HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 Natural Features
Chapter 5
Natural
Features
Natural Features
Environmental Management Mode
Land Resources
Water Resources
Air Quality
Preparing for Climate Change
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 1
5.1 NATURAL FEATURES
PRINCIPLES
A number of principles have been identified to provide an overall context and guidance for decisions
regarding the natural environment. The principles reflect many of the values of the community highlighted
through numerous community workshops and the Community Visioning Sessions held in Spring 2006.
Principle 6
The community recognizes the need to foster the history of Maple Ridge and enhance historic areas.
Principle 7
Special places and neighbourhoods are valued as significant components of the larger community,
each with unique attributes and needs.
Principle 23
The community values the protection of environmentally sensitive areas including, water (for its
intrinsic value, habitat and aquifer recharge), areas of natural beauty, forests, etc.
Principle 24
The community recognizes the environmental contribution made by lands within the ALR.
BACKGROUND
Maple Ridge encompasses a total of 25,700 hectares of land and water, making it the fourth largest
municipality in the Greater Vancouver Region. With its diversity of physiographic regions, ecosystems,
natural features and watercourses, Maple Ridge supports many species of animals and plant life.
Maple Ridge is recognized as a leader in the areas of Recycling and Waste Reduction, watercourse and
riparian setback mapping, the Municipal Energy Conservation and Green Buildings Program and the
civic stewardship and environmental education programs.
Maple Ridge has historically placed a high value on the natural environment. The combination of
assets, values, and civic support lends a unique character to Maple Ridge and contributes positively to
the quality of life in the community.
Chapter 5, Page 2 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Principle 25
Providing access to nature by way of a trails system is important as a means to optimize recreational
resources in an environmentally friendly way.
Principle 26
There is value in integrating natural features of the environment into development through planning
and design.
Principle 27
Overall environmental protection demands a comprehensive, ‘smart growth’ approach.
OBJECTIVES
In addition to the above principles, the Natural Features section of the
Official Community Plan was drafted based on the following objectives:
1. A comprehensive approach based on ecosystem principles
incorporating land, water and air into a single framework.
2. A perspective that anticipates climate change and strives to reduce
its causes while mitigating its effects.
3. A balanced evaluation process incorporating economic, social and environmental sustainability; and
4. The cultivation and strengthening of community partnerships to help enhance the success of policies and
programs.
Ecosystem Principles
An integrated set of
principles for the
management of land,
water and biological
resources that utilizes
accepted scientific
methodologies.
IMAGE
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 3
5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
MODEL
The model combines watershed management with a land-based planning approach to incorporate each
component into a comprehensive ecosystem planning model. The components are as follows:
Land Resources – include areas of conservation, hazard lands (including
steep slopes and floodplains), open space, environmentally sensitive areas,
and agricultural lands;
Water Resources – include watercourses and wetlands, rainwater and
stormwater management and the protection of groundwater resources;
and
Air Resources – include air quality management, energy conservation
initiatives and transportation and land use alternatives.
BACKGROUND
An ecological planning approach is one that is based upon natural features and systems, rather than
political or legal boundaries. To implement this approach, an environmentally sustainable
management model that incorporates each component and identifies opportunities for evaluation and
review of ecosystems and site-specific issues is required.
The foundation of the environmental management model is the identification and documentation of
ecosystem boundaries, watershed areas, environmentally sensitive areas, and hazard lands. The goals
of the model are to:
Protect significant ecosystems in the Municipality;
Anticipate and respond to the impacts of climate change on land, water, and air resources;
Determine guidelines and standards that are necessary in and around environmentally sensitive
areas;
Identify situations where additional environmental studies or impact assessments are required as
part of the development process; and
Maintain and improve ecosystem health and human safety.
Environmentally
Sensitive Areas
Areas where the
landscape, wildlife,
ecological function or
historic value is of
importance or is
endangered.
Chapter 5, Page 4 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
The model also includes goals and objectives aimed at preparing for climate
change, recognizing that it has impacts on land, water, and air resources. At the
watershed or ecosystem level, and within each of the above categories, some
resources will be designated as Conservation where development will not be
allowed. This is to ensure that the most important and ecologically sensitive
areas will be protected to maintain their health and diversity and will contribute
to a District-wide system of connected systems and features.
At the sub-watershed and site-specific level, additional research and study will
be required to identify the level of development that is possible without
significantly impacting a natural feature or ecosystem. In these instances,
development proposals will be required to include proven mitigation techniques
in combination with development permit requirements.
ISSUES
Development reviews often focus on site-specific issues and may not take larger ecosystem-based
aspects into consideration.
There is a shortage of documented information regarding overall ecosystem health, including baseline
information on individual components.
If not managed properly, increasing development may impact the District’s ongoing initiatives with
respect to natural features and environmentally sensitive areas.
OBJECTIVES
To incorporate an environmental management model into the land use planning process to enable
overall ecosystem evaluation and review to occur.
To develop and implement consistent guidelines and practices for monitoring, assessing and the
management of natural features throughout the municipality.
To endorse Regional, Provincial, and Federal programs and plans that will support an ecosystem-based
model and will contribute to the District’s natural features information base.
To acknowledge and foster the role that agricultural lands have on the environment.
POLICIES
5 - 1 Maple Ridge will build upon existing information and
practices in the development of an environmental management
model that will inform the land use planning process to enable the
assessment, monitoring and management of ecosystems and
natural features within the municipality.
Conservation Area
Ecologically sensitive
lands that require
protection in order
to ensure their
health, diversity and
integrity are
maintained.
Hazard Land
Lands that have significant
development constraints or cannot
be developed due to steep slopes,
flooding, erosion or other unstable
conditions.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 5
5 - 2 Maple Ridge will assess the scope of studies necessary to implement the environmental management
model and will identify components as part of the annual business planning process.
5 - 3 Maple Ridge will continue to participate in Regional, Provincial, and Federal programs that contribute
to the overall health of the District’s ecosystems and protection of its natural features, watercourses and
open space.
5 - 4 Maple Ridge will incorporate Regional, Provincial, and Federal programs and regulations where
appropriate, for the protection of residents with respect to hazard areas, forest fire interface zones,
floodplains and areas of standing water.
5 - 5 Maple Ridge will prepare and implement a sustainable West Nile Virus Response Plan for surface
waters based on approved Metro Vancouver policy while a threat of West Nile Virus exists.
5 - 6 Maple Ridge will work toward achieving the goal of a positive benefit for the District’s natural
features by designating Conservation areas and by mitigating the potential for
habitat impacts with enhancement, restoration, environmental monitoring and
other alternatives that are acceptable to the municipality.
5 - 7 Maple Ridge will work in co-operation with Regional, Provincial, and
Federal authorities and plans that contribute to the management and
protection of the District’s natural features, and may include but are not limited
to the Blue Mountain Provincial Forest Recreation Management Strategy,
Blaney Bog Regional Park, the Kanaka Creek Regional Park Management Plan,
and the policies and regulations of the Agricultural Land Commission.
5 - 8 Maple Ridge will continue to protect watercourses by requiring landowners who are either
subdividing or rezoning properties within or adjacent to lands or watercourses identified on the Natural
Features Schedule C or designated as Conservation on Schedule B of the Official Community Plan, to provide
a portion of lands as park land through the development process. At the discretion of Council the following
options can be provided:
a) the area can be dedicated as park land and be designated as Conservation;
b) land can be protected through a conservation covenant and payment is made to the Municipality in an
amount that equals the market value of up to 5% of the land that may be required for park land; or
c) combination of parkland dedication and conservation covenant.
Floodplain
The land that is
adjacent to a
watercourse which is
subject to regular
flooding.
Chapter 5, Page 6 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5.3 LAND RESOURCES
ISSUES
Increasing development activities may result in a loss of habitat and natural areas.
Fragmentation of the landscape into small, isolated pockets can have a major impact on the health and
survival of terrestrial species and can affect ecological diversity.
Development in floodplains and other hazard areas may place people and
property at risk.
Predicted changes due to climate change may exacerbate risks associated
with spring flooding, landslides and forest fires. In addition, the economic
contribution of renewable resource lands such as forests and farms may be
impacted by extreme weather conditions.
Activities on Provincial Crown land, particularly within the Blue Mountain
Provincial Forest, are of concern to some local residents.
Development in forest fire interface areas may increase the risk of property
loss and ecosystem degradation.
Agricultural lands make a significant contribution to the environmental values
in the community. Agricultural fields and crops provide habitat, a source of food
for wildlife, and often function as wildlife corridors. The removal of lands from
agricultural production will often have an impact on the environment.
OBJECTIVES
To identify, protect and enhance ecosystems, sensitive areas and other natural features that have
significant ecological value.
To ensure that soils, vegetation and mature trees are maintained and protected where possible and
encourage the use of native species when replanting is necessary.
To encourage the retention of forest and woodland areas in Maple Ridge.
To protect persons, property, and landscape from risk or hazards due to flooding, standing water,
hazardous terrain, and forest fire while protecting environmental features to as great an extent as
possible.
To preserve agricultural land in support of community values.
Environmental
Impact
Assessment
A report that
outlines the
attributes of an
area or natural
feature and
assesses the level
of impact a
development
proposal may have.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 7
POLICIES
5 - 9 Maple Ridge will identify significant ecosystems and natural features throughout the municipality as
Conservation on the Natural Features Schedule C, Schedule B of the Official Community Plan, or adopted
area plans. The Natural Features Schedule will also identify environmentally sensitive areas, open space,
floodplains, hazard lands, the Fraser River Escarpment Area, watercourses, and other natural features, to
enable their protection and to minimize the risk of injury or damage to residents and to property.
5 - 10 Maple Ridge residents have consistently emphasized the importance of preservation of natural
features. A Natural Features Development Permit Area is established for the preservation, protection,
restoration and enhancement of natural features within the community. Development Permit guidelines will
also be prepared for hazard lands and environmentally sensitive areas identified on the Natural Features
Schedule C or adopted area plans, in order to minimize disturbances and negative impacts that may occur as
the result of development activities.
5 - 11 Maple Ridge will require environmental impact assessments to be
completed where rezoning or subdivision is proposed within or adjacent to
natural features or significant lands identified on the Natural Features
Schedule C or adopted area plans. The environmental impact assessment
must be prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional.
5 - 12 Maple Ridge will encourage soil retention and will limit activities that
contribute to soil erosion, instability and sedimentation by requiring mitigation
techniques to be identified as part of the development review process and
implemented and monitored during the construction process.
5 - 13 Maple Ridge will promote the retention of urban and mature trees and of natural forests and
woodland areas, and ensure that additional trees and plant material are provided as part of all development
proposals. To enhance the ecological integrity of the District, the use of native trees, plants and naturescape
principles will also be encouraged.
5 - 14 Maple Ridge will continue to pursue initiatives and to co-operate with authorities, agencies and
stakeholders in the planning and management of forested areas within the municipality.
5 - 15 Maple Ridge will continue to encourage public access and controlled use of dykes, shorelines,
ravines, watercourses and forests and woodland areas on public lands where such activity will not impact the
health or functioning of ecosystems or natural areas.
5 - 16 Maple Ridge will identify and promote the enhancement of greenway corridors to improve
connectivity throughout the municipality, as wildlife migration corridors, alternative transportation and
recreation trail networks, and eco-tourism opportunities.
Greenway Corridors
A system of protected
corridors of open
space, managed for
conservation or
recreational purposes.
Chapter 5, Page 8 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5 - 17 In recognition of the role that agriculture has on the natural environment and community values,
Maple Ridge will work in cooperation with the Agricultural Land Commission to foster and maintain the
agricultural land base. The District will also encourage local farmers to prepare Environmental Farm Plans to
enhance sustainable agriculture and minimize potential adverse impacts to the natural environment.
5 - 18 Maple Ridge will review the issues concerning forest fire interface areas,
flooding, slope stability and other hazards and will consider developing or revising
regulations and guidelines for development within these areas.
5 - 19 The following should be considered in evaluating development to
minimize forest interface hazards:
a) the siting of development and construction practices that will not
contribute to forest fire risk exposure in forest interface areas;
b) the selection of appropriate building materials and maintenance
practices that will minimize contribution to the spread of fire;
c) the use of landscaping that minimizes contribution to the spread
of fire.
IMAGE
Naturescape
Principles
A set of principles
that enables the
restoration,
protection and
enhancement of
wildlife habitat in
urban landscapes
by providing
habitat in our
homes and
gardens.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 9
5.3.1 HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT
ISSUES
The diverse landscapes and natural features that contribute to the quality of life in Maple Ridge also
presents development challenges and can constrain the land available for development.
With increasing growth and housing demand, there is greater pressure for residential development on
hillsides. However, these areas can be difficult to develop safely. Recent climate change research
indicates that the risks of slope instability will increase with heavier precipitation, which is associated
with warmer, wetter winters.
To address these concerns, some areas should be evaluated for geotechnical stability prior to allowing
development to proceed. Consideration should also be given to appropriate levels of development
density on hillsides in order to protect natural vegetation which assists in avoiding erosion effects.
Measures must also be taken to manage storm water in order to avoid flooding in adjacent low lying
areas.
OBJECTIVES
To promote safety of hillside design and construction, and minimize flooding, ponding, and potential land
movement.
To minimize soil instability, erosion and downstream siltation.
To protect rare and critical environments.
To encourage development densities that are sensitive to and appropriate for the natural grade of land.
POLICIES
5 - 20 Development should be directed in such a manner to preserve large areas of open space, significant
features, and environmentally sensitive lands.
5 - 21 Patterns of density should be encouraged to achieve a mosaic of development sensitive to the natural
contours of the land, with retention of mid-slope forested areas and density increases towards upland flat or
valley bottom areas. The natural crest of a hill should be respected and development should be set back
sufficiently to maintain the slope of the crest and the vegetation along it. Denser forms of horizontal
development should be permitted along hillsides only where they can be off-set by sufficiently large open
areas and where building modules can be broken into smaller units and carefully sited.
5 - 22 Landscape disturbance should be minimized by retaining trees and natural vegetation as much as
possible and requiring replanting or enhanced planting as a condition of development; providing a minimum
of cuts and fills and limiting their depths, minimizing terracing and earth grading; blending graded areas with
Chapter 5, Page 10 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
natural slope; and minimizing the amount of exposed raw earth by phased development and on-site controls.
5 - 23 Minimal disturbance of natural ground contours should be incurred with utility and road alignments.
On-street parking could be eliminated if impractical with existing topography or where the street serves
wholly as an access road.
5 - 24 Maple Ridge will review the issues concerning slope stability and will consider developing or revising
regulations and guidelines for development within these areas.
5.3.2 VISUAL CHARACTER
ISSUE
The abundant hillsides and valleys in the landscapes of the District of Maple Ridge provide viewscapes
that are valued within the community and contribute to its unique character. An objective of all
development proposals should be the protection of these shared natural assets.
OBJECTIVES
To maintain the visual quality of hillsides with new development.
To minimize adverse neighbourhood impacts with new development.
To maintain and foster the unique natural features of Maple Ridge through sensitive hillside development
and the protection of viewscapes.
POLICIES
5 - 25 Buildings should blend with the natural hillside terrain and vegetation by choice of building materials,
and the location of buildings and parking areas. Landscaping that enhances natural features is to be
encouraged.
5 - 26 The scenic qualities of hillside areas should be preserved by limiting change to natural landmarks such
as rock outcrops, vegetation cover, intensive replanting of development sites, and preservation of natural
drainage channels and encouragement of measures to reduce storm runoff.
5 - 27 The protection of views should be encouraged by sensitive site design that maximizes views beyond
and between buildings on the site.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 11
Chapter 5, Page 12 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5.4 WATER RESOURCES
ISSUES
The cumulative impact of development may place a heavy burden on municipal streams, water quality,
and watercourse habitat.
Development in and adjacent to stream headwater and wetland areas may
threaten sensitive ecosystems.
The increase of impervious surfaces due to urbanization prevents rainwater
from percolating into the ground, which increases storm water rates and volumes
and impacts stream hydrology.
Water quality of some streams in Maple Ridge is affected by surface runoff
from developed areas.
Pressure on water supply will likely continue as a result of the growing
Regional population and water shortages during the summer months.
Predicted weather impacts due to climate change include drier summers
which will increase demand on water supply.
There is awareness that forestry, recreation, agricultural and industrial
activities require groundwater management and protection mechanisms to
minimize impacts to groundwater resources.
Many rural residents rely on groundwater resources for their potable water. These resources are
vulnerable to contamination and overuse beyond recharge capacity. Major groundwater sources are
identified on Figure 7 (Aquifers) and appended to this document.
OBJECTIVES
To participate in Regional, Provincial, and Federal programs and projects aimed at protecting and
improving the District’s water resources.
To preserve the natural integrity of watercourses, wetlands, and riparian areas through adequate
protection, enhancement, and restoration measures.
To adopt a comprehensive and innovative approach to the management of rainwater and stormwater
issues and to manage storm and rainwater in a manner that protects and maintains the ecological
features of the District’s watercourses.
To ensure water quality is protected and is made available for residents’ consumption.
To promote wise water consumption throughout the District and to protect groundwater resources as an
important source of water supply, especially in non-urban areas.
Wetland
An area that is
regularly wet or
flooded and is part
of a connected
aquatic habitat
system that
supports a variety
of plant and animal
life.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 13
POLICIES
5 - 28 Maple Ridge will consider the preparation of watershed management plans that integrate
watercourse protection, stormwater management, and sediment or erosion controls on an ecosystem basis.
5 - 29 Maple Ridge will identify the watersheds of the District and will protect
significant municipal watercourses such as the Alouette River, Kanaka Creek and
Whonnock Creek systems, by identifying each on the Natural Features Schedule of
the Official Community Plan.
5 - 30 Maple Ridge regards the preservation of creeks and wetlands as
important and will identify them on the Natural Features Schedule C of the Official
Community Plan. A Natural Features Development Permit Area has been
established for the preservation, protection, restoration and enhancement of the
natural environment. The Development Permit Area includes all lands designated
Conservation on Schedule B or an Area Plan of the Official Community Plan for all
lands within 50 metres of the top of bank of watercourses or wetlands as
identified on Schedule C.
5 - 31 Maple Ridge will continue to apply adaptive protection measures and the guidelines established
through the Streamside Setback Assessment Map, to protect the District’s watercourses, ponds and
connected wetlands, and will require enhancement and rehabilitation of lands within and adjacent to
identified natural features and environmentally sensitive areas as part of the development process.
5 - 32 Maple Ridge will work in partnership with agencies, authorities and stakeholders to consider the
identification and protection for stream headwaters, well water supply streams, and wetland areas
throughout the municipality and those located on Provincial Crown Lands.
5 - 33 Maple Ridge will adopt Provincial guidelines and standards for integrated
rain and stormwater management and prepare an Integrated Stormwater
Management Plan (ISMP) to maintain water quality and natural runoff rates in
municipal watercourses.
5 - 34 Maple Ridge will participate in Regional, Provincial, and Federal programs
aimed at reducing water consumption and will promote further initiatives that
promote water conservation and wise consumption.
5 - 35 Maple Ridge will consider developing a municipal-wide groundwater management strategy that will
assist the District in resolving issues regarding groundwater quality, quantity and contribution to local
ecosystem health.
Watershed
The area where
precipitation drains
to a single body of
water such as a
river, wetland or
lake.
Riparian Areas
The area of land
adjacent to a
watercourse, lake
or wetland area
that links aquatic
and terrestrial
ecosystems.
Chapter 5, Page 14 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5 - 36 Maple Ridge recognizes the importance of groundwater as a significant source of drinking water in
non-urban areas and will promote the protection, maintenance, and restoration of groundwater quality
outside the urban area.
5 - 37 Maple Ridge will require an evaluation of groundwater flows, conducted by a qualified environmental
professional, for new development that is adjacent to areas reliant on well water. Development proposals
that cannot ensure adequate groundwater flows, sufficient water quality or mitigate potential impacts to
existing and surrounding well water systems will not be supported.
5 - 38 Maple Ridge will encourage new developments to incorporate Low Impact Development (LID)
elements into the design of sites to manage rainfall at the source.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 15
5.5 AIR QUALITY
ISSUES
Emissions from industries, vehicles, outdoor burning and dust from roads contribute pollutant loadings to
the atmosphere.
Air quality is becoming a problem for the Region as a whole.
Without a strategy for their reduction, emissions are expected to increase for most pollutants over the
long term.
Predicted climate change impacts include reduced air quality over drier summers as particulates
accumulate in the atmosphere.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an air quality management strategy aimed at reducing harmful air emissions and to promote
energy conservation techniques.
POLICIES
5 - 39 Maple Ridge will continue to participate in National, Provincial, and Regional programs aimed at
reducing air and greenhouse gas emissions.
5 - 40 Maple Ridge will promote energy efficiency to reduce air and greenhouse gas emissions by:
a) participating in emissions management programs such as the Greater Vancouver Regional District air
quality management program;
b) encouraging alternative transportation initiatives, promoting ‘clean’ transportation options, and
encouraging the use of public transit;
c) promoting green space and natural areas;
d) exploring opportunities for non-fossil fuel energy efficient systems in municipal buildings and
infrastructure;
e) maintaining and enhancing the District’s forests and woodland areas; and
f) encouraging tree retention and tree protection programs.
5 - 41 Maple Ridge will encourage the use of energy efficient site design and building practices in all new
developments when appropriate.
5 - 42 Maple Ridge will encourage the use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS)
standards as part of new development proposals where appropriate.
Chapter 5, Page 16 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5.6 PREPARING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
ISSUES
For the District of Maple Ridge, predicted weather trends due to climate change include warmer, wetter
winters and drier summers. Wetter winters increase the risk of flooding in low lying areas, and landslides on
hilly terrain as the average duration of precipitation events increases, and as soils become saturated and
more unstable. Warmer winters lead to lessened snowpack cover which reduces the quantity of available
water during drier months, thus exacerbating the problems associated with drier summers. Drier summers in
the Lower Mainland are associated with a reduction in air quality, as particulates become trapped in an
inversion layer and accumulate over successive days during a heat spell. The risk of forest fires also increases
as vegetation and soils lose moisture.
The problem of climate change is likely most effectively addressed through a combined approach that
anticipates and plans for its effects while promoting a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
OBJECTIVES
Over the next 50 to 100 years, climate change could have significant impacts for the District of Maple Ridge.
Proactive measures are required to avert or mitigate increased risks such as:
spring flooding,
summer drought,
air quality impacts,
forest fire hazards,
BACKGROUND
Scientific research indicates an increase in global temperatures, and a likely cause is human activity. A
number of gases are known to have heat trapping effects, and are referred to as greenhouse gases. As
it is most prevalent, the compound of greatest concern is carbon dioxide, which is released into the
atmosphere through the use of fossil fuels.
Climate change should be considered separately from air quality concerns, even though emissions are
involved. It is true that initiatives aimed at improving air quality by reducing fossil fuel consumption
will have a positive effect on the production of greenhouse gases. However, the effects of climate
change are more widespread, and also have direct implications for land and water resources. Climate
change can also have adverse economic impacts on agriculture, resource industries, and tourism.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 17
land slide risks, and
economic impacts such as property damage, reduced agricultural capability, and loss of resources.
In addition, the District of Maple Ridge should take a leadership role in reducing the net production of
greenhouse gas emissions through a range of initiatives, including but not limited to:
public education and information
procurement policies and facilities design
encouraging low impact development
increasing “carbon sink” effects through tree planting and protecting natural vegetation wherever
possible.
In consideration of the requirements of Bill 27, the Local
Government (Green Communities) Status Amendment Act,
which have been incorporated into the Local Government
Act, the creation of greenhouse gas emissions reduction
targets is consistent with many of the policies contained in
the Official Community Plan. Throughout the Plan there
are policies related to containing growth within the Urban
Area Boundary, protecting agricultural land, providing a
multi-modal transportation network, and protecting
natural resources, including trees which remove CO2 from
the environment and also produce oxygen.
Examples of policies in support of emissions reduction in
other Sections of the Official Community Plan, include the
following:
Policy 2-2 in the Growth Management Section;
Policy 5-22 in Natural Features;
Policy 7-10 in Transportation;
Policy 6-8 in Agricultural Opportunities; and there are
many others throughout this document.
POLICIES
5 - 43 The District of Maple Ridge will use an integrated approach to reduce and mitigate the effects of
climate change through the following:
a) including climate change considerations and outlining proactive suggestions in community information
publications;
b) supporting ongoing federal, provincial and regional initiatives to reduce the production of greenhouse
gas emissions;
c) making low impact purchasing decisions in operations and facilities design;
Information on Global Great Weather
Disasters compiled over the last 50 years
indicates an increase in incidents as well
as increased economic losses as a result.
Source: NatCanSERVICE Munich Re,
R&D/Geo - February 2001
* Monetary values based on U.S. dollars for the
year 2000.
Year # disasters * $ billion
lost
1950-59 13 39.8
1960-69 16 52.3
1970-79 29 76.7
1980-89 44 121.8
1990-99 72 410.0
Chapter 5, Page 18 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
d) encouraging where possible water conservation and the reuse of storm water through a number of
measures including the use of drought tolerant species, rain barrels, and efficient irrigation techniques;
e) retaining natural vegetation and planting trees where appropriate;
f) integrating risk mitigation measures in development permit areas, area planning, special area
development policies (such as the Fraser River Escarpment) and environmental planning policies that
address problems associated with forest fires, pest infestations, land slides, and flooding;
g) encouraging low impact development measures where possible.
5 – 44 The District of Maple Ridge will explore undertaking a Community Energy and Emissions Plan that will
help the municipality identify indicators to help track community energy emissions and to also provide
recommendations on opportunities for reducing community emissions and achieving reduction targets.
5 – 45 The District of Maple Ridge has a goal to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by 33% below
2007 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
Possible Effects of Climate Change
Between 1895 and 1995, BC’s average annual temperature increased by:
0.6 degrees Celsius (C) at the coast,
1.1 degrees C in the interior,
1.7 degrees C in the north.
As a consequence, the following has been observed:
Lakes and rivers free of ice earlier in the spring,
At least two southern B.C glaciers have retreated by more than a kilometre each.
Larger share of Fraser River discharges of total annual flow sooner in the year.
Average sea levels have risen by 4 to 12 cm.
Increased high water sea levels in the Vancouver area
Average coastal sea surface temperatures are 0.9 degrees C to 1.8 degrees C higher.
Source: British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 5, Page 19