Sustainability in My Backyard: City of Surrey develops online "Rain and Drain Simulator" as an interactive educational resource
Rain and Drain Simulator
“Sustainability in My Backyard” is a web-based educational resource developed by the City of Surrey in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia. According to David Hislop, City of Surrey Project Engineer, “The simulator offers students, teachers and Surrey residents with an interactive way to discover the unique design elements of the East Clayton Sustainable Neighbourhood development.
“Also, they can explore the impact of rain and drainage on the nearby North Creek by comparing different rain scenarios and how the sustainable design features work.”
“What happens when it rains?” is a simulation of the path that water takes in different situations. Students can explore the impacts to nearby creeks and streams when water hits a built environment.
“Students compare the impacts based on traditional neighbourhood development techniques, to the impacts when the sustainable design features are employed. Students also have the option of comparing through a variety of rainfall intensity and duration events,” reports David Hislop.
About East Clayton
East Clayton neighbourhood is located on the Surrey/Langley border near Fraser Highway. The Neighbourhood plan was approved in early 2000. The plan covers an area of about 500 acres. This community accommodates residential, commercial and educational land uses while protecting and enhancing the local environment.
Posted February 2009