HomeMy WebLinkAboutEMS Council Presentation 2013CARING FOR OUR NATURE:
MAPLE RIDGE
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Bruce Blackwell, B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd.
Mike McPhee, Quadra Planning Consultants Ltd.
Council Workshop
Outline
1. Official Community Plan (OCP): The Context
2. Environmental Management Strategy: What Is It?
3. Consultation with Stakeholders & Findings
4. What’s Next?
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
OCP Environmental Principles
Principle 23
The community values the protection of environmentally sensitive
areas including water, areas of natural beauty, forests, etc.
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.
OCP Natural Features Objectives
OCP Natural Features objectives:
1.A comprehensive approach based on ecosystem principles
incorporating land, water and air
2.A management perspective that anticipates and mitigates impacts
from climate change and strives to reduce its causes
3.A balanced evaluation process incorporating economic, social, and
environmental sustainability
4.The cultivation and strengthening of community partnerships to help
enhance the success of policies and programs.
OCP Natural Features Policies
OCP Policies in support of the Management Strategy…
Policy 5.1 Maple Ridge will build upon existing information
and practices to inform land use planning and enable the
assessment, monitoring, and management of ecosystems and
natural features within the municipality.
Policy 5.2 Maple Ridge will assess the scope of studies
necessary to implement the OCP environmental management
model and will identify components as part of the annual
business planning process
OCP Natural Features Policies
Policy 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 habitat
impacts …
Policy 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….
Background
Phase One:
Council Resolution. “that staff proceed to develop a draft Environmental
Management Plan for Council’s consideration.”
Request for Proposals.
Contract awarded to Catherine Berris & Assoc. along with Blackwell
Associates and Quadra Planning
Initial Consultation Workshop with stakeholders.
Focus groups and general public invited to speak about issues, strengths
and weaknesses of environmental programs, and possible next steps
Background
Phase Two (current work)
Council workshop presentation
Overview of Environ. Management Strategy & Consultation Process
What We Have Heard From Stakeholders to date
Second phase of consultation workshops
Summary of What We Have Heard – strengths and challenges
Evaluation of Existing Tools – issues, strengths/gaps, and opportunities
Determine Next Steps - where are we going & how can we get there?
What is an EMS?
Primary Purpose
•The primary purpose is to consolidate and fine tune
environmental policies and practices, incorporating the OCP
principles and values that draw people to Maple Ridge.
•Evaluate progress to date and identify next steps.
Help District
to improve
their toolbox
EMS Process
OCP and Other Existing Tools
Top Reasons for the EMS
•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
Essentially it is for our long-term sustainability
Public Support – 2012 Municipal Survey
•“When planning for the future, the issues that are accorded
the highest priority by residents, are ……
–Identifying and protecting environmental features and
areas that require special recognition and management
What We Heard
Key Successes
OCP Framework for Environmental Mgt
Streamside Protection Regulations
Environmental Mapping System
Extensive Natural Areas Remaining
Dedicated Knowledgeable Staff
What We Heard
Key Challenges
! Appropriate Scale, Long Term Planning
! Habitat Fragmentation
! Public Desire for Input, Information & Awareness
! Tree Removal and Increasing Negative Impacts
! Limited Municipal Environmental Resources
What We Observe
Key Opportunities
Support and Motivation for a Strategy
Extent of Natural Environment
Passionate Public
Opportunities for Partnerships
Proposed EMS Goals
•Goal A: Conserve and manage our
natural assets
•Goal B: Design and build
sustainable neighbourhoods
•Goal C: Improve communications
and environmental awareness
Goal A: Conserve and manage our natural assets
•Potential Strategies
–Identify and manage watershed
areas in collaboration with other
jurisdictions
–Develop an ecological network
management strategy to protect
important ecological resources
–Evaluate the socio-economic
values and benefits of natural
assets
Goal B: Design and build sustainable
neighbourhoods
•Potential Strategies
–Identify tools and incentives for
comprehensive “smart growth”
based on sustainable
development practices
–Review and update
environmental development
permits, Tree Cutting Bylaw,
Watercourse Protection Bylaw,
and Soils Bylaws
Goal C: Enhance communications opportunities
and engagement
•Potential Strategies
–Improve communications among
District stakeholders in the
community
–Expand environmental education
and awareness
–Provide an information hub
Next Steps
Proposed Process
•February 20 – Stakeholder Workshop
•April – Public Open House
•April/May – Public Questionnaire Online
•May/June – Council Workshop
•Fall 2013 – Final Report and Implementation
Recommendation
•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 (see document for additional
information)
THANK YOU