HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-03 Workshop - Agenda and Reports.pdfDistrict of Maple Ridge
COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA
March 3, 2008
10:30 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
March 3
Closed Council Cancelled
Committee of the Whole 1:00 P.M.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
MINUTES - February 25, 2008
PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
4.1 Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Presentation by the Environmental Planner
4.2 Metro Vancouver Growth Strategy
Verbal update by Councillor Dueck
See attached report titled 'Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the
Proposed Issues, Goals and Strategies for Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth
Strategy"
Council Workshop
March 3, 2008
Page 2 of 3
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:
Acknowledge receipt of correspondence and advise that no further action will be
taken.
Direct staff to prepare a report and recommendation regarding the subject matter.
Forward the correspondence to a regular Council meeting for further discussion.
Other.
Once direction is given the appropriate response will be sent.
5.1 Renewed Fisheries Act Reintroduced
Letter dated February 15, 2008 from Councillor Mary Sjostrom, Chair, Community
Economic Development Committee, Union of British Columbia Municipalities,
providing information pertaining to Fisheries Act Bill C-32 and requesting feedback
and comments.
Recommendation: d) refer to staff for response
6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL
7. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
8. ADJOURNMENT
Checked by:
Date: e'7O2../ 2-.
Council Workshop
March 3, 2008
Page 3 of 3
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:
personal information about an identifiable individual whoholds or is being considered for a position as
an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
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;
labour relations or employee negotiations;
the security of property of the municipality;
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;
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;
litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality;
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
the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for
that purpose;
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;
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;
(I) 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]
a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting;
the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection of
subsection (2)
the consideration of whether the authority under section 91 (other persons attending closed meetings)
should be exercised in relation to a council meeting.
information relating to local government participation in provincial negotiations with First Nations, where
an agreement provides that the information is to be kept confidential.
Section E 2.2
metrova ncouver Greater Vancouver Regional District Greater Vancouver Water District
Greater Varscouver Sewerage and Drainage District Greater Vancouver Housing Corporation
4330 Kngsway, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5H 4G8 604-432-6200 wwwmetrovancouver.org
Board of Directors Meeting Date: February 29, 2008
To: Board of Directors
From: Land Use and Transportation Committee
Date: February 15, 2008
Subject: Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the Proposed Issues,
Goals and Strategies for Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy
Recommendations:
That the Board receive the report dated January 24, 2008, titled "Results of the Preliminary
Public Consultation on the Proposed Issues, Goals and Strategies for Metro Vancouver's
Regional Growth Strategy".
At its February 8, 2008 meeting, the Land Use and Transportation Committee received the
attached report dated January 24, 2008, titled "Results of the Preliminary Public
Consultation on the Proposed Issues, Goals and Strategies for Metro Vancouver's Regional
Growth Strategy" and referred it to the Board for information on progress in the development
of a new Regional Growth Strategy.
Attachment
Report dated January 24, 2008, titled "Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the
Proposed Issues, Goals and Strategies for Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy"
004596644
RD-47 4.2
ATTACHMENT
metrovancouver Greater Vancouver Regional District Greater Vancouver Water District
Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Greater Vancouver Housing Corporation
4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, Canada VSH 4G8 604-432-6200 www.metrovancouver.org
Land Use and Transportation Committee Date: February 8, 2008
To: Land Use and Transportation Committee
From: Christina DeMarco, Division Manager, Policy and Planning Department
Date: January 24, 2008
Subject: Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the P,roposed Issues,
Goals and Strategies for Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy
Recommendations:
That the Land Use and Transportation Committee:
Direct staff to report to the next Land Use and Transportation Committee meeting on
a draft Regional Growth Strategy based upon the goals and strategies set out in
"Choosing a Sustainable Future for Metro Vancouver" and incorporating feedback
received during the consultation; and,
Refer the report "Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the Proposed
Issues, Goals and Strategies for Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy" to
the Board for information on progress in the development of a new Regional Growth
Strategy.
PURPOSE
To provide a summary of the results of public consultation on the preliminary issues, goals,
strategies, and actions to be considered in the preparation of a new Regional Growth
Strategy for Metro Vancouver and to seek authorization to proceed with the preparation of
the Draft Regional Growth Strategy.
CONTEXT
At its meeting of September 21, 2007, the Board authorized staff to initiate public discussion
based on the goals and issues presented in the report titled "Metro Vancouver Growth
Strategy Review: Basis for Public Discussion".
Between mid-November and January 31, 2008, staff engaged in an initial public consultation
process. The purpose of this first round of discussion was to obtain public feedback on the
issues to be addressed and the policy directions the growth strategy could take. A second
public process phase is planned after the Board's release of the Draft Regional Growth
Strategy.
A discussion guide was prepared titled "Choosing a Sustainable Future for Metro
Vancouver" (attached) and was available in print copy and on the internet. Over 4000
copies of the guide were distributed. Public outreach consisted of the following methods:
(a) Public meetings: These were held in each subregion. In addition, a Sustainability
Dialogue was held at the Wosk Centre and a Sustainability Breakfast at the Canada
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Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the Proposed Issue, Goals and Strategies for Metro
Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy
Page 20f6
Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting Date: February 8, 2008
Export Centre. There were 16 meetings in total and the attendance at these events was
approximately 700 people. Attachment 1 lists the meetings. The meetings were
advertised in the major newspapers as well as in local newspapers and ethnic
newspapers, on the Metro Vancouver website as well as on many municipal sites. The
largest numbers attending the subregional meetings were in Vancouver and in Maple
Ridge. The format was a presentation followed by a small group discussion and then a
question and answer period.
Questionnaire: A questionnaire was distributed at the public meetings and was also
available on the internet and designed to help get feedback on the discussion guide.
The questionnaire had open ended questions on the issues and the vision as well as on
the goals and performance indicators. It also asked respondents to choose for each
strategy, the desirable implementation action on a spectrum usually ranging from broad
goals only to some form of regional regulation.
131 questionnaires were submitted in total. Most participants preferred to provide their
comments through the small group working sessions at the public meetings.
Generally respondents tended to pick alternative c) in the spectrum of alternatives, the
one associated with more regulation in the regional plan. However, it is not clear
whether they necessarily felt that regional regulation was the solution but it was an
indication that the current system of local and regional planning was not adequate and
that stronger policies were needed at either the municipal or regional level in order to
achieve the stated goals.
Presentations to Councils: All member municipalities received a letter informing them
of this phase of consultation and were invited to request a presentation to Council or
committee by Metro Vancouver staff. Fourteen municipalities requested a presentation
and this provided the opportunity to be televised and reach a wider audience as well as
providing the opportunity for the Mayor and Council to ask questions.
It was suggested that municipalities could provide preliminary written comments at this
stage or they could chose to wait until the Draft Strategy stage. Two councils submitted
a report by the end of January and a number of others indicated that they would submit
their comments in February and asked that they be forwarded to the March meeting of
the Land Use and Transportation Committee. Council reports that have been received
are included in the compilation of public process materials.
Meetings with planning directors, business and community groups: On November
16, 2007 the Regional Growth Strategies Roundtable was attended by municipal
planning directors and engineers, TransLink staff, Ministry of Transportation and
Community Services staff, development industry representatives, as well as
environmental, social and other community interest groups. The objective of the
roundtable was to hear from a cross-section of organizations. Overall the participants
felt Metro Vancouver should be bold in developing its vision. The consensus was that
the identified goals of a regional growth strategy captured the appropriate areas of
focus. Many participants underscored the need for effective implementation and the
need for coordination with TransLink and the Province. There was a wide range of
opinion on whether a "goals only" approach was sufficient or whether member
municipalities needed to agree on some form of co-regulation. Opinions also varied
depending on the goal to be achieved.
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Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the Proposed Issue, Goals and Strategies for Metro
Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy
Page 3 of 6
Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting Date: February 8, 2008
Outreach to government organizations, First Nations, business and community
organizations: Government organizations, First Nations, business and community
groups received a letter informing them of the preliminary consultation process and were
invited to request a presentation. Presentations were made to the National Association
of Office and Business Park Owners (NAIOP), the Urban Development Institute (UDI),
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), and the Planning Institute of British Columbia
(PIBC). On January 31, 2008 the UDl hosted a seminar on growth management issues.
Internet Site: The Metro Vancouver website provides copies of Choosing A Sustainable
Future guide, the questionnaire, and background information. It invites the public to
provide written submissions and participate in a web discussion.
A companion report titled, "A Compilation of Feedback from the Preliminary Public
Consultation Process on Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy" provides all of the
submissions received to date, public meeting notes and questionnaire results. It is included
in the February 8, 2008 meeting agenda of the Land Use and Transportation Committee and
is available on line at http:f/www.qvrd.bc.ca/qrowth/strateqy-review.htm. All submissions
received after January 31, 2008 will be forwarded to the March meeting of the Land Use and
Transportation Committee.
Summary of Feedback of Issues, Goals, Strategies and Actions
This section summarizes some of the key messages heard during this first phase of
consultation. Attachment 2 provides more detailed comments for each of the goals.
Participants were asked whether the right issues had been identified in the discussion guide.
There was general agreement that the key issues were captured. However, many
commented that climate change should be amplified as a key issue. When asked to identify
their top three issues, transportation, affordable housing, and protecting the environment
were the three most often cited.
The need for a bold vision was noted by many as well as the need to take a long-term,
regional approach to advancing sustainability objectives. When asked about agreement
with the goals and strategies, there was broad consensus that those identified in the
discussion document helped lead the region to livability and sustainability objectives. On
the actions to achieve the strategies, there was a clear indication from participants that a
"Goals Only" approach (Option A) would not be successful in achieving regional goals.
Many voiced the opinion that "do nothing" or the status quo was not an acceptable option.
However, it was difficult for participants to choose between Option B (Guidelines) and
Option C (more regulatory tools in the Regional Growth Strategy) without more information
on how the implementation tools would work, how it was different from the existing regional
plan, and the pros and cons of the different approaches.
On subregional variations in responses, in the meetings south of the Fraser and in Maple
Ridge, participants expressed the need for more job choices close to home, the importance
of place-making and designing communities that were not car-dependent, as well as the
need for a viable transit alternative. In the central parts of the region, concern about housing
affordability, and limiting the extent of urban development in the region was more strongly
voiced. The protection of farmland and natural assets was strongly expressed in all parts of
the subregion. The table below summarizes the key issues raised in this first round of
consultation.
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Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the Proposed Issue, Goals and Strategies for Metro
Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy
Page 4 of 6
Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting Date: February 8, 2008
Key Issue Comments
Level of Absolute Many commented on whether it was necessary to take population
Growth in the trends as a given, and whether the region could influence the rate of
Region growth, or influence federal immigration policy. Most commenting on
this issue wanted to see less than the anticipated growth, while some
stated that strong immigration was essential for the economy.
Distribution of The need for a balance of population and jobs in all subregions was
Population and commonly voiced.
Growth
Extent of the Urban Many commented on the need to limit the urban expansion of the
Region region to help meet climate stability objectives, reduce distances
traveled, and protect agricultural and rural landscapes.
Time Horizon for The idea of a longer time horizon, perhaps matching the TransLink
the Strategy Plan of 2040 or 50 to 100 years was raised
Complete The notion of "complete communities" was often mentioned, and
Communities and expressed as the desire to live in places that had community facilities,
Place-making parks, jobs, shops, services, as well as good urban design and
pleasant meeting places. A range of housing types was considered
part of a complete community. There was concern that large format
retailing caused more and longer distance car trips and undermined
the viability of local shopping.
Housing Many participants felt that more needs to be done at all levels of
Affordability and government to address the issues related to housing across the region
Diversity including the provision of more social housing. Participants identified.
a diverse range of housing needs from aging seniors who require
increased choice to remain in their communities to young families who
are looking for their first home. Single parent families as well as
working poor families were also identified by some as facing
significant challenges.
Some participants expressed the view that more could be done in
existing neighbourhoods to promote increased diversity and a broader
range of housing choices. It was also felt that more could be done to
encourage higher density housing in areas with good access to transit.
Climate Change Preparing for climate change impacts and mitigating future impacts
and Greenhouse was considered a key driver by many - one that warranted clear
Gas Emissions targets, and to be integrated into all five of the strategies.
Industry and There was concern about loss of industrial land. However, there was
Industrial Land little interest expressed in using agricultural land for industrial
purposes. Many stated that existing industrial land had to be
protected and more fully utilized. Some voiced concern that if an
industrial land reserve was created, it may be too difficult to remove
land and may result in underutilized land.
Agriculture There was strong support for the protection of agricultural lands in the
region and concern that existing protection was not strong enough.
Some stated that a new assessment was needed to ensure all land in
the ALR was productive.
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Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the Proposed Issue, Goals and Strategies for Metro
Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy
Page 50f6
Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting Date: February 8, 2008
Key Issue Comments
Food Security Many expressed the desire to grow more food locally, especially in the
face of a growing population and the likelihood of more expensive
goods movement and less food available from other regions. This
translated into support for protecting existing farmland but also interest
in community gardens, farmer's markets and other urban agriculture
initiatives
Natural Assets There was strong support for the protection of the region's
extraordinary ecological and recreational assets, and many commented
on how important this is to the identity, livability and sustainability of the
region. There was concern that growth pressures continue to
undermine the health and biodiversity of protected areas. There was
support for the region to play a role in protecting ecological assets
beyond the boundaries of the Green Zone, and to find innovative ways
to weave natural asset protection, enhancement and restoration into
the urban fabric - through actions such as stream day-lighting, green
infrastructure, community gardens, and naturescaping.
Natural Hazards There was concern voiced that the strategy needs to give direction on
hazards, such as steep slopes and flooding, especially in the face of
climate change.
Transportation Many commented on the need for a much better transit alternative
Management throughout the region and that more emphasis needed to be put on the
growth shaping function of transportation. The opportunity should be
taken now to reserve future road, transit, and cycling corridors, in
advance of development. Better cycling networks and improved
pedestrian environments were seen as an important element to meet
energy and health concerns. There was considerable discussion on
the need for pricing mechanisms to support objectives-for road users
and transit users.
Governance and Some noted the difficulty of achieving regional objectives in the current
Implementation local governance system and thought other governance models should
be explored. The over-reliance on property tax was noted and the
tension this sometime creates with land use planning decisions. The
need for a clear implementation plan, in collaboration with the Province,
TransLink and other parties was voiced. Interest was expressed in
measuring progress and outcomes along the way, and the importance
of clear targets to assist in monitoring.
Next Steps
The proposed next step is to prepare a draft Regional Growth Strategy as a basis for further
consultation with municipalities and the public. It is anticipated that the Land Use and
Transportation Committee will develop the Draft Strategy during February and March 2008.
Once the committee's review is complete, it will be forwarded to the Metro Vancouver Board
for release for consultation. Following consultation on the Draft Strategy, a Final Strategy
will be prepared for consideration by the Board.
The formal Regional Growth Strategy Bylaw adoption procedures set out in the Local
Government Act are quite extensive. Following first and second reading of the bylaw, and a
public hearing, the Board refers the bylaw to 'affected local governments" for their
acceptance, or non-acceptance with reasons, within 120 days. "Affected local governments"
includes Metro Vancouver member municipalities, the adjacent Squamish-Lillooet and
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Results of the Preliminary Public Consultation on the Proposed Issue, Goals and Strategies for Metro
Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy
Page 6 of 6
Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting Date: February 8, 2008
Fraser Valley Regional Districts and the TransLink Board. While affected local governments
are required to respond within 120 days of the Board's request for acceptance, non-
acceptance may result in an extensive period to resolve the disagreement either through
discussion or activation of the dispute resolution process set out in the Local Government
Act.
ALTERNATIVES
The Land Use and Transportation Committee may direct staff to prepare a Draft Regional
Growth Strategy based upon the goals and strategies set out in the discussion document
and the feedback received. This is the preferred option. Alternatively, the committee may
give staff further direction on the process leading to completion of a new Regional Growth
Strategy.
CONCLUSION
This preliminary consultation phase provided the opportunity for public discussion on the
goals, strategies and possible implementation tools for Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth
Strategy. Although the number participating was relatively small on a regional scale, it gave
an indication of the issues participants wanted to see addressed in the regional growth
strategy. It affirmed that there was support for the goals and strategies; however, it is
difficult to draw conclusions on the preferences for implementation actions other than
generally a 'Goals Only" strategy were not supported.
Participants were supportive of Metro Vancouver's commitment to renewing the Regional
Growth Strategy and felt that taking a long term view and looking at the region as a whole
was critical given the challenges the region is facing. Participants were appreciative of the
opportunity to attend a meeting and provide their ideas. The feedback received through this
process will be used to help guide and shape the development of the Draft Strategy.
Attachments
List of public meetings and municipal presentations
Summary Comments on Goals, Strategies, and Actions
Choosing a Sustainable Future brochure (available on Metro Vancouver website at
http://www.qvrd.bc.ca/growth/strateqV-review.htm)
004594947
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Attachment I
Public Meetings
Meeting Date
Burnaby/ New Westminster November 14, 2007
Vancouver/UEL November 19, 2007
Maple Ridge! Pitt Meadows November 21, 2007
Northeast Sector (Coquitlam, Port
Coquitlam, Port Moody
November 22, 2007
North Shore November 28, 2007
Richmond December 5, 2007
SRI Dialogue November 28, 2007
SRI Breakfast December 5, 2007
Surrey/ Delta! White Rock December 6, 2007
Langley December 1, 2007
Burnaby/ New Westminster January 15, 2008
Vancouver! UEL January 16, 2008
Surrey! Delta! White Rock January 17, 2008
Richmond January 24, 2008
Presentations to Municipal Council or Committees
Municipality Date
City of Port Moody November 27, 2007
City of North Vancouver December 6, 2007
Corporation of Delta December 10, 2007
City of Surrey December 17, 2007
City of Richmond December 18, 2007
City of Port Coquitlam January 10, 2008
City of New Westminster January 14, 2008
City of Vancouver January 15, 2008
City of New Westminster January 21, 2008
City of White Rock January 21, 2008
District of West Vancouver January 21, 2008
City of Langley January 28, 2008
City of Coquitlam January 28, 2008
District of North Vancouver Februaryl 1, 2008
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Attachment 2
Summary Comments on Goals, Strategies or Actions
Goal 1: Accommodate growth in a sustainable and compact metropolitan
structure
Generally, participants agreed that the goal statement and strategies for Goal 1 were
headed in the right direction. There was much discussion about the topic of growth in
general. An example of these general questions asked at the small group tables included,
"If we grow by the projected amount, how will we have the infrastructure and facilities to
service it, and how will we pay for it?" "How will major projects like Gateway affect growth
patterns?" "How will sea level rise and the impacts of climate change be included in
decisions of where growth should go?" Finally, some participants questioned the rate of
growth and whether the rate could be slowed down or changed.
The topic of growth management and metropolitan structure crosses over to many other
themes and goals of the regional growth strategy. Participants made the links between
population and job location, transit service and road congestion, and the preservation of
agriculture lands and green space, and acknowledged the challenges in achieving the
different objectives presented to them.
Strategy I - Focus regional growth in centres and along transit corridors
Participants agreed that focusing growth in this manner would result in a more compact and
transit- oriented region. Generally, there was much support for building on the existing town
centres. Participants said that centres needed to have a mix of land uses and activities,
including jobs, shopping and transit services, to make them functional and attractive. There
was support for density in centres, but often the form of density was questioned and the
desire for some other type of housing other than the apartment tower was expressed.
Participants made the link between transit services and densities, and expressed that areas
that have or will be receiving rapid transit should also be expected to accommodate more
density.
There was less discussion about transit corridors as places to live. Transit corridors were
discussed in terms of being crucial linkages between centres. At one meeting, participants
discussed locating jobs on corridors. At another, the livability factor of corridors was
discussed, with the conclusion being that living right on a transit corridor may not be optimal.
Clearly, transit corridors are key in connecting centres, but their role as a location for growth
requires further discussion.
The discussion of centres always included job location. Participants expressed the need to
find a better balance between housing and jobs. There was broad agreement that there
should be more opportunities to work close to home so that people could have shorter
journeys to work. People wanted to see more jobs in centres, and agreed that certain types
of jobs, such as office jobs, were better suited in centres rather than in business parks.
Although centres were the main focus for discussion, the need to create sustainable
communities and to accommodate growth in a livable way was always raised. Participants
expect communities to be walkable, accommodate cycling, and include community centres,
facilities, and cultural amenities. Participants also want development to be more
environmentally sustainable, which they define as green buildings and the use of green
development practices.
Strategy 2 - Establish defined areas for urban growth
Participants agreed with the general intent of this strategy. They felt that defining an urban,
rural and Green Zone areas would result in a region that was more compact, and that
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infrastructure and utilities would be delivered in a more effective way. One of the most
commonly expressed values at the public meetings was support for retaining agricultural
lands, and this strategy seemed to clarify for people that urban areas would be developed
and that other areas, such as agriculture lands, would not. Other comments about this
strategy were requests for clarification of the language and definitions of the proposed land
use designations.
Other Suggested Strategies and Options and Implementation Considerations
The participants provided other strategies and options for consideration. On the topic of
urban centres, participants suggested that the regional growth strategy should acknowledge
more local, neighbourhood centres. This would be helpful to identify both locations for
growth, and to make better use of transit infrastructure. Participants also noted that there
would be more success in steering office uses into centres if there were incentives for
development, rather than regulations.
Participants also believe that growth allocation models should consider sea level rise and
flood plain considerations. The regional growth strategy should also clarify how Goal I
strategies will contribute to meeting the greenhouse gas target being developed for the
strategy.
It was suggested there should be clarity on how infrastructure to support growth is financed.
Second, they suggested that Metro Vancouver consider tax sharing arrangements between
municipalities to equalize revenues for those municipalities in the region that retain
industrial, agricultural of environmental lands in support of regional objectives and to reduce
the competition for commercial tax assessment. Finally, it was suggested that there should
be some incentives for municipalities that meet growth targets and plan objectives.
Several participants felt that the plan to date is missing cultural diversity elements and
diVersity in the needs of different age groups, particularly youth.
Goal 2: Diverse and affordable housing choices
Strategy 3.- Increase housing supply and diversity including the supply of housing
for households with low to moderate incomes
The goal of providing diverse and affordable housing choices was identified as a critical
challenge for the region. In the consultation meetings, the discussion tended to focus on
issues related to housing affordability as well as strategies designed to provide for an
expanded range of housing options for all citizens. In some of the groups, the focus was on
the need for more subsidized housing while in other groups there was the concern for
younger households who are just entering the housing market.
In terms of housing affordability, a number of participants expressed concerns around the
needs of households falling at the lower end of the housing and income continuum as well
as the needs of young families and individuals in both the rental and ownership market.
In terms of housing diversity, the discussion tended to focus on the need to ensure that
there were adequate choices available for different household types and income levels.
There was also the sense that the planning and policy decisions that are made should take
into consideration the full range of needs from families and seniors to others who live and
work in our communities.
Most participants tended to support strategies which would encourage a mix of housing
types and tenures including entry-level ownership as well as non-market housing options.
Many felt that the additional supply housing should be added into existing neighbourhoods.
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The range of "solutions" that were identified included the need for more senior government
funding for the development of social housing to the need for greater flexibility in existing
zoning to allow for an expanded choice in local communities.
Some participants felt that changes to the existing zoning in residential areas to allow for
greater flexibility in the type of housing that can be built is something that should be
considered. However, meeting participants recognized that the introduction of these types
of changes would require careful consultation with existing residents as well as the need to
ensure that the appropriate services and amenities are in place including good access to
transit and other services. Some participants also felt that providing "good examples" of the
different types of housing that would be allowed would be a good way to help build
community awareness and support. Some examples might include smaller lots, suites and
coach houses.
In terms of affordable housing, some expressed concern that affordable housing is being
lost faster than it is being added. To respond to this type of challenge, a number of
participants indicated that they felt that it was important to look at where we want to be five
or ten years from now and identify how we are going to get there. For some this meant
setting targets around the number of units that will be needed. For others this meant taking
stronger measures including requiring that a percentage of all new housing units must be
affordable.
Other Suggested Strategies and Options and Implementation Considerations
A number of participants also indicated that environmental considerations are an important
part of the equation and that the strategies and actions that are developed under this goal
should encourage the use of eco-friendly materials in housing construction as well as the
efficient use of land. It was also recognized that there is an important relationship between
housing and transportation and future housing development should be located near existing
jobs, parks and services with good access to transit and other amenities where possible.
Goal 3: A strong, diverse regional economy
Strategy 4 - Maintain an adequate supply of industrial lands to meet the needs of the
regional economy
Concern was voiced over the loss of industrial land and there was support for increased
protection of industrial land. Industrial functions need to be supported by efficient
transportation systems - for people and goods movement. There was concerned expressed
over the impacts trucks were having in some neighbourhoods, both the parking of trucks
and the volume of trucks on the roads.
Participants suggested that the plan needed to be clear about industrial land demand and
that if there was a better understanding of the needs of the changing regional economy, this
would help in the protection of industrial lands. Some expressed that there is a lot of
misunderstanding with the word "industry" - many still associate it with smoke stacks.
Some suggested we should start thinking about employment zones rather than industrial
zones but acknowledged the possible conflict with centres.
Some suggested that industrial areas be made more attractive and that many were
eyesores. Others suggested that industrial lands be used more intensively.
Concern voiced over non-industrial uses going into industrial areas (retail, office, dance
studios) for two main reasons. The industrial locations made access difficult for customers
as they did not facilitate transit use or performing multiple errands with one trip. They were
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also concerned that non-industrial uses were using up industrial space and creating traffic
congestion in industrial areas.
The National Association of Office and Business Park Owners (NAIOP) felt a regional
industrial land reserve was overly-restrictive and would freeze the supply of industrial land
with not enough flexibility to respond to opportunities. Some meeting participants felt
municipalities could provide better protection for industrial land while others felt that the
region or province needed to provide regulation.
Strategy 5 - Facilitate the location of major commercial (retail, office and
entertainment) activities in centre locations to enhance access for workers and
customers and build prosperous, attractive centres in every subregion.
There was concern over large-format retailing locating outside of centres and forcing long,
car-based trips as well as taking away from the prosperity of centres. Participants
supported the town centre concept, with shops, jobs and services within walking distance
and well connected by transit.
The issue of the lack of head offices in Metro Vancouver was raised as well as the diversity
of jobs needed in all parts of the region
Other Strategies and Options and Implementation Considerations
Some suggested the need a regional economic strategy. Also some asked for more
information on the taxation issue and the need for a full cost and revenue analysis of
different industrial, commercial, and residential land uses.
There were suggestions that the region should be involved in decisions of regional
significance, such as the siting of a new stadium or the growth of airports and ports.
More information was requested on the parameters of well-located industrial land and what
are the best regional locations for industry. There was the suggestion that options could not
be selected until the amendment process for removing land was articulated in detail.
Finally, it was suggested that some sort of no net loss system be considered, so if industrial
space is redeveloped, then the lost space would need to be replaced.
Strategy 6 - Maintain the agricultural land base for food production through
supportive land use and development policies.
Support for protecting agricultural land among the participants was very strong though the
reasons varied. Some individuals were concerned about the potential loss of local food
production since food prices are likely to increase reflecting higher transportation costs and
the impacts of climate change. Others identified productive farmland (and the associated
soils) as a finite, non-renewable resource and therefore had to be protected for the future.
Some participants shared stories about exclusions from the ALR that they did not support
and other individuals were concerned about the incremental losses of productive farmlands
to non-farm uses such as road right-of-ways.
Some participants expressed concern about the quality of lands currently in the ALR and
wished to see an assessment of the agricultural productivity of the ALR lands.
While some participants felt that agricultural lands should be considered a natural asset
because farmland provides more than food (e.g. habitat), others welcomed the recognition
that farmland was part of a resource landscape and for that reason, the challenges of the
urban/agriculture interface were not the same as managing parks and other types of land in
RD-58
the Green Zone. Greenhouses on agricultural lands were an issue with some expressing
the opinion that greenhouses were more industrial in nature and should not be on
agricultural lands.
Other Proposed Strategies and Options and Implementation Considerations
There was discussion that the opportunities for developing and expanding food production in
urban areas (e.g. community gardens, green roofs) were not addressed. There was general
agreement that producing more food locally was important and some participants opined
that the region should have a goal of food self-sufficiency. The discussion suggests that
there was a need to have a strategy that dealt more directly with increasing agricultural
production across the region.
In general participants felt that Metro Vancouver played an important role in preventing the
loss of agricultural lands. Whether agricultural lands are given separate designation as
agricultural use or remain a component of the Green Zone, participants strongly valued a
Metro Vancouver designation as integral to the dual protection of agricultural lands. It was
suggested that the process for amending a regional land use designation must be clearly
defined and communicated, especially as it relates to the Agricultural Land Commission's
processes.
Many participants expressed support for a more prescriptive regional plan to protect the
agricultural land base and to promote agricultural viability as opposed to a plan that only
provided high level goals. Among the details that should be included in the plan, edge-
planning and the size of buildings allowed on agricultural lands were mentioned most often.
Concern was raised about how rising sea levels will impact agricultural land and that
marginal agricultural land may be needed to grow food in the future.
Goal 4: Protect and Enhance the Region's Natural Assets
The consistent message heard regarding Natural Asset protection was that these
agricultural, ecological and recreational lands and features are a non-renewable resource
and need strong protection. The Green Zone was described as irreplaceable and inviolable.
A key message was that protection and enhancement of natural assets is not a stand alone
issue and needs to be integrated with other goals in the plan.
Strategy 7 - Ensure the long-term protection of critical habitat areas, drinking
watersheds, parks, forests and agricultural lands.
Participants strongly supported the maintenance, or expansion of the Green Zone (including
agricultural areas). There was strong, consistent support for Option B: designating a Green
Zone with enforceable guidelines or a schedule of permitted uses. Most participants would
like greater regional consistency in how the Green Zone is managed and would like to see
the region playing a stronger, more regulatory role.
Many participants noted that growth results in two kinds of pressures on the Green Zone.
The first is the pressure to remove land for development. Participants recognized the fact
that our limited land base is under increasing competition for residential, industrial and
Green Zone uses. Secondly, there are continuing land use and management issues on
Green Zone lands. For example, if the population grows but the amount of land for
recreation does not, then the values of these areas will decline due to overcrowding and
high usage. The plan needs to address both pressures.
When agricultural lands were discussed specifically, participants were very concerned about
the continuing loss of, and pressure for, conversion of, agricultural lands to residential and
industrial development. They also expressed concern about 'inappropriate' land
intensification of the Agricultural Land Reserve as parcels are converted to rural estates with
RD-59
increasingly large dwellings. Participants discussed the importance of food security and
striving for self-sufficiency, supporting local production, not precluding the future viability of
agricultural land, and the need for urban agriculture such as community gardens and
farmers markets. There was interest in creating a new regional designation for lands in the
Agricultural Land Reserve, separate from the Green Zone as long as protection is
maintained.
Many participants commented that 'protection' does not necessarily follow from inclusion in
the Green Zone - that sustainable land management is a key part of protecting these
resources. It was expressed that the plan should go further and be proactive in addressing
the enhancement, management and restoration of lands and features as well.
Strategy 8 - Ensure the protection and enhancement of ecologically important areas
and features and recreational connectivity across the region.
There was consistent acknowledgement that the ecological assets threaded throughout the
region need to be protected - not just those in the Green Zone, and that the region has a
role to play in this regard. Most participants supported Option B, the development of
regional land use development guidelines, as they would help create a more level playing
field for developers and municipalities and promote best practices. At the same time,
participants questioned if and how the region could enforce such guidelines. An often
repeated concern was that although coastal and inter-tidal areas are some of the regions
most biologically productive and at risk areas, local government has no jurisdiction in such
areas. There was concurrence that the region should at a minimum provide high level goals
and guidance on a reference map to protect these areas and their biodiversity. Interest was
also expressed in protecting aquifers and groundwater recharge areas.
Both ecological and recreational connectivity were seen as "incredibly important" and there
was strong support for a reference map and associated policies for a Regional Greenway
Network. Some felt that a portion of ecological corridors should be dedicated to wildlife
movement and not overlap with recreation. In terms of connectivity along our rivers, there
was concern about potential tension between industrial uses and ecological and recreational
uses.
Generally, participants articulated that the goal and strategies are headed in the right
direction, but expressed a desire for further input as policies and the plan get developed
This theme was expressed regularly as 'the devil is in the details'.
Other Strategies and Options and Implementation Considerations
Several participants felt there was not enough focus on climate change, and that this issue
was not communicated with the sense of urgency required. Participants asked to see more
scenarios and projections about growth, accompanied by different spatial options for how
growth could be accommodated in the region. At each meeting, participants asked what the
region will be able to do if senior governments do not work with the plan or supersede it.
The idea of adding a no net loss policy for the Green Zone was often suggested and a
possible response to the new interim provincial amendment process for removing land from
the Green Zone. Participants suggested adding a requirement for public consultation at the
local level to the amendment process when lands are proposed for exclusion - a Council
resolution alone was not viewed as adequate.
Several participants stated that there needs to be some sort of checks and balances when
certain municipalities are being asked to shoulder the burden of protecting Green Zone
lands - for example, through tax sharing.
Goal 5: A sustainable regional transportation system
The transportation goal was the most popular discussion topic at the public meetings.
Comments ranged from the general to the specific, with participants sometimes tending to
raise their particular concerns about the transportation system rather than directly
responding to the material contained in the discussion guide.
Strategy 9 - Increase transit supply throughout the region and promote walking and
cycling
There was particular concern over the efficacy of Metro's role in transit and related land use
policy under the current governance structure. With no direct authority over transit, how
could the regional growth strategy ensure supportive transportation polices and
implementation? There was also recognition that transit funding sources will be a pivotal
issue and are beyond the full control of Metro Vancouver or TransLink.
Many had questions around transit service allocation and implementation. There will be
competition and limited funding for transit services among municipalities and in particular
areas of the region. There was skepticism as past plans and priorities have been by-passed
or delayed, .and that other projects may have jumped the priority cue.
Many acknowledged the need for higher densities to support transit services. Some were
supportive of increased densities while others thought that more density would be resisted
as only causing more congestion.
A number of comments stressed the urgent need for greatly increasing transit, cycling and
walking alternatives as global warming requires significant reductions in GHG emissions and
peak oil will increase the costs and reduce the viability of fossil fuels.
There were many comments on deficiencies in cycling routes throughout the region, citing
the poor quality or lack of appropriate paths/infrastructure, lack of connectivity and
consistency in routes, the dangers of riding in traffic and personal safety on routes in
specific locations. Cyclists also stated their frustrations with transit connectivity and access,
suggesting better linkages of routes to transit stations and better facilities for bicycle
storage.
Strategy 10 - Advance a regional network of roads and highways that prioritizes
goods movement, transit operations and high- occupancy vehicles.
Many expressed their frustrations with congested roads and the difficulties commuting within
and among the various areas of the region. Transit was not seen as a viable option for
many trip purposes in many areas of the region. The roads need to be better planned to
accommodate the traffic and travel patterns. Some participants suggested increasing the
availability of HOV lanes in more strategic locations, increasing the overall capacity of the
HOV network capacity and providing car pooling incentives.
Many cited issues related to global warming, the need to reduce GHG emissions, and the
rising cost of fossil fuels as reasons to strongly discourage private vehicle (oil based) use
and to pursue alternative travel modes. But others stated that we cannot forget about cars,
and that we need to continue providing road capacity and accessibility for those who, for a
variety of circumstances, require their car. We should also anticipate the growth of
alternative types of private vehicles in the future.
Some thought that there was too much truck traffic on the roads and that truck traffic should
be more efficient and that their impact should be reduced. Options included more
specifically allocated routes, restricted access in particular locations, and time restrictions on
RD-61
certain roads. Another option often suggested was for the region to make more effective
use of rail and barges for goods movement to reduce the need for trucks.
Strategy 11 - Manage Transportation Demand
Many participants commented on urban form/design and the need for land development to
support increased transit, cycling and walking. Some addressed the need for residential,
commercial and industrial areas to be located, developed and designed to support transit
and other modes. There were many comments referring to specific improvements in the
quality of cycling/pedestrian routes and safety that would encourage more people to use
these modes.
There were many comments regarding specific transit system issues, problems, or
improvements. Comments included transit deficiencies /disincentives such as inadequate
service, poor scheduling, and prohibitive costs. Some suggested transit system and service
incentives to increase transit use with examples including more community shuttles, better
transfer system, lower costs, business/ employee incentives, workplace group charters.
Others suggested incentives for transit use should be considered through ideas such as
auto insurance rebates for transit use or distance- based auto insurance.
Many thought that cars will be a primary mode of travel for many years as fuel and other
technologies are developed, and that we need to continue providing road capacity and
accessibility. However, some comments focused on the need for private vehicles to pay the
true cost of driving/infrastructure through mechanisms such as road tolling, matching car
insurance rates to the amount of travel, freezing road capacity, applying a carbon tax, or
raising parking costs. Additional traffic management could be considered through further
car pooling incentives for such as tax rebates, ride share programs or special
business/employee incentives.
Other Strategies and Options and Implementation Considerations
A fundamental concern related to all strategies under this goal was the question of
governance and the role of the regional growth strategy in regional transportation planning.
Participants emphasized the need for a long term transportation vision and strategy to be
part of the growth management strategy but many wondered how the recent transportation
governance changes would ensure collaboration and coordination in implementation. Some
suggested that there could be special incentives for developers to locate in transit-friendly
locations.
UNION
Or
COLUMBIA
MUNICIPALITIES
FEB. 15. 2008 6:34PM UB CM ) NO. 0603 P. 1/2
AckSofli 9 Fax ] Mat 9 EmaIl
Coping- t M lt (; 9 II aling Fila
/
ty o Future Agenda Item
O Staff to Prepare
ru --
Sm . Respond Directly
witti a C.C. to M & C
9 Other: -
TO: UBCM Members
FROM: Councillor Mary Sjostrom, Chair
Community Economic Development
DATE: February 15, 2008
S;Ie 60
10551 ShiIbridgc Way
Richmond
BriIh Columbia
Cn6da VI5X 2W9
004,270.8226
Fix 604.270.9116
RE: RENEWED FISHERIES ACT REINTRODUCED
On December 13, 2006 the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced
that the 138-year old Fisheries Act would be modernized. As a result,
Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn introduced Bill C-45. Provincial and
territorial fisheries ministers had urged the federal government to table
legislation that would recognize their role in fisheries management, and
would provide greater stability, transparency and predictability in
fishery access and allocation. However, last spring the Opposition
introduced a "hoist" amendment during second reading of Bill C-45 that
set the proposed new act aside. The first session of Parliament ended
and Bill C-45 died on the Order Paper.
On November 29, 2007, the Minister of Fisheries introduced Bill C-32. In
his communications around the reintroduction of the Fisheries Act Bill,
the Minister indicated that over the past 11 months DPO had heard from
a number of groups and organizations with their comments on the
original Bill.
The new legislative proposal makes the following changes:
• adds reference to the fisheries as a "common property resource" in the
Preamble
• amends s. 25 to clarify that conservation is the first priority in access
and allocation - and all other considerations become 'musts" rather
than "mays"
• amends s. 30(1) to remove "licence confers privileges" and "non-
transferability" language
• amends s. 43(2)(g) to remove "quota of fish" as part of a fisheries
management agreement.
It is the above four key areas that differ between Bill C45 and C-32. The
remainder of the original Bill is almost identical to Bill C-32. Links to the
text and background information on the new Bill can be found at;
www.dfo-inpo.gc.ca/media/ii-tfocus/2007/20071129—e.htrn
The UBCM's Community Economic Development Committee, which
addresses natural resource issues, reviewed the original bill and has
since reviewed the changes with respect to the new -bill. We - solicited
feedback from the members on the original Bill C-45 but received limited
5.1
lb. ZUUd b: 4M UBCM NO, U5UJ Y. '/
-2-
feedback With the introduction of the new Bill and its proposed amendments, the
Committee requested that the IJBCM membership be notified about Bill C-32 and
asked to provide their comments or concerns to the Committee.
DFO staff has advised that consultation will not end with the tabling of Bill C-45, The
Bill will most likely be referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on
Fisheries and Oceans, where the Committee will review the text of the Bill and
approve or modify. At this stage the Committee may invite individuals and
representatives of organizations that have an interest in the legislation to provide
comments either in writing or by personal appearance
As well, if the Bill receives Royal Assent, stakeholders will be engaged in the
development of policies and regulations for the implementation of the Bill. Since
many sections of the Bill require publication prior to its implementation, there will be
an opportunity for further stakeholder input on such areas as fisheries management
agreements, allocation orders and fisheries management orders.
The CED Committee would welcome your feedback and comments to
Community Economic Development Committee
c/oIJBCM
Suite 60-10551 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 2W9
or via email to: mcrawford@civicnet.bc.ca
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
DISTRICT OF Agenda Item: 2.0
MAPLE RIDGE Council Workshop Meeting of: March 3, 2008
That the minutes of the Council Workshop Meeting of February 25, 2008 be adopted as circulated.
Gordon Robson"
DEFEATED DEFERRED MAYOR
ACTION NOTICE
TO: - Chief Administrative Officer
- Executive Director
- Mgr - Economic Development
- Gen Mgr - Corporate & Financial
RCMP
Fire Chief
- Dir - Finance
- Chief Information Officer
- Gen Mgr - Public Works & Development___________________________________________________
- Dir - Planning
- Dir - Licenses, Permits & By-laws
- Municipal Engineer
- Mgr - Corporate and Development Eng
- Dir - Engineering Operations
- Dir - Project Engineering
- Gen Mgr - Com. Dev. & Rec. Services
- Dir - Parks & Facilities
- Dir - Recreation
- Dir - Community Services
Clerk's Section
- Corporate Officer
- Property & Risk Manager
- Tracy Camire
- Diana Dalton
- Amanda Allen
- Amanda Gaunt
- Karen Kaake
The above decision was made at a meeting of the Municipal Council held on the date noted above and is sent to
you for notation and/or such action as may be required by your Department.
March 3, 2008
Date Corporate Officer
DISTRICT OF Agenda Item: 4.1
MAPLE RIDGE Council Workshop Meeting of: March 3, 2008
That the Environmental Sensitive Area Review be received for information.
'Gordon Robson"
CA/R EDDEFEATED DEFERRED MAYOR
ACTION NOTICE
TO: - Chief Administrative Officer
- Executive Director
- Mgr - Economic Development
- Gen Mgr - Corporate & Financial
RCMP
Fire Chief
- Dir - Finance
- Chief Information Officer
- Gen Mgr - Public Works & Development_________________________________________________
- Dir - Planning
- Dir - Licenses, Permits & By-laws
- Municipal Engineer
- Mgr - Corporate and Development Eng
- Dir - Engineering Operations
- Dir - Project Engineering
- Gen Mgr - Com. Dev. & Rec. Services
- Dir - Parks & Facilities
- Dir - Recreation
- Dir - Community Services
Clerk's Section
- Corporate Officer
- Property & Risk Manager
- Tracy Camire
- Diana Dalton
- Amanda Allen
- Amanda Gaunt
- Karen Kaake
The above decision was made at a meeting of the Municipal Council held on the date noted above and is sent to
you for notation and/or such action as may be required by your Department.
ac,~ / March 3. 2008
Date Corporate Officer
DISTRICT OF Agenda Item: 5.1
MAPLE RIDGE Council Workshop Meeting of: March 3, 2008
That the letter dated February 15, 2008 from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities be
referred to staff for a report on Fisheries Act Bill C-32.
"Gordon Robson"
CA AW ED DEFEATED DEFERRED MAYOR
ACTION NOTICE
TO: - chief Administrative Officer
- Executive Director
- Mgr - Economic Development
- Gen Mgr - Corporate & Financial
RCMP
Fire Chief
- Dir - Finance
_/Chief Information Officer
n Mgr - Public Works & Development_________________________________________________
Dir - Planning o,i.r'a/ /0' r
- Dir - Licenses, Permits & By-laws
- Municipal Engineer
- Mgr - Corporate and Development Eng
- Dir - Engineering Operations
- Dir - Project Engineering
- Gen Mgr - Corn. Dev. & Rec. Services
- Dir - Parks & Facilities
- Dir - Recreation
- Dir - Community Services
Clerk's Section
- Corporate Officer
- Property & Risk Manager
- Tracy Camire
- Diana Dalton
- Amanda Allen
- Amanda Gaunt
Karen Kaake
The above decision was made at a meeting of the Municipal Council held on the date noted above and is sent to
you for notation and/or such action as may be required by your Department.
March 3, 2008
Date Corporate Officer
Environmental Sensitive Area Review
Overview
ESA Framework
ESA Information Layers
How Does The ESA Mapping Help Us?
Implications On the Ground
The Next Steps
SEI: Naramata 1
Objectives
To help decision makers...
Define the Scope, Significance, and
Characteristics of local environmental
sensitive areas (ESA) and features
Identify the Location and Condition of ESA's
at the municipal and watershed levels.
Expand the District's Environmental
Information Management System to enable
better Decision Making Capability
The Phases of the ESA Review
V Phase I. Define Project Scope and Objectives
(2005) Design an ESA Strategy
Stakeholder Consultation
Data Collection and Processing
V Phase II. Develop A Municipal ESA Mapping
(2007) and Information Management System
Phase Ill. Design an ESA Management Plan
(2008) for the District of Maple Ridge.
SEI: Naramata 2
ESA Research and Comparative Review
Comparative ESA Literature Review
Township of Langley City of Surrey
City of Port Moody District of N. Vancouver
City of Coquitlam City of Burnaby
City of Richmond Central Okanagan
City of Nanaimo City of Langford
GVRD I METRO - Regional Biodiversity Strategy
British Columbia - Ministry of Environment
Canada - Environmental Canada I DFO I CWS
USA - California I Washington State I Oregon
Stakeholders and Partnershios:
Senior Government Agencies
Federal Agencies: DFO, Canadian Wildlife
Service, Environment Canada
• Provincial Agencies: Ministry of Water, Land,
and Air Protection
Regional Government: GVRD Biodiversity
Conservation Project and FREMP
District of Maple Ridge staff & departments
Local Stewardship Groups: ARMS, KEEPS,
Haney Horsemen, Alouette Field Naturalists
SEI: Naramata 3
Data Collection and Standards
Federal, Provincial (SEI), Regional Models
- • Senior Agency
- support and
standards
• Focus on regional
significant habitat
and ecosystems
• Remote Sensing
Analysis (GVRD)
• Scale: Mapped at
1:20,000 on TRIM
base
sample air photo
Sail
Ma
Data Collection and Standards
Municipal (TEM) Level Mapping
I - -
• Data Sharing and
GIS interpretation
• Field verification by
municipal consultants
- • Scale: Municipal and
Watershed Level Maps
• Focus on municipal
significant habitat areas;
- natural features;
-: vulnerable areas; and
movement corridors
SF1: Naramata 4
Field Verification and Photo Archive
Intensive
Plots
(5)
Moderate
Transects
(25)
Extensive
Site Visits
(75)
1. Protected Areas and Features
Designated Conservation Areas, Natural
Park Corridors, and Protected Features
'4 1
/ M
i
SEI: Naramata 5
1. Municipal Protected Areas Map
Maple Rftlge Pr- t U A
fn
21
I
• Provincial Parks
• GVRD Parks
• Dedicated Parks
• Conservation
Covenant Areas
• Confirmed SARA
habitat areas
• Protected Natural
Features such as
raptor nests,
heron rookeries,
watercourses and
wetlands
2. Unique or Threatened Ecosystem Types
as defined by federal and provincial agencies
Wetlands (WN)
Riparian (RI)
,
0
SF1: Naramata 6
Inland Bluffs and Cliffs
Old Field
Terrestrial Herbaceous
SF1: Naramata 7
Tidal Foreshore Areas
5, S
S%
SS S
: -
- S - -- -
- S -
Stiliwater Ecosystems
Mature Forest (MF)
SEI: Naramata 8
2. Unique Habitat and Natural Features
Old Forest
Mature
Forests
Riparian
Areas
Wetlands
Stillwater
Ecosystems
Old Field
Grasslands
Geological
Features
3. Habitat Size, Condition, and Diversity
• Habitat size and
significance
• Diversity of structure,
age, and species
Disturbance & land use
• Continuity and
Connectivity
4
,
'7 ---
AA -
t-
-
---------
SEI: Naramata 9
3. Habitat Type, Condition and Significance
Habitat
Uniqueness
0 Structural
Diversity
.. Abundance
- aatus
•i .• Integrity or
Condition
Connectivity
Elenrent Occurrence Rank -- -- MunicIpal boundary
club Roadu - - -
Mnderare Major ricers and lakes
Low scalelc0000
4. Movement Corridors and Habitat Size
Habitat Patch
Size ranges:
.,200 ha
V
. I
,V30200 ha
V .-20-30 ha
V L 2-20 ha
a
• Riparian
corridors
V V
V
• Large older
44 forest areas
orrI VVV I3OIVj Ftcr size • Naturalized
V
•V,....Vrr. ROWs&trails
..................
Older Fallov
Fields
SEI: Naramata 10
Significant Ecological Systems
Wetlands
.
Aquifers
• Streams
•
Foreshore
Areas
)2 Lakes
... Ponds
Potential Hazard or Vulnerable Areas
Fe I riizwcl Areas
• Slopes > 30%
• Floodplains
• Escarpments
• Major Erosion
• Contaminated Sites
• Seismic Zones
SlOp AIy •
••••.•
SEI: Naramata 11
4
How Does The ESA System Currently Help Us?
Provides Baseline Info - for staff on Existing Protected
Areas, Significant Natural Features, the location of
Environmental Development Permits Areas, and potential
restoration opportunities.
Identifies Potential ESA's - Significant or Unique Habitat,
Landscape Features, or Potential Hazards at the Site Level as
well as at the Watershed Level for consideration.
Determines Information Needs - Types Of information
and Level of Assessment detail required for a site depending
on the scale, type, and location of the development
Municipal ESA Management Strategies - for
monitoring, analysis, and identifying municipal opportunities.
What Does This Mean on the Ground?
Case Study: Bossonworth Site
- .----
V 4• 'V' - - F I
V ..
•.:
-.4
:t
•1
,
4.'
£ :*
Base Information
1. WPDP and
NFDP areas
identified
Established
setbacks, park
and developable
areas
SEI: Naramata 12
What Does This Mean on the Ground?
Case Study: Bossonworth Site Potential Hazards
-
2. Slopes>25%
44 Slopes >30%
---v--:-,. -
'- -:-
Action Taken 4
-
-. -, - Topographic
survey of site
Geotechnical
-
- study required
Tree Retention -
--
- Zone & Slope
Related Issues.
What Does This Mean on the Ground?
Case Study: Bossonworth Site Unique Habitat
3 -
1- - .
--- 1 - -
i--- - -
/
Mixed Mature
Forest Stand
.d4'
_•-.'•;••'•__••--- .- -..-
Unique stand of
mature cedars
and upslope
mature tree area
Action Taken:
Tree survey of site
Wildlife movement
corridor retained
Compensation
includes tree
protection zone for
SEI: Naramata 13
Action Taken:
Sanitary impact
study and hydro -
geological study
Stormwater concept
plan required to be
pro-active with site
design requirement
What Does This Mean on the Ground?
Case Study: Bossonworth Site Ecological Systems
• . 4. Potential Aquifer
Groundwater
Impacts and
F V Drainage Issues
What Did We Learn From This Site?
Case Study: Bossonworth Site Lessons Learned:
- -
ESA info layers triggered
pro-active review of issues
/ --
-- I watercourses
1' • slopes and hydrology
Encouraged an integrated
/ approach by professionals
•
'• / Comprehensive watershed
7 level view supports flexible
•
•. / holistic approach and net
7 benefits to environment,
/ developer & neighbours
/ , *
SEI: Naramata 14
What Does This Mean on the Ground?
1. Baseline Info Case Study: Nelson Peaks
WPDP
• NFDP
Action Taken
Ecocluster concept
& NFDP requires
innovative site
, •.. design
--I Setbacks for natural
I features such as
-"-c creeks and bluffs
Watershed level
planning approach
What Does This Mean on the Ground?
Case Study: Nelson Peaks 2. Potential Hazards
Slopes
Floodplains
-
Slopes > 25 Action Taken
•-> -•. - Hydro geological and
.. ';-. geotech studies required
- •
- . .-. ,... for floodplains and hillside
;-,, • areas
Fioodpiain Boundaries / Integrated stormwater
1112
/ mgmt plans with flood
mitigation strategy
I X / Rock bluffs and slopes
protected to ensure slope
stability, tree retention, &
viewscape opportunities
SF1: Naramata 15
What Does This Mean on the Ground?
3. Movement Corridor and
Habitat Enhancement
Recreation Trails
Wildlife Corridors
Action Taken:
Equestrian Trail
required including
access to rock bluff
Wildlife corridor
maintained and fish
habitat requires new
enhancements NELSON PAS
What Did We Learn From This Site?
Case Study: Nelson Peaks Lessons Learned:
Watershed Level Plans -
encourage integrated
thinking for on site and off
site issues & possibilities
ESA material generated
information to help guide the
eco-cluster design concept
Help to facilitate urban trail
linkages and improvements
for fish and wildlife habitat
and movement corridors
SF1: Naramata 16
The Next Steps
Council Endorsement of Existing ESA Information
Management System
ESA Management Strategy Required
• Explore Watershed Level Planning Tools and effective
ESA Management Strategies.
• Incentives for Developers and Land Owners for the
Protection of Sensitive Areas and Features
• Potential Municipal ESA Priority Acquisition Strategy
• Explore Possibilities For Regional and Municipal
Conservation Initiatives and Stewardship Opportunities
t t & k• ____________
SEI: Naramata 17
TN
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SEI: Naramata 18