HomeMy WebLinkAboutEMS Council Presentation 2013 ReducedCARING FOR OUR NATURE: MAPLE RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Bruce Blackwell, B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd. Mike McPhee, Quadra Planning Consultants Ltd. Council Workshop
Environment Management Strategy (EMS) Update Agenda EMS Context Stakeholder Workshop Update – What we Heard Preliminary Policy Recommendations What’s Next
What is the EMS?
OCP Context Environmental Management Model – Goals 1. Protect significant ecosystems 2. Anticipate and respond to impacts of climate change 3. Determine appropriate DP guidelines and bylaws 4. Identify requirements for environmental studies or impact assessments 5. Maintain and improve ecosystem health and human safety
Top Reasons for the EMS Planning for Change •Sustainable management of the natural resources that provide our community with social, economic, and ecological benefits •Continue to attract and invest in sustainable growth •Build a resilient community in the face of climate change •Maximize efficiencies and cost savings associated with infrastructure services provided by the natural environment ¾Essentially it is for our long-term sustainability
Council Direction Council Resolution February 2013 •THAT the Environmental Management Strategy consultation program and timelines outlined in the Feb. 4, 2013 report entitled “Environmental Management Study and Review Update” be endorsed
EMS Process – Council Endorsed
Stakeholder Workshop Format Presentation on the OCP context, background, policies, principles and objectives Description of EMS purpose, process, findings to date, goals, potential strategies Workshop
Stakeholder Workshop Participants Assigned tables with mix of groups at each District of Maple Ridge Committee members 2 Other Government, e.g., Fed, Prov, Metro, Munic 3 Environment Stewardship Group 9 Community or Neighbourhood Group 8 Economic or Local Business Group 5 Private Development, Real Estate Company 12 Consultant 12 Recreation User Group 1 Total 52
Stakeholder Workshop Workshop Process Goal A: Conserve and manage our natural assets Goal B: Design and build sustainable neighbourhoods Goal C: Improve communications and environmental awareness Questions on potential strategies for each goal Groups worked on every goal
Stakeholder Input – Goal A Goal A: Conserve and manage our natural assets - Extremely strong support for protecting and managing environmental health and diversity - Include the significant watershed areas and habitats governed by the District and the partnerships required for management - Municipal mapping is good but desire for additional information - Strong support for incentive strategy for land owners to protect significant natural areas and features
Stakeholder Input – Goal B Goal B: Design and build sustainable neighbourhoods - Extremely strong support for sustainable neighbourhoods, including a healthy urban forest and rainwater management - Maximize clarity, effectiveness, and communications/awareness about environmental management review processes, environmental initiatives, and stewardship opportunities. - Key needs include updating existing bylaws and more enforcement
Stakeholder Input – Goal C Goal C: Improve communications and environmental awareness - Stakeholders have a strong interest in communication and education programs - Mixed response regarding Environmental Advisory Committee - need to be very clear on membership, role, agenda, and terms of reference
Preliminary Recommendations
Broad Policies •Broad policy context is generally good •More focus on: –Broader scale planning – watersheds, Crown lands, hillsides, major watercourses –Evaluation of values and benefits of natural assets –Performance monitoring and enforcement –Incentives
Bylaw Strategies •Strengthen or update design standards or best management practice requirements re: rainwater management on-site source controls •Improve tree management to more fully protect the existing and future tree canopy throughout the District & address impacts •Improve policy and regulations related to filling and environmental practices on agricultural and rural lands - review and update Soil Deposit/Removal Bylaws •Prepare groundwater management plans for designated OCP ‘vulnerable’ aquifer areas
DP Strategies •Explore how the Natural Features Development Permit can be improved with respect to clarity and effectiveness. •Prepare a new Natural Hazards Development Permit that focuses on hazards related to slope stability, flooding and wildfire
OCP Mapping •Update the Natural Features OCP map so it is current with respect to addition or removal of watercourses •Prepare a new map for the Hazards DP
Other Preliminary Recommendations •Develop a communications and awareness strategy as the stakeholders and public have expressed a strong desire for more of this •Explore environmental incentives strategy •More monitoring and enforcement resources •More research on Environmental Committees
Next Steps
Comments and Questions THANK YOU