Performing Topsoil: Morgan Heights in the City of Surrey illustrates a developer's commitment to "shared responsibility"
On February 23, 2010, the Bowker Creek Forum in Victoria celebrated urban watershed management successes in the Georgia Basin, and was the venue for the formal release of the Topsoil Law and Policy and Technical Primer Set.
Topsoil Primer Set
Developed by the Green Infrastructure Partnership, the 'Topsoil Primer Set' synthesizes the pioneering experience of the City of Courtenay, City of Surrey and District of North Vancouver. To download copies of the two Primers, click on:
- A Law and Policy Primer for Municipal Staff and Designers; and
- Technical Primer for Municipal Staff and Designers.
At the Bowker Forum, Rémi Dubé of the City of Surrey explained the thinking behind development of the Technical Primer. He used the Morgan Heights area to illustrate the difference it makes when the developer is committed to getting green infrastructure built right. Rémi Dubé is the Acting Development Services Manager.
Morgan Heights
“A key message about the Morgan Heights development is that Ken Anderson has taken responsibility to make rainfall capture happen on the lots that he has 
developed. He is holding securities for landscaping and sediment control; and that money is not released until after the houses are built,” states Rémi Dubé.
To view a YouTube video clip of Rémi Dubé describing the Morgan Heights approach, click on An Example of Developer Commitment (1:53)
To Learn More
For more information about how a performing topsoil is being achieved at Morgan Heights, click on Enforcement of topsoil requirement for rainfall capture at Morgan Heights in the City of Surrey — 'Cash compliance' ensures that homeowners and builders understand what 'shared responsibility' means on the ground
To access a series of stories published on the Water Bucket website about the development and launch of the Topsoil Primer Set at the Bowker Creek Forum, click on “Topsoil Primer Set” connects the dots between rainwater management and drought management
Posted March 2010