Community Development and Ecosystem Protection
The City of Burnaby considers ecosystem protection and enhancement in all major land use planning and development initiatives.
Burnaby recognizes the importance of environmentally sensitive areas and maintaining healthy ecosystems and has implemented a framework of environmental policies and regulations. Development on sites containing or in close proximity to environmentally sensitive areas must demonstrate compliance with these policies. Development near streams, wetlands or lakes may also be subject to the City's Environmental Review Committee process.
Check out our Eco-Story Map for some examples of successful ecosystem restoration on development sites.
Strategic Planning for Ecosystem Protection
- The Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS), approved by Council in 2016, emphasizes the importance of ecosystems for human wellbeing and prosperity, and commits to taking an ecosystem approach to decision making. Two of the ten goals (Green and Flow), with their supporting strategies and actions, focus on healthy and resilient ecosystems and watersheds.
- The Environment Section in the Official Community Plan identified some key environmentally sensitive areas as Green Zones, and outlined an Environmental Policy Framework that includes protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)
- In 1995 the City adopted the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Strategy and the Planning and Design Principles for ESAs to protect these areas. The full ESA report can be found here.
- Since the 1970s the City has had an open watercourse policy that has preserved a network of 90+ streams contained within three major watersheds. Learn more about Watersheds here.
- The following are some of the key watershed plans completed to date:
- Stoney Creek Stormwater Management Plan, approved by Burnaby City Council in 1999;
- Brunette Basin Watershed Plan - an interagency plan approved by Burnaby City Council in 2000;
- From Pipe Dreams to Healthy Streams - an interagency plan for Still Creek approved by Burnaby City Council in 2007.
Development Planning and Review
- The Environmental Review Committee reviews development proposals for compliance with City policies for ecosystem protection, including the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Areas Bylaw (see 6.23 on page 23) enacted in 2005, which establishes development setbacks from streams and ravines
- The City follows the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans Land Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat (1992)
- The Watercourse Bylaw, established in 1988, prohibits fouling or impeding any watercourse or drainage system
- The Total Stormwater Management Approach policy establishes requirements for on-site retention, infiltration and treatment of stormwater, for new development and redevelopment, to protect downstream watercourses
- The brochure Landscaping for Single and Two-Family Dwellings provides guidance for creating ‘soft landscaping’ to help rainwater soak into the ground and protect downstream watercourses
- Over the years, the City of Burnaby has worked with the development community for Ecosystem Restoration and Enhancement in many environmentally sensitive areas
Construction Impacts Mitigation
- Streams and Ravines brochure
- Environmental Review of Land Development
- The Soil Removal Regulation Bylaw, established in 1961, outlines permit requirements for soil removal
- The Soil Deposit Bylaw established in 1971, outlines permit requirements for soil placement
Other Resources
Provincial and Federal Regulations for Developing Around Watercourses
Note: this information is provided for convenience only; it is the responsibility of all land owners and project proponents to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) - Working Near Water
- DFO – links to various Federal Regulations and Legislation
- Ministry of Environment - Changes In and About a Stream
