pdf; http://whitman.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/VentenataEB2040Epdf.pdfPerennial Sow Thistle Sonchus arvensis A,R,WP (L)CR M C,W9-VM,RASFPYSRAL,HS,RGMHMM- -Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicariaRCBI M C,F9GC,GP G,V C,D LO FPPSRHS,RGMHHH9DPurple Nutsedge Cyperus rotundus A,B,CP (L)CR,TF M C,W9-VDSEGP-BR, S RG MHHM-DRush Skeletonweed Chondrilla junceaA,BP (L)CREC,F,W9--MASFPYSCAP,HS,MSMHMM- -Saltmeadow Cordgrass Spartina patens EP (L)BIEW- - VP,M,C,DGRGPRRS SO HHHM- Dhttp://www.coastalisc.com/priority-invasive-plants/spartina-patens; http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/detail.asp?weed=131; Scentless Chamomile Matricaria maritimaA,BCCR M C,F,W9-AMASFPWS - HS,RGMMHM9HSmooth Cordgrass Spartina alternifloraEP (L)BI E W - - VP,M,C,DGRGP-SR SO MHHM-Dhttp://www.nwcb.wa.gov/detail.asp?weed=128 Spotted Knapweed Centaurea maculosaA,BP (L)BI,DE,FR M C,F,W9AZ,CA,LM,LO AA,M,P,RASFPPSCAL,HS,MHLL9DTansy Ragwort Senecio jacobaeaA,B,CAI,CR,DE,HIM C,F,W9HS V M ASF BYSRHS,RH,STMMMM - -Velvet leaf Abutilon theophrasti AP (L)CR,HAEC,W9- V P MAFAYS - SV MHMH - -Wild Chervil Anthriscus sylvestrisA,BP(H)-CCR,HA C C,W9-VP,MCTFPWSC - MMHH - -Wild Oats Avena fatuaAP (L)CR M C,W9VRGRGA-S- - MMHM-FYellow (Common) Toadflax Linaria vulgarisAP (L) AI,CR C C,F,W9GN,MJ V P FI FPYSR RG MMLL9-Yellow (Flag) Iris Iris pseudacorus E,R,WP(H)-CAI,DE,HY M C,F9--C,D,RIRFPYSR - MHHM9DYellow Nutsedge Cyperus esculentus AP (L)CR M C,W9-VP,RSEGP-SB,RHS,RG,SVMHHM-*,DYellow Starthistle Centaurea solstitialisA,BP (L)AI,BA,CR,WFEC,F,W9-VA,PASFPYS-HS,MSMHLL- DCommon website References:http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/noxious.htm (legislation)http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/eflora/Invasive_Species_Checklist_2012.pdf (IAPP listings)1
High Risk Site(s):A = agricultural -> "cultivated" (e.g. crop or forage production)B= agricultural -> "uncultivated" (e.g. pasture or rangelands)C= recreational areas (e.g. urban park or golf course)E = estuary (e.g. salt water or tidal influenced)R = riparian area (e.g. rivers, streams or flowing fresh water)S = ecologically sensitive terrestrial areas (e.g. deer winter range, coastal bluffs, "open" or second growth forests)U = understory (e.g. complete crown closure in forests)W= wetland or lake e.g. any non or marginally flowing fresh water bodySpecies Priority Class:Specific Impact(s):AI = animal (wild or domestic) ingestion e.g. toxicity or poisoningHA= harbours pests e.g. vermin, insects or pathogens OR is an alternate hostAL = allergenHI= human ingestion e.g. toxicity or poisoningAS= negative asthetics / visual blight HY= hydrological alteration or groundwater depletionBA = barrier e.g. impassible or inpenetrableIN = infrastructure degradationBI = biodiversity reduction or habitat loss of native flora NU= nutrient cycle alterationCR= crop or forage yield reductionSA= safety e.g. highway sightlines, overhead hazard DE= dermal contact (e.g. irritation, burning, blistering, blindness or puncture)SE= tree seedling competitionER= erosion, sedimentation or water quality relatedTF= recreational turfgrass FR= fire hazard e.g. directly or increased periodicityWF= wildlife forageGeneral Control Strategy:E = extirpation (brand new incidence - immediate action required to eradicate species)C = containment (localized incidences within a defined area, to be kept in check)Provincial LegislationC = Community Charter (Act) Spheres of Concurrent Jurisdiction, Environment & Wildlife Regulation - Ministry of Community ServicesF= FRPA / Invasive Plants Regulation - Ministry of Forests & RangeW= Weed Control Act / Weed Control Regulation - Ministry of Agriculture & LandsNote: Only provincially legislated and/or regionally significant (i.e coastal) species are listed for inclusionIAPP Inclusion 9a species current listed in the IAPP ApplicationBio-control - Agent Codes:AZ = Agapeta zoegana (M,R)GP = Galerucella pusilla (B,L)LP = Larinus planus (W,S)UJ= Urophora jaceana (F,S)(Only secondary agents listed)AS = Aphthona species (B,R)GN = Gymnetron netum (B,S,T)MJ = Mecinus janthinus (W,T)UO = Urophora solstitialis (F,S)CS = Chrysolina species (B,L)HS = Hylemya seneciella (F,S)MP = Metzneria paucipunctella (M,S)US = Urophora species (F,S)CA = Cyphocleonus achates (W,R)LM = Larinus minutus (W,S)MC = Mogulones cruciger (W,R)UT = Urophora stylata (F,S)*GC = Galerucella calmariensis (B,L)LO = Larinus obtusis (W,S)RC = Rhinocyllus conicus (W,L,S)Subcode Explanation: -> (Agent, B = beetleC = caterpillar F = flyM = mothI = miteR = rustW = weevilU =- fungus ,Mode of Action) L = leaf feederS = seed feeder (and/or galling)R = root (and/or root crown) feederT = stem feederLegendE = eradicate; target for early detection and erdicationC = contain; species is established in some locations.AC = Asset protection by Control; species well-established and goal is protection of assets (cropland,etc)P= prevent, not yet present in District; (High;Medium;Low potential for arrival)* considered under biocontrol on the coast (i.e. saturated its range)M = management (widespread incidences, treatments focussed where impacts will be greatest if left unchecked)
Chemical Control Codes:A= Aminopyralid / MilestoneG= Garlon 4 (triclopr)V = Vantage Plus Max (glyphosate)Manual or Mechanical A= Animal Grazing (Goats or Sheep)C = Cutting (before seed set)M = MowR = Roto-till (or underwater harvesting)Codes:B = BurnD = Dig or excavate P = Pull (by hand)S = SawFamily:AM= Amaranth (Amaranthaceae)FL = Flowering(Butomaceae)MG = Mangosteen (Clusiaceae)SE = Sedge (Cyperaceae)AS = Aster (Asteraceaeor Compositae)GE= Geranium (Geraniaceae)MI = Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae)SP= Spurge (Euphorbiaceae)BB = Buckbean(Menyanthaceae)GI = Ginseng(Araliaceae)MN= Mint (Lamiaceae)TA = Tamarix(Tamaricaceae)BC = Buttercup(Ranunculaceae)GO = Goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae)MO = Morning Glory (Convolvulaceae)TE= Teasel (Dipsacaceae)BI = Bittersweet (Celastraceae)GR = Grass (Poaceae)MU = Mustard (Brassicaceae)TO = Touch-me-not(Balsaminaceae)BO = Borage (Boraginaceae) HE = Hemp(Cannabaceae)OL = Olive(Elaeagnaceae)TP= Tape-grasses (Hydrocharitaceae)BT = Butterfly Bush (Buddlejaceae)HN = Honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae) PE = Pea (Fabaceae)WH= Water Hyacinth (Pontederiaceae)BW = Buckwheat (Polygonaceae)HO = Holly (Aquifoliaceae)PI = Pink (Caryophyllaceae)WM = Water Milfoil (Haloragaceae)CT = Carrot (Apiaceae)IR = Iris(Iridaceae)PL = Plantain (Plantaginaceae) DD = Dodder (Cuscutaceae)LO = Loosestrife (Lythraceae)PT = Potatoe(Solanaceae)DO = Dogbane (Apocynaceae)MA = Mallow (Malvaceae)QS = Quassia(Simaroubaceae)FI = Figwort (Scrophulariaceae)ME = Mezereum(Thymelaeaceae)RO = Rose (Rosaceae)Growth Habit:A = aquatic plantS = shrub (or shrub-like)F = forb / herb / vascular plantT = treeG = grassV = vineLife Cycle:A = annualB = biennialFlower ColourB = blueO = orangeR= RedY = yellow(predominant)G = greenP = pink or purple W = white Main Reproduction:B= bulbs or tubersL = layeringS = seedC = cuttings (vegetative)R = rhizomesT = stolonsSecondary Reproduction:B= bulbs or tubersL = layeringS = seedU= suckeringC=cuttings (vegetative)R=rhizomesT= stolonsPlus Mechanism(s)AL= allelopathicNF = nitrogen fixingSH = shade tolerantAP = apomicticPA = parasitic to hostSO = stoloniferousCL= climber PS = photosynthetic stemsST = stimulated by fire, mutilation, cultivation or fireCR= creeperRG= rapid regeneration timeSV= seed viability(> 5 years)HS = high rates of seed prod. (5000+)RH= rhizomatous or adventiousSY = synergistic hybridizationMS = modified seed (hooked, winged)SE = seed ejectionWX = waxy leavesHeat Requirements:L = low or minimal M = moderate H = high or maximumLight Requirements:L = low or minimal M = moderate H = high or maximumMoisture Requirements:L = low or minimal M = moderate H = high or maximumNutritional Requirements:L = low or minimal M = moderate H = high or maximumHorticulture Species9a nursery, landscaping or garden introductionMiscellaneousD= disturbance-free spread potential E= erosion control introductionF = forageH= herbal or spiceO = odour* = nativeP = perennial
Page 41 of 44
Appendix IV Contacts for DMR Noxious Weed coordination
Contacts for Maple Ridge
Provincial:
o Ministry of Transportation Virginia Dragan Virginia.dragan@gov.bc.ca
o Ministry of Environment (Parks) Joanne Hirner 604‐924‐2228 joanna.hirner@gov.bc.ca
o Ministry of Forests Dave Ralph 250‐371‐3826
Regional Districts
o FVRD Lance Lilly 604‐702‐5006 llilly@fvrd.bc.ca
o MV Parks Janice Jarvis 604‐530‐4983 janice.jarvis@metrovancouver.org
Municipalities:
o Mission:
Jennifer Meier 604‐820‐3795
Kelly Cameron 604‐820‐3784
o Pitt Meadows
Randy Evans 604‐465‐2435
o DMR
Rod Stott, Geoff Mallory, Bernie Serne, Brian Patel, Dave Spears, David Tieu
Business/Agencies
o BC Hydro Rene Roddick 604‐543‐1533; Brent Wilson 604‐814‐1417
o Fortis BC : Leslie Cristoff 604‐592‐7680
o Canadian Pacific Railway: Joe Van Humbeck Joe_VanHumbeck@cpr.ca ; 403‐319‐6530.
Stewardship Groups:
o Alouette River Management Society (ARMS); Nicole Driedger, Greta Borick‐Cunningham
604‐467‐6401 www.alouetteriver.org
o Kanaka Education Environment Protection Society KEEPs; Ross Davies www.keeps.org
o Community Education Environment and Development (CEEDs) Christian Cowley 604‐
463‐2229; info@ceedcentre.org; Jack Emberly
o Ridge Meadows Recycling Kim Day
o Haney Horseman
o Outdoor Club Joe Jurcich 604‐465‐1505
Invasive Species Councils
o Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver (ISCMV) Jennifer Grenz 778‐926‐8358
o Invasive Plant Council Fraser Valley (IPCFV) Jeanne Hughes 604‐615‐9333
Higher Education
o BCIT Laurie Stott 604‐476‐0390
Page 42 of 44
Appendix V – Funding models
User Pays
User pays applies when direct users of a good or service pay for all or part of the cost of providing it,
often through a service fee or charge. It works well when the individual or business consuming the good
or service can be easily identified. Activities such as certification, accreditation, audit, inspection,
diagnosis or equipment rentals can be charged as fee for service. The advantage of this cost sharing
mechanism is that the service is used only when it produces a net benefit for the user, giving service
provider’s a clear signal on the level of demand. It is a useful demand management tool when a good or
service is consumed and is competitive in nature, the level of use varies between users and there are
rights of exclusion. For many invasive species management services, this mechanism will not be
appropriate as users find it difficult to see the tangible benefit they gain.
Beneficiary Pays
This mechanism allocates costs according to the beneficiary of the good or service. Benefits to
individuals or groups are often indirect and as a result direct charges (user pays) cannot be applied. It is
most appropriate for genuine public goods where the good or service is not consumed or competitive in
nature or where the rights of exclusion can’t work. Research is a common area where beneficiary pays is
applied. A producer may benefit from the findings of research for example through development of new
management options however they cannot be directly charged for this service so user pays is
inappropriate. Cost sharing can be achieved for example, when invasive plants impact on an industry,
through collection of producer levies that are then directed to fund the research of benefit to them.
Polluter pays
Polluter pays charges the business or individual the direct costs of pollution or contamination for
example fines for disposal of waste into waterways. It requires a law enforcement approach. It is often
difficult to apply in invasive plants because the business creating the problem may be difficult to catch
and prosecute and direct liability is difficult to determine.
Risk Creator Pays
This mechanism applies when the person responsible for creating or generating the risk bears the cost
of managing that risk. It works best when the risk creator can be easily identified and practical and cost
effective options exist to share the costs. Examples of cost sharing options include levies or permit fees.
Penalizing the risk creator, for example using fines for non‐compliance may also be an appropriate way
of recovering costs.
Page 43 of 44
All landowners are required by law to control noxious weeds and eradicate prohibited noxious weeds on
their property regardless of whether they personally benefit or not and they have to meet the cost of
doing this. The law reflects the costs imposed on others if the designated weeds are not controlled. The
landowner does not escape the obligation to pay for control by claiming they are not a beneficiary due
to their contribution to generating the risk.
Just an Idea: ATV users could pay an annual fee or be required to obtain a permit as way of sharing
the costs of invasive plant management arising from weeds spread on their ATV’s. Such annual
registration fee is a method that has been used successfully in the US in similar circumstances.
Page 44 of 44
References:
Polster, D.F. 2003. The Role of Invasive Plant Species Management in Mined Land Reclamation. paper
presented at the B.C. Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation, BC Mine Reclamation
Symposium. Kamloops, B.C. September 15‐18, 2003.
Page 1 of 6
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin DATE: April 7, 2014
and Members of Council
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Workshop
SUBJECT: Proposed Sign Bylaw No. 7008-2013
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with a final update on proposed Sign Bylaw No. 7008
-2013 in advance of proceeding to further public consultation for additional input. The current Sign
Bylaw was adopted in 1992, over twenty years ago, and Maple Ridge has gone through many
changes in that time particularly in the downtown core. Signs play a major role for businesses and
other community activities for advertising purposes and to assist the public in locating a business.
There are times when additional temporary signage is necessary to draw attention to specific sales, a
new business location or other similar short term changes in operation.
The proposed new Bylaw is intended to improve and simplify the issuance of sign permits and deals
more with process and providing the correct authorities necessary for enforcement and less on
changing the design, types and size of existing signage in the District. Changes to the size of facia,
free-standing, canopy or projecting signs would create a number of existing non-conforming signs.
This would be challenging for business and sign companies to repair or replace their sign coverage.
This report includes a draft of the proposed bylaw. The draft Bylaw has been reviewed by the
District’s Legal Counsel. The next step is again solicit further public feedback on the proposed draft
bylaw prior to first reading. It is intended to work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown
Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMBIA) on soliciting feedback on the proposed
bylaw.
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Receive this report as information.
DISCUSSION:
a)Background Context:
In May of 2012, staff held two Public Information Meetings, the first on May 16, 2012 for
local business owners interested in discussing possible changes to the Sign Bylaw. The
second meeting was held on May 30, 2012 and was attended primarily by local sign
companies who have a vested interest in any potential changes to the Bylaw. The first
meeting was attended by thirty-nine people and the second one by ten (10) people. While
staff did receive some valuable input from the people attending further input from the
businesses that will eventually be affected by the proposed new Sign Bylaw is desirable.
4.4
Page 2 of 6
Staff has now finished a complete re-write of the Sign Bylaw and is now ready to bring the
Proposed Sign Bylaw back to the public forum for further input before bringing to Coun cil for
consideration of adopting the document. The main focus has been to make the Bylaw more
user friendly and easier to read and interpret. The proposed Bylaw corrects a number of
significant problems with the current Bylaw; the key areas are as follows:
1. Significant improvements and additions to the Definition Section of the Bylaw to
provide clarity of terms and positions.
2. Identifying and separating those sign types that either wholly or partially encroach
onto municipal property, whether they are on the roadway, sidewalk, boulevard,
or overhang any of these areas. Liability issues must be dealt with for these
encroachments by way of third party liability insurance to protect the District
against potential liability claims.
3. Sandwich Board or Pedestal Signs to be dealt with as an encroachment
agreement between the Engineering and Bylaw Departments with specific
requirements for placement, size and liability insurance. Encroachments where
permitted, must be incorporated into the streetscape in a safe manner or the
must be prohibited completed.
4. Where applications are made for sign types that are not addressed in the Sign
Bylaw the applicant has the option of using the Development Permit process.
The appropriate changes have been made to the Bylaw to clarify this process.
5. Incorporate into the Bylaw the current process on requests for the placement of
private and public sector information signs on public rights of ways for specific
short periods of time.
6. Incorporate into the Bylaw requirements for signage for the True North Fraser
Signage Program as well as the Heritage Commision sign program.
7. More precise regulations around private development signs, their placement and
durations of placement.
8. Clearly defined time frame for the municipality to remove signs that no longer
apply to the property they advertise.
9. The use of “banner” type signs as temporary portable signs instead of the free
standing read-o-graph signs.
10. An increase in sign application fees. The last fee increase was approved by
Council in 1990 by Bylaw Amendment 4373-1990. The following increases in
the proposed Bylaw are to bring them in line with the actual cost of provi ded the
service.
The work completed on the proposed new Sign Bylaw is to create an integrated sign permit
system that involves the Permits and Bylaws Department along with Engineering and at
times the Planning Department. The intent of proposed Bylaw is to provide for more clarity in
the application process and clearly differentiate between signs on private and public
property. The proposed Bylaw sets out the process for applying for each type of sign where
applicable.
Page 3 of 6
Additional amendments provided for in the proposed Bylaw include changes to the
definitions that have been made to clarify the terms and to reflect curr ent staff titles. In
addition, the appropriate amendments were made to provide for imperial conversions to
metric measurements in the Bylaw because this equivalency is requested for by the public on
a consistent basis. The metric measurement is the legal measurement in Canada while the
imperial conversion is for convenience and readability only.
A specific section has been created for Temporary Service Event signs. This type of sign
permit is for Health and Welfare and community organizations such as schools, service
clubs, churches, and municipal sponsored events and only events held in Maple Ri dge. The
signs themselves are displayed on public property such as rights of ways and boulevards and
other times on private property.
Election Signs:
Election signs fall under the following categories:
Federal
Provincial
Municipal
School Trustee
The Canada Elections Act, Elections BC Act, Local Government Act and the Community
Charter provide broad regulations pertaining to elections signs. In essence however, they
defer to municipalities to regulate the size and placement of election signs. An exception to
this is that Elections BC Act prohibits the placement of election signs within 100 meters of a
voting place. The Ministry of Transportation also has a policy with regard to election signs on
Provincial roads.
A review of the following municipalities regulations with regard to election signs shows a
range of how election signs are regulated:
Richmond
Surrey
Port Coquitlam
Port Moody
Coquitlam
Delta
Pitt Meadows
Township of Langley
The District of North Vancouver
West Vancouver
The majority of the above municipalities regulate election signs through their sign bylaws.
Some municipalities regulate election signs through their Election Procedures Bylaws.
Richmond has a specific Election Signs Bylaw.
Within those bylaws are a wide range of regulations. The majority of the bylaws are straight
forward and simply regulate the timing of the placement and removal of the signs, the size of
the signs and the requirement for the signs not to placed in a potent ial hazard causing
location.
Page 4 of 6
Timing of the Placement of Election Signs
Most municipalities differentiate between the timing of the placement of Federal/Provincial
signs and municipal/school trustee signs. The range of times is as follows:
Federal/Provincial Time of writ to 30 days before the election
Municipal/School Trustee 10 to 21 days before the election
Timing for Removal of Election Signs
Federal/Provincial 4 to 14 days after the election
Municipal/School Trustee 4 to 14 days after the election
Size of Signs
The review of other municipalities bylaws shows a range of permitted sizes and a range of
allowable maximum heights.
Size Range 4 to 32 square feet
Height Above Ground 6 to 10 feet
The draft bylaw includes the following which represent the most common clauses among the
bylaws reviewed.
In the case of provincial or federal elections, the signs are not erected more than
thirty (30) days prior to the election or event and are removed within four (4) days
after the election;
In the case of municipal and school trustee elections, the signs are not erected more
than twenty (20) days prior to the general local election or event and are removed
within four (4) days after the election;
The sign does not exceed 0.4 square metres (4 square feet);
The height above ground does not exceed 0.09 square metres to 0.7 square metres
(1 ft to 8 ft);
The placement of the sign does not interfere with traffic signtlines at street
intersections or with the safety of pedestrians.
The placement of election signs are permitted on private property with the consent
of the owner or occupant of the property.
Elections signs are not permitted on any vehicles or trailers attached to vehicles or
any roof top or any existing sign.
Strata bylaws cannot prohibit owners or tenants from displaying campaign signs in
their units, however, they may set reasonable conditions on the size and type of
signs that vcan be displayed and may prohibit signs from being displayed in
common areas of the building and property.
Regulations regarding the size, placement and permitted dates for posting Election
Signs apply to those posted on private property as well as public.
The Chief Election Officer, or any person acting under the Chief Election Off icer’s
direction, may remove any election sign that the Chief Election Officer, or any person
acting under the Chief Election Officer’s direction, has reasonable grounds to believe
is erected or in place in contravention of this Bylaw.
Election signs that have been removed in accordance with the section above will be
stored for a period of one week after general voting day and the candidate or their
agent may claim the sign(s) during that period, following which the material may be
destroyed or otherwise disposed by the Chief Election Officer or any person acting
Page 5 of 6
under the Chief Election Officer’s direction without notice and without compensation
to the owner of the sign.
Other than as authorized in writing by the District, no person shall display on any
election sign or other election advertising a logo, trademark or official mark, in
whole or in part, owned or licensed by the District.
Some municipalities have unique specific requirements. These include:
1. $100 deposit from each candidate (used to offset the costs of sign removal)
2. A limit of one sign per location
3. Designating specific locations where signs can only be placed
4. Identifying specific street and roadways where signs cannot be placed
5. Prohibiting signs on fee simple property owned or leased by the municipality
As stated above the proposed bylaw includes regulations common to some of the
municipalities and at this juncture none of the above 5 regulations have been included in the
draft bylaw pending discussion with Council. Council may wish staff to pursue some of these
items further.
b) Desired Outcome(s):
That Council support proposed Sign Bylaw 7008-2013 by referring it for further public
consultation.
c) Citizen/Customer Implications:
The proposed Sign Bylaw has the potential to provide a significant improvement to the sign
permit application process and to clean the street scape of a number of unauthorized signs.
d) Interdepartmental Implications:
The Licences, Permits and Bylaws Department has coordinated in the review process and
solicited input from the public, other municipal departments and the municipal solicitor.
e) Financial Implications:
The current sign permit fees are $50.00 for permanent signs and $20.00 for temporary
signs. Staff have conducted a survey of sign permit fees in other jurisdictions in the lower
mainland and are recommending the fee structure that will actually cover the majority of the
costs for plan checking and inspections for permanent costs. The fees are based on the size
of the proposed sign as the degree of complexity in the plan review and necessary
documentation to be checked becomes more difficult and takes more time the larger the
proposed sign becomes. With respect to temporary signs staff are recommending a m odest
increase in the cost from $20.00 for a 30 day period to $30.00 for a 30 day period. The
proposed sign fee schedule is set out in Schedule A of this Bylaw.
f) Alternatives:
To not refer the proposed Sign Bylaw 7008-2013 for public consultation at this time and
provide staff with further direction.
Page 6 of 6
CONCLUSIONS:
The proposed Bylaw is the culmination of considerable input and consultation. It is prudent however,
now that the Bylaw has been drafted, to again solicit public input on the Bylaw itself prior to the
Bylaw being advanced to First Reading an additional phase of public input will be completed. This
will include a public information meeting as well as soliciting feedback through the Chamber of
Commerce and the DMBIA.
“Original signed by E.S. (Liz) Holitzki”
_______________________________________________
Prepared by: E.S. (Liz) Holitzki
Director: Licences, Permits and Bylaws
“Original signed by David Pollock on behalf of Frank Quinn”
_______________________________________________
Approved by: Frank Quinn, MBA, P.Eng
General Manager: Public Works and Development Services
“Original signed by J.L. (Jim) Rule”
__________________________________________
Concurrence: J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Office
LH/jd
Appendix I – Draft copy of Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008 – 2013
APPENDIX I
District of Maple Ridge
Sign Control
Bylaw No. 7008 - 2013
Effective Date:
District of Maple Ridge
Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008 -- 2013
Table of Contents
Part 1 Citation ................................................................................................................. 1
Part 2 Severability .......................................................................................................... 1
Part 3 Previous Bylaw Repeal ........................................................................................ 1
Part 4 Definitions ............................................................................................................ 2
Part 5 Interpretation ....................................................................................................... 8
Part 6 General Provisions .............................................................................................. 8
Part 7 Exemption ............................................................................................................ 9
Part 8 Prohibited Signs ................................................................................................ 12
Part 9 Non-Conforming Signs ...................................................................................... 13
Part 10 Maintenance of Signs ....................................................................................... 14
Part 11 Sign Permits and Fees ...................................................................................... 14
Part 12 Inspections and Regulations ............................................................................ 16
Part 13 Specific Sign Regulations ................................................................................. 19
Part 14 Penalty and Enactment ..................................................................................... 25
Schedule “A” – Sign Permit Fees .................................................................................... 28
Schedule “B” – Cross Reference Table .......................................................................... 28
Schedule “C” – Temporary Sign Permit Application ...................................................... 28
Schedule “D” – Sign Impoundment Recovery Costs .................................................... 31
District of Maple Ridge
Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008 -2013
A bylaw to regulate signs within the District of Maple Ridge.
WHEREAS Pursuant to section 908 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c.
323 but subject to the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act R.S.B.C. 1996, C318 and
the Transportation Act, S.BC., 2004 c. 44 Council may, by bylaw regulate the number,
size, type, form, appearance and locations of signs in the District, and the bylaw may
contain different provisions for different zones, different uses within a zone, and
different classes of highways;
AND WHEREAS Pursuant to sections 8(4) and 65 of the Community Charter , S.B.C.,
C. 26 Council may, by bylaw regulate and impose requirements in relation to signs
and advertising in the District and regulate or prohibit the erection, placing,
alteration, maintenance, demolition and removal of a sign, sign board,
advertisement, advertising device or structure;
AND WHEREAS Council wishes to allow for signs in the District, while simultaneously
preserving and enhancing Maple Ridge’s character, and ensuring that signs are
designed, constructed, installed and maintained so that energy consumption is
minimized, and public safety and traffic safety are not compromised.
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the District of Maple Ridge enacts as follows:
Part 1 Citation
1.1 This bylaw may be cited as Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008-2013.
Part 2 Severability
2.1 If a portion of this bylaw is held invalid by a Court of competent jurisdiction, then the
invalid portion must be severed and the remainder of this bylaw is deemed to have
been adopted without the severed section, subsequent, paragraph, subparagraph,
clause or phrase.
Part 3 Previous Bylaw Repeal
3.1 Sign Bylaw No. 4653 – 1992 is hereby repealed.
2
Part 4 Definitions
For words not defined in this Bylaw, the definitions contained in the Maple Ridge Zoning
Bylaw and the Maple Ridge Highway and Traffic Bylaw as amended from time to time shall
apply. Where the same words are defined in more than one bylaw, the definition in this
Bylaw shall apply for purposes of administering this Bylaw.
“Abandoned Sign” means any sign which no longer directs persons to or advertises a
business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product in existence or
available on the parcel where the sign is displayed or which is not identifying the
owner, occupant, occupancy, user or use of the lot of a building or structure on the
lot, on which such sign is situated.
“Awning” means a detachable system of fabric or other material which is supported
entirely from the exterior wall of a building by a fixed or retractable frame.
“Awning Sign” means a non-illuminated sign on an awning which shall only be
painted on, affixed to by means of a decal, or form part of the fabric of an awning
which does not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such awning.
“Balcony Sign” means a sign supported on, against or suspended from a balcony.
“Balloon Sign” means an inflated three-dimensional device which is affixed or
anchored to the ground or a structure and which contains information and where the
intent is to attract the attention of persons for the express purpose of the
communication of that information.
“Banner Sign” means a flexible plastic or fabric sign, excluding an awning, affixed to
a building that is used as a temporary sign but excludes a flag.
“Building” means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use
or occupancy.
“Bench Sign” means a sign affixed to, painted or placed upon part of a bench located
on public property at a bus stop, rest area or park.
“Billboard” means an exterior structure displaying advertising material of a non-
accessory nature pasted or otherwise affixed flat to the face of such structure and
which exceeds 28m² (301 sq. ft) .
“Bus Shelter” a covered structure intended to shelter bus patrons within or above
public property which is approved by the District located at a bus stop in ordinary use
by buses operated by a public transit authority.
“Business” means the carrying on of a commercial or industrial undertaking of any
kind or nature or the providing of professional, personal or other services for the
purpose of gain or profit.
“Building Official” includes the Chief Building Official, Building Inspectors,
Gas/Plumbing Inspectors, Electrical Inspectors, Trades Inspectors, Safety Officers
and Plan Checkers designated by the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge.
3
“Bylaw Enforcement Officer” means the person appointed from time to time by the
Council to act in the capacity as the District Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
“Canopy” means a permanent non-retractable hood, shelter or cover which projects
from the wall of a building but does not include a projecting roof.
“Canopy Sign” means a sign attached to or constructed on the face of the canopy.
“Changeable Copy Sign” means a sign on which copy can be changed manually
through the use of attachable letters, numerals, graphics or pictorial panels.
“Clearance” means the vertical distance measured from natural grade to the
underside of a sign or its supporting structure whichever is less or the bottom of an
awning valance.
“Construction” means the erection, alteration, replacement, addition, removal,
moving and demolition of Buildings, Structures and of all appurtenances thereto
including without limitation, electrical and other systems, fittings appliances and
accessories of every nature and kind, and includes and all site preparation,
excavation, filling and grading,
“Construction Sign” means a temporary sign promoting a construction or real estate
development project which may also be used to identify the owner, general
contractor, sub-trades, architect, engineers and others associated with the design,
planning, development and financing of a project under construction.
“Corner lot” means a lot at the intersection or junction of two or more highways.
“Council” means the Council of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge.
“Development Sign” means a sign required by the District to identify lands proposed
for rezoning or a sign indicating that a site is being developed for any commercial or
industrial purposes following Third Reading of a Zoning Amendment Bylaw for such
change of zone. Electric temporary signs shall not be permitted for this purpose.
“Directional Sign” means a sign which only communicates information regarding
pedestrian or vehicular movement on the lot on which the sign is located.
“Director of Engineering” means the Director of Engineering for the District of Maple
Ridge or their designate.
“Director of Finance” means the Director of Finance for the District of Maple Ridge or
their designate.
“Director of Licences, Permits and Bylaws” means the Director of Licences, Permits
and Bylaws for the District of Maple Ridge or their designate.
“Director of Planning” means the Director of Planning for the District of Maple Ridge
or their designate.
4
“Directory sign” means a sign that identifies the occupants of a building containing
more than one occupant.
“District” means the District of Maple Ridge.
“Election Sign” means a temporary sign promoting a political candidate, party, or
cause in relation to a federal, provincial, municipal or school trustee election or
public referendum.
“Electronic Message Board Sign” means a sign in or on which the information that is
displayed can be changed automatically by means of the electronic switching of
lamps or illuminated tubes.
“Erected” means attached, altered, built, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, or
moved and shall include painting of signs but does not include copy changes on any
Changeable Copy Sign.
“Facade” means the exterior face of a building upon which a sign is to be placed.
“Fascia Sign” means a flat sign, whether illuminated or not, running for its whole
length parallel to the face of the wall of the structure to which it is attached and not
projecting more than 40.6 cm (16 inches) from the face of the wall to which it is
attached and which does not extend beyond the horizontal width nor above the roof
line of the building to which it is attached.
“Flag Sign” means a flag that represents an organization that is used as a sign but
does not include a flag representing a country of the world or any province, Canadian
territory or municipal corporation.
“Flashing Sign” means an illuminated sign which contains flashing lights, which
includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light, by means of animation or an
externally mounted intermittent light source exhibiting pronounced changes in light
intensity or exhibits rapid repetition of illumination, but does not include an
automatic Changeable Copy Sign indicating only the time, date, or temperature, of
electronically controlled messages.
“Freestanding Sign” means a permanent sign which is entirely self-supporting and is
neither attached to nor forms part of a building or structure,
“Frontage” means the length of the common boundary shared by the front lot line of
that lot and a highway adjacent to the lot excluding a lane. On a corner lot, the
frontage shall be the shorter of the highway boundaries, regardless of the direction
the buildings on the lot face.
“Front Lot Line” means the lot line common to a lot and an abutting highway
excluding a lane.
“Government Sign” means a sign authorized to be erected or placed within a highway
or on a lot, under the provisions of any statute, Order–in-Council, bylaw, resolution of
Council or by order of the Municipal Engineer, and includes, but is not limited to,
traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings, street name signs, neighborhood
5
identifications signs, park identification signs and public notice board signs.
“Grade” means the average finished ground level directly underneath the sign.
Where a sign is located over a street, the average finished grade shall mean the
elevation established by the District for the surfaced of the public sidewalk or
boulevard, excluding landscape berms and planter boxes.
“Height” of a sign means the vertical distance from the grade to the highest part of
the sign which includes any portion of architectural feature of the supporting frame.
“Highway” means the area of every public right of way lying between two property
lines title to which area is vested in the District and which is designated or intended
for or used by the general public for the passage of vehicles or persons and means
the area of every public right of way lying within any District Park title to which area is
vested in the District and which is designated or intended for or used by the general
public for the passage of vehicles.
“Highway Encroachment Agreement” means an agreement entered into between an
individual or company and the District to allow signs on a highway.
“Home Occupation Sign” means a non-illuminated sign attached to the dwelling or
accessory structure which indicates that a home occupation business, as permitted
by Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw, is conducted within the dwelling or accessory structure
on the property where the sign is located provided a valid business licence for foru
such business has been issued by the District.
“Identification Sign” means a sign which contains no advertising but is limited to the
name, address and number of a building, institution or person and to the activity
carried on in the building or institution or person or the occupation of the person.
“Illuminated Sign” means a sign designed to give forth any artificial light, either
directly from a source of light incorporated in or connected with such sign, or
indirectly from an artificial source, so shielded that no direct illumination from it is
visible elsewhere than on the site itself.
“Logo” means a symbolic representation, not including any words, names or numbers
unless part of a registered trademark, which is used exclusively to simplify
advertising of a product, business, service or activity and which contains no
additional identification, information or message.
“Lot” means “parcel” as defined under the Land Title Act, including a bare land strata
lot, but excluding a lot created under the Condominium Act.
“Lot Line” means any line which forms the boundary of a Lot.
“Maximum Height” means the vertical distance measured from the grade as defined
in this Bylaw to the highest point of such sign. In the case of a roof sign, the
maximum height shall be measured from the roof or parapet level at the location
which includes any and all architectural design and detailing.
6
“Minimum Height” means the vertical distance measured from the grade as defined
in this Bylaw to the lower limit of such sign or sign structure.
“Municipal Engineer” means the person appointed by Council to that position and
includes his or her delegate.
“Mural” means a pictorial representation other than a logo or graffiti, painted on a
building or structure, which is entirely decorative and does not identify or depict a
land use, a business, the name of a person or place, or the sale of a product or
service.
“Open House Sign” means a temporary sign, which advertises the location of a
property for sale at which an open house is to be held.
“Permanent Sign” means a sign which is affixed to or constructed as part of a
building structure or in the case of a free standing sign, mounted on a permanent
base, column or pole that is attached to the ground.
“Portable Free Standing Sign” means a sign, graphic or display for business or
information purposes, which can be readily moved from place to place and which is
not affixed to a building, to another permanent structure, or to the ground, and may
include a sandwich board sign.
“Portable Sign” means a sign not fixed to the land or to a building or structure and
may include a Banner sign provided the maximum sign area does not exceed 1.2
metres by 2.4 meters (4x8 feet).
“Prohibitive Sign” means a sign that provides a warning, prohibition or penalty
respecting the site or premises on which it is located, such as “No Entry” “Danger”
“Keep Out” or similar such signs.
“Projecting Sign” means a sign, other than a canopy or fascia sign, which projects
more than 40 cm (16 inches) from the face or wall of any building or structure.
“Pump Island Canopy” means a canopy built to shelter fuels at a gasoline bar or
gasoline service station and a pump island canopy that is L-shaped or angularly-
connected shall be considered to be one pump island canopy.
“Pump Island Canopy Sign” means a sign attached to or constructed as part of a
gasoline bar or gasoline service station pump island canopy.
“Real Estate Sign” means a temporary sign indicating that a parcel of land or
property on which the sign is located is available for rent, lease or sale.
“Revolving Sign” means any sign or portion of a sign, all or part of which revolves or
rotates, or partly revolves or rotates, but does not include animated signs.
“Roof” means the top enclosure of a building and does not include a roof that is
sloped more than 60º from horizontal.
“Roof line” means the horizontal line made by the intersection of the wall of the
7
building with the roof of the building. In the case of a building with a pitched roof, the
roof line shall be at the level of the eaves. Or means either the horizontal line made
by the intersection of an exterior wall of the building with the roof covering or the top
of a parapet wall, whichever is higher.
“Roof Sign” means any sign erected or placed wholly or partly above the top of the
roofline or parapet of a building.
“Sandwich Board Sign” means any one or two faced non-illuminated sign located on
a municipal sidewalk.
“Sign” means any structure, device, advertisement, advertising device or visual
representation that is visible from any street, highway, lane or private property, used
to advertise, indentify, or communicate information or attract the attention of the
public for any purpose and without limiting the generality of the forgoing includes any
symbols, letter, figures, illustrations or painted forms, but does not include a flag,
mural, traffic control device, or any element which is an integral part of the design of
a building.
“Sign Area” means the total area within the outer edge of the frame or boarder of a
sign. Where a sign has no frame, border or background the areas of the sign shall be
the area contained within the shortest line surrounding the whole group of letters,
figures or symbols of such sign. Except as hereinafter provided, each side or face of
a multiface sign shall be counted in computed the sign area thereof. If a side or face
of a multiface sign cannot be seen by a person not on the site of the sign it shall not
be counted in computing the sign area thereof.
“Sign Copy” means letters, characters, numbers or graphics making up the message
on a sign.
“Sign Copy Area” means
“Sign Owner” means the person, or his or her authorized agent in lawful control of a
sign.
“Sign Permit” means a sign permit issued pursuant to this Bylaw.
“Special Event Sign” means a temporary sign indicating that a community event or
activity is taking place, or is being carried on and excludes third party advertising.
“Temporary Sign” means a sign which may be moved or removed and is in place for a
limited period of time.
“Third Party Advertising” means a sign advertising a business, merchandise, service
or activity which is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished or performed on the
parcel on which the sign is located.
“Under Awning Sign” means a sign suspended from, and entirely under, an awning.
“Under Canopy sign” means a sign suspended from, and entirely under, a canopy.
8
“Vehicle Sign” means any sign or signs attached to or painted on or otherwise
attached to a vehicle where the principle purpose of the vehicle is to serve as a sign
or a sign support structure.
“Wall Sign” means a sign which is painted on or attached generally parallel to a
building facade and includes permanent signs installed inside a window which are
intended to be viewed from the outside.
“Window Sign” means a temporary sign, picture, symbols or combination thereof,
painted on, attached to or installed on, or otherwise placed on a window, intended
for viewing from outside and includes posters, placards, decals or similar
representations but excludes seasonal holiday lighting and decorations, hours of
business, street addresses, telephone numbers, accreditation signs and credit card
logos.
Part 5 Interpretation
5.1 Metric units of measurement are used for all measurements in this Bylaw. Use of
Imperial measurements in this Bylaw are for convenience purposes only and should
there be a dispute the valid measurement defaults to metric.
5.2 The illustrations in this Bylaw are for illustrative purposes only and they shall in no
way be held or deemed to define, limit, modify, amplify or add to the interpretation,
construction or meaning of any section in this Bylaw or the scope or intent of this
Bylaw.
Part 6 General Provisions
6.1 No person shall set up, exhibit, erect, place, alter, move or maintain a sign in the
District except those permitted by and in conformance with this Bylaw. A valid sign or
demolition permit shall be obtained prior to the set up, exhibition, erection, placing,
altering, maintaining or demolition of a sign pursuant to this Bylaw. Read-o-graph
and changeable letter signs and electronic message board signs are not considered
altered by virtue only of the message being changed.
6.2 The design of every sign shall be aesthetically pleasing and shall not detract from the
architectural integrity of any building or structure to which it is attached, or beside
which it is located. The arrangement and grouping of signs on a building shall be
integrated with the architecture of the said building. Structural supports, bracing and
ties for signs shall be kept to a minimum number, consistent with structural
adequacy and as much as possible shall be concealed within the body of the sign
itself.
6.3 All signs together with their supporting structures and any electrical equipment shall
be kept fully operable, in good repair and maintained in a safe and clean condition.
6.4 No sign shall be erected, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, relocated or attached to,
suspended from, or supported on any structure or the lands on a lot unless the sign
9
fully complies with the provisions or Maple Ridge Building Bylaw and this Bylaw.
6.5 No sign shall be erected or lit in such a manner as to interfere with the visibility or
safe operation of a traffic control device or to interfere with motorist visibility at an
access to or egress from a highway or so as to be unsafe to the public in the vicinity
of such sign.
6.6 Any sign erected in contravention to this Bylaw may be removed at the expense of the
owner, applicant or lessee.
6.7 Signs not specifically permitted in this Bylaw are prohibited.
6.8 Nothing in this Bylaw shall be taken to relieve any persons from complying with the
provisions of any other Bylaw of the District.
6.9 This Bylaw applies to the entire area of the District.
6.10 No sign, canopy or structural element for the support or protection of a sign shall
have affixed to or contain any flashing, animated, rotating, moving or oscillating
electrical components, except for electronic message boards unless expressly
permitted in this Bylaw.
6.11 A permit will be issued for either one banner sign or one portable sign at any one
time, but not both at the same time.
6.12 Signs projecting over a pedestrian area shall have a clearance to the underside of the
projection of at least 2.4 m (8.0 ft) above grade or sidewalk while signs projecting
over an area frequented by vehicular traffic shall have a clearance to the underside
of the projection of at least 5 m (16.40 ft) above grade. No sign shall project over the
travelled portion of a highway.
6.13 The illumination for any sign shall not create a direct glare upon any surrounding lot
or premises.
6.14 Any sign unlawfully occupying a portion of a highway or public place may be removed
by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer. The fees for recovery of the sign are set out in
Schedule “D” of this bylaw. Signs not recovered within fourteen (14) days of
impoundment may be disposed of by the District.
Part 7 Exemption
7.1 This Bylaw does not apply to:
(a) notices issued by the government of Canada, the government of British
Columbia, a Court, by the District or by the School Board;
(b) traffic control devices provided for in the Motor Vehicle Act;
(c) signs erected by the Provincial Ministry of Highways for highway purposes.
These signs may be flashing and/or illuminated where special circumstances
or safety dictates;
10
(d) signs on or over District highways installed or authorized by the Director of
Engineering for control of traffic and parking or for street names and
direction;
(e) Development Signs required by the District during the processing of
development applications,
(f) signs located in the interior of buildings and not visible from a highway;
(g) murals provided that the mural does not advertise or intend to advertise a
specific product or service and they are located on public use buildings or on
properties where a Development Permit specifically permits such use;
(h) non-illuminated signs inside a store window limited to providing the following
information:
(i) store hours;
(ii) whether the store is open or closed; or
(iii) the existence of a sale, where the sign is present for not
more than thirty (30) consecutive days in any one (1) six
(6) month period;
(i) display of goods inside store windows or inside store fronts;
(j) flags and emblems of civic, or non-profit societies, educational, religious
organizations;
(k) signs authorized by the Director of Engineering in connection with public
conveniences including signs on benches, bus stop shelters, and other
similar structures;
(l) signs containing the building number and street name only, provided the sign
area does not exceed 0.18 m (2 sq. ft.) and the numbers or lettering shall not
exceed 20 cm (8 in) in height;
(m) the Flag of Canada or the Flag of British Columbia;
(n) a sign required by law including prohibitory signs;
(o) home occupation signs provided they are not larger than .610 m (2 square
feet) and are attached to the dwelling or building where the home occupation
business is operated from;
(p) signs depicting danger, hazard or other safety conditions erected by an
individual authorized by a public agency in the performance of his or her duty;
(q) memorial plaque, historical tablet and similar markers provided it does not
exceed 2.2 sq. m (24 sq. ft.) in area and 2.4 m (8 ft.) in height;
(r) neighbourhood watch or block parent sign;
11
(s) permanent subdivision identification sign such as an entry gate sign provided
the sign is authorized by a Development Permit or by the Approving Officer at
the time of subdivision approval;
(t) one (1) Real Estate Sign erected on the premises offered for sale for the
duration the premises is for sale;
(u) one (1) on-site Real Estate Sign per premise frontage advertising the lease,
sale or rental of the lot or premises upon which the sign is located provided
that:
(i) In Residential Zones the sign area shall not exceed 0.7 sq.
m (8 sq. ft); and
(ii) In Commercial and Industrial Zones the sign area shall not
exceed 2.2 sq. m (24 sq. ft.);
(v) signs erected by the District for municipal purposes;
(w) sponsorship signs (for the purpose of acknowledging sponsors but not for
advertising sponsor’s products) erected by the District’s Parks & Recreation
Department and/or Community Groups provided the sign area does not
exceed 3.0 sq. m (32 sq. ft.);
(x) window sign provided the sign does not cover more than 50% (fifty percent) of
the window area;
(y) banner sign used by the District and non-profit and community organizations
for special event and fund raising activities, provided the Banner is used
exclusively for:
(i) promotion of a special event for a period of no longer than
thirty (30) consecutive days in a six (6) month period;
(ii) street beautification purposes in the District’s downtown
core;
(iii) the sign area of the banner does not exceed 2.2 sq. m (24
sq. ft) and
(iv) the banner receives District approval prior to the erection
of such sign.
(z) temporary sign advertising a special event for a community cause or
charitable fund raising campaign not exceeding in area of 2.2 sq. m (24 sq.
ft);
(aa) temporary sign advertising an opening date of a place of business or
a change of proprietorship provided:
(i) the sign area does not exceed 2.2 sq. m (24 sq. ft.) and;
12
(ii) the display of the sign is limited to no more than 30 (thirty)
consecutive days;
(iii) District of Maple Ridge welcome signs or transit
information signs;
(bb) vehicle signs except when the vehicle is stationary and visible from a
highway for a period in excess of four (4) hours.
(cc) “Beware of Dog”, “No Trespassing”, “No Discharging of Firearms”
and “No Dumping” signs, and signs warning the public of existence
of danger provided none of the signs exceed 0.2 square metres in
area and do not exceed four (4) feet in height.
Part 8 Prohibited Signs
8.1 Signs that are not expressly permitted or exempted by this bylaw are hereby
prohibited.
8.2 Without restricting or limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following signs are
specifically prohibited:
8.2.1 Any revolving or partly-revolving signs or any signs in respect of which
any part thereof is revolving or partly revolving;
8.2.2 Any flashing, animated or chasing-border signs or moving signs of any
kind (other than the plainly illuminated hands of a clock or temperature
indication), or any sign in respect of which any part thereof is flashing,
animated or moving. This subsection applies to any strobe light or
other devices which have emissions whether emitting sound, odour or
other matter;
8.2.3 Pennants, bunting, flags (other than patriotic flags), balloons or other
inflatable devices;
8.2.4 Banner signs except as specifically permitted under this bylaw;
8.2.5 Roof signs, balcony signs and signs mounted or supported on the deck
of a canopy;
8.2.6 Any signs that obstruct any part of a doorway, balcony, or a window that
would otherwise be capable of opening;
8.2.7 Off-premise or third party signs except where specifically provided for
elsewhere in this bylaw;
8.2.8 Election signs are prohibited on any municipal park land or other lands
owned or leased by the municipality.
8.2.9 Any open tube neon sign except;
13
(a) those exempted pursuant this Bylaw;
(b) those permitted by a Development Permit;
(c) those permitted inside windows of a business premises
pursuant to this Bylaw;
(d) any sign on the side of any facia, awning or canopy;
(e) signs recessed in canopies or awnings above fuel dispensing
facilities;
(f) no signs shall create a real or potential hazard to the safe,
efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
(g) no sign shall be placed in a manner that may obstruct any
window opening, door opening, passageway, fire escape,
walkway, vehicular driveway or similar feature;
(h) flashing sign, except in special sign areas;
(i) roof signs;
(j) portable sign, excluding sandwich-board signs;
(k) revolving signs, except in special sign areas;
(l) billboard sign;
(m) gas or other inflated signs supported from the ground or roof
by rope or wire line;
(n) any other sign not specifically permitted under this Bylaw; and
(o) no signs, whether made out of paper, cardboard, cloth,
canvas, plastic or similar materials, shall be tacked, posted or
otherwise affixed to the walls of any structure, tree, pole,
hydrant, bridge, fence or any other surface within a public
place. This section shall not apply to banners, posters,
placards, or notices posted by or on behalf of the District
pertaining to municipal matters, or police traffic control signs
and notices. Where a fence hoarding is erected on any street
during the construction or alteration of a building, no signs
other than those relating to the said construction or alteration
shall be placed upon the said fence or hoarding.
Part 9 Non-Conforming Signs
9.1 Any sign or advertisement lawfully erected, constructed or placed prior to the
adoption of this Bylaw, although such sign does not conform with the provisions of
this Bylaw, may remain and continue to be used and maintained, provided however,
14
that no such sign shall be reconstructed, altered or moved in the District unless such
sign shall be made to conform in all respects with the provisions of this Bylaw.
Part 10 Maintenance of Signs
10.1 Every sign shall be maintained in good repair and in a neat and safe condition at all
times.
10.2 Normal sign maintenance, including replacement copy, lighting and refurbishing of
signs shall not require a Sign Permit but shall conform to all other requirements of
this Bylaw.
10.3 All signs shall be maintained structurally sound and free from all hazards caused or
resulting from decay or failure of structural members, fixtures, lighting or
appurtenances. All sign area, background, copy and lighting shall be maintained in
readable and clean condition and the site of the sign shall be maintained free of
weeds, debris and rubbish.
Part 11 Sign Permits and Fees
11.1 Requirements for a Permit
Every person proposing to construct, erect, place, alter, rebuild, reconstruct, move, demolish
or remove a sign shall obtain a sign permit if required by this Bylaw, and all necessary
approvals as required by the Maple Ridge Building Bylaw and Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw.
11.2 Application Requirements
11.2.1 An application for a sign permit shall be made to the Building
Department and shall:
(a) be made on an approved application form;
(b) be signed by the property owner or his agent;
(c) specify:
(i) the street address of the premise and legal description
of the parcel on which the proposed sign will be
located;
(ii) the name and address of the owner of the premises or
parcel or the company for whose benefit the sign is
intended and where the application is made by an
agent of the owner or company, the name and address
of the agent;
(iii) a letter of authorization from the lot owner if the
applicant is not the lot owner; and
15
(iv) the name and address of the person or sign company
manufacturing, erecting, placing, altering, demolishing
or removing the sign for which the application is made;
(d) be accompanied by 2 copies and duplicates of scaled
drawings of the lot and improvements thereon specifying:
(i) details of all existing signs and buildings on the lot;
(ii) scaled drawings showing location, type, size, weight,
construction, colour, finishing material and estimated
costs of all proposed signs, or proposed changes to
existing signs and supporting structures;
(iii) detail survey of property showing existing and
proposed setbacks in accordance with the Districts
Zoning Bylaw of all existing and proposed structures
and signs;
(iv) scaled drawings showing the dimensions, maker’s
name and weight of the sign and, where applicable,
the dimensions of the wall surface and the height of
the building to which it is attached;
(v) the dimensions and weight of the supporting
structure of the sign;
(vi) the maximum and minimum height of the sign from
grade;
(vii) the proposed location of the sign in relation to the
boundaries of the parcel upon which it is to be
located;
(viii) the off-street parking area, parking lot aisles, site
access points and driveways;
(ix) the dimensions and areas of any proposed
landscaped areas, if applicable to the sign type;
(x) the description of the advertising copy of wording to
be displayed, including the style, size, colours of all
the letters, logos or similar copy of the sign;
(xi) for an illuminated sign, information on the technical
means by which the illumination is to accomplished;
(xii) where the sign is to be attached to an existing
building, a current photograph of the face of the
building to which the sign is to be attached;
(xiii) structural, footing details and material specifications
16
for a proposed free-standing sign;
(e) the Manager of Inspection Services will reqire all freestanding
signs to be sealed by a structural engineer with the applicable
building code schedule included as part of the submission.
(f) Any other information that is relevant to the issuance of the
sign permit.
11.3 Permit Fees
As per Schedule “A” of this Bylaw.
11.4 Permit Expiry
Where application has been made for a permit and the proposed work set out in
the application conforms with this and all other bylaws of the District and the
British Columbia Building Code the Building Department shall issue a Sign
Permit for which the application is made. The permit shall expire if active work is
not commenced within a period of ninety (90) days from the date of issue of the
permit.
11.5 Refusal of Permit
11.5.1 The Building Department may refuse to issue a permit if:
(a) the information submitted for the Sign Permit is contrary to
the provisions of the bylaw;
(b) the information required to be submitted under this bylaw is
incomplete or incorrect;
(c) issuance is prohibited by or does not comply with the
provisions of a Municipal Bylaw, the British Columbia Building
Code or the specification of the “Canadian Electrical Code”
adopted by the Canadian Standards Association; or
(d) the sign creates a potential hazard to the safe efficient
movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
11.5.2 Notwithstanding any clause in this bylaw, if any work for which a permit
is required by this bylaw has been commenced before the permit has
been issued by the Municipality, the applicant shall pay the Municipality
a permit fee that is equal to 2 (two) times the permit fee described in
Schedule A – Sign Permit Fees of this bylaw.
Part 12 Inspections and Regulations
12.1 Inspections for Compliance
12.1.1 The Director of Licences, Permits and Bylaws or any other
17
official of the District is hereby authorized to enter at all
reasonable times on any property, building or premises that is
subject to regulation under this bylaw to ascertain whether the
regulations and provisions of the bylaw are being or have been
complied with and any person employed from time to time by
the District as the Manager of Inspection Services, Bylaw
Enforcement Officer or Building Official is hereby designated to
act in his place for the purpose of administering this Bylaw.
12.1.2 The Building Official and Bylaw Enforcement Officer and their
respective designates have the authority to order the painting,
repair, alteration, clean-up or removal of signs which become
deteriorated, dilapidated, abandoned or which constitute a
hazard to public safety.
12.1.3 Where necessary, the projecting cantilever system shall be
used to support signs, and in no case shall the “A” frame
system be used.
12.1.4 No sign, nor any guy, stay, or attachment thereto shall be
erected, placed or maintained by any person on rocks, fences
or trees, except in the case of temporary signs complying with
the requirements of this Bylaw and decorative logo designs
painted upon or affixed to a temporary construction fence or
hoarding erected on a construction site only, for a time period
not exceeding the period of construction. No sign, guy, stay or
attachment thereto shall interfere with any electric light, power,
telephone or telegraph wires, or the supports thereof.
12.1.5 Every sign and the immediate surrounding premises shall be
maintained by the owner or person in charge thereof in a clean,
sanitary and inoffensive condition and free and clear of all
obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.
12.1.6 The Building Official may order the correction of any work
which is being or has been improperly done under a permit.
12.1.7 The Building Official may order the cessation of work that is
proceeding in contravention of this bylaw by the placing of a
“Stop Work Order” on the building, sign or elsewhere as
appropriate on the property on which the contravening work is
taking place.
12.1.8 It shall be unlawful for any person to continue to work once a
Stop Work Order has been issued.
12.1.9 It shall be unlawful for any person to tamper with, deface or
remove a Stop Work Order once it has been placed on the
property by the Building Inspector.
18
12.2 Special Approvals
12.2.1 No sign except a light weight canvas awning or canopy sign
shall be displayed upon or suspended over any public street or
public place unless the owner has entered into an agreement
with the District and has deposited a comprehensive general
liability insurance policy for limits of not less than five million
dollars ($5,000,000) inclusive and duly endorsed to note the
insured’s acceptance of contractual liability under the “Hold
Harmless” clause in the sign agreement and further endorsed
to note such policy will not be lapsed or cancelled without thirty
days written notice to the District as long as the named
insured’s sign remains on or over any public street. A copy of
each renewal certificate shall be deposited with the District as
a condition for the continued display of such sign. In the event
that the owner shall fail or neglect to provide the insurance
coverage required by this section, it shall be lawful for the
District to forthwith and without prior notice, order the owner to
remove such sign which is erected on private premises but
encroaches onto or over a public street or public place and the
said sign shall be removed forthwith, and in default thereof by
such owner, it shall be lawful for the Director of Engineering
with such employees or agents of the District as he may deem
requisite, to enter upon the said premises and effect such
removal at the expense of the person in default, and the District
shall recover the expense thereof, with interest at the rate of six
(6) percentage per annum, with costs in like manner as
Municipal Taxes on the said premises.
12.2.2 Every such owner shall remain fully responsible for all losses,
costs, damages or expenses which may arise as the result of
the display of said sign until such time as the same has been
removed.
12.3 Removal of Signs
12.3.1 The owner of any lot upon which an abandoned sign is located
shall remove such sign within fifteen (15) days of the same
becoming an abandoned sign.
12.3.2 The Director of Licences, Permits and Bylaws or their designate
may remove from public property any sign installed or placed
without a valid permit.
12.3.3 Recovery costs for impounded signs are as per Schedule D of
this bylaw.
12.4 Comprehensive Sign Plan
12.4.1 Any development site of not less than 0.2 hectares in any
Commercial or Industrial District that is comprised of a number
of individual establishments forming a comprehensive
19
development unit may make application for comprehensive
sign plan approval. Such a plan, which shall include the
location, size, height, colour, lighting and orientation of all
signs, and shall be submitted for approval to the Director of
Licences, Permits and Bylaws or their designate.
12.4.2 Such a comprehensive plan shall comply with the overall sign
area and density regulations of the bylaw and shall result in an
improved relationship between the various parts of the plan.
12.5 Development Permit Areas
On lands which have been designated Development Permit Areas, sign
regulations contained in this Bylaw may be varied through the application
and approval of a Development Variance Permit by Council. The erection
of a new sign or the replacement, alteration or modification of an existing
sign (a sign permitted and constructed through a Development Permit)
which has been included in an existing Development Permit, shall require
an amendment to the Development Permit.
12.6 Variance
Variances to the provision of this Bylaw may be granted by Council through
a Development Variance Permit in accordance with the District of Maple
Ridge Zoning Bylaw.
Part 13 Specific Sign Regulations
The following regulations apply specifically to the types of signs referred to in each
section heading.
13.1 Awning signs:
(a) shall be permitted in Commercial, Industrial and Public
Service zones;
(b) shall only be permitted where the awning is projecting more
than one (1) metre (3.3 feet) from the building face;
(c) shall not be electrified;
(d) may be indirectly lighted;
(e) shall have the same copy area as that permitted in Part 13;
13.3 Facia Signs of this bylaw for requirements of facia signs;
(f) shall have a minimum height of 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) from the
nearest finished grade of the site and shall not project below
the lower edge of the canopy or awning;
(g) shall have a maximum height of 7.62 metres (25 feet) and
20
furthermore the sign shall be no higher than the top of the
roof line or wall of the building to which it is affixed;
13.2 Canopy Signs
13.2.1 Shall be permitted in Commercial, Industrial and Public Service
zones;
13.2.2 The minimum height of a canopy sign above the nearest
finished grade of the site shall be 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) and
shall not project below the lower edge of the canopy;
13.2.3 The maximum sign area shall be 0.6 square metres (6.5 square
feet) per lineal metre of the canopy frontage to which it is
affixed and a maximum of sixty (60) percent of the background
of the sign can be copy. For theatres and cinemas, the
maximum shall be 1.6 square metres (17.2 square feet) per
lineal metre of the canopy frontage to which it is affixed and a
maximum of sixty (60) percent of the background of the sign
can be copy, but in no case shall the sign area exceed 60% of
the canopy area to which the sign is to be placed.
13.2.4 No canopy sign shall extend or project above the upper edge of
a canopy or marquee by more than 600mm (2.0 feet)
13.2.5 The vertical dimension of a canopy sign shall not exceed
600mm (2.0 feet). For theatres and cinemas the maximum
shall be 1.5 metres (4.9 feet).
13.2.6 The width of the base of the canopy shall not be less than the
length of the projection.
13.3 Facia Signs
13.3.1 Only the frontage of the property on which the sign is located
shall be used for sign area calculations.
13.3.2 A facia sign shall not project more than 300mm (1.0 feet)
beyond the building face and shall not extend above the sill of
any window or above guard rails or balustrades immediately
above such sign.
13.3.3 The minimum height of a facia sign shall be 2.5 metres (8.2
feet) from the nearest finished grade of the site on which they
are situated; provided however, that this subsection does not
apply to:
(a) Facia signs created by printing, painting or inscribing directly
upon a wall of a building or structure;
(b) Facia signs situated entirely over private property and
immediately above a landscaped area designated to keep
21
pedestrians away from the wall to which the sign is affixed;
(c) Facia signs entirely recessed into the wall to which they are
affixed;
13.3.4 No part of a facia sign shall project above the wall to which it is
affixed.
13.4 Freestanding Signs
13.4.1 The minimum height of a freestanding sign shall be 2.5 metres
(8.2 feet) provided, however, that freestanding signs may be
less than 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) from the nearest finished grade
of the site upon which they are situated where:
(a) they are situated on or over land other than that used from
time to time as a place for the parking of automobiles or used
as a driveway; and
(b) such signs do not obscure the view from a road or sidewalk or
other premises in the vicinity; and
(c) where such signs are an integral part of a permanent
comprehensibly designed landscaped area, such landscaping
to be in size equal to that of the sign.
13.4.2 Where a freestanding sign projects over a vehicular traffic area
such as parking lot aisles or driveways, a minimum clearance of
4.2 metres (13.8 feet) shall be maintained. Where the vehicle
traffic area serves as the fire department access route this
height shall be increased to 5 metres (14.60 ft).
13.4.3 The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 10.5
metres (34.5 feet).
13.4.4 A freestanding sign may be located in a required yard provided
that such sign is not closer than 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) to:
(a) the point of intersection of the intersecting property lines on a
corner lot;
(b) any adjoining lot;
(c) any site access or exit points.
13.4.5 For each freestanding sign, landscaping around the base of the
sign on the site shall be provided as follows:
(a) 1 square metre (10.8 square feet) of landscaping for every 1
square metre (10.8 square feet) of sign copy; and
(b) 0.2 square metres (2.2 square feet) of landscaping for every
22
0.1 metre (4 inches) height above 3 metres (9.8 feet).
13.4.6 For a freestanding sign, no guy wires shall be used. The support
structure shall form an integral part of the design.
13.4.7 The copy area for freestanding signs shall not exceed sixty (60)
percent of the sign area.
13.5 Projecting Signs
13.5.1 The minimum height of a projecting sign shall be 2.5 metres
(8.2 feet) from the nearest finished grade.
13.5.2 The maximum area of a projecting sign shall be seven (7)
square metres (75.4 square feet) and the copy area of the sign
shall not exceed sixty (60) percent of the sign area.
13.5.3 No part of a projecting sign shall be higher than the top of the
roof line or wall to which it is affixed, except that the
surrounding structure may extend 300mm (1.0 foot) above the
parapet or roof line of a building provided the surrounding
structure is not being used to calculate allowable copy area.
13.5.4 The maximum height of a projecting sign shall be 7.5 metres
(24.6 feet) from the nearest finished grade.
13.5.5 The maximum projection shall be 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) beyond
the building face to which it is affixed.
13.5.6 The sign may project 250mm (10 inches) from the building face
for each metre that the sign is located from the nearest edge or
corner of the business premise to which the sign pertains.
13.6 Temporary Portable Sign
13.6.1 One (1) portable non-flashing sign identifying a business may
be permitted per legal lot provided that:
(a) where a legal lot is comprised of a number of strata lots, only
one sign is permitted for the parent legal lot;
(b) the sign is no larger than 3 square metres (32.3 square feet)
in area per sign face;
(c) the sign shall not be located on any public right-of-way nor on
any public property;
(d) only Banner type signs shall be permitted as Temporary
Portable Signs;
23
(e) no portable sign shall be energized by any means other than
that approved by the electrical code.
13.6.2 Temporary signs pertaining to community campaigns, drives or
events are subject to a permit as per Schedule C of this Bylaw.
13.6.3 A temporary portable sign shall be permitted for one thirty (30)
day consecutive time period in a ninety (90) day period.
13.6.4 Any portable sign up for longer than the permitted thirty (30)
days may be removed at the owner’s expense.
13.6.5 Any portable sign placed on public right-of-way may be removed
at the owner’s expense.
13.6.6 The conditions set out in section 13.6 do not apply to District
sanctioned event advertising.
13.7 Electronic Message Board Sign
13.7.1 Changeable copy Electronic Message Board Signs shall be
permitted to a maximum area of three (3) square metres (32.3
square feet) per sign face in addition to the allowable Sign Area
for the primary Freestanding Sign in those zones allowed in
Schedule B of this bylaw.
13.7.2 Electronic Message Board Signs are not permitted on
secondary Freestanding Signs on the same property. Where
permanent Electronic Message Board Signs are installed, no
temporary portable signs are permitted.
13.7.3 Any area exceeding the above mentioned three (3) square
metres (32.3 square feet) shall be included in the total
calculation for sign area.
13.8 Readograph Signs
13.8.1 Changeable copy readograph signs shall be permitted to a
maximum area of three (3) square metres (32.3 square feet)
per sign face in addition to the allowable sign area for the
primary freestanding sign in those zones allowed in Schedule B
of this bylaw. It is not permitted on secondary Freestanding
Signs. Where permanent readograph signs are installed, no
temporary portable signs are permitted.
13.8.2 Any area exceeding the above mentioned three (3) square
metres (32.3 square feet) shall be included in the total
calculation for sign area.
13.9 On Site Directional Signs
One (1) Directional Sign not exceeding 0.75 square metres (8.0 square
24
feet) per side shall be permitted at each entrance and exit from a property
in addition to signs permitted in Schedule B of this bylaw.
13.10 Menu Board Signs
One (1) exterior menu board sign not exceeding a total sign area of 3.0
square metres (32.2 square feet) shall be permitted for drive-through
restaurant type businesses in addition to signs permitted in Schedule B of
this bylaw.
13.11 Election Signs
Election Signs for federal, provincial, municipal and school trustee
elections are permitted provided that:
(a) in the case of provincial or federal elections, the signs are not
erected more than thirty (30) days prior to the election or
event and are removed within four (4) days after the election;
(b) in the case of municipal and school trustee elections, the
signs are not erected more than twenty (20) days prior to the
general local election or event and are removed within four (4)
days after the election;
(c) the sign does not exceed 0.4 square metres (4 feet by 4 feet);
(d) the sign is not illuminated;
(e) a deposit is left with the District as per Schedule A of this
bylaw;
(f) the placement of the sign does not interfere with traffic
sightlines at street intersections or with the safety of
pedestrians.
(g) the placement of election signs are permitted on private
property with the consent of the owner or occupant of the
property;
(h) Elections Signs are not permitted on any vehicles or trailers
attached to vehicles or any roof top or any existing sign;
(i) Election signs are prohibited on any municipal park land or
other lands owned or leased by the municipality;
(j) strata bylaws cannot prohibit owners or tenants from
displaying campaign signs in their units, however, they may
set reasonable conditions on the size and type of signs that
can be displayed and may prohibit signs from being displayed
in common areas of the building and property;
(k) regulations regarding the size, placement and permitted dates
25
for posting Election Signs apply to those posted on private
property as well as public;
(l) the Chief Election Officer, or any person acting under the Chief
Election Officer’s direction, may remove any election sign that
the Chief Election Officer, or any person acting under the Chief
Election Officer’s direction, has reasonable grounds to believe
is erected or in place in contravention of this Bylaw;
(m) election signs that have been removed in accordance with the
section above will be stored for a period of one (1) week after
general voting day and the candidate or their agent may claim
the sign(s) during that period, following which the material
may be destroyed or otherwise disposed by the Chief Election
Officer or any person acting under the Chief Election Officer’s
direction without notice and without compensation to the
owner of the sign(s);
(n) other than as authorized in writing by the District, no person
shall display on any election sign or other election advertising
a logo, trademark or official mark, in whole or in part, owned
or licensed by the District.
Part 14 Penalty and Enactment
14.1 Every person who violates a provision of this bylaw, or who consents, allows or
permits an act or thing to be done in violation of a provision of this bylaw, or who
neglects to or refrains from doing anything required to be done by a provision of this
bylaw, is guilty of an offence and is liable to the penalties imposed under this bylaw,
and is guilty of a separate offence each day that a violation continues to exist.
14.2 Every person who commits an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not
exceeding the maximum allowed by the Offence Act.
READ A FIRST TIME on [Date]
READ A SECOND TIME on [Date]
READ A THIRD TIME on [Date]
ADOPTED by the Council on [Date]
PRESIDING MEMBER CORPORATE OFFICER
26
Schedules
Schedule “A” – Sign Permit Fees
Schedule “B” – Cross Reference Table
Schedule “C” – Temporary Sign Request
Schedule “D” – Sign Impoundment Recovery Costs
27
Schedule “A” – Sign Permit Fees
a) Each applicant for a sign permit shall submit a non-refundable processing fee of
$62.00 plus applicable taxes. If the sign is approved, this fee will be credited
towards the appropriate permit fee as set out below.
b) The following permit fee, plus applicable taxes, will be assessed for all new signs
based on total sign area. For multi-faced signs, the total sign area shall be the
aggregate of sign area on all faces.
Up to 3 sq. m [32 sq. ft.]..................................................................................$136.00
Larger than 3 sq. m [32 sq. ft.] up to 6 sq. m [64 sq. ft.]..............................$201.00
Larger than 6 sq. m [64 sq. ft.] up to 10 sq. m [110 sq. ft.].........................$268.00
Larger than 10 sq. m [110 sq. ft.] up to 15 sq. m [160 sq. ft.].....................$337.00
Larger than 15 sq. m [160 sq. ft.] up to 18.6 sq. m [200 sq. ft.].................$403.00
Over 18.6 sq. m [200 sq. ft.]...........................................................................$536.00
c) If an applicant proposes to relocate or alter an existing sign (excluding a
temporary on-site real estate development/construction sign or temporary off-
site real estate development/construction sign) on the same lot without enlarging
it, a relocation or alteration fee of $126.00 plus applicable taxes will be charged
under a sign permit.
d) Enlargement, rebuilding, relocation and extension of an existing sign (in height,
sign area or both) amounts to an erection of a new sign and requires a sign
permit.
e) Temporary on-site real estate development/construction signs and temporary off-
site real estate development/construction signs shall be assessed the permit fee
as stipulated in this bylaw and a removal deposit of $500.00 shall be paid by
the applicant. This deposit is refundable if the applicant removes the sign within
the stipulated period. If the applicant fails to remove the sign to the satisfaction
of the District of Maple Ridge, the removal deposit shall be forfeited and the
District of Maple Ridge may use the money to offset the cost incurred by the
District to remove the sign.
f) Temporary signs, including Election signs are subject to a security deposit of
$100. This deposit is refundable providing that all signs are removed within the
agreed time frame.
28
Schedule “B” – Cross Reference Table
The following cross reference indicates the type of sign that shall be permitted in a specific
zone.
This diagram is included FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY and is not part of the sign bylaw.
SIGN TYPES ZONE AWNING CANOPY CHANGEABLE READOGRAPH DEVELOPMENT FACIA FREESTANDING HOME OCCUPATION PROJECTING A-1
A-2
A-3
R-1
RS-1B
RS-1A
RS-1
RS-2
RS-3
RM-1
RM-2
RM-3
RM-4
RM-5
RT-1
SRS
RG
RG-2
RG-3
RE
RMH
√ - PERMITTED in the zone
× - NOT PERMITTED in the zone
×× – PROHIBITED IN THE MUNICIPALITY
×× Signs prohibited in the Municipality include:
Animated;
Billboards; Roof (unless approved by a DVP);
Flashing/Oscillating; Balcony
Audible/Odor; Third Party
Paper/Cardboard;
29
Schedule “C” – Temporary Sign Permit Application
Pursuant to Section 13.6 of Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008-2013
Date:
Name of applicant:
Applicant’s phone number:
Applicant’s e-mail address:
Name of group or organization (if applicable):
Address of group or organization:
Phone number of group or organization:
Event start date: Event end date:
Date signs will be erected:
Number of signs: Size of signs:
Sign copy:
Location of signs (please be specific):
30
Schedule “C” – Temporary Sign Permit Application
Pursuant to Section 13.6 of Sign Control Bylaw No. 7008-2013
This permit shall be valid and subsisting from the day of _
and shall expire on the day of __ _____ at ___ (pm) AND at all times
during the currency thereof, shall be subject to cancellation if the holder thereof shall neglect, fail
or refuse to observe and to comply with all the requirements of Maple Ridge Sign Control Bylaw No.
7008 - 2013, and is issued subject to the following conditions:
1) That all necessary plans and specifications of any works involved have been deposited with
the Building Department and have been approved;
2) That the applicant shall hold and save harmless the Corporation of the District of Maple
Ridge from and against all claims, damages and lien claims of every kind, arising out of or
in any way connected with any works or other things for which this Permit is issued;
3) That the applicant shall replace and repair all municipal infrastructure effected by the work
and such infrastructure is to be returned to an equal or better condition than that which
existed prior to the work, all within 24 hours of the completed work, to the satisfaction of
the District of Maple Ridge;
4) That the applicant will deposit with the Corporation a sum of One Hundred Dollars
($100.00) in cash or cheque, to guarantee the fulfillment by me of the terms and
conditions set out herein within the time specified in this permit.
(Signature of applicant)
Application: Approved or Declined
Authorization:
Municipal Engineer
Security Deposit ($ ) Refundable Receipt No.:
31
Schedule “D” – Sign Impoundment Recovery Costs
Recovery costs for impounded signs are as follows:
Sign removal requiring equipment $100.00
Sign removal not requiring equipment $25.00
District of Maple Ridge
TO: His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin MEETING DATE: April 7, 2014
and Members of Council FILE NO:
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer MEETING: Council Workshop
SUBJECT: COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL REVIEW
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
During its 2013 business planning deliberations, Council identified that a review of its advisory
committees should be undertaken as part of Council’s work plan in 2014. Some of the committees
have been functioning in an advisory capacity to Council since 1999 so it is opportune at this time to
ensure that the mandate of each Committee continues to be valid. The Committees of Council Policy
No. 3.11, attached as Appendix I, sets out a process to be followed when Council is considering a
new committee. It is recommended that a similar process be used to review the existing
committees.
RECOMMENDATION:
That an Advisory Committee Task Force consisting of the Mayor, Councillor Dueck and Councillor
Hogarth review the Advisory Committees of Council as described in the staff report dated April 7,
2014 and make recommendations to Council on each Committee.
DISCUSSION:
Council has indicated a desire to review its Advisory Committees. This item appears on line 37 of the
2014 Council Matrix.
Committees of Council Policy No. 3.11 describes the questions Council should ask itself when
considering forming a new committee. It is recommended that these questions form the basis of
this review. To complete the review it is recommended that a task force be struck to conduct the
review and to make recommendation to Council on each committee. The task force would consist of
the Mayor, two members of Council, the Manager of Legislative Services and the Committee Clerk.
The task force would engage additional staff as required. The task force will also solicit input from
the remainder of Council to assist in the review. The task force would dissolve once the review by
Council is completed. The task force would be provided with background information on each
committee including:
•Committee Bylaw
•Annual Budget
•Meeting schedule
•Terms of Reference
•Membership
•Accomplishments
•Staff Time
4.5
Questions to address for each committee would include, but not be limited to:
• Does this work need to continue?
• Is the work ongoing or of a limited time nature?
• Can this work be done by another group either internal or external?
• Is the membership reflective of the skills, expertise and the diversity of interests required?
• Is the mandate of this committee still relevant?
The following committees would be reviewed:
• Agricultural Advisory Committee
• Community Heritage Commission
• Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (proposed new committee)
• Economic Advisory Commission
• Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues
• Social Planning Advisory Committee
• Public Art Steering Committee
• Environmental Advisory Committee (proposed new committee)
The following committees would not be reviewed:
• Parks & Leisure Services Commission (subject of a separate review of Joint Parks & Leisure
Services)
• Advisory Design Panel (legislated by Local Government Act)
• Audit & Finance Committee (this committee functions in a different manner, allowing Council
members a focused conversation with the external auditor)
• Liaison appointments to community organizations
Alternatives:
Council could choose to undertake this work without forming a task force. A smaller working group,
that includes appropriate staff, however, may accomplish the work of developing recommendations
in a more efficient and encompassing manner.
CONCLUSIONS:
To complete its review of advisory committees, it is recommended that a task force be struck to
make recommendations on the status of existing and proposed advisory committees.
“Original signed by Ceri Marlo”___________________
Prepared by: Ceri Marlo, C.M.C.
Manager of Legislative Services and Emergency Program
“Original signed by Paul Gill”___________________
Approved by: Paul Gill, B.B.A, C.G.A, F.R.M
General Manager: Corporate & Financial Services
“Original signed by J.L. (Jim) Rule”_______________
Concurrence J.L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
:cm
Attachment: Committee of Council Policy No. 3.11
POLICY MANUAL
Title: Committees of Council
See also Council and Staff Liaison Roles Policy No. 3.10
Policy No : 3.11
Supersedes: New
Authority: Legislative Operational
Approval: Council CMT
General Manager
Effective Date: January 26, 2011
Review Date: 2012
Policy Statement:
Advisory committees/commissions/panels, and task forces provide opportunities for citizens to
become more actively involved in their community, and for issues to be considered in depth.
The Council of the District of Maple Ridge will appoint advisory committees/commissions/
panels and task forces to:
•Provide information and advice to Council and staff on issues of concern to the public and
the District which Council will consider in its decision making
•Educate and raise the awareness of Council and staff; and
•Provide recommendations for consideration by Council and staff.
Unless authority to make decisions has been delegated by Council to a Committee or
Commission by bylaw, it is not the role of these bodies to establish policy, but to act in an
advisory capacity to Council. The decision-making responsibility and authority remains with
Council.
Purpose:
To establish guidelines for the formation and operation of Committees of Council.
Definition:
Committees – Advisory committees, commissions and panels that provide on-going advice of a
policy nature. Committees may also include Task Forces that have responsibility to consider
issues within a bounded time period. Once finished their work, through resolution of Council,
task forces cease to exist.
Selection Committee – A committee comprised of the Mayor and/or the applicable committee
Council appointee(s) and staff liaison(s), if appointed, that reviews applications for committee
positions, interviews selected applicants and makes recommendations to Council on appointed
positions.
Page 1 of 6 Policy 3.11
APPENDIX I
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Action to Take
1. Functions
The functions of the committees of Council are to:
a) respond to issues referred by Council and staff;
b) listen to and report on the community’s views;
c) gather necessary facts, information, and opinions;
d) educate and raise the awareness of Council and staff;
e) in the case of advisory committees/commissions/panels,
offer longer term visions of the community;;
f) provide advice and recommendations to Council, staff and
the public;
g) raise issues to Council and staff that need to be addressed
further.
2. Council Expectations
Committees are expected to:
a) respond to the issues referred by Council and by staff;
b) within their mandates, raise issues to Council and staff
that committee members believe need to be addressed;
c) give well-considered and timely responses to Council's
need for advice;
d) work within the strategic directions as outlined in
Council's annual business plan;
e) prepare an annual business plan (excluding task forces);
f) carry out their work effectively, efficiently, and creatively.
3. Committee Expectations
Committees can expect from Council and staff:
a) Sufficient information on the issues being addressed;
b) consistent and effective staff support (where provided),
within the budgetary limits of the district;
c) orientation and training;
d) prompt feedback on the outcomes of their advice and
recommendation;
e) a commitment from Council to refer issues for committee
consideration as they arise.
4. Committee Opportunities
Committees can expect opportunities to:
a) learn more about their community, and the issues that
need to be addressed;
b) engage with other people in dialogue and debate about
the community and its issues;
c) create broad visions of the community over the longer
term;
d) make recommendations to Council and staff.
Council acknowledges that it is vital that committee members
feel that they are making a real difference in the life of their
community.
Responsibility
Council
Staff
Council
Page 2 of 6 Policy 3.11
5.Governing Legislation
Committees will be governed by the bylaw (if any) of the
particular committee, the Council Procedure Bylaw and
applicable provincial and federal legislation.
6.New Committee
In considering a new committee, Council will ask:
a)What work needs to be done, or what issues need to be
considered by the committee?
b)Is the work on-going, or of a more time limited nature?
What are the timelines?
c) Is there a need for public involvement? Why? Who needs to
be involved?
d)Are there existing groups within the District or the
community who could undertake the work or consider the
issues?
e)What is the capacity for funding the committee and
providing staff support?
In addition, Council will give consideration to the make up of
the committee in terms of skills, expertise, and the diversity of
interests required.
7.Membership
Membership of committees of Council will be diverse, and
broadly reflective of the community (for example: age, gender,
cultural background, occupation, and neighbourhood, where
appropriate).
Membership of some committees will also reflect the desired
experience, knowledge and expertise.
Unless otherwise specified in a Committee’s bylaws or terms
of reference, members at large must reside or be employed in
the District and membership will be limited to no more than
three terms to permit others the opportunity to contribute.
8.Appointment of Members at Large
Opportunities for citizen participation on the committees of
Council will be advertised in a local newspaper, on the District
web site, on any other media deemed appropriate by the
Selection Committee and through community associations,
where appropriate, so that any citizen who is interested can
apply.
Candidates will be requested to submit an email or letter of
application providing information on their qualifications for
the position.
Even when a sitting member’s term is up and they have
indicated a willingness to continue their participation, others
should be given the opportunity to apply and be considered
alongside the sitting member. This is the only time that
Committee/Commission members are evaluated in terms of
their involvement and Council should have the opportunity to
Council
Clerk’s Department
Page 3 of 6 Policy 3.11
determine if other citizens should be appointed because their
background and skill set is more suitable to the upcoming
work of the Committee/Commission.
Members of Council may nominate individuals whom they
know are interested in serving on a respective committee.
Such nominees are to be advised that they will be required to
follow the same application procedures as others and will be
assessed against other candidates who have responded to
the advertisings.
The Clerk’s Department will prepare an alphabetical list of
applicants that will specify where an individual is a sitting
member of another Committee. If an individual applies for
more than one Committee, the Clerk’s Department will
identify with the applicant the most appropriate Committee.
Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee to
determine if an interview process is required and who will be
interviewed. Generally an interview will be required even if
there is only one candidate to ensure the candidate is
suitable for the position. Interviews should also be conducted
if a sitting member has reapplied and others have applied so
that fair consideration can be given to all candidates. The
Clerk’s Department will arrange the interviews.
Following the interviews, the Selection Committee will forward
a report to a Closed meeting of Council with their
recommendations for appointment to the Committee. The
report is to be accompanied by resumes of the candidates
under consideration. Council will vote to appoint members to
the committee and announce the results at a subsequent
Regular Council meeting. The term of the appointment will be
specified in the resolution. A full orientation will be provided to
new committee members.
Council may remove a member at any time.
In general, it is the policy of Council not to appoint any
individual to serve on more than one committee
simultaneously. It is the intent of Council to afford the
opportunity for as many interested citizens as possible to
serve on Committees.
9. Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists where:
a) a committee member is a director, member or employee
of an organization seeking a benefit from the District of
Maple Ridge upon which the committee will make a
recommendation;
b) the committee member has a direct or indirect pecuniary
interest in the outcome of committee deliberations.
Clerk’s Department
Selection Committee
Clerk’s Department
Selection Committee
Council
Page 4 of 6 Policy 3.11
A conflict of interest does not exist if:
a)the pecuniary interest of the member is a pecuniary
interest in common with members of the municipality
generally, or
b)the pecuniary interest is so remote or insignificant that it
cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to influence the
member in relation to the matter.
Where a conflict of interest exists, committee members:
a)are not entitled to participate in the discussion of the
matter or to vote on a question in respect of the matter;
b)must declare to the committee that a conflict exists; and
c)must absent themselves from the meeting during
consideration of the issue to which the conflict relates.
The member’s declaration of a conflict and their exit from and
return to the meeting shall be noted in the minutes.
Where a perceived conflict of interest might exist, the member
may note that a perception of conflict might exist but need not
declare a conflict and exit the meeting if in the member’s view
there is no actual conflict of interest.
Where in the opinion of a committee a member is in a conflict
of interest and has not so declared, the committee may ask
for a review of the matter by the Corporate Officer. The
matter, if unresolved, may then be referred for Council review.
10.Council Appointee
Council will appoint at least one Council member and an
alternate to the Committee. The role of the appointee
includes:
a)ensuring that Council is adequately briefed as to the
development of issues;
b)communicating Council's position and policy;
c) facilitating a clear and open dialogue between Council
and the community committee;
d)clarifying when they are stating their personal opinions.
See also Council and Staff Liaison Roles Policy No. 3.10
11.Staff Liaison
The Chief Administrative Officer may provide staff support on
a case-by-case basis. The role of staff in supporting
committees of Council includes:
a)providing information and professional advice;
b)supporting the chairperson in developing agendas,
arranging meetings, and promoting effective committee
functioning;
Committee Members
Council Appointee
Staff Liaison
Page 5 of 6 Policy 3.11
c) assisting with the preparation reports to Council;
d) assisting with the creation of the annual Business Plan;
e) providing an annual orientation to Committee members
on the work of the committee, the structure of the District,
and Council’s annual Business Plan and budgeting
process.
12. Reporting
The committees of Council are appointed by and report
directly to Council.
a) They are consultative groups.
b) Council has the responsibility for making final decisions.
c) Committee members will not misrepresent themselves as
having any authority beyond that delegated by Council.
13. Reporting to Council
When responding to an issue that was referred by Council,
committees will submit reports directly to Council.
Committees will report to Council on their activities at least
twice a year either in writing or by appearing as a delegation
at a meeting of Council.
14. Annual Business Reports
The committees of Council, with the exception of Task Forces,
will annually submit a Business Plan to Council that is in
alignment with Council’s strategic directions. The format of
the plan and timelines for submissions will be provided to the
committees.
15. Minutes
Committee minutes, which record the decisions made at
meetings, will be submitted to the Clerk’s Department.
Council and the Chief Administrative Officer will consider
providing clerical support on a case-by-case basis.
Committee
Page 6 of 6 Policy 3.11
Procedures for Submitting Resolutions to UBCM
1.Submit Resolutions to Area Associations
Both UBCM and its member local governments have observed that submitting
resolutions first to Area Associations results in better quality resolutions overall.
UBCM encourages all members to submit resolutions first to Area Associations
for consideration.
Resolutions endorsed by Area Associations at their annual meetings are
submitted automatically to UBCM for consideration and do not need to be re-
submitted to UBCM by the sponsor. (Resolutions that an Area Association has
considered but not endorsed are not conveyed to UBCM.)
Area Association submission deadlines for 2014 are as follows:
AKBLG February 10
AVICC February 24
SILGA February 28
NCLGA March 7
LMLGA March 21
Please contact your Area Association for resolution submission procedures at the
regional level.
2.Direct Submission to UBCM
If absolutely necessary, local governments may submit council- or board-
endorsed resolutions directly to UBCM until June 30, 2014.
Resolutions should be submitted as follows:
•one copy of the resolution and background documentation, in electronic or
print form
•UBCM must receive the resolution and background by June 30, 2014
The resolution and background documentation should be addressed to:
Reiko Tagami
Information & Resolutions Coordinator
Union of British Columbia Municipalities
For resolutions and background in electronic form, please email to:
rtagami@ubcm.ca 5.1
For resolutions and background in print form, please mail to:
60 – 10551 Shellbridge Way
Richmond BC V6X 2W9
When clarification of a resolution is required, UBCM will contact the sponsor, and
the sponsor will be given one week to respond. If the sponsor does not respond
within one week, then the resolution will not be printed in the Resolutions Book
and will not be considered at Convention. This is to avoid using extra time
during policy debate to clarify a poorly written resolution.
3. Resolutions Received After the Deadline
Resolutions received after the submission deadline of June 30, 2014 will not be
printed in the Resolutions Book and may only be admitted for debate by special
motion during Convention. The process for handling resolutions received after
the deadline is outlined below.
• One copy of the resolution and background documentation, in electronic
or print form, must be received at the UBCM Richmond office before
12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2014.
• Resolutions received after the deadline will be examined by the
Resolutions Committee and separated into the following categories:
o Emergency resolutions recommended to be admitted for debate
o Late resolutions not recommended to be admitted for debate
• A resolution may be deemed emergency in nature only if the topic has
arisen since the June 30 deadline.
• Emergency resolutions may be discussed only after all Section A
resolutions have been debated, but not before the time printed in the
Convention Program.
• No other late resolutions will be admitted for debate—they will instead be
entered automatically into the resolutions cycle for the following year,
starting with consideration by the appropriate Area Association. Referral
to the following year ensures that these issues are not lost and that the
broader membership may still consider the resolutions.
1470/00/01/01/Procedures for Submitting Resolutions
Unearned Income Exemption for Child Support Payments for Persons on Income Assistance
WHEREAS one out of every seven children in BC are living in poverty and the poverty rate for
children living in families headed by lone-parents is one of the highest poverty rates of any
family type in the province;
WHEREAS child support payments to lone-parents on income assistance are deducted from
their income assistance payments dollar to dollar thereby removing significant funds for a
family living in poverty;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Provincial Government amend the Employment and
Assistance Regulation and the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities
Regulation to add an unearned income exemption for child support payments up to $300
per family unit per month, thus allowing families on income assistance to use those funds to
financially support children.
Supplementary Memo: Background Information
Unearned Income Exemption for Child Support Payments for Persons on Income Assistance
Statistics Canada data shows that 119,000 children in BC — one out of every seven kids —
are living in poverty. Nearly 20,000 of these children live with lone-parent mothers. In fact,
the poverty rate for children living in families headed by lone-parent mothers was 21.5%,
one of the highest poverty rates of any family type in the province.
In January 2013, almost 18,000 single parent families received income assistance in BC.
Seventy percent of those families received temporary income assistance (the category of
assistance with the lowest rates–the base rate for a single parent with one child is
$945.58). According to the Ministry of Social Development, approximately 4,000 of these
families received child support payments that were then deducted from their income
assistance payments dollar for dollar.
The Ministry has said that it deducts approximately 15 million dollars in child support
payments from income assistance recipients each year. This represents less than 1% of the
Ministry’s total budget for income assistance. However, if divided equally between the 4,000
affected families, this would add $3,750 to their annual budget, a significant amount to a
family in poverty.
Re-introducing an exemption for child support payments would allow struggling lone parent
families on income assistance to use the support payments for the intended use of
financially supporting children.
Provincial Regulations to Govern the Party Bus Industry
WHEREAS there is significant concern around the safety of the party bus industry and
contravention of the Motor Vehicle, Liquor Control and Licensing and Passenger
Transportation Acts by individual operators it is incumbent on the industry and government
to ensure that adherence to applicable regulations particularly as they pertain to the
consumption of alcohol by minors be met and that new standards be created to regulate
this industry.
AND WHEREAS the consumption of alcohol by minors has significant impact on their health
and well-being and can result in adverse outcomes in the short and long term; overall
community safety can also be significantly impacted by the activities of passengers and
operators of party buses when adherence to these regulations is not met.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government enact regulations specifically
governing the Party Bus Industry to ensure that operators adhere to the Motor Vehicle,
Liquor Control and Licensing and Passenger Transportation Acts.
Supplementary Memo: Background Information
Provincial Regulations to Govern the Party Bus Industry
The Party Bus industry is a relatively new phenomenon in North America. There have been
a number of high profile injuries and deaths associated with party buses in the province of
British Columbia. The industry is quite unique and current legislation governing
transportation of passengers fails to address some of the regulative anomalies associated
with party buses. Enforcement of current legislation is also difficult because of the mobility
of these parties on wheels.
Hundreds of companies and owners provide party bus service in every major city and many
smaller communities across Canada. Party buses differ from limousine services in that the
buses are not necessarily used for transporting people from one place to another. Rather,
they are often driven around without a destination, picking up and dropping off passengers
over the span of several hours.
Another significant difference: party buses often come with dance floors, which passengers
are encouraged to use while the bus is on the road. Obviously, people could easily be
injured if they fall while the bus is in motion. Drivers can easily be distracted by the
behaviour of passengers making party buses dangerous for other motorists.
It would benefit the party bus industry to have regulations in place to ensure that safe
operating practices are defined and adhered to. The industry has seen its sales plummet
because of the concerns highlighted in the media. Many operators are asking for new
regulations to govern the industry. Restaurants and other liquor serving establishments are
also asking for this industry to be regulated as they are being impacted by customers who
have been over served being dropped off at their establishments.
California state legislature passed a new bill in 2013 regulating the Party Bus industry. This
bill, known as the Studebaker law, was prompted by the death of a minor named Brent
Studebaker who died in a horrific traffic accident after drinking all evening on a party bus.
This bill calls for requirements that “the party making a reservation for a party bus or
limousine to designate a chaperone, as defined, to be present on any party bus or limousine
if (1) their party will include a person who is under 21 years of age and (2) alcohol will be on
that bus during the provision of transportation services. The bill would impose certain
responsibilities and liabilities upon designate chaperone (designee), driver, and carrier to
help ensure that a person under 21 does not consume alcohol on the party bus or
limousine. The bill would also provide separate responsibilities for the driver if the
chartering party reports that no one under 21 will be present but that alcohol will be
provided, or vice versa. Additionally, the bill would impose specified penalties for failure to
comply with certain provisions.” The bill was unanimously passed and other states have
also amended their current legislation governing the transportation of passengers.
Background Information
Provincial Regulations to Govern the Party Bus Industry
Page 2
In British Columbia, advocates are also asking for specific regulations for this industry.
Some of the suggestions include that drivers must verify the age of passengers by seeing
their identification, all drivers and operators must undergo a criminal record check and be
trained in safety procedures and first aid.
The consumption of alcohol by minors impacts the community in many ways but the effects
of alcohol on human development whether in utero or during adolescence can be extensive.
During adolescence, the consumption of alcohol can affect growth hormones upsetting the
body’s normal development of organs, muscles and bones. While the brain is developing,
even subtle internal changes caused by drinking can have long-lasting effects on memory
and thinking. At this point, research can't determine how severe the side effects will be from
heavy drinking during adolescence. The growing adolescent brain can allow an underage
drinker to consume larger amounts of alcohol in one sitting. The unusually high alcohol
tolerance can lead to binge-drinking, long-lasting high tolerance and alcoholism. The
incidents of fatalities and injuries are higher amongst youth consuming alcohol. The brain
develops well into a person's twenties explaining why risky behaviors are associated with
adolescents; alcohol only serves to intensify those behaviors.
There is a need to recognize and regulate an industry that provides a unique service
transporting and providing a venue for individuals to celebrate special occasions in. The
service relies heavily on young people during celebratory times in their lives like proms,
graduations, birthdays, etc. The Party Bus industry and government need to work together
to ensure that standards and regulations protect young people and the community at large.
Assessment of Commercial Medical Marihuana Facilities
WHEREAS BC Assessment classifies and values each property in British Columbia for
taxation purposes and recognition by the Agricultural Land Commission that production of
marihuana is a farm use may lead to commercial medical marihuana facilities being
assessed by BC Assessment as farm resulting in lower taxes being paid to local government;
AND WHEREAS, medical marihuana production facilities will generate security and policing
costs not normally associated with farm use;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities lobby the
Provincial Government to amend the Regulations under the BC Assessment Act to ensure
that medical marihuana facilities licensed under the Health Canada Marihuana for Medical
Purposes Regulations be classified as Commercial for tax purposes.
SAMPLE MODEL HOUSING RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORT FROM COUNCIL
Please customize as appropriate, particularly by providing examples of high-priority
housing projects that require continued federal support.
Once your municipality has passed the resolution, please inform FCM at
housing@fcm.ca.
RESOLUTION
Development of a New Long-Term Federal Plan to Fix Canada’s
Housing Crunch
WHEREAS, a stable and secure housing system that creates and maintains
jobs and allows for a range of living options is essential to attracting new
workers, meeting the needs of young families and supporting seniors and
our most vulnerable citizens; and,
WHEREAS the high cost of housing is the most urgent financial issue facing
Canadians with one in four people paying more than they can afford for
housing, and mortgage debt held by Canadians now standing at just over
$1.1 trillion; and,
WHEREAS housing costs and, as the Bank of Canada notes, household debt,
are undermining Canadians’ personal financial security, while putting our
national economy at risk; and,
WHEREAS those who cannot afford to purchase a home rely on the short
supply of rental units, which is driving up rental costs and making it hard to
house workers in regions experiencing strong economic activity; and,
WHEREAS an inadequate supply of subsidized housing for those in need is
pushing some of the most vulnerable Canadians on to the street, while
$1.7 billion annually in federal investments in social housing have begun to
expire; and,
WHEREAS coordinated action is required to prevent housing issues from
being offloaded onto local governments and align the steps local
governments have already taken with regard to federal/provincial/territorial
programs and policies; and,
WHEREAS, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has launched a
housing campaign, “Fixing Canada’s Housing Crunch,” calling on the federal
government to increase housing options for Canadians and to work with all
orders of government to develop a long-term plan for Canada’s housing
future; and,
WHEREAS FCM has asked its member municipalities to pass a council
resolution supporting the campaign;
5.2
AND WHEREAS, our community has continuing housing needs, such as the
XX and the XX, that can only be met through the kind of long-term planning
and investment made possible by federal leadership;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that council endorses the FCM housing
campaign and urges the minister of employment and social development to
develop a long-term plan for housing that puts core investments on solid
ground, increases predictability, protects Canadians from the planned expiry
of $1.7 billion in social housing agreements and ensures a healthy stock of
affordable rental housing for Canadians.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the
minister noted above, to the (provincial/territorial) minister of municipal
affairs, to (Name of local MP), to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
and to the (Name provincial/Territorial association).