HomeMy WebLinkAboutEMS Open House PresentationCARING FOR OUR NATURE:
MAPLE RIDGE
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Public Open House – June 20, 2013
Bruce Blackwell, B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd.
Mike McPhee, Quadra Planning Consultants Ltd.
Agenda
Introduction
OCP Context
Key Findings to Date
Goals
Potential Strategies
What is the EMS?
The primary purpose of the EMS is to consolidate and fine tune
environmental policies and practices, incorporating the OCP principles
and values that draw people to Maple Ridge
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 the services
provided by the natural environment
•Reduce impacts to neighbouring properties from development-
related activity
Essentially it is for our long-term sustainability
EMS Process
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 Natural Features - Objectives
1.A comprehensive approach based on ecosystem principles
incorporating land, water and air
2.A perspective that anticipates climate change and strives to reduce
its causes while mitigating impacts
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 and Other Existing Tools
Key Findings to Date
Identified Successes
OCP Framework for Environmental Mgt
Streamside Protection Regulations
Environmental Mapping System
Extensive Natural Areas Remaining
Dedicated Knowledgeable Staff
Key Findings to Date
Identified Challenges
! Appropriate Scale, Long Term Planning
! Habitat Fragmentation
! Public Desire for Input, Information & Awareness
! Tree Removal and Related Impacts
! Limited Municipal Environmental Resources
Key Findings to Date
Identified 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
Natural Assets Map Sustainable Neighbourhoods Map
Goal A: Potential Strategies
Goal A: Conserve and manage our natural assets
A1. Identify, protect and manage the terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems that support important habitats within the
District’s administrative boundaries.
A2. Identify, protect and manage Crown lands and watershed
areas within and extending beyond the District’s
boundaries in collaboration with other jurisdictions.
Goal A: Potential Strategies (cont’d)
A3. Evaluate the socio-economic values and benefits of
natural assets.
A4. Prepare and implement incentives for land owners to
conserve or preserve significant natural areas or features
that are not protected under municipal regulations.
A5. Prepare policies related to filling and environmental
practices on agricultural and rural lands.
Goal B: Potential Strategies
Goal B: Design and build sustainable neighbourhoods
B1. Protect, enhance and manage the urban forest in
developed and rural areas in recognition of the multiple
environmental, social and economic benefits provided by
trees. (Tree Management Bylaw)
B2. In the Watercourse Protection Bylaw, provide more
specific design guidelines and maintenance requirements
for rainwater management and improve enforcement and
monitoring.
Goal B: Potential Strategies (cont’d)
B3. Refine and clarify the Development Permit (DP) structure.
Watercourse DP
Natural Features DP
Hazards DP
B4. Review and update the Soil Deposit/Removal Bylaws.
B5. Establish incentives for sustainable development
practices that capture the spirit of comprehensive “smart
growth” principles.
B6. Use adaptive management.
Goal C: Potential Strategies
Goal C: Improve communications and environmental awareness
C1. Improve communications among District staff and
stakeholders in the community.
C2. Expand environmental education and awareness.
C3. Explore the establishment of an
Environmental Advisory Committee.
C4. Provide more environmental staff resources
to reflect the need for broader programs as
well as population growth.
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