Implementing Rainwater Management in Coquitlam: New Projects Added to Financial Plan
Note to Reader:
The Coquitlam story is the second in a series of Watershed Blueprint Case Profiles published by the Partnership for Water Sustainability. Co-authored by Melony Burton and Kim Stephens, the Case Profile describes how the City of Coquitlam has evolved an effective and adaptable approach to watershed-based community planning.
Coquitlam on Track for Completion of Watershed Plans
Coquitlam is on schedule to complete watershed plans for all urban areas by the end of 2014 in order to meet the regulatory commitment required of municipalities in the Metro Vancouver region. At present, six plans are completed and being implemented and six others are in development.
New Projects Added to Financial Plan
Since starting the Integrated Watershed Management Plans (IWMPs) back in 2002, the City has completed many of the large capital projects coming out of the recommendations for improving watershed health such as diversion pipes, erosion stabilization works, sediment traps, base flow retrofits, water quality ponds, source controls, and fish accessibility improvements.
New projects from the IWMP’s are added to the City’s Financial Plan every year.
“The cost of projects to remediate streams and watersheds after damage from land use development is substantial,” says Melony Burton, the City’s Watersheds & Drainage Coordinator. “Cost aside, there are often other significant obstacles to rehabilitative construction projects such as difficult access, property impacts or lack of space. The reduced cost and increased benefit of avoiding impacts upfront is a solid argument for being proactive rather than reactive in our approaches to responsible land development.”
“The IWMPs have been useful resources in day to day operations, particularly with development applications,” adds Hagen Hohndorf, with the City’s Environmental Services division.
“Watercourse inventory and classification assists in determining appropriate riparian setbacks and protection. The plans also identify opportunities for improvements which can be used by the City or developers looking for compensation or by streamkeepers with access to grant funding.”
To Learn More:
To download a copy of the Watershed Case Profile, click on Watershed Planning & Rainwater Management: Creating the Future in the City of Coquitlam.
