Green Infrastructure

The fused grid network pattern recently passed another test with top marks – the traffic safety test. Planers using it for its rainwater management advantages can now be confident that it will also enhance safety. “The city plan is organized in repeatable wards, with a square in the centre, which is visible to half of the homes in each ward”, explained Fanis Grammenos, “The square is protected from heavy traffic since through streets are located at the boundaries of the ward, leaving the centre relatively calm for casual strollers.”

The purpose of the Forum was to align regional actions with provincial policy goals. Surrey's experience in championing changes in green infrastructure policies and practices ensured that the Forum had relevancy.

Village Homes is a seventy-acre subdivision located in the west part of Davis, California. It was designed to encourage both the development of a sense of community and the conservation of energy and natural resources. A distinguishing feature is the natural drainage system.

Surrey WBM Forum – Vince Lalonde title slide
In 2009, Surrey Water Balance Model Forum promoted alignment of local actions in Metro Vancouver with provincial goals.

“The Province is using the Green Communities Initiative to advance green infrastructure province-wide. We are slowly raising the bar for local government. For example, we are saying ‘show us what you are doing to protect stream health’,” stated Karen Rothe.

“Resources from Waste: A Guide to Integrated Resource Recovery” is intended for those in British Columbia who plan, design and fund infrastructure – including water, wastewater, transportation, energy, and solid waste

“It is sometimes hard to believe that more than a decade has passed since the City initiated the East Clayton plan. With the passage of time, we tend to take the early innovation for granted. The early results from East Clayton gave Surrey the confidence to implement Low Impact Development objectives in two plans,” stated Paul Ham.

At Showcasing Green Infrastructure Innovation in the Township of Langley, held in October 2007, Ray Fung delivered an opening statement that outlined why the Green Infrastructure Partnership is promoting a “design with nature” approach to infrastructure policies and practices.

The Vancouver Sun reports that proponents of a $47 million commercial building nearing completion at Discovery Place in Burnaby have come up with a “flagship” design that will attract scrutiny from across North America.

A new landscaping requirement is helping create lush new plantings in neighborhoods throughout the City of Seattle.