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“Decisions related to urban and rural land development in this province are shared by many; therefore, this document is intended to support and encourage good decision making by all those involved in land development in British Columbia. Develop with Care emphasizes the use of the Water Balance Model to achieve desired rainwater management outcomes”, stated Peter Law.

“The guide is meant to assist communities of all types: large, small, rural, resort-based, urban, and suburban. It is designed to help maximize both creativity and adaptability to varied scales, specific contexts, and changing on-the-ground conditions,” stated Dr. Laura Tate. “A key theme in A Guide to Green Choices is the notion of integration. It stems from a belief that the solid efforts already being made could be even stronger if they work together in the right direction — not at cross-purposes.”

The purpose of an ISMP is to provide a clear picture of how to be proactive in applying land use planning tools to protect property and aquatic habitat, while at the same time accommodating land development and population growth.

The policy goal is to take low-impact development strategies and turn them from quaint oddities to ponder and admire into the standard, business-as-usual approach to building the region's communities.

A policy and legal tool called the 'Shared Responsibility Matrix' identifies the actors along with the various instruments that govern their actions. This provides the frame of reference for the Topsoil Primer Set.

“It helps to look back to understand how we got to here. In 2000, DFO released Urban Stormwater Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat. It got practitioners thinking about how to capture rainfall in order to reduce runoff volume and protect water quality,” states Corinio Salomi. “The objective is protect stream health, which is broader than how much volume one can infiltrate on a particular development.”

The legislation seeks to increase green infrastructure in rainwater management by creating a program to provide resources for the planning and construction of green infrastructure projects.

“Modern rainwater management looks at the dynamics of the entire watershed and identifies how development can use 'green infrastructure' to maintain natural systems and protect buildings. It works to restore the function of trees, soil and open space,” states Calvin Sandborn.

The 'Topsoil Primer Set' synthesizes the experience of City of Surrey, the City of Courtenay and the District of North Vancouver in pioneering implementation of absorbent landscape policies and requirements.

“Policy and legal tools can help developers, regulators and designers collaborate to implement green infrastructure solutions and ensure responsible outcomes. Each party in the process has a responsibility,” states Susan Rutherford.