GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT …

September 30, 2014

GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS COMMITTEE

REGULAR MEETING

Thursday, October 2. 2014

9:00 AM 2nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia.

R E V I S E D A G E N D A1 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 October 2, 2014 Regular Meeting Agenda That the Environment and Parks Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for October 2, 2014, as circulated.

2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 July 10, 2014, Special Joint Meeting Minutes

That the Environment and Parks Committee adopt the minutes of the Environment and Parks and Intergovernmental and Administration Committee special joint meeting held July, 10, 2014, as circulated.

2.2 September 9, 2014, Regular Meeting Minutes

That the Environment and Parks Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held September 9, 2014, as circulated.

3. DELEGATIONS No Items Presented 4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

4.1 Julie Wray, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University Subject: Research on Regional Wild Pollinators

1 Note: Recommendation is shown under each item, where applicable.

Environment and Parks Committee 1

Environment and Parks Committee Regular Agenda October 2, 2014

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5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF PARKS

5.1 2015 Business Plan and Budget – Regional Parks Designated Speaker: Mitch Sokalski, Director, Regional Parks, Planning, Policy and

Environment Department That the Environment and Parks Committee endorse the 2015 Regional Parks Business Plan and Budget as presented in the report “2015 Business Plan and Budget – Regional Parks” dated September 12, 2014 and forward them to the “Board Budget Workshop” on October 16, 2014 for consideration.

5.2 Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy

Designated Speaker: Bonnie Blue, Senior Planner, Policy, Planning and Environment Department That the GVRD Board approve the “Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy” as presented in the report dated September 12, 2014, titled “Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy”.

5.3 WITHDRAWN

5.4 Manager’s Report – Parks

Designated Speaker: Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment Department That the Environment and Parks Committee receive for information the report dated September 15, 2014, titled “Manager’s Report – Parks”.

Environment 5.5 2015 Business Plan and Budget – Air Quality Designated Speaker: Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Environment, Planning,

Policy and Environment Department That the Environment and Parks Committee endorse the 2015 Air Quality Business Plan and Budget as presented in the report “2015 Business Plan and Budget – Air Quality” dated September 24, 2014 and forward them to the Board Budget Workshop on October 16, 2014 for consideration.

5.6 Response to the draft Regional Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro

Vancouver Designated Speakers: Alison Evely, Natural Resource Management Specialist,

Planning, Policy and Environment Department Erin Embley, Regional Planner, Planning, Policy and Environment Department That the Environment and Parks Committee:



Agenda Page 3 of 4

a) receive the draft "Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver” for information; and

b) direct staff to report back to the Committee after completing a detailed review of the suggested actions, their feasibility, and implications, including discussion with municipalities and the Provincial government to clarify roles and responsibilities.

5.7 Metro Vancouver Membership in Electric Mobility Canada

Designated Speaker: Eve Hou, Air Quality Planner, Planning, Policy and Environment Department That the GVRD Board authorize staff to renew Metro Vancouver’s membership with Electric Mobility Canada (EMC).

5.8 Manager’s Report – Environment

Designated Speaker: Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment Department That the Environment and Parks Committee receive for information the report dated September 15, 2014, titled “Manager’s Report – Environment”.

6. INFORMATION ITEMS

6.1 Regional Parks Summary of Events October 2014

7. OTHER BUSINESS No Items Presented 8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS 9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING

That the Environment and Parks Committee close its regular meeting scheduled for October 2, 2014, pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1) (e) and (i) as follows: 90 (1) A part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being

considered relates to or is one or more of the following:

(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the board or committee considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district;

(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor‐client privilege, including

communications necessary for that purpose;

10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION That the Environment and Parks Committee adjourn its regular meeting of October 2, 2014.


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Membership: Deal, Heather (C) – Vancouver Martin, Gayle (VC) – Langley City Banman, Bruce ‐ Abbotsford Dhaliwal, Sav – Burnaby Hodge, Craig – Coquitlam

Hogarth, Al ‐Maple Ridge Little, Mike ‐ North Vancouver DistrictLong, Bob – Langley Township Penner, Darrell – Port Coquitlam

Steele, Barbara – SurreySteves, Harold – Richmond Stone, Andrew – Bowen Island Walters, Deb – Pitt Meadows

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Minutes of the Special Joint Meeting of the GVRD Environment and Parks and Intergovernmental and Administration Committee held on Thursday, July 10, 2014 Page 1 of 3

GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS AND

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE JOINT MEETING

Minutes of the Special Joint Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Environment and Parks Committee and Intergovernmental and Administration Committee held at 1:08 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2014 in the 10th Floor Conference Room, 5945 Kathleen Avenue, Burnaby, British Columbia. PRESENT (Environment and Parks Committee): Chair, Director Heather Deal, Vancouver Vice Chair, Director Gayle Martin, Langley City Director Bruce Banman, Abbotsford Director Sav Dhaliwal, Burnaby Councillor Al Hogarth, Maple Ridge Councillor Mike Little, North Vancouver District Councillor Bob Long, Langley Township Councillor Darrell Penner, Port Coquitlam Director Barbara Steele, Surrey Director Harold Steves, Richmond Director Andrew Stone, Bowen Island Director Deb Walters, Pitt Meadows PRESENT (Intergovernmental and Administration Committee): Chair, Director Raymond Louie, Vancouver Director Malcolm Brodie, Richmond Director Derek Corrigan, Burnaby Director Ernie Daykin, Maple Ridge Director Heather Deal, Vancouver Director Darrell Mussatto, North Vancouver City Director Wayne Wright, New Westminster ABSENT (Environment and Parks Committee): Councillor Craig Hodge, Coquitlam ABSENT (Intergovernmental and Administration Committee): Vice Chair, Director Greg Moore, Port Coquitlam Director Lois Jackson, Delta Director Richard Walton, North Vancouver District Director Dianne Watts, Surrey STAFF: Carol Mason, Commissioner/Chief Administrative Officer Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment

2.1



STAFF (Continued): Klara Kutakova, Assistant to Regional Committees, Board and Information Services, Legal and

Legislative Services Director Louie chaired the meeting. 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 July 10, 2014 Special Joint Meeting Agenda It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Intergovernmental and Administration Committee and the Environment and Parks Committee adopt the agenda for the special joint meeting scheduled for July 10, 2014 as circulated.

CARRIED 2. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Board close its regular meeting scheduled for July 10, 2014 pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1) (e), (k) and 90 (2) (b)as follows: “90 (1) A part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being

considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if

the board or committee considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district;

(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a regional district service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the board or committee, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district if they were held in public; and

90 (2) A part of a meeting must be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one or more of the following: (b) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating

to negotiations between the regional district and a provincial government or the federal government or both, or between a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party.”

CARRIED



3. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Intergovernmental and Administration Committee and the Environment and Parks Committee adjourn the special joint meeting of July 10, 2014.

CARRIED (Time: 1:09 p.m.)

_____________________________ ________________________________ Klara Kutakova, Raymond Louie, Chair Assistant to Regional Committees 9700643 FINAL


Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Environment and Parks Committee held on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 Page 1 of 8

GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Environment and Parks Committee held at 1:08 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 in the 2nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia. PRESENT: Chair, Director Heather Deal, Vancouver Vice Chair, Director Gayle Martin, Langley City Director Sav Dhaliwal, Burnaby Councillor Craig Hodge, Coquitlam Councillor Al Hogarth, Maple Ridge Councillor Mike Little, North Vancouver District Councillor Bob Long, Langley Township Councillor Darrell Penner, Port Coquitlam Director Barbara Steele, Surrey Director Harold Steves, Richmond Director Andrew Stone, Bowen Island Director Deb Walters, Pitt Meadows ABSENT: Director Bruce Banman, Abbotsford STAFF: Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment Janis Knaupp, Assistant to Regional Committees, Board and Information Services,

Legal and Legislative Services 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 September 9, 2014 Regular Meeting Agenda It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Parks Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for September 9, 2014, as circulated.

CARRIED

2.2



2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 July 3, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Parks Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held July 3, 2014, as circulated.

CARRIED 3. DELEGATIONS

3.1 Mark Dubois‐Phillips, Vice Chair, Powertech Labs Inc., on behalf of Electric Mobility Canada Mr. Dubois‐Phillips, Director, Smart Utility Services, Powertech Labs Inc., and Vice‐Chair, Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) Board of Directors, provided members with a presentation including an overview and outlook on electric vehicles, provincial and regional implications and opportunities, EMC activities and benefits to Metro Vancouver from networking through EMC. In response to questions, members were informed about EMC’s source of electricity, consideration of solar power/solar canopy technology in BC, Metro Vancouver’s past EMC participation, hybrid versus plug‐in electric vehicles, U.S. initiatives addressing impacts of reduced gas tax revenues, and membership value. Members were further informed about:

Solar canopy technology in BC ‐ low insulation value, relatively inexpensive, and CO2‐free electricity (works against solar technology)

BC Hydro interest on grid impacts from any increase in electric vehicles in BC

BC Hydro consideration of exploring incentives to reduce peak charging demand (mornings and evenings, particularly in January and November)

Focus being on distribution which is impacted immediately compared to generation and transmission

Request of Staff Staff was requested to forward to the Environment and Parks Committee members, Electric Mobility Canada’s presentation from its September 9, 2014 meeting.

It was MOVED and SECONDED

That the Environment and Parks Committee direct staff to explore renewal of membership in Electric Mobility Canada and report back to the Committee with recommendations including information on any incentive programs in Quebec and Ontario.

CARRIED



Presentation material titled Electric Mobility Canada – The Electrification of Transport ‐ An important tool for the attainment of sustainable transportation in municipal governments and their fleets is retained with the September 9, 2014 Environment and Parks Committee agenda.

4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

4.1 Michelle Pentz Glave and Heather Prittie, Bowen Agriculture Alliance (BAA) Members were provided a presentation about a proposed pollinators demonstration garden at Killarney Meadows in Crippen Regional Park highlighting the project site, opportunities and constraints, vision and mission, synergies with other organizations, objectives, core programming, proposed elements, and next steps. In response to questions, members were informed about collaborative efforts with Simon Fraser University on potential research of isolated Bowen Island bee populations, educational/interpretive services, signage, maintenance, structural needs, and long‐term funding plans. Comments were offered about consideration being given to exploring a Bowen Island ban on pesticides and herbicides to support bee populations and how pollination levels are measured in specific areas. Presentation material titled Killarney Meadows Proposed Pollinator Initiative and Demonstration Garden is retained with the September 9, 2014 Environment and Parks Committee agenda.

5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF PARKS

5.1 Crippen Regional Park – Killarney Meadows Demonstration Garden Proposal

Report dated July 25, 2014 from Greg Paris, Regional Parks West Area Planner, Planning, Policy and Environment, providing an overview of the Bowen Agricultural Alliance Society’s Killarney Meadows Demonstration Garden proposal, and seeking authorization to undertake community consultation on this proposal. Members were asked to consider parts a) and b) of the recommendation separate from part c). It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Parks Committee: a) endorse community consultation on the Bowen Agriculture Alliance

Society’s proposal to establish a 0.283 ha. (0.7 acre) demonstration garden in Killarney Meadows in Crippen Regional Park; and



b) direct staff to report back on their findings, for further consideration of the demonstration garden proposal.

CARRIED

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the GVRD Board receive the July 25, 2014 report titled Crippen Regional Park – Killarney Meadows Demonstration Garden Proposal, for information.

CARRIED

5.2 Burnaby Lake Park Association ‐ Contribution Agreement Report dated August 12, 2014 from Stephen Suddes, Public Programs and Community Development Division Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment, seeking GVRD Board authorization to enter into a one‐year contribution agreement with Burnaby Lake Park Association in the amount of $10,500 from October 30, 2014 ending December 31, 2015. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Contribution Agreement between the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) and the Burnaby Lake Park Association be approved for a one‐year term and contribution amount of $10,500 commencing on October 30, 2014 and ending on December 31, 2015.

CARRIED

5.3 Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society – Contribution Agreement Report dated August 12, 2014 from Stephen Suddes, Public Programs and Community Development Division Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment, seeking GVRD Board authorization to enter into a one‐year contribution agreement with Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society in the amount of $14,000 commencing October 30, 2014 ending December 31, 2015. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Contribution Agreement between the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) and the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society be approved for a one‐year term and contribution amount of $14,000 commencing on October 30, 2014 and ending on December 31, 2015.

CARRIED

5.4 Pacific Spirit Park Society – Contribution Agreement Report dated August 12, 2014 from Stephen Suddes, Public Programs and Community Development Division Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment, seeking GVRD Board authorization to enter into a one‐year contribution agreement with Pacific Spirit Park Society in the amount of $14,000 commencing October 30, 2014 ending December 31, 2015.



It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Contribution Agreement between the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) and the Pacific Spirit Park Society be approved for a one year term and contribution amount of $14,000 commencing on October 30, 2014 and ending on December 31, 2015.

CARRIED

5.5 Manager’s Report – Parks Report dated August 13, 2014 from Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment, updating the Environment and Parks Committee on the Committee’s 2014 Work Plan for Parks, agriculture in regional parks, the Regional Trail Network, RCMP patrols of Wreck Beach in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, BC Ministry of Social Development Job Creation Partnership Grant ‐ Experience the Fraser and Trails, Connecting Canadians with Nature, Docent Volunteers, and Experience the Fraser Project. In response to questions, members were informed about the need for further policy discussion on agriculture in regional parks and were updated on the Regional Trail Network. Request of Staff Staff was requested to flag as a discussion item, for the parks advisory committee, standardizing data to develop a Regional Trail Network map. Members were updated on RCMP patrols and crime data at Wreck Beach. Request of Staff Staff was requested to share with the Wreck Beach Preservation Society, the Wreck Beach Patrol Summary 2009‐2013 data, as presented in attachment 5 of the August 13, 2014 report titled Manager’s Report – Parks. Members were informed of a typo, in attachment 5, number of MV staff patrols, in “2013” column, should read 390 (not 39). Comments were offered about exploring uniform criteria for regional parks volunteers. Request of Staff Staff was requested to report back to the Environment and Parks Committee with details on any Orange County Parks (California) policies related to criteria for issuing volunteer uniforms. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Parks Committee receive for information the report dated August 13, 2014, titled Manager’s Report – Parks.

CARRIED



ENVIRONMENT 5.6 Metro Vancouver’s Carbon Neutral Progress in 2013

Report dated August 11, 2014 from Conor Reynolds, Senior Project Engineer and Jason Emmert, Air Quality Planner, Planning, Policy and Environment, informing the Environment and Parks Committee of the report submitted to the Province under the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) and Metro Vancouver’s progress to become carbon neutral in 2013. In accordance with CARIP, Metro Vancouver has reported that in 2013 it made substantial progress toward its carbon neutral goal, using carbon credits from two landfill gas capture projects to balance over 80% of its corporate carbon footprint. Request of Staff Staff was requested to correct the August 11, 2014 report titled Metro Vancouver’s Carbon Neutral Progress in 2013, in the recommendation, by replacing the phrase “That the Environment and Parks Committee”, with the phrase “That the GVRD Board”, prior to being forwarded to the Board. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the GVRD Board receive for information the report dated August 11, 2014, titled Metro Vancouver’s Carbon Neutral Progress in 2013.

CARRIED 5.7 Manager’s Report – Environment

Report dated August 19, 2014 from Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment, updating the Environment and Parks Committee on the Committee’s 2014 Workplan for Environment, 2014 air quality advisories, Trans Mountain Expansion Project, and QUEST 2014: Innovation to Implementation Conference and Tradeshow. In response to questions, members were updated on the status of Fraser Surrey Dock’s air quality permit application. Request of Staff Staff was requested to add to the Manager’s Report – Environment, in the Environment and Parks Committee agenda, a standing item to report out on the status of Fraser Surrey Dock’s air quality permit application related to coal shipment.

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Parks Committee receive for information the report dated August 19, 2014, titled Manager’s Report – Environment.

CARRIED



6. INFORMATION ITEMS It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Parks Committee receive for information the following Information Items: 6.1 Regional Parks Summary Events Schedule 6.2 iParks Navigator ‐ Media Release 6.3 Clean Energy Vehicle Program ‐ Correspondence dated July 30, 2014, addressed

to Chair Moore and Directors, from the Ministry of Environment, British Columbia

6.4 Green Communities ‐ Correspondence dated August 14, 2014, addressed to Chair Moore and Board Members, from the joint Provincial‐Union of BC Municipalities Green Communities Committee

6.5 RCMP Wreck Beach Patrols ‐ News Article 6.6 Regional Parks Burns Bog ‐ News Article

CARRIED

7. OTHER BUSINESS No items presented. 8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS

No items presented. 9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Parks Committee close its regular meeting scheduled for September 9, 2014, pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1) (e) and (i) as follows: “90 (1) A part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being

considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or

improvements, if the board or committee considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district; and

(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor‐client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.”

CARRIED



10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Environment and Parks Committee adjourn its regular meeting of September 9, 2014.

CARRIED (Time: 2:36 p.m.)

____________________________ ____________________________ Janis Knaupp, Heather Deal, Chair Assistant to Regional Committees 10173124 FINAL


To: Environment and Parks Committee From: Mitch Sokalski, Director, Regional Parks, Planning, Policy and Environment

Department Date: September 12, 2014 Meeting Date: October 2, 2014 Subject: 2015 Business Plan and Budget – Regional Parks

RECOMMENDATION That the Environment and Parks Committee endorse the 2015 Regional Parks Business Plan and Budget as presented in the report “2015 Business Plan and Budget – Regional Parks” dated September 12, 2014 and forward them to the “Board Budget Workshop” on October 16, 2014 for consideration.

PURPOSE To present the 2015 Regional Parks Business Plan and Budget for consideration by the Environment and Parks Committee. BACKGROUND The Regional Parks function comprises all 23 members within Metro Vancouver plus City of Abbotsford and provides a regional park system that consists of 14,500 hectares of parkland with 22 regional parks, five greenways, two ecological conservancy areas and four regional reserves serving over 10 million visits annually. The regional parks program is guided by the Board Strategic Plan and the Regional Parks Plan with its primary focus on the following goals: Goal 1 – Promote ecological health Goal 2 – Promote outdoor recreation for human health and wellness Goal 3 – Support community stewardship, education and partnerships Goal 4 – Promote philanthropy and economic opportunities 2015 BUSINESS PLAN AND BUDGET As in 2014, the planning and budget process for each business area within Metro Vancouver’s legislative authority and responsibilities has included the development of Business Plans to guide the work plans for 2015. Each Business Plan includes a description of the service provided, the annual budget and staffing levels, as well as key actions for the upcoming year. In addition, performance indicators are included in the Business Plans. High level performance indicators have been developed across the organization to evaluate trends, determine key actions for the coming year, and assist in long‐term planning. For each performance indicator, context is provided either in the form of comparable industry benchmarks or internal historical trends, current performance and 2015 performance objectives.

5.1


2015 Business Plan and Budget – Regional Parks Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Date: October 2, 2014

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The Regional Parks budget detail (Attachment 1), the Regional Parks Business Plan (Attachment 2), are provided for the Committee’s consideration. The department structure for Regional Parks is provided in (Attachment 3). The 2015 Regional Park Business Plan and Budget has been prepared to respond to the strategic direction provided by the Board and pending outcomes of the Board directed Park Service Review. Operating Budget Highlights The Regional Parks operating budget is proposed to increase by $572,553 (2.6%) in 2015 for a total operating budget of $22,768,749. This increase is primarily due to inflation, labour adjustments and an internal transfer of $328,000 from MV Finance into the Parks Partnership Program. The Park Partnership Program allocates annual contribution funding to the Pacific Parklands Foundation, Catch the Spirit Youth Society, Kanaka Creek Environmental Educators Society, Burnaby Lake Park Association, Pacific Spirit Park Society. The proposed 2015 budget provides funding to maintain 2014 service levels, and provides the necessary resources to work on Board‐approved priority actions arising from the Park Service Review. Included in the 2015 budget are funds to cover the costs for contract services, including consulting and professional services. Contract services are necessary to operate and maintain Metro Vancouver’s 33 regional park sites. Contract services range in scope from very small on‐time contracts to larger annual contracts, for example, Brae Island and the camp ground is operated under contract, park caretaker contracts to provide afterhours security and facility opening and closing, equipment rental, waste removal, pest control, trades services such as electricians, plumbers and welders, and rental housing contract repairs are examples of the type of work covered by contractors. Consulting and professional services includes contract work to support day to day visitor and operations services, park planning, and resource management work, including biophysical assessments, archeological impact assessments, outreach and marketing, property survey, and geotechnical engineering. The proposed 2015 operating budget includes the following key actions:

Implement Board‐approved priority actions resulting from the Parks Service Review

Implement solid waste management improvements for garbage, dog waste, recyclables and organics to meet Zero Waste targets; complete solid waste handling plans for each park site

Complete construction of Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre and hold opening ceremony

Complete construction of Surrey Bend Regional Park facilities and hold opening ceremony

Commence construction of Colony Farm Regional Park Sheep Paddocks Trail; complete in 2016

Assemble and develop technical information required for Park Management Planning specific to Widgeon Marsh Regional Park Reserve, pending outcomes of the Park Service Review

Total fulltime regular staffing for the Regional Parks function is 118.6. In addition, seasonal staff are employed through the peak visitor use season to address high public demand on facilities and care for park resources.



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Capital Budget Highlights The Regional Parks capital budget remains at the same funding level as in 2014, in 2015 the contribution to the capital budget is $7,252,203. (Attachment 4.) Highlights of capital projects planned for 2015 include the following:

Surrey Bend Regional Park – Park Entrance & Trails – $2.4 Mill

Colony Farm Regional Park – Sheep Paddock Trail Rebuild phase one – $1.325 Mill

Kanaka Creek Regional Park – Watershed Stewardship Centre $1.1 Mill

Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Still Creek Bridge Replacement ‐ $500K

Capilano River Regional Park – Camp Capilano Redevelopment ‐ $375K

Derby Reach Regional Park – Erosion Protection ‐ $80K Business Plan Performance Indicators Within the Regional Park Business Plan, 4 performance indicators have been developed and are being tracked. These indicators include:

Total number of Annual Visits

Total number of Annual Participants in Park Programming

Annual Volunteer Hours

Sensitive Ecosystems Protected in Regional Parks

The trend in these performance measures suggest that regional parks are well attended. Annual increases to annual visits to regional parks exceeds the overall percentage of the region’s annual population growth. A new indicator, titled Sensitive Ecosystems Protected in Regional Parks has been included in this year’s business plan. This performance indicator is in intended to measure protection of the region’s sensitive ecosystems within regional parks. Baseline information on the amount of the region’s sensitive ecosystem protected in regional parks has been developed. While this performance indicator may not change significantly year over year, staff believe that increments of 3 or 5 years should indicate outcomes of both increased land protection and the amount of habitat restoration. BUDGET APPROVAL PROCESS The proposed 2015 Business Plan and Budget for Regional Park is presented to the Environment and Parks Committee for consideration and endorsement before being forwarded to the Board for consideration. The following lists the next steps of the budget process:

• The 2015 Business Plan and Budget for Regional Parks will be presented at the “Board Budget Workshop” on October 16, 2014.

• The Board will consider adoption of the Budget on October 24, 2014.



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ALTERNATIVES 1. That the Environment and Parks Committee endorse the 2015 Regional Parks Business Plan and

Budget as presented in the report “2015 Business Plan and Budget – Regional Parks” dated September 12, 2014 and forward to the “Board Budget Workshop” on October 16, 2014 for consideration.

2. That the Environment and Parks Committee make recommendations and endorse the 2015

Regional Parks Business Plan and Budget as amended and forward to the “Board Budget Workshop” on October 16, 2014 for consideration.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The 2015 Business Plan and Budget for Regional Parks is one part of the total budget that is funded by the overall GVRD tax requisition. When Regional Parks is combined with the statutory functions of Air Quality and Regional Planning, along with GVRD Regional District Services and General Government Services, total expenditures are $65,457,110 for the Regional District. This figure represents a projected increase of $1,392,728 over 2014 (Attachment 5). If the GVRD Board approves the 2015 Budget for GVRD Regional Planning, as presented in alternative one, the overall GVRD tax requisition is projected to be $47.2 million, an increase of 2.0% from 2014. The majority of revenue to cover projected Regional Parks expenditures will come from the GVRD tax requisition but non‐tax revenue sources account for approximately 6% of the operating budget. These non‐tax revenue sources include: facility rentals and events, commercial use permits, interpretive programming, commercial filming, pay parking, camping, rental housing, food concessions, grant funding and commercial leases and licenses. Under Alternative Two, the Committee may wish to consider recommending amendments to the operating and/or capital budget to reflect Board strategic priorities. Any proposed changes would require an update to the tax requisition for the service. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION As part of the annual budget process for 2015, Business Plans have been prepared to accompany service area budgets in order to provide Committee and Board members with a high level overview on the role of the service, the total budget, overall staff complement, performance indicators and key actions for the coming year. Within the overall Regional Parks function, operating expenditures as outlined in the 2015 Business Plans are projected to increase by $ 572,553.00 (2.6%) over 2014 while the annual contribution to the parks capital program are projected to remain at the same level as 2014 at $ 7,252,203. The budget for 2015 has been prepared to respond to direction provided in the Board Strategic Plan, support the goals of the Regional Parks Plan and provides funding to respond to the outcomes of the Board directed Park Service Review. Staff recommend endorsing the 2015 Business Plans and Budget for as presented under Alternative One.



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Attachments: (DOC 10203169)

1. 2015 Regional Parks Budget Detail 2. Regional Parks 2015 Business Plan 3. Organizational Chart for Planning, Policy and Environment Department 4.1 Regional Parks Capital Program, Capital Replacement and Development Projects 2015 –

Map 4.2 2015 Regional Parks Capital Program, Capital Replacement and Development Projects –

Scope Statements 5. Metro Vancouver Districts Revenue & Expenditure Summary Regional District Summary

2015 Budget 10190202


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GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT REGIONAL PARKS

2015 BUDGET

2014 BUDGET

REVENUES

GVRD Municipal Levy $ 30,214,885 $ User Fees 946,417 Other External Revenues 1,219,902 Other Funds I Reserves 363,143

TOTAL REVENUES $ 32,744,347 $

EXPENDITURES

Operating Programs: Systems Planning and Engineering Services

Planning and Research $ 1,088,754 $ Engineering Services 809,056

1,897,810

Visitor and Operations Services Operations and Maintenance 11,230,612

Visitor Services 2,368,877 Area Administration 1,741,317

Operations Services 1,315,544

Area Resource Management 635,168 Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area 498,453 Partnerships 440,993 Area Planning 436,493 Rental Program 360,140

19,027,597

Utility Voice Radio 86,449

Quality Control Allocated 66,297

Administration and Department Support 1 '118,043

22,196,196

Allocation of Centralized Support Costs 3,040,954 Total Operating Programs 25,237,150

Debt Service

Contribution to Capital Reserve 7,252,203

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 32,744,347 $

2015 BB OCT-Manual Functional Summaries V2a.xlsx

2015 % BUDGET CHANGE

30,909,043 2.3% 972,142

1,059,649 420,017

33,360,851 1.9%

1,220,769 807,445

2,028,214 6.9%

11,439,268 2,415,932 1,781,044 1,305,949

612,003 405,085 769,151 432,828

381 '196 19,542,456 2.7%

90,460 4.6%

48,743 (26 5%)

1,058,876 (5.3%)

22,768,749 2.6%

3,097,873 1.9% 25,866,622 2.5%

242,026 (5.1%)

7,252,203 0.0%

33,360,851 1.9%


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5.1 Attachment 1

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GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT CAPITAL PROGRAMS & PROJECT DETAILS

REGIONAL PARKS 2015 BUDGET

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

Capital Replacement and Development Projects Surrey Bend $ Colony Farm Sheep Paddocks Trail Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre Academy Burnaby Lake Still Creek Bridge Replacement Camp Capilano Redevelopment Experience the Fraser Derby Reach Erosion Protection Pacific Spirit Acadia Picnic Area Erosion/Cultural Resource Protection Boundary Bay Embree House Sewerage Aldergrove Upgrades Boundary Bay - Centennial Beach Brunette Fraser Greenway Trail Connection Derby Reach Watermain Replacement Minnekhada Log Walk Replacement Campbell Valley Perimeter Trail Phase 5 Exhibits, Interpretation & Public Art Boundary Bay Boardwalk Replacement Pacific Spirit Service Yard Replacement Matsqui Trail- Phase 1 Infrastructure Improvements

$

Capital Maintenance Projects $

Heritage Parkland Acquisition Fund $

TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES $

CAPITAL FUNDING SOURCES

Reserves $ Grants Contribution to Capital Debt Financing

TOTAL CAPITAL FUNDING SOURCES $


2014 2015

2,200,000 $ 2,400,000 140,000 1,325,000 800,000 1 '1 00,000 500,000 500,000 125,000 375,000 300,000 100,000

80,000 75,000 65,000

500,000 330,000 250,000 175,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 125,000 100,000 100,000

6,095,000 $ 6,020,000

2,400,000 $ 2,100,000

5,000,000 $ 5,000,000

13,495,000 $ 13,120,000

13,495,000 $ 13,120,000

13,495,000 $ 13,120,000


2015 BUSINESS PLAN

9505091

PLANNING, POLICY & ENVIRONMENT Regional Parks

Description of services This business area is responsible for the planning, operations, development, property acquisition and management, resource management, public relations, community stewardship, visitor services and educational programs of Metro Vancouver’s Regional Parks. The Regional Parks system includes 14,500 hectares of parkland, serves 10 million visits annually, 22 regional parks, 5 regional greenways, 2 ecological conservancy areas and 4 regional reserves. The operating budget for this business area is $22,768,749, the capital budget is $7,252,203 and is supported by a staff of 118.6 permanent fulltime. Note: this does not include seasonal employees to support the delivery of park services. Strategic Direction and High level goals supported Regional Parks Plan:

Goal 1 ‐ Promote ecological health Goal 2 ‐ Promote outdoor recreation for human health and wellness Goal 3 ‐ Support community stewardship, education and partnerships Goal 4 ‐ Promote philanthropy and economic opportunities

Performance indicators

Indicator Historical and/or industry benchmark

Current performance 2015 Performance objectives

Annual visits 9,400,000 MV 5‐year average

2014: 9,785,000 (3% increase over 2012) 2013: 10,300,000 2013 was exceptional due to weather, fish runs & data improvements. 2012: 9,500,000 2011: 9,100,000 2010: 9,100,000

10,000,000

Annual participants in park programming (including special events, recreation, interpretive and school programs)

43,000 participants MV 5‐year average

2014: 54,000 2013: 45,000 2012: 49,000 2011: 47,000 2010: 38,000

45,000 Same amount of resources.

5.1 Attachment 2



Current performance 2015 Performance objectives

Annual volunteer hours (for Park Associations, stewardship, educational programs and events)

Baseline is being re‐established. Establishing complete and consistent reporting from many sources.

2014: 48,000 2013: 22,948 2013 was first year of consistent tracking. 2012: 45,000 2011: 43,300 2010: 35,000

25,000

Area of the Region’s sensitive ecosystems protected in Regional Parks

9,924 hectares

Current baseline.

2014: 9,924 Target is to stay same or grow slowly as sensitive land acquired or restored. 2013: 9,924

Next update in 2016; new mapping will be available in 2015.

9,924

2015 Key Actions

Implement Board‐approved priority actions resulting from the Parks Service Review.

Implement solid waste management improvements for garbage, dog waste, recyclables and organics to meet Zero Waste targets; complete solid waste handling plans for each park site.

Complete construction of Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre and hold opening ceremony.

Complete construction of Surrey Bend Regional Park facilities and hold opening ceremony.

Commence construction of Colony Farm Regional Park Sheep Paddocks Trail; complete in 2016.

Assemble and develop technical information required for Park Management Planning activities specific to Widgeon Marsh Regional Park Reserve, pending outcomes of the Park Service Review.


Visitor Services & Partnerships

AIR QUALITY

Parks West

Parks Operations Services

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Policy & Management

Sampling & Investigation

Climate Change Policy & Management

Parks East

Parks Central

GENERAL MANAGER

10279924

2014

REGIONAL PARKS

Planning, Resource Mgmt

& Development

REGIONAL HOUSING

NW Area

SE Area

SW Area

NE Area

Operations & Maintenance

Housing Policy

FTRs = 27.0 FTRs = 118.6

FTRs = 15.0

FTRs = 64.00Planning, Policy & Environment

TOTAL FTRs = 230.6

Data & Assessment

MV Housing Corp

Tennant Services & SupportFTRs = 1.00

Finance

CORPORATE STRATEGIES* FTRs = 4.0

REGIONAL PLANNING

FTRs = 1.0

Department Support

FTRs = 4.0

* These positions counted under Corporate Planning Function

ELECTORAL AREA

SERVICES

Planning & Policy Analysis

Strategic Initiatives

Environment


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kilometres

0 10 20 30

REGIONAL PARKS CAPITAL PROGRAMCapital Replacement and Development Projects - 2015

Attachment 3

Date: September 2014

* pending Service Review

Projects in Multiple Sites6. EXPERIENCE THE FRASER - Implementation - Multiple Sites


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2015 REGIONAL PARKS CAPITAL PROGRAM CAPITAL REPLACEMENT and DEVELOPMENT PROJECT – SCOPE STATEMENTS

Attachment 4

CAPITAL Replacement and Development Project ‐ SCOPE STATEMENTS

PROJECT NAME SCOPE / PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1

2

3

4

5

6

SURREY BEND

Park Entrance & Trails

COLONY FARM

Sheep Paddock Trail

Rebuild ‐ Phase 1

KANAKA CREEK

Watershed Stewardship

Centre

BURNABY LAKE Still Creek Bridge

Replacement

CAPILANO RIVER Camp Capilano Redevelopment

EXPERIENCE the FRASER

Complete detailed design for Surrey Bend and the second phase of construction.

Program to include park entrance road with bike lane, parking for 40 cars, 20 picnic

tables and 3 shelters (capacity 100), a rustic washroom, 3 Fraser river viewpoints

and approximately 3‐4 Km of trails.

First phase of construction of a multi‐use trail to replace the former trail adjacent to

the Coquitlam River closed to public access due to severe erosion. Project scope will

include a trail, stream stabilization, bridges and culverts, landscape and habitat

compensation, site furnishings, signage and interpretation features. Trail to be

completed in 2016.

To advance design, fundraising and construction of the Stewardship Building, phase

2 of the Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Center. This facility will include a

multi‐purpose/classroom, exhibit area, office, washrooms and meeting room to

expand existing environmental education and stewardship programs, hands‐on

learning, community events, recreation and salmon rearing. It will also create a

home base for the Park Association and KEEPS.

To replace the aging bridge with equivalent pedestrian and service vehicle accessible

bridge.

Phase 2 of a multi‐phase project to upgrade existing infrastructure to meet current

code. Phase one, completed in 2013/14, included a new roof, seismic upgrades

along with structural repairs. Phase 2 will include architectural, structural

mechanical and electrical upgrades.

To advance the Experience the Fraser (ETF) project and implement a series of

projects that will improve public access to and knowledge about the Fraser River

and build the ETF brand. Implementation of ETF Blueway amenities in 2 riverfront

regional parks: a) Lower Kanaka Creek exhibits and b) Surrey Bend viewing feature


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2015 REGIONAL PARKS CAPITAL PROGRAM CAPITAL REPLACEMENT and DEVELOPMENT PROJECT – SCOPE STATEMENTS

Attachment 4

CAPITAL Replacement and Development Project ‐ SCOPE STATEMENT

PROJECT NAME SCOPE / PROJECT DESCRIPTION

7

8

9

DERBY REACH Erosion Protection

PACIFIC SPIRIT Acadia Picnic Area, Erosion / Cultural Resource Protection

BOUNDARY BAY Embree House Sewerage

To implement priority shoreline protection and stabilization measures to secure bank. A multi‐phase project at the waterfront picnic site adjoining the Point Grey cliffs. Recent storms have advanced erosion resulting in unstable banks, public safety concerns and threats to valued cultural resources in the area. Initial stage would include archaeological and geological assessment, survey and inventory to complete design to manage erosion and cultural resource protection. Subsequent work will include implementation of selected elements of the approved design to secure the resource and manage public safety issues.

To upgrade existing aging pump‐out septic system to meet current safety and health

code requirements.


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REVENUES

GVRD Municipal Levy Electoral Area Levy GPS User Fees User Fees

810

METRO VANCOUVER DISTRICTS REVENUE & EXPENDITURE SUMMARY

REGIONAL DISTRICT SUMMARY 2015 BUDGET

2014 BUDGET

$ 46,261,598 234,404 383,559

2,664,853 Federal Funding Homelessness Partnering Strategy 8,221,829 Non-Road Diesel Permit Fees 1,260,000 Other External Revenues 3,468,004 Other Funds I Reserves 1,570,135

TOTAL REVENUES $ 64,064,382

EXPENDITURES

Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality $ 7,576,794

General Government 13,933,811 E911 Emergency Telephone Service 3,949,020 Electoral Areas 320,617 Labour Relations 2,090,323 Regional Parks 32,744,347 Regional Planning 2,772,586 Regional Global Positioning System 408,559 Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department 268,325

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 64,064,382



$ 47,177,139 2.0% 356,377 52.0% 332,551 (13.3%)

2,790,142 4.7% 8,221,829 0.0% 1,309,000 3.9% 3,207,353 (7.5%) 2,062,719 31.4%

$ 65,457,110 2.2%

$ 8,325,808 9.9%

13,162,432 (5.5%) 4,036.446 2.2%

489,702 52.7% 2,163,995 3.5%

33,360,851 1.9% 2,910,989 5.0%

757,551 85.4% 249,336 (7.1 %)

$ 65,457,110 2.2%


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10202158

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To: Environment and Parks Committee From: Bonnie Blue, Senior Planner, Policy, Planning and Environment Department Date: September 12, 2014 Meeting Date: October 2, 2014 Subject: Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy

RECOMMENDATION That the GVRD Board approve the “Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy” as presented in the report dated September 12, 2014, titled “Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy”.

PURPOSE To seek GVRD Board approval of a policy for naming and dedications in Regional Parks that provides recognition opportunities for exceptional contributions to the Regional Parks service. BACKGROUND Regional Parks, sites within parks, and associated natural features, trails, routes, facilities, structures and programs are typically named after geography, local history or tradition. However, occasionally situations occur when alternatives to the normal practice could be considered. Financial and land donations to the regional parks system are becoming more common as are requests to acknowledge citizens or nonprofit groups. DISCUSSION Naming natural or built assets is a way to remember shared history, identify natural resources and geographic features and help visitors interpret park resources. Names are also important to civic identity and give meaning to a place. As such, naming is an important component of regional parks and visitor experience.

These considerations need to be balanced with the opportunity naming provides to acknowledge outstanding contributions which are central to the creation of a regional park or the restoration or protection of an important feature in the park. Outstanding contributions are typically large financial donations but could also be contributions of service to the regional park system.

The opportunity for dedication may be available where a park, site or structure already has a name. Dedication involves installation of a plaque, dedication sign or associated exhibit with a written inscription, placed on or near the asset dedicated.

Related Policy or Practice This policy does not affect the Metro Vancouver Parks Commemorative Gifts Program which provides opportunities for donations of park furniture, plantings, specified projects and other gift alternatives that are deemed appropriate for a regional park.

5.2


Metro Vancouver Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Date: October 2, 2014

Page 2 of 2

The Pacific Parklands Foundation (PPF) administers Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Commemorative Gift program. The Foundation’s sole purpose is to raise funds for Metro Vancouver’s regional parks program, and since being formed in 2000 has raised nearly $5.5 million dollars and partnered with more than 300 different individuals, corporations, foundations, non‐profit organizations, community groups and park partners to complete over 85 small and medium sized projects. This policy will assist in the Foundation’s efforts to raise funds for Metro Vancouver’s regional park projects and programs. Approvals The Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Director will recommend naming and dedication prospects to the Environment and Parks Committee in accordance with this policy. The Environment and Parks Committee will consider the proposals and seek confirmation by the GVRD Board. ALTERNATIVES

1. That the GVRD Board adopt the attached policy titled “Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications” dated September 12, 2014.

2. That the GVRD Board provide alternate direction.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no direct financial implications to adopting this naming and dedications policy, except for the cost of the modest ceremony that might take place in either case. Naming and/or dedication could be attractive to potential donors. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION Metro Vancouver policy is to name regional parks, sites within parks, natural features, trails, routes, facilities, structures, or programs after geography, local history or tradition. In order to recognize outstanding contributions, the Board could choose to adopt a policy to use naming or dedications as a means of acknowledgement. Staff recommend alternative 1. Attachment:

Metro Vancouver Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy (Doc 10213907) 10206639


10213907 Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy Page 1 of 2

REGIONAL PARKS ‐ NAMING AND DEDICATIONS POLICY Effective Date: Approved By:

PURPOSE To provide direction for naming and dedications in regional parks. The Metro Vancouver Regional

Parks Director will recommend naming and dedication prospects to the Committee responsible for

regional parks and in accordance with this policy. The Committee will consider the proposal and seek

confirmation by the GVRD Board.

DEFINITIONS Naming: Bestowing a park, site within a park, natural feature, trail, facility, structure, portion of

facility or structure, or a program with a name. Naming may be acknowledged with a ceremony. The

name has daily usage on signs, brochures, maps and plans.

Dedication: On‐site recognition such as a dedication sign, plaque, suitable monument or associated

exhibit with an inscription recognizing a donor or citizen leader for outstanding contribution or

service to regional parks. Dedication may be acknowledged with a ceremony. Notice of the

dedication does not appear on park signs, brochures, maps or plans, but the exhibit or plaque

remains on site and the dedication is acknowledged at appropriate times.

Outstanding Contribution: Outstanding contributions are typically large financial donations but

could also be contributions of service to the regional park system.

POLICY Metro Vancouver practice is to name regional parks, sites within parks, natural features, trails, facilities, and structures, portions of facilities or structures, and programs after geography, local history or tradition. In order to recognize outstanding contributions, the Metro Vancouver Board may wish to name or dedicate regional parks, sites within parks, natural features, facilities, structures, portions of facilities or structures, or programs after a donor or citizen leader within the parameters established by this policy. Table 1 provides a summary of naming and dedication opportunities. CONTEXT Naming and dedication are both appropriate ways of recognizing donors and citizen contributions. Requests for naming and or dedication are becoming more frequent. This policy does not include corporate sponsorships. In addition to the customary practice of using geography, history and tradition to name regional park components, there are some situations where alternative practices may be desired to honor outstanding contributions to the regional park service.

5.2 Attachment

BOARD POLICY


10213907 Regional Parks ‐ Naming and Dedications Policy Page 2 of 2

DURATION OF NAMES AND DEDICATIONS

Names and dedications will remain in place for the useful life of the asset or program. In the case of

land gifts, dedications or names for the original donation remain in perpetuity. If a park’s natural

feature or built asset has an existing name or dedication, it cannot be renamed or rededicated

unless exceptional circumstances exist and only with explicit approval of the GVRD Board.

SUMMARY OF NAMING AND DEDICATIONS

Regional Park Natural & Built Assets Naming Dedication Notes

Parks/Sites

Existing parks and sites within parks with

a prior name attachment

No Yes No renaming opportunity. A prior name attachment is known to and valued by the community.

Existing sites or features within parks

without a prior name attachment

Yes Yes

New parks without a prior name attachment

No

Yes

GVRD Board will approve naming of new

regional parks, recommendations from

Committee.

Trails

Existing trails or routes with a prior name

attachment

No

Yes Includes a prior name attachment known to and valued by the community.

Existing trails or routes without a prior

name attachment

Yes Yes

New trails or routes Yes

Yes A route may use sections of existing trails

which have other names (superimposed

over existing).

Facilities/Structures (non‐heritage)

Existing facilities, structures, or portions

of facilities and structures with a prior

name attachment

No

Yes Includes a prior name attachment known to and valued by the community and won’t be re‐named.

Existing facilities, structures, or portions

of facilities and structures without a prior

name attachment

Yes Yes

Substantially repaired or replaced

facilities, structures, or portions of

facilities and structures

Yes

Yes

New facilities and structures or portions

of facilities and structures

Yes

Yes

Heritage

Heritage buildings or structures No

Yes Retain historic name or name that

interprets the facility or structure.

Rooms in heritage buildings Yes Yes The naming or dedication must support

heritage interpretation of the building.

Programs / Events

Programs Yes Yes These are transient activities and thus the

naming or dedication applies only for the

duration of the program or event.


To: Environment and Parks Committee From: Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment Department Date: September 15, 2014 Meeting Date: October 2, 2014 Subject: Manager’s Report – Parks

RECOMMENDATION That the Environment and Parks Committee receive for information the report dated September 15, 2014, titled “Manager’s Report – Parks”.

ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS COMMITTEE 2014 WORK PLAN – PARKS Attachment 1 to this report sets out the Committee’s Workplan for 2014 – Parks. The status of work program elements is indicated as pending, in progress, or complete. The listing is updated as needed to include new issues that arise, items requested by the Committee and changes in the schedule. MUSIC IN THE PARK EVENT Music in the Park, at Capilano River Regional Park, was held each Sunday in July and August. Monday, September 1st was the finale of this year’s series, capping the best season yet, drawing over 1,700 people despite the gloomy weather. This free family event featured live musical performances, children’s activities, food, and live art demonstrations featuring local artists. Attendees enjoyed live jazz, folk, blues and rock, gypsy and Celtic swing while taking in the stunning backdrop of the North Shore Mountains and Capilano reservoir. This event is the result of successful collaboration between Metro Vancouver and the North Vancouver Community Arts Council. In total. One event was also held at Pacific Spirit Regional Park attracting 600 attendees. In total this year’s Music in the Park series held 9 events attracting approximately 3400 attendees. BRUNETTE FRASER GREENWAY PROJECT UPDATES Staff has been working on several projects along the Brunette Fraser Greenway. A location map is attached (Attachment 2). Trail Connection and Bank Works Phase 2 of the trail and ecological enhancements of the river bank along the Lower Brunette River were undertaken this year. This included removal of a concrete pier, re‐grading of the river bank, and trail connection to the bridge. This project is identified in the Ecological Health Action Plan and work is ongoing.

5.4

Music in the Park at MV’s Capilano River Regional Park


Manager’s Report – Parks Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Date: October 2, 2014

Page 2 of 6

Sapperton Pump Station and Cumberland Point In the early 2000s, Parks and GVS&DD jointly purchased a parcel of land along the Brunette River in New Westminster to accommodate a new sewerage pump station and to provide a staging area and public washrooms for the Brunette Fraser Greenway. The pre‐design phase of this project is being completed and work will begin in the fall of 2014 on the detailed design. Parks staff is working closely with Liquid Waste Services to ensure the site provides trail connections to the rest of the greenway, public washrooms and parking. Conceptual design for Cumberland Point is also being undertaken at this time. This area will act as a picnic area and rest stop along the greenway. A joint public process is being planned to incorporate both the design of the new Sapperton Pump Station and surrounding site and the concept design for Cumberland Point. This process will include a public event and on‐line forum to provide the public with the opportunity to comment on both of these projects. An open house is planned for fall 2014.

METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL PARK MUNICIPAL ADVISORY GROUP

This working group is comprised of senior staff from local municipal parks and recreation departments. The need for this working group was both identified through Park Service Review meetings and by the Environment and Parks Committee. To date this working group has met three times, at their last meeting the working group considered a Draft Terms of Reference, see Attachment 3. The primary purpose of the Regional Park Municipal Advisory Group is for Metro Vancouver park staff to solicit and obtain advice from senior municipal staff on the overall regional parks program, and to collaborate on issues and needs shared by park agencies within the region. At the advisory groups September 23, 2014 meeting was held at Metro Vancouver’s Annacis Research Centre, agenda topics included: Regional Trail Network Map, Regional Parks Service Review, Electronic and Booking Software/Class and Active Cloud Registration System. Items of interest for future meetings include discussion and collaboration on responses to major infrastructure projects, such as Kinder Morgan Pipeline, Massey Tunnel Replacement, and Invasive Species (including BC Weed Act), Waste Management, Dogs/Commercial Dog Walkers, Tree Policies – Private and Public Lands, Bike Trails and Bike Structures, Long Boarding. The next meeting of the Parks Advisory Group will be held prior to year end.

REGIONAL PARKS ECOBLITZ On Saturday, October 25th, Metro Vancouver will host the first annual Ecoblitz – a day of environmental stewardship across the Regional Park system. Volunteers from around the region will be working on 10 ecological restoration projects in 10 parks together with Park Partner organizations and Regional Park staff to enhance the beauty and health of park habitats for both human visitors and the creatures that live within them. They will restore areas through planting native grasses, trees, and shrubs and by removing non‐native invasive plants like holly and ivy. See Attachment 4 for park and activity details.



Page 3 of 6

TRANS CANADA TRAIL AND METRO VANCOUVER WELCOME THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE EARL AND COUNTESS OF WESSEX On Sunday, September 14th the Trans Canada Trail hosted an event at Capilano River Regional Park, attended by special guests the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Their Royal Highnesses toured the Capilano River Salmon Hatchery, and then hiked the Coho Loop Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. Following the hike, there was a reception and brief official ceremony. The official program featured a traditional welcome by Hereditary Chief Ian Campbell of the Squamish First Nation, remarks by Metro Vancouver Board Chair Greg Moore, and words of welcome from the Lieutenant Governor of BC, the Honorable Judith Guichon. HRH the Earl of Wessex closed the ceremony with kind words of thanks. The royal couple were provided with ceremonial walking sticks by the Trans Canada Trail Board Chair. After the ceremony, the royal couple spent a considerable time mingling with the guests.

Although this was a private event, with Trans Canada Trail being the lead, regional park staff played an important supporting role in helping to prepare the venue, and ensure the program ran smoothly. MV’s Special events staff, and park operations played major roles to make the event possible. This highly successful event highlights the strong partnership that exists between Metro Vancouver and the Trans Canada Trail. Approximately 30 kilometres of the Trans Canada trail traverse four regional parks and one regional greenway. The Trans Canada Trail was launched in 1992 as a legacy project of Canada 125 celebrations. Since then, municipalities and local Trail groups, many of whom are run by volunteers, have developed nearly 17,000 kilometres of multi‐purpose Trail. The goal of TCT is by 2017, the 25th anniversary of the Trans Canada Trail, there will be a complete trans‐national trail network over 24,000 kilometres long, linking over 1000 communities from the Atlantic, to the Pacific and the Arctic coasts.

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex

From left to right – Chair Greg Moore, Princess Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex



Page 4 of 6

CAMPBELL VALLEY REGIONAL PARK ‐ COUNTRY CELEBRATION Country Celebration occurred over the weekend of September 13‐14, and attendance this year was definitely one of the highest. Approximately 9000 people attended this year’s fair, the weather was perfect, and the crowds came out in droves. The theme this year was old time country games, and participants loved the tug of war, potato sack race, egg and spoon race, hula hoops, bean bag toss, and other fun games and activities. There were over 75 exhibitors and vendors in the market place, 13 food

trucks, and many workshops, crafts, and games for the children (and adults!) to play. There were lots of animals in the barn this year, including cows, miniature horses, ducks, llamas, rabbits and more! The horse drawn wagon were once again one of the favourites. New this year were the Langley horse riders drill team, who performed near the entrance tent and wowed the crowds with Cavalry demonstrations. The main stage acts were amazing, and the stage was once again powered by solar panels, and bike power!

WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE CONSERVATION IN REGIONAL PARKS The Western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii), is a native freshwater turtle with unique colorful belly patterns. This long‐lived species reaches breeding age only at 8 years old and can live up to 50 years in captivity. The Coastal population of this species was listed in 2006 under the federal Species at Risk Act as “endangered”. The provincial Western Painted Turtle Recovery Team, Greater Vancouver Zoo and Coastal Painted Turtle Project are working together to study this species, inventory populations, assess habitat and develop and implement a recovery strategy. Research shows there are three genetically distinct populations on the Coast making these populations even rarer. There are only two known breeding sites remaining in the Lower Mainland, one is Burnaby Lake. There are also remnant populations that have little to no recruitment due to low numbers, several located in other Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.

In 2012, all currently occupied sites were evaluated for potential population recovery activities. Of the sites evaluated, the top three are located in Minnekhada, Campbell Valley and Aldergrove

Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys Picta Bellii)

Country Celebration Volunteers

Country Celebration Live Entertainment



Page 5 of 6

Regional Parks. These sites rank highly in large part due to their level of protection, suitability of the habitat and supportive stewardship community. Consequently, these sites have been chosen to conduct further research, part of which includes augmenting each population. Eggs are removed from the wild, incubated and reared in captivity and the “head started” juveniles are released after reaching a certain size (30‐50 g). This method increases survivability of eggs and hatchlings dramatically. So far this year, six turtles with transmitters have been released into Minnekhada Marsh and six into Campbell Valley. Another ten turtles without transmitters will be released once they have reached their target size. All turtles are from the Nicomekl slough population. Additionally, ten turtles recovered from the Burnaby Lake nesting beach after the coal spill were released on September 12, 2014. Another 40 turtles will be released soon.

Attachment: 1. Environment and Parks Committee 2014 Work Plan – Parks. (DOC 10177263) 2. Brunette Fraser Greenway Project Map (Doc 10177913) 3. Metro Vancouver Regional Park Municipal Advisory Group Terms of Reference (TOR) (DOC

10177913) 4. Metro Vancouver’s Regional Parks Ecoblitz Information (DOC 10177913)

10177263



Page 6 of 6

Environment and Parks Committee 2014 Work Plan ‐ Parks Priorities

1st Quarter Status

Establish a senior staff regional parks advisory committee with representatives from local municipal parks and recreation departments

complete

Complete the Expression of Interest process for determining restoration and management of the Davies Orchard Cottages with recommendations to the Board

in progress

2nd Quarter

Complete Camp Capilano phase one rehabilitation work complete

Finalize alignment, design and costs estimates to re‐construct Colony Farm Sheep Paddocks trail

in progress

Complete the North Arm extension addendum to the Experience the Fraser Concept Plan and obtain Board approval

in progress

3rd Quarter

Implement Board approved priority actions from the Regional Parks Service Review pending

Commence construction of Surrey Bend recreational access and facilities in progress

Contingent upon Board approval, commence Delta Nature Reserve operations In progress

Prepare a strategy to increase the profile and visits to regional parks pending

Complete Brunette‐Fraser Greenway trail connection and river bank stabilization in progress

4th Quarter

Review the 2015 Regional Parks budget in progress

Complete final phase of Centennial Beach redevelopment in progress

Commence construction of Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre pending

Recommence work on Parks Master Plan and obtain Board Approval pending

10177263

5.4 Attachment 1


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Holmes St

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1:15,0000 250 500125

MetersF1:2,5000 25 5012.5

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' ' ' ' ' Greenways

' ' ' ' ' Planned Greenway

Park Boundary

BRUNETTE FRASER GREENWAY Project Locations September 8, 2014

Detail map area


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5.4 Attachment 2

Metro Vancouver Regional Park Municipal Advisory Group ‐ TERMS of REFERENCE

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of the Regional Park Municipal Advisory Group is for Metro Vancouver (MV) Regional Park staff to

solicit information and advice on MV’s regional parks program and related interests from member Municipal Park

staff through direct communications, for Municipal Park staff to share information with Regional Parks on Regional

Park related interests from the Municipal perspective, and to facilitate Municipal to Municipal dialogue on park

matters which may have a bearing on the delivery of the regional parks program.

2.0 ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT

The Regional Park Municipal Advisory Group will be managed and chaired by the Director, Metro Vancouver

Regional Parks as an advisory group to Metro Vancouver Regional Parks staff.

3.0 MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Regional Park Municipal Advisory Group is to include a senior staff representative from each of

the municipalities within the Regional Parks function service area. The group may invite representation from time

to time, from other agencies and from outside the service area in the park and park related fields, including but not

limited to, such organizations as Fraser Valley Regional District Parks and BC Parks.

4.0 MEETINGS

The Regional Park Municipal Advisory Group will at a minimum meet quarterly or more frequently as requested by

the Advisory Group members. Meeting notes will be administered through Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and

forwarded to all group members, for information. Meetings will be held at Metro Vancouver offices or facilities, or

at park field sites as agreed to by the Advisory Group.

5.0 RESOURCES

Metro Vancouver Regional Parks will provide administrative and professional support staff to the Advisory Group.

The group receives no allocated budget. Work program items requiring consulting or other professional services

will be vetted through Metro Vancouver staff and undertaken only if funding is available.

6.0 DUTIES and FUNCTION

The Chair of the Regional Park Municipal Advisory Group will solicit the membership for “topics of mutual interest”.

The group may consider items, including but not limited to Regional Park issues such as park supply standards,

outdoor recreation demand, development standards, resource policy, signage and branding, special events and

funding. The Terms of Reference are will be reviewed by the Regional Park Municipal Advisory Group after its first

year of operation and on an as needed basis thereafter.

Endorsed: September 23, 2014

DRAFT Updated September 22, 2014


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5.4 Attachment 3

5.3 Attachment 4

On Saturday, October 25th, Metro Vancouver will host the first annual Ecoblitz – a day of environmental stewardship across the Regional Park system. Volunteers from around the region will be working on 10 ecological restoration projects in 10 parks together with Park Partner organizations and Regional Park staff to enhance the beauty and health of park habitats for both human visitors and the creatures that live within them. They will roll up their sleeves, put on work boots and restore areas through planting native grasses, trees, and shrubs and by removing non‐native invasive plants like holly and ivy.

The ten projects are located in 10 different municipalities and include the following:

Regional Park Name (Municipality) Project

Crippen (Bowen Island) Davies Creek tree and shrub planting along decommissioned trail

Pacific Spirit (Vancouver) Imperial Trail native vegetation planting on knotweed control area

Iona Beach (Richmond) Coastal sand ecosystem restoration through native plantings

Boundary Bay (Delta) Native Rose planting at entrance to Cammidge House

Burnaby Lake (Burnaby) English ivy removal to improve habitats

Minnekhada (Coquitlam) Invasive species removal to improve habitats

Tynehead (Surrey) Native tree and shrub planting to restore a section of the park

Kanaka Creek (Maple Ridge) Invasive species removal to improve fish habitat

Campbell Valley (Langley Township) Greening a wildlife corridor through tree and shrub planting

Aldergrove (Aldergrove) Reforestation of an old raspberry field within the park

For more details on each Ecoblitz work party, go to Meetup.com and search “Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Ecological Restoration Team”.

Metro Vancouver’s Ecosystem Restoration Team advertisement on YouTube http://youtu.be/enc7OHXOmlI


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5.5

To: Environment and Parks Committee From: Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Environment, Planning, Policy and

Environment Department Date: September 24, 2014 Meeting Date: October 2, 2014 Subject: 2015 Business Plan and Budget – Air Quality

RECOMMENDATION That the Environment and Parks Committee endorse the 2015 Air Quality Business Plan and Budget as presented in the report “2015 Business Plan and Budget – Air Quality” dated September 24, 2014 and forward them to the Board Budget Workshop on October 16, 2014 for consideration.

PURPOSE To present the 2015 Air Quality Business Plan and Budget for consideration by the Environment and Parks Committee. BACKGROUND The Air Quality function comprises all 23 members within Metro Vancouver and encompasses the management of air quality within the region, under authority delegated from the Provincial government within the Environmental Management Act. Services provided include the development and implementation of air quality and climate change management plans and policies, air quality bylaws and regulations, and regulation and enforcement. Supporting activities include environmental impact assessment and the operation of a network of air quality monitoring stations located throughout the airshed. The Regional Planning and Agriculture Committee will be considering the business plan and budget for Environmental Planning, which is also related to the Air Quality function. Air Quality is guided by the Board Strategic Plan and the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, with its primary focus on the following goals:

Goal 1 ‐ Protect public health and the environment Goal 2 ‐ Improve visual air quality Goal 3 ‐ Minimize the region's contribution to global climate change

2015 BUSINESS PLAN AND BUDGET As in 2014, the planning and budget process for each business area within Metro Vancouver’s legislative authority and responsibilities has included the development of Business Plans to guide the work plans for 2015. Each Business Plan includes a description of the service provided, the annual budget and staffing levels, as well as key actions for the upcoming year. In addition, performance indicators are included in the Business Plans. High level performance indicators have been developed across the organization to evaluate trends, determine key actions for the coming


2015 Business Plan and Budget – Air Quality Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Date: October 2, 2014

Page 2 of 5

year, and assist in long‐term planning. For each performance indicator, context is provided either in the form of comparable industry benchmarks or internal historical trends, current performance and 2015 performance objectives. The Air Quality Budget Detail (Attachment 1) and Business Plan (Attachment 2) and are provided for the Committee’s consideration. Organizational charts are attached that show the department structure for the Air Quality function (Attachments 3.1 and 3.2). The 2015 Air Quality Business Plan and Budget has been prepared to respond to the strategic direction provided by the Board.

Continue to use an evidence‐based approach to improve air quality in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed;

Continue to expand public awareness and understanding of air quality issues;

Develop, adopt and implement a strategy that achieves the long‐term targets for reducing regional greenhouse gas emissions; and

Use our authority to manage air quality to better integrate transportation plans and infrastructure into regional objectives.

In addition, the 2015 Business Plan addresses strategic priorities which emerged during 2014, such as participation in reviews, approval processes and environmental impact assessments for significant energy projects. Operating Budget Highlights The overall Air Quality operating budget is proposed to increase by $749,000 (9.9%) in 2015 for a total operating budget of $8.3 million. This increase is split between the air quality policy and regulatory functions. In the air quality planning and policy area, an increase of $183,000 reflects the addition of one new staff position to lead the development of new air quality bylaws and regulations as called for in the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan and the Regional Ground Level Ozone Strategy, and a one‐time increase in consulting resources to assist with the completion of work in 2015 related to the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and the proposed expansion of coal handling and export activity in the region. These increases are offset somewhat by one time contributions from the air quality reserve, as well as regulatory fees. In the air quality regulation and enforcement area, the increase of $566,000 is primarily to further develop the data system that is used to track environmental permits, compliance and administration (indicated as software development in Attachment 1), along with the transfer of 1.4 existing administrative positions to this function. The 2015 operating budget includes the following key actions: Develop new air quality bylaws and regulations towards goals for protection of human health and

environment and continuous improvement in air quality, for Board adoption

Continue to expand implementation of Non‐road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation, including partnerships with other levels of government

Implementation of Non‐Road Diesel prohibition against previously unregistered Tier 0 engines



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Develop new programs in partnership with other levels of government to address air quality and

greenhouse gas emissions from on‐road light‐ and heavy‐duty vehicles

Implement additional energy and greenhouse gas reduction offset projects that will achieve and maintain Metro Vancouver’s carbon neutral status

Implement additional programs for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from prioritized business sectors, buildings and vehicles

Prepare fourth annual Caring for the Air report and expand outreach

Participate as intervenor in National Energy Board process for Trans Mountain Expansion Project

Air Quality Permit decisions for Fraser Surrey Docks, Neptune Terminals, Westshore Terminals, Lehigh Cement and Fraser Richmond Soil & Fibre

Highlights of consulting projects anticipated to be undertaken in 2015 to respond to work plan requirements within the operating budget include the following:

Consulting services in support of Metro Vancouver’s participation in and submission of evidence to National Energy Board hearing for Trans Mountain Expansion Project ($150,000)

Consulting services to support assessment of the air permit application for Fraser Surrey Docks coal terminal ($50,000)

Analysis of health and economic impacts to support development of new air quality bylaws and regulations ($40,000)

Assessment work to prioritize sources and sectors for reduction of volatile organic compound emissions, to implement Regional Ground Level Ozone Strategy adopted in 2014 ($60,000)

Develop framework for and pilot an emissions testing program for light‐duty vehicles, following the termination of the AirCare program ($50,000)

In the air quality planning and policy area, proposed staffing changes are for 1.0 new full‐time regular (FTR) Program Manager for air quality bylaw and regulation development. This additional position would bring total staffing in this area to 28 FTRs. In air quality regulation and enforcement there are no new FTR positions proposed, but internal transfers of 1.4 existing administrative support positions increase the labour budget in this area (with an associated decrease in the Legal and Legislative Services department). Business Plan Performance Indicators Within the Air Quality Business Plan, 4 performance indicators have been developed and are being tracked. These include:

Net corporate greenhouse gas emissions – the carbon footprint of Metro Vancouver’s corporate operations, in tonnes per year of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2e)

Regional greenhouse gas emissions per capita ‐ the tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in the entire region, in tonnes per year of CO2e on a per capita basis

Number of non‐road diesel engines registered under Metro Vancouver’s Non‐Road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation



Page 4 of 5

Compliance with Metro Vancouver’s ambient air quality objectives, which have been

established for ground level ozone, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and carbon monoxide

Total number of permits for discharges to airshed that must be managed and monitored The trend in these performance measures suggest that significant progress has been made in the past two years towards achieving Metro Vancouver’s goal of being a carbon neutral organization, without purchasing offsets. The most current data, for 2013, shows that Metro Vancouver is over 80% of the way to being carbon neutral. On the regional GHG emissions front, emissions have stabilized and are improving on a per capita basis. Progress continues to be made in implementing programs to reduce harmful emissions of diesel particulate matter, with performance being measured in terms of the increasing number of engines being registered under the Non Road Diesel Engine Emissions Regulation. Finally, Metro Vancouver is largely compliant with its established air quality objectives for a range of air pollutants, with no exceedances of annual targets and only occasional exceedances of shorter‐term objectives. An example is the exceedance of the 24 hour objective for fine particulate matter for only one day in 2013, due to forest fire smoke transported into the region. BUDGET APPROVAL PROCESS The proposed 2015 Business Plan and Budget for Air Quality is presented to the Environment and Parks Committee for consideration and endorsement before being forwarded to the Board for consideration. The following lists the next steps of the budget process:

• The 2015 Business Plan and Budget for Air Quality will be presented at the Board Budget Workshop on October 16, 2014.

• The Board will consider adoption of the Budget on October 24, 2014. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the Environment and Parks Committee endorse the 2015 Air Quality Business Plan and

Budget as presented in the report “2015 Business Plan and Budget – Air Quality” dated September 24, 2014 and forward to the Board Budget Workshop on October 16, 2014 for consideration.

2. That the Environment and Parks Committee make recommendations and endorse the 2015 Air

Quality Business Plan and Budget as amended and forward to the Board Budget Workshop on October 16, 2014 for consideration.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The 2015 Business Plan and Budget for Air Quality is one part of the total budget that is funded by the overall GVRD tax requisition. When Air Quality is combined with the statutory functions of Regional Parks and Regional Planning, along with GVRD Regional District Services and General Government Services, total expenditures are $65,457,110 for the Regional District. This figure represents a projected increase of $1,392,728 over 2014 (Attachment 4). If the GVRD Board approves the 2015 Budget for GVRD Regional Planning, as presented in alternative one, the overall GVRD tax requisition is projected to be $47.2 million, an increase of 2.0% from 2014.



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A significant portion (45.0%) of the revenue to cover projected Air Quality expenditures will come from the GVRD tax requisition but non‐tax revenue sources account for approximately 43.0% of the operating budget. These non‐tax revenue sources include: user fees collected from regulated emission sources (including those authorized under air quality permits and emission regulations), costs recovered from partner agencies and organizations for the operation of the air quality monitoring network, and carbon tax rebates. Under Alternative Two, the Committee may wish to consider recommending amendments to the operating budget to reflect Board strategic priorities. Any proposed changes would require an update to the tax requisition or to contributions from reserves for the service. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION As part of the annual budget process for 2015, Business Plans have been prepared to accompany service area Budgets in order to provide Committee and Board members with a high level overview on the role of the service, the total budget, overall staff complement, performance indicators and key actions for the coming year. The 2015 Budget for Air Quality is projecting an operating budget increase of 9.9% for 2015. This increase is due to increased expenditures for one new FTR position, one time consulting expenditures for anticipated work related to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and Fraser Surrey Docks coal terminal projects, and software development for the regulation and enforcement database system. Increased expenditures are partially offset by increased revenues from permit and regulatory fees and additional contributions from the air quality reserves. The budget for 2015 has been prepared to respond to direction provided in the Board Strategic Plan, support the goals of the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan and to address emerging strategic priorities related to intergovernmental energy projects such as pipeline expansion and expanded coal shipment activity in the region. Staff recommend endorsing the 2015 Business Plan and Budget for Air Quality as presented under Alternative One. Attachments: (Doc 10206778)

1. 2015 Air Quality Budget Detail 2. Air Quality 2015 Business Plan 3.1 Organizational Chart for Planning, Policy and Environment 3.2 Organizational Chart for Legal and Legislative Services 4. Metro Vancouver Districts Revenue & Expenditure Summary Regional District Summary

2015 Budget 10190092


812

GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT AIR QUALITY 2015 BUDGET

2014 BUDGET

REVENUES

GVRD Municipal Levy $ 3,327,009 User Fees 1,700,436 Non-Road Diesel Permit Fees 1,260,000 Other External Revenues 613,878 Other Funds I Reserves 675,471


EXPENDITURES

Operating Programs: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring $ 1,662,649 Climate Change Policy and Management 908,199 Data and Assessment 412,686 Policy and Management 833,739 Sampling and Investigation 279,197 Administration and Department Support 470,358

4,566,828

Regulation 2,460,265

Allocation of Centralized Support Costs 549,701


2015 BB OCT -Manual Functional Summaries V2a.xlsx


$ 3,712,420 11.6% 1,800,000 1,309,000

465,184 1,039,204

$ 8,325,808 9.9%

$ 1,643,097 837,277 416,560

1,172,904 282,666 375,093

4,727,597 3.5%

3,026,649 23.0%

571,562 4.0%

$ 8,325,808 9.9%


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5.5 Attachment 1

812-1

GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT AIR QUALITY REGULATION

2015 BUDGET

2014 2015 % BUDGET BUDGET CHANGE

REVENUES

Air Quality Revenues $ 2,241,695 $ 2,386,875 Other Funds I Reserves 218,570 639,774

TOTAL REVENUES $ 2,460,265 $ 3,026,649 23.0%

EXPENDITURES

Operating Programs:

Enforcement $ 2,160,296 $ 2,227,047 Software Development 218,570 639,774 Administration and Department Support 81,399 159,828

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 2,460,265 $ 3,026,649 23.0%

2015 88 OCT-Manual Functional Summaries V2a.xlsx


2015 BUSINESS PLAN

PLANNING, POLICY & ENVIRONMENT Air Quality

Description of services This service area is responsible for managing air quality in the region under authority delegated from the Provincial government within the Environmental Management Act. Actions are guided by the development of air quality management plans that recognize the strong connections between air quality, health and climate change, and integrate actions, whenever possible, to reduce both air contaminants and greenhouse gases across the region. This involves both regulatory and non‐regulatory initiatives. To support Metro Vancouver’s commitment to protect the environment and conserve resources, Environmental Regulation and Enforcement negotiates and issues permits, orders and licenses and then promotes compliance, and enforces air quality bylaws. According to a discharger pays principle, these regulatory costs are recovered through fees. The annual budget for Air Quality planning and policy is $ 4,727,597 and the annual budget for Regulation and Enforcement is $3,026,649. Strategic directions and high level goals supported Board Strategic Plan:

Maintaining our reputation as a livable region

Continue to use an evidence‐based approach to improve air quality in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed.

Continue to expand public awareness and understanding of air quality issues.

Develop, adopt and implement a strategy that achieves the long‐term targets for reducing regional greenhouse gas emissions.

Use our authority to manage air quality to better integrate transportation plans and infrastructure into regional objectives.

Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan: Goal 1 ‐ Protect public health and the environment Goal 2 ‐ Improve visual air quality Goal 3 ‐ Minimize the region's contribution to global climate change

5.5 Attachment 2


Performance indicators


Current Performance

2015 Performance objectives

Net corporate greenhouse gas emissions (tonnes of CO2e)

1997: 13,900 2007: 7,937 2012: 8,315

2013: 1,334

0 (carbon neutral)

Regional greenhouse gas emissions per capita (tonnes of CO2e)

MV 2007: 7.3 Canada 2007: 22.8 Greater Toronto 2010: 11.6

2014 projected: 6.0

5.7 Target: Reduce GHG by 10% from 2007 levels

Number of non‐road diesel engines, within the region, registered for diesel particulate (DPM) emissions

2012: 1404 Tier 0

2013: 1707 Tier 0 320 Tier 1

Registration of all applicable Tier 0 and Tier 1 non‐road diesel engines

Compliance with MV air quality objectives

2011: Compliant with all Metro Vancouver air quality objectives

2013: Single day exceedance of 24‐hour objective for PM2.5; compliant with all other objectives

Compliance with all MV air quality objectives (no exceedances)

Total number of permits for discharges to airshed that must be managed and monitored

2013: 152

2014 YTD: 152

157

2015 key actions

Develop new air quality bylaws and regulations towards goals for protection of human health and environment and continuous improvement in air quality, for Board adoption

Continue to expand implementation of Non‐road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation, including partnerships with other levels of government

Implementation of Non‐Road Diesel prohibition against previously unregistered Tier 0 engines

Develop new programs in partnership with other levels of government to address air quality and greenhouse gas emissions from on‐road light‐ and heavy‐duty vehicles

Implement additional energy and greenhouse gas reduction offset projects that will achieve and maintain Metro Vancouver’s carbon neutral status

Implement additional programs for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from prioritized business sectors, buildings and vehicles

Prepare fourth annual Caring for the Air report and expand outreach

Participate as intervenor in National Energy Board process for Trans Mountain Expansion Project

Air Quality Permit decisions for Fraser Surrey Docks, Neptune Terminals, Westshore Terminals, Lehigh Cement and Fraser Richmond Soil & Fibre


Visitor Services & Partnerships

AIR QUALITY

Parks West

Parks Operations Services

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Policy & Management

Sampling & Investigation

Climate Change Policy & Management

Parks East

Parks Central

GENERAL MANAGER

10279924

2014

REGIONAL PARKS

Planning, Resource Mgmt

& Development

REGIONAL HOUSING

NW Area

SE Area

SW Area

NE Area

Operations & Maintenance

Housing Policy

FTRs = 27.0 FTRs = 118.6

FTRs = 15.0

FTRs = 64.00Planning, Policy & Environment

TOTAL FTRs = 230.6

Data & Assessment

MV Housing Corp

Tennant Services & SupportFTRs = 1.00

Finance

CORPORATE STRATEGIES* FTRs = 4.0

REGIONAL PLANNING

FTRs = 1.0

Department Support

FTRs = 4.0

* These positions counted under Corporate Planning Function

ELECTORAL AREA

SERVICES

Planning & Policy Analysis

Strategic Initiatives

Environment


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2014

GENERAL MANAGER

10142271

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION & ENFORCEMENT

BOARD & INFORMATION

SERVICES

Permits &Licenses

Compliance Promotion

Board & Legislative Services

Legal & Legislative ServicesTOTAL FTRs = 63.7

ABORIGINAL RELATIONS

Aboriginal Relations

Enforcement

FTRs = 3.0FTRs = 14.7 FTR Allocation:Air Quality = 15.0

Liquid Waste = 13.0Solid Waste = 6.0R&E Admin = 3.0

TOTAL FTRs = 37.0

LEGAL SERVICES

Legal Counsel

FTRs = 7.0

Information Management

Department Support

FTRs = 2.0


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5.5 Attachment 3.2

REVENUES

GVRD Municipal Levy Electoral Area Levy GPS User Fees User Fees

810

METRO VANCOUVER DISTRICTS REVENUE & EXPENDITURE SUMMARY

REGIONAL DISTRICT SUMMARY 2015 BUDGET

2014 BUDGET

$ 46,261,598 234,404 383,559

2,664,853 Federal Funding Homelessness Partnering Strategy 8,221,829 Non-Road Diesel Permit Fees 1,260,000 Other External Revenues 3,468,004 Other Funds I Reserves 1,570,135


EXPENDITURES

Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality $ 7,576,794

General Government 13,933,811 E911 Emergency Telephone Service 3,949,020 Electoral Areas 320,617 Labour Relations 2,090,323 Regional Parks 32,744,347 Regional Planning 2,772,586 Regional Global Positioning System 408,559 Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department 268,325




$ 47,177,139 2.0% 356,377 52.0% 332,551 (13.3%)

2,790,142 4.7% 8,221,829 0.0% 1,309,000 3.9% 3,207,353 (7.5%) 2,062,719 31.4%

$ 65,457,110 2.2%

$ 8,325,808 9.9%

13,162,432 (5.5%) 4,036,446 2.2%

489,702 52.7% 2,163,995 3.5%

33,360,851 1.9% 2,910,989 5.0%

757,551 85.4% 249,336 (7.1 %)

$ 65,457,110 2.2%


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5.5 Attachment 4

To: Environment and Parks Committee From: Alison Evely, Natural Resource Management Specialist, Planning, Policy and

Environment Department Erin Embley, Regional Planner, Planning, Policy and Environment Department

Date: September 10, 2014 Meeting Date: October 2, 2014 Subject: Response to the Draft Regional Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro

Vancouver

RECOMMENDATION That the Environment and Parks Committee:

a) receive the draft "Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver” for information; and


PURPOSE To provide a review of and recommendations on the the draft Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver presented to the Environment and Parks Committee on July 3, by the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver.

BACKGROUND In September 2012, following a recommendation from the Environment and Parks Committee, the GVRD Board approved a one‐time $40,000 grant to the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver (ISCMV) to facilitate the development of a regional strategy. The draft Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver was developed through a collaborative process that began in early 2013 with the establishment of an advisory committee comprised of ISCMV Board members, two Metro Vancouver staff, and consultants. A final draft was completed in 2014, an overview of which was provided to the Environment and Parks Committee on July 3, 2014 in a presentation by Jennifer Grenz, Operations Manager for the ISCMV. The Environment and Parks Committee directed staff to review the draft Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver and report back with recommendations, including an update on soil and green waste dumping at transfer stations and the spread of European fire ants.

DISCUSSION Invasive species are spreading through the Metro Vancouver region, but awareness and understanding of the significant risks they pose is also growing due to the work of the ISCMV and others. The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers invasive species to be the second most significant cause of species extinction worldwide after habitat destruction, and

5.6


Response to the draft Regional Invasive Species Management Strategy Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Date: October 2, 2014

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describes the impacts of alien invasive species as immense, insidious, and usually irreversible. Invasive species are causing significant damage to ecological, economic and human health as they can compete with native species, act as pests or pathogens for cultivated or domesticated species, or even disseminate allergic or infectious agents. The spread of invasive species is facilitated by increasing trade, travel, and the transporting of goods, as these organisms may “hitchhike” on ships, containers, cars, soils, etc. This problem, therefore, is a regional and global in nature, and is one that requires significant intergovernmental cooperation and action. The issues of invasive species are complex and vary greatly by species. Notable problem species in the Metro Vancouver region include European Fire Ants, Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed. European Fire Ants While European fire ants may seem harmless enough, once established they are very difficult to eradicate, they swarm rapidly when disturbed, and they sting. According to Dr. Robert J. Higgins of Thompson Rivers University, an expert on the European fire ant, if these ants get into parks or campgrounds, they could render them effectively unusable. Similar to other invasive species, European fire ants may be spread through movement of soil, plant materials and/or mulch. Fire ants were first identified in North Vancouver in 2010 and have now been confirmed at several sites throughout Metro Vancouver, including locations in:

1. Vancouver 2. District of North Vancouver 3. West Vancouver 4. Richmond 5. Surrey 6. Burnaby 7. Maple Ridge 8. Delta 9. Coquitlam 10. New Westminster (site currently being investigated)

The spread of the European fire ant can likely be traced back to soils and plant materials containing fire ants unknowingly being transported around the region. This problem is an example of a local issue that requires a collaborative regional solution. Soils and Green Waste Work to address transportation and disposal of soils and green waste contaminated with invasive species has already begun. In 2013, Metro Vancouver staff, working with Dr. Dieter Geesing, then environmental manager for Harvest Power, addressed the issue of invasive plants in municipal green waste at the GVISC annual Spring Forum. At MV’s request, Dr. Geesing provided an overview of the science behind composting, the fate of weed seeds at various temperatures, and the technological advances and quality control measures in place at Harvest Power in Richmond. He assured participants that invasive plants, including Japanese knotweed, could be safely composted in municipal green waste system in keeping with MV goal of diverting waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the issue of soils contaminated by invasive species remains unresolved. There are few restrictions on soil movement across the region and there are no



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designated disposal sites for soils that may be contaminated with invasive species. Similarly, there are no facilities, best management practices, or bylaws governing the movement of plants or soils from areas with European fire ant infestations. ISCMV hopes to address these issues through the regional strategy. Draft Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver The draft strategy, (Attachment 1) developed under the leadership of the ISCMV, identifies invasive species prevention and management as regional issues that transcend municipal boundaries. It envisions “a strong, unified approach to invasive species management [that] will minimize the real and potential damage of invasive species on public health and safety, the economy, infrastructure, and native ecosystems.” The strategy seeks to enhance the ability of local, provincial, federal and First Nation governments to prevent new invasive species from establishing and to better contain, and control established invasive species through collaborative efforts. It seeks to build on activities already underway and identifies goals and actions that, if implemented, would provide a more unified approach to invasive species prevention, containment and management across the region. While some of the actions can be implemented by the ISCMV, others can only be implemented by local governments and other partners. Full implementation of the action items put forward in the strategy will require a high level of commitment from local governments, NGOs, and industry working together to solve this shared problem. The ISCMV is anxious to build on the interest and momentum created through the development of the strategy by finalizing the draft, presenting the final strategy at their Fall Forum to partners and stakeholders, and working with local governments to see it to fruition. The strategy includes a “Regional Invasive Species Management Charter” that local governments are encouraged to sign. Signing of the charter would affirm a commitment to addressing invasive species issues both locally and regionally through a shared vision and collaboration. Role for Metro Vancouver Currently Metro Vancouver manages invasive species on lands under its direct control. For example, Park Natural Resource Management Specialists have developed and follow an Integrated Pest Management Plan for the Management of Invasive Plants in Regional Parks. The plan identifies priority species, and strategies and best management practices for prevention, inventory, monitoring, containment and control of invasive plant species in regional parks. Metro Vancouver’s urban drainage and watershed staff also manage invasive species on their respective lands under separate programs. The draft Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver as prepared by the ISCMV specifically acknowledges Metro Vancouver’s regional focus, vision and mission to act as a forum for collaboration on regional issues. The draft strategy therefore suggests a number of areas where Metro Vancouver could take a leadership role to encourage consistency, help to prevent the spread of invasive species and promote collaboration between municipalities (Attachment 2). Although Metro Vancouver has been only peripherally involved in invasive species prevention or management at a regional level, the objectives and goals identified in the draft strategy align with Metro Vancouver’s sustainability principles “to protect and enhance the natural environment, provide for on‐going prosperity and build community capacity” as articulated in the Road Map to Sustainability.



Page 4 of 5

Many action items suggested in the draft Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver would, however, require Metro Vancouver to take on new legislative responsibilities and/or integrate invasive species prevention and management into existing plans and programs. These types of roles are not unprecedented. The Road Map to Sustainability acknowledges the need for leadership, innovation and responsiveness in areas where there are gaps to fill in urban governance and where emerging issues of regional importance need to be addressed. The Regional Food Systems Strategy and the Corporate Climate Action Plan provide good examples. For local government, enabling powers come from the Provincial Weed Control Act with support from the Ministry of Environment’s Integrated Pest Management Act, and regulatory powers provided through the Community Charter and the Local Government Act. Other regional districts in BC are grappling with similar issues, and some have taken on large roles in addressing invasive species; for example, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) currently budgets $285,000 per year along with 1.5 (soon to be two) full time staff to implement their Invasive Species Strategic Plan. The PRRD plan is directed by a Weed Committee, made up of PRRD Board Members, staff and others. PRRD member municipalities all follow their regional strategic plan, but have varying services provided by the regional district depending on their own bylaws and levels of service. Further research is needed to determine the extent of legal, financial and corporate implications for Metro Vancouver. Specific questions that need further investigation and research include:

1. How extensive is the problem of invasive species in Metro Vancouver? How can it be quantified? What is at risk?

2. What activities are currently underway to deal with invasive species? 3. How are other cities and regions responding to the challenges of invasive species? What

other models or examples could we learn from? 4. What actions could Metro Vancouver take? What are the implications of these actions? 5. What governance structure would member municipalities support in a regional response to

managing invasive species? 6. What is the role of the provincial government in managing invasive species within Metro

Vancouver?

Metro Vancouver staff will conduct a fulsome assessment of these questions. Staff will start with preparing a scoping document that will lay out the full set of questions that need to be asked and information that will contribute to the decision‐making process for this issue. Exploring the invasive species issue based on the six questions listed above, along with others as relevant, will increase Metro Vancouver’s understanding of the options and implications for the region. ALTERNATIVES



Page 5 of 5

1. That the Environment and Parks Committee:

a) receive the draft "Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver" for information and


2. That the Environment and Parks Committee provide alternate direction to staff. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The draft Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver can serve as a road map to facilitate more effective invasive species prevention and management across the region. Over time, this approach will help municipalities and land managers protect the natural environment and built infrastructure, protect investments and reduce maintenance costs. However, there may be substantial costs and organizational considerations for Metro Vancouver and partner municipalities. A full review and analysis of the suggested action items will take staff resources and will require input from corporate services and legal counsel. Any endorsement of the strategy prior to a full analysis of the legal, financial and governance implications could prematurely commit Metro Vancouver to a role, actions or financial commitment that may not be appropriate for the region or organization. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION Invasive species are a significant and growing area of concern across Metro Vancouver. A regional strategy focused on prevention and management, enabling cooperation across municipal boundaries could be a key step in addressing this difficult and costly problem. The draft Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver was developed the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver (ISCMV), which was in part funded through a one‐time $40,000 grant approved by the GVRD Board in September 2012. The draft strategy was developed through a collaborative process that began in early 2013; a final draft was completed in 2014, an overview of which was provided to the Environment and Parks Committee on July 3, 2014. The draft strategy proposes actions for implementation by the ISCMV, local governments, land owners and in particular Metro Vancouver. Staff recommends Alternative 1, that further analysis is needed to determine the extent of legal, financial and corporate implications for Metro Vancouver prior to committing to the roles identified in the draft strategy. Attachments: (Doc 10180732)

1. Regional Invasive Species Strategy for Metro Vancouver – Draft 2. Consolidated list of Action Items relevant to Metro Vancouver and local governments

10178433


Invasive Species Management Strategy for the Metro Vancouver Region

1

Invasive Species Management Strategy

For Metro Vancouver

Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver

June 18, 2014


lcalvert

Text Box

5.6 Attachment 1


2

Developed by the Regional Invasive Species Strategy Committee

Facilitated and written by IPS Island Planning Services



3

Table of Contents

PART 1: Introduction

The Need for a Unifying Invasive Species Management Strategy

Vision for the Region

Purpose of the Strategy

Scope of the Strategy

PART TWO: Strategic Approach

Goal 1: Enhance the regional organizational structure and capacity required for effective, long-

term invasive species management in the Metro Vancouver region.

Goal 2: Develop a consistent region-wide response to invasive species management.

Goal 3: Develop regionally effective legislation and policy, supported by monitoring,

enforcement and education.

Goal 4: Establish a unified region-wide approach to communication to ensure consistent

messaging and engagement.

Goal 5: Develop and implement region-wide system for data collection, monitoring, reporting

and sharing of information.

Goal 6: Continually monitor the effectiveness of the Invasive Species Management Strategy and

adapt as necessary.

Figures

Figure 1: Metro Vancouver municipalities and electoral areas

Appendices

1. Stakeholder organizations that participated in the strategy’s development

2. The strategy development process

3. Standards for data collection

4. Regional Invasive Species Management Charter (draft)



4

Part 1: Introduction

The Need for a Unifying Invasive Species Management Strategy

Non-native species showing up in a park, on a construction site or in someone’s backyard can

seem harmless. But when those species have the ability to weaken major structures like

buildings, bridges and roadways, or seriously harm people’s health, or squeeze out native

species within a couple of seasons—? Then there’s clearly a need to act.

Across the Metro Vancouver region,1 Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, European fire ants

and the snakehead fish have all turned the spotlight on the significant and costly risks posed by

invasive species on infrastructure, human safety and ecological integrity.

Invasive species are plants, animals and other organisms (terrestrial, aquatic and marine) that are not native to an

area and that, because of their ability to establish quickly and spread aggressively, cause economic, social and

environmental harm in their new settings.

Progress has been made in managing invasive species, but the challenges are growing

Over the past 10 years, multiple stakeholders in the region – local governments (regional,

municipal and First Nations), industry, stewardship groups, and others – have invested

considerable time, money and other resources in tackling the problems of invasive species. In

2006, the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver (ISCMV) was formed, made up of

representatives of all the stakeholder groups, with the mandate to improve invasive species

management in the region. Working collaboratively, these groups have undertaken a wide

range of prevention and control initiatives, as well as programs to educate and update civic

leaders, land managers and the public about invasive species issues.

Important gains have been made during this time and good relationships forged in

cooperative, inter-agency projects. The reality, however, is that the challenges of managing

invasive species are growing beyond what the current patchwork approach can keep up with.

Invasive species have more ways than ever to get into the region, establish and spread. The

region has many ecosystems, which gives many non-native species a chance to establish. As

well, the region is complex in jurisdictional composition, making response and decision-making

coordination among authorities difficult. Invasive plants and animals don’t recognize

boundaries, so insufficient efforts in one area can undermine the management efforts and

financial investments of neighbouring areas.

Challenges to managing invasive species in the Metro Vancouver region

Ever-increasing opportunities for invasive species to arrive, establish and spread

• Growing international trade and shipment of goods (particularly wood products) into the Lower

Mainland at its two major ports

• Intensified settlement, recreation and other activities, leaving native ecosystems vulnerable to

invaders

• Urban development and its associated movement of soils, often contaminated with seeds or other

invasive materials

1 In this strategy: Metro Vancouver region refers to the lands and waters within the Greater Vancouver Regional District

boundaries. Metro Vancouver RD refers to the corporation of the Greater Vancouver Regional District.



5

• Lack of consistent invasive species control programs

The region’s complex jurisdictional composition

• The Metro Vancouver regional district (RD) is made up of 23 local authorities: 21 municipalities, one

electoral area and one treaty First Nation (see Figure 1), with 40 Directors.

• The regional district boundaries also encompass federally managed lands, First Nations reserve

lands, several parks and other provincial Crown lands, major transportation and utility rights-of-way,

and several large land- and seaport facilities.

• With a land area of about 2,877 square kilometres and a population of about 2.46 million – equal to

a density of about 856 people per square kilometre – this is the most densely populated region in

British Columbia.

The next step: a region-wide invasive species strategy

Stakeholders have been well aware of these challenges, and on several occasions2 have called

for development of a region-wide invasive species strategy. Such a strategy was felt to be the

only way to ensure that invasive species management across the Metro Vancouver region

would move forward with a unified vision and goals, and achieve maximum benefit with

investments made.

Although invasive species in the region are often dealt with at the land-owner level (e.g. private, municipal,

provincial), effective management requires a coordinated approach. Preliminary research on this project suggested

that land managers from all levels of government overwhelmingly identify a need for a coordinated strategy to

prevent the spread of invasive species, set priorities and work effectively towards common goals.

Recent events such as the release of a snakehead fish, changes to the BC Weed Control Act, and the rapid growth of

knotweed and giant hogweed across the region have created significant challenges for land managers and have

highlighted the need for a regional strategy. There are strategies already in place in many regions in the province,

but nothing has ever been developed for the Metro Vancouver region.

~ Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver, 2012

This document is that strategy. It was developed over eight months, based on regional

stakeholder consultation (see Appendices 1 and 2). It seeks the commitment of all parties to

work collaboratively to:

• maximize the effectiveness of actions taken,

• optimize funding and resourcing decisions,

• ensure that individual actions are consistent with best practices , and

• encourage region-wide initiatives for information-sharing, data collection, prevention

and control actions, enforcement and education.

The Regional Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver proposes to unify and

integrate current and future efforts among all stakeholders within the region.

2 The IPCMV and ISCMV Fall Forums in 2011 and 2012, and as expressed in online surveys.



6

Figure 1. Metro Vancouver municipalities and electoral areas.

The Vision A strong, unified regional approach to invasive species management will minimize the real and

potential damage of invasive species on public health and safety, the economy, infrastructure,

and native ecosystems.

The Purpose To enhance the ability of local, provincial, federal and First Nations governments, working with

homeowners, industry and environmental stewards, to prevent new invasive species from

establishing in the region, and to contain and control established invasive species.

The Scope The strategy aims to assist people and their organizations in cooperating and coordinating

their efforts to manage invasive species. It provides a strategic approach to prioritizing and

coordinating invasive species management responses that will benefit the region as a whole by

making the efforts of individual jurisdictions more effective.

The strategy is designed to integrate and leverage efforts already underway in invasive species

management throughout the region, with the aim of achieving a more consistent approach to

tackling invasive species problems region-wide. It is meant to inform the approach taken to

develop operational or management plans for addressing specific invasive species.

With a three- to- five-year time horizon, the strategy is meant to be a “living document” that will

undergo regular review and updating to ensure it reflects changing circumstances and priorities.

The Strategy’s Guiding Principles



7

Invasive species are a regionally significant issue and their management must be a shared

responsibility.

No one agency, sector or level of government is responsible for managing invasive species alone.

Successful management efforts require the cooperative involvement of many parties, including

municipal, regional, provincial, federal and First Nations governments, industry, environmental

stewardship groups, non-profit organizations, private land holders, homeowners, and other individuals.

Decision-making is guided by the desire to protect public health and safety, the economy,

infrastructure and ecological integrity.

• Decisions related to priority-setting, risk assessment and management, and targeted application of

control/management efforts must consider: i) the risks to human health; ii) the risks to the economy

iii) the vulnerability of built infrastructure such as roads, bridges, trails and pipelines; and iv) the

susceptibility of sensitive ecosystems to invasion

• Decisions should take place in a context of inter-jurisdictional cooperation.

The management approach is integrated.

In planning to manage invasive species, land managers must use a full suite of tools – for prevention,

inventorying, mapping, monitoring, control and disposal strategies – and share information effectively.

Resources are used effectively.

Prevention is always the first line of defence, as the least costly and most effective way of reducing the

risks posed by invasive species. Science, planning and best management practices can assist with making

best use of resources in managing and reducing future ecological, economic and financial pressures

caused by invasive species.



8

Part 2: Strategic Approach

To achieve the strategic vision, the Regional Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro

Vancouver is organized around six goals.

Goals Each of the six goals is a broad statement of intent – that is, a general aim that reflects a

priority issue identified by regional stakeholders.

GOAL 1.

Enhance the regional

organizational structure and

capacity required for

effective, long-term

invasive species

management in Metro

Vancouver.

GOAL 2.

Develop a consistent

region-wide response to

invasive species

management.

GOAL 3.

Develop regionally effective

legislation and policy,

supported by monitoring,

enforcement and

education.

GOAL 4.

Establish a unified region-

wide approach to

communication to ensure

consistent messaging and

engagement.

GOAL 5.

Develop and implement a

region-wide system for data

collection, reporting,

monitoring, evaluation and

sharing of information.

GOAL 6.

Continually monitor the

effectiveness of the

Regional Invasive Species

Management Strategy for

Metro Vancouver and adapt

as necessary..



9

Goal 1

Enhance the regional organizational structure and capacity required for effective,

long-term invasive species management in Metro Vancouver.

Strong, focused leadership is needed to turn the existing patchwork of invasive species

management initiatives across Metro Vancouver into the robust, unified approach outlined in

this strategy.

Many individual parties have been proactive in managing invasive species, shown by the

efforts of stewardship groups, not-for-profit organizations, industry, local, First Nations,

provincial, and federal governments. While there are examples of cross jurisdictional efforts

and approaches, most invasive species management efforts within Metro Vancouver are

narrow in scope, and therefore, have had limited effectiveness from a regional perspective.

The Current Context and Challenges of Leadership on Invasive Species Management

Issues in Metro Vancouver

The Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver (ISCMV), a not-for-profit organization

established in 2006, is one of 17 organizations from differing regions across British Columbia

with a mandate to improve invasive species management within their respective management

areas. The ISCMV plays an advisory role for regional stakeholders within Metro Vancouver on

invasive species management issues, provides on-the-ground management services including

prevention, control and research activities, and coordinates a range of region-wide invasive

species education programs and initiatives.

With its regional perspective on invasive species issues, the ISCMV offers professional

development opportunities on invasive species management techniques and strategies, works

to build relationships across jurisdictions, fosters inter-jurisdictional working groups, and in

collaboration with various levels of government, undertakes significant projects to manage

invasive species through early detection/rapid response protocols.

While the ISCMV has been very effective in the work it has undertaken to date, it is held back

by funding constraints and the limits to its authority as a not-for-profit society.

Municipalities across Metro Vancouver are engaged in invasive species management activities

at varying levels. Variation in engagement can be found within a single jurisdiction as some

departments are more engaged than others. Some municipalities have historic noxious weed

control programs and others are relatively new to facing the challenges presented by invasive

species. Investment in management activities differs widely across the region leading to a

patchwork of efforts on issues that require a regional perspective and coordinated efforts for

overall effectiveness.

While many municipalities are actively engaged in invasive species initiatives, they are limited

when it comes to acting regionally. The provincial BC Weed Control Act, Local Government Act

and Community Charter (all described in Goal 3) grant local governments powers with which to

Include map of BC

with all of the

regional invasive

species councils

boundaries/names

to enhance the

context



10

undertake invasive species management within their jurisdiction – such as the ability to

establish and enforce invasive species bylaws, influence policy on invasive species matters, and

draw from a strong funding base.

However, only Metro Vancouver is able to apply these powers region-wide. With

representation from all the municipalities, it is a forum where regional governance and

regulatory issues are addressed. Examples include the Regional Growth Strategy and other

regional plans that address infrastructure (drinking water, liquid waste, solid waste), parks, air

quality and affordable housing.

For all these reasons, the strategy proposes that the leadership challenges on invasive species

management in Metro Vancouver be examined and solutions sought that can build on the

respective strengths of the stakeholders so that the region can work effectively to achieve the

goals set out within this strategy through a collaborative implementation process. Leadership

will be needed as the region looks toward goals such as consistent invasive species regulations,

region-wide planning and prioritization, and best management practices for control and

prevention.

Move forward on “winnable” elements of the strategy and the organizational structure will evolve.

~ Stakeholder comment

Strategies to achieve this goal:

1.1 Explore options and opportunities for establishing cooperative leadership on invasive species

management within the region.

1.2 Request that all municipalities and other governments in Metro Vancouver show their

commitment to working collaboratively on invasive species management by signing the Regional

Invasive Species Management Charter.3

1.3 Establish cross-jurisdictional and intra-jurisdictional committees and working groups to ensure a

consistent approach to (i) managing invasive species while finding solutions to common problems,

and (ii) fostering ongoing cooperation and coordination of regional efforts.

1.4 Establish a funding model to provide the needed staff and resources for regional invasive species

management over the long term.

1.5 Maintain close working relationships with senior levels of government on invasive species issues.

Possible actions to achieve this goal:

The ISCMV could:

1-A Promote a Regional Invasive Species Management Charter for all local governments to sign as

evidence of their commitment to supporting the vision set out in the strategy.

3 A draft of this charter is provided in Appendix 5.



11

1 -B Establish committees and working groups, as needed, organized around topic or issue areas or

by geographic region, to undertake work on specific issues and projects under the strategy.

1-C Recommend policies and implementation procedures under the Invasive Species Management

Strategy.

1-D Encourage stakeholders to pursue all available funding opportunities to tackle invasive species

projects.

1-E Develop a mechanism to facilitate resource sharing for multi-jurisdictional projects.

1-F Work cooperatively with provincial, federal and First Nations governments to ensure that

regional invasive species concerns are addressed when related legislative changes are proposed.

1-G Work cooperatively with all stakeholders to encourage consistency with best practices in

management responses made to invasive species.

Metro Vancouver could:

1-H Consider entering into discussions with the ISCMV about forming a partnership agreement or

other formal relationship to cooperatively lead the implementation of the Invasive Species

Management Strategy.

1-I Consider appointing an advisory body to the Regional Board of Directors, to facilitate regional

cooperation and aid in the implementation of the strategy. Advisory functions could include but

not be limited to:

o annual reporting on the status of invasive species management in the region,

o advising on the development of local and regional bylaws, and

o modifying the list of regionally significant invasive species.

1-J Provide financial support to the ISCMV in carrying out its responsibilities under the strategy.

All levels of government (local, provincial, federal and First Nations) could:

1-K Demonstrate their commitment to and support for the strategy by signing a Regional Invasive

Species Management Charter.

1-L Identify organizational barriers to effective invasive species management work, and establish

ways to achieve consistency in approaches between departments. One model might be to

establish an inter-departmental working group to coordinate invasive species management work

and issues within the jurisdiction.

1-M Participate in committee and working group initiatives that are coordinated by the ISCMV.

1-N Commit financial and other resources to the management of invasive species within their

jurisdictions.

1-O Collaborate with neighbouring jurisdictions on invasive species management.



12

Industry representatives (horticulture, landscaping, agriculture, and other), major utilities, developers,

transportation providers, and stewardship groups could:

1-P Participate in cross-jurisdictional committees and working groups to address invasive species

issues.

1-Q Commit financial or other resources to the management of invasive species on lands for which

they are responsible or which lie within their mandate.



13

Goal 2

Develop a consistent region-wide response to the prevention and management

of invasive species.

Invasive species do not respect geographical or jurisdictional boundaries; therefore, careful

planning is essential for the success of management activities. To ensure that investments in

management efforts can be successful and achieve value for money spent, a well-coordinated,

region-wide approach is needed both to prevent invasive species establishing in Metro

Vancouver and to consistently activate control responses.

Invasive species control efforts by some jurisdictions but not others reduce effectiveness and

result in higher costs. Best management practices applied in a patchwork fashion (e.g.,

movement and disposal of contaminated soils) minimize net gains.

A consistent regional approach is needed. This approach must address both prevention and

control responses. Such a response plan must:

• be based on best available science and best management practices,

• ensure that all response work is performed to the highest standards of practice, and

• include training and certification programs, essential to ensure all practitioners in the

field are adequately qualified.

Preventing the establishment and spread of invasive species is the first line of defence in an

effective long-term regional strategy. This makes it essential for jurisdictions to coordinate

their species-specific response plans with the plans of other jurisdictions; and, internally, to

ensure that the activities of all departments align.

Building effective response capacity also requires establishing mechanisms to work closely

with stewardship groups.

Targeting top-priority species across the region, rather than attempting to tackle all invasive

species at once, provides a focus for cross-jurisdictional responses. Developing and promoting

the use of best management practices region-wide also offers important guidance to all

stakeholders.

A unified, regional response to invasive species management must address the full range of

control aspects, including:

• legal and regulatory tools (addressed in Goal 3)

• Integrated Pest Management approaches

• vectors of invasion

• landscape restoration (not just treatment)

• evaluation and adaptive management protocols (addressed in Goal 5)

• reporting and monitoring protocols (addressed in Goal 5)

The strategy recognizes that within the region there will be local variations that must be

accommodated. Area-specific or jurisdiction-specific working groups can help deal with

regional variation or issues of concern at the sub-regional level.



14


2.1 Develop an invasive species prevention strategy for the region, identifying best prevention

practices, including those that address soil movement and disposal actions.

2.2 Identify regionally significant invasive species, and develop plans to deal with the top-priority

species.

2.3 Develop a regional response plan (early detection and rapid response, or EDRR) to prevent new

invasive species establishing in the region.

2.4 Integrate invasive species prevention practices with all operations planning (e.g., parks, roads) at

the provincial, regional and local government levels.

2.5 Develop guidance on best management practices for regionally significant invasive species and

management actions (see Goal 4).

2.6 Optimize invasive species management capacity through effective partnerships with stewardship

groups and other volunteers.

2.7 Evaluate the effectiveness of invasive species management efforts and reporting (see Goal 6).


The ISCMV could, in consultation with government and non-government stakeholders, support and

guide efforts to:

2-A Develop and pursue, for the target priority species identified, a region-wide plan for the

following aspects of invasive species management:

o prevention

o early detection and rapid response (EDRR)

o control and containment

Sometimes invasive species management projects are not effective and not worth undertaking without a restoration

component. If you clear an area but don’t replant with native or non-invasive species, the invasives just return.


2-B Manage the species identified in the regional EDRR program, and assist the province in

managing the species identified in the provincial EDRR program.

2-C Develop solutions (e.g., approved treatment methods, regulation) to ensure that invasive

species and materials contaminated with invasive species are appropriately treated, handled,

transported and disposed of.

2-D Use communication and education (see Goal 4) to promote consistent use throughout the

region of the best management practices developed under Goal 2.



15

2-E Encourage and guide the work of stewardship groups and other volunteers. This may include:

o working with volunteer initiatives to encourage the recruitment and assignment of

individuals to stewardship groups,

o investigating options for putting agreements (such as MOUs) in place to enable

stewardship group volunteers to work alongside unionized municipal employees,

o undertaking other initiatives to engage volunteers effectively and in a way that is mutually

satisfying to all parties, and

o providing training in best practices, to ensure volunteers are compliant with legislative

requirements and recognized standards.

Stewardships groups are an important part of response. However, be careful not to download too much to

volunteer groups. Response will require funding, not just free labour.



2-F Work with provincial and federal government agencies and with neighbouring regional districts

to improve the coordination of prevention and management efforts aimed at defending the

region’s borders from invasive species.

2-G Ensure that adequate regional disposal sites for materials contaminated with invasive species

are in place, to accommodate and encourage compliance with bylaws.

Municipalities and other governments could:

2-H Use best management practices – both species-specific and activity-specific (e.g., mowing in

public parks and along road rights-of-way) – to prevent and control the spread of invasive

species.

2-I Fund control and containment work.

2-J Work with the ISCMV to support the development of initiatives for encouraging residents and

other private landowners to control invasive species on their properties in ways that are both

responsible and in keeping with best management practices. Such initiatives may include

educational campaigns and incentive programs.

2-K Encourage and acknowledge the valuable contributions of stewardship groups to local and

regional invasive species management efforts.

2-L Consult with stewardship groups to explore models to encourage municipal staff members and

volunteers to work together on invasive species management.

2-M Prioritize highly sensitive areas within the region (e.g., spawning channels) for control and

containment.

Stewardship groups could:

2-N Identify opportunities to work collaboratively with land managers on invasive species initiatives

(e.g., management planning and activities, communications, education, data collection), and

inform land managers about these opportunities.



16

The horticulture (growers and retailers), landscaping and pet industries could:

2-O Prevent the sale of invasive plant and animal species within the region, and educate the buying

public about plants and animals that have invasive potential.

2-P Be vigilant about the possibility that non-invasive nursery plant stock is harbouring invasive

species that buyers could unwittingly plant.

2-Q Work to educate the public about the ecological harm that can be done if unwanted pets or

other animal species, such as occur through various cultural practices, are released into the

outdoors.

Other industries (such as utilities, land developers and ski hill operators) could:

2-R Use best management practices to prevent the spread of invasive species from one site to

others.

2-S Fund control and containment work.

This strategy will set the direction for many years. We seem to be at a turning point where invasive species – not

just invasive plants – are becoming more recognized as an important issue. There are lots of examples of problem

invasive animals in the region, such as bullfrogs, grey squirrels, red-eared slider turtles, fire ants.

Invasive diseases and parasites also need to be considered, and practices followed to prevent their spread (e.g.,

Chytrid fungus [a pathogen that kills amphibians] can be spread by people moving between wetlands).

~ Stakeholder comments



17

Goal 3

Develop regionally effective legislation and policy supported by monitoring,

enforcement and education.

Effective legal tools are an essential part of a comprehensive tool kit to achieve invasive species

control in Metro Vancouver. If ecosystems and investments in infrastructure are to be

protected, regional-level bylaws are needed to ensure a consistent, coordinated, cost-effective

approach to regulation. At the same time, because the introduction and spread of invasive

species often occur on private land and through development activities, municipal-level bylaws

and compliance and enforcement programs are needed to ensure that local concerns are

addressed and objectives met.

Several pieces of legislation apply to invasive plants in British Columbia, among them: the

Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA), Integrated Pest Management Act (IPMA), BC Weed

Control Act, Local Government Act, and Community Charter. It is the last three that give local

governments (regional districts and municipalities) options for adopting an invasive species

control function.

• The BC Weed Control Act is the umbrella legislation pertaining to invasive plant

management and control in British Columbia. Invasive plants named in the Act are

designated as noxious weeds.4 Under the Act, municipalities or regional districts may

appoint local Weed Committees (see sidebar) and weed control officers or inspectors. The

Act also allows municipalities to enter into agreements with each other to carry out weed

control and share associated costs.

Weed Committees under the BC Weed Control Act have the following responsibilities:

(a) advise the minister and the council on all matters relating to noxious weeds and

noxious weed control,

(b) compile a list of weeds that it considers to be noxious and to require control, and

submit the list to the minister and the council,

(c) advise the council on the appointment of weed control officers, and supervise weed

control officers,

(d) assist in the organization and administration of weed control programs,

(e) not later than October 1 in each year, submit to the minister and the council an annual

report, and estimates for the next year, respecting weed control matters, and

(f) perform other duties the Lieutenant Governor in Council prescribes.

Source: www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/00_96487_01#section9. Reviewed Nov. 7, 2013.

• The Local Government Act is the umbrella legislation pertaining to local government

powers. Under this Act and the Community Charter, municipalities have a lot of flexibility

as to how to proceed regarding invasive species. In contrast, only the Local Government

Act applies to regional districts. The process outlined in the Act for Regional Districts is

that they can establish a “service” that has invasive plant and pest management as one of

its purposes. The first step is to pass a service establishment bylaw that identifies the

4 The BC Weed Control Act currently still only includes plants as invasive species, not animals or diseases.



18

objectives of the service, the geographic area in which the service will be provided, and

who will pay for the service through property taxes. The second step, once the service is

established, is to develop the program of activities associated with that service. Those

activities can include weed removal, weed prevention, education, public relations, and the

establishment of bylaws for invasive species management. This can include bylaws related

to the movement of soils.

The Local Government Act also permits municipalities to develop bylaws for the

management of invasive species, as does the Community Charter (see below).

• The Community Charter applies to municipalities only. Municipalities are authorized to

control invasive species within their jurisdiction and to regulate those species on private

property under the broad powers identified. The appropriate regulatory power depends

on whether the species is considered a threat to the environment, a nuisance or a public

health concern.

Taking a stepped approach to regulation

The strategy recognizes that education and outreach are major tools in the compliance and

enforcement regime (see Goal 4). At the same time, compliance and enforcement activities

must be adequately funded and politically supported.

The possibility of Metro Vancouver assuming full responsibility for the invasive species

regulatory regime may offer the best means of achieving consistency in regulation and

enforcement across the region. However, such a regime would take time to establish.

In the interim, it is proposed that local governments be urged to move quickly to put local

bylaws into place if they have not already done so.

The key to making this jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction approach to regulation effective is to ensure

bylaws are consistent across boundaries. Metro Vancouver’s mission is to “Build and facilitate

collaborative processes, including those that engage citizens, to achieve a robust partnership

working together for a sustainable region.” It does this by serving as a forum to facilitate

collaborative processes within the region for significant community issues at a regional level. It

could play a significant role in ensuring bylaw “harmonization” by developing or promoting

model bylaws and associated toolkits that represent the ideal in identifying what activities can

and cannot be undertaken where invasive species impacts and risks are a concern. Such

activities include the cross-border movement and dumping of biomass and weed-

contaminated soil, and the sale of invasive species (notably plants, but also animals).

These model bylaws must also be consistent with the provincial BC Weed Control Act, although

they can go further in their requirements.

In my mind, I see a situation where, when property owners first receive a ticket to remove invasive species from

their property, that ticket is accompanied by educational material that indicates best practices, options for

addressing the situation, and appropriate disposal methods.





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3.1 Develop a regional regulatory framework to address invasive species.

3.2 Work with relevant agencies to ensure that existing provincial and federal laws related to invasive

species are enforced throughout Metro Vancouver.

3.3 Ensure that regional and municipal invasive species bylaws align with each other and represent

consistent standards that can be regulated and enforced across all boundaries and between all

jurisdictions within Metro Vancouver.

3.4 Integrate invasive species management activities into all aspects of regional planning and

development processes (i.e., involving land and infrastructure development) at all levels of

government.


The ISCMV could:

3-A In consultation with local governments, the regional district, First Nations and industry develop a list

of the invasive species of top regional concern that should be given priority in regional bylaw,

compliance, enforcement and management decision-making (see Goal 2), and recommend adoption

of this list by the regional district, member municipalities, First Nations, and others.

3-B Annually review and update the list of top-priority invasive species.

3-C Coordinate development of a set of regional best management practices for the species of top

regional concern, in support of regional bylaws and compliance and enforcement measures.

These best management practices will address but not be limited to the following topics, as

appropriate:

o prevention of the spread of invasive species

o integrated pest management strategies for invasive species control

o establishment of containment lines for specific species

o prioritization of highly sensitive areas for control (e.g., river spawning channels)

o proper disposal of invasive species

o site restoration after control or eradication

o soil movement

3-D Coordinate an annual review and update of the set of regional best management practices.

3-E Work with Metro Vancouver, provincial agencies and other organizations to provide

municipalities with guidance on:

o using education and outreach to encourage compliance

o writing invasive species bylaws for their jurisdictions

o enforcing invasive species bylaws in their jurisdictions, with an approach that promotes

the use of education together with ticketing

o training bylaw enforcement officers to correctly identify invasive species as an aid to

compliance and enforcement activities

3-F In industry and public awareness programs, highlight the bylaws that apply to invasive species in

Metro Vancouver and the consequences of non-compliance (see Goal 4).



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3-G Support the establishment of an information-sharing framework for coordinating policy

development for all aspects of invasive species activities across the region.

3-H Work with the relevant agencies to ensure that invasive species issues are incorporated into

documents such as:

o Standards Specifications (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)

o Subdivision Standards Bylaw (municipalities)

o Development Permits (municipalities)

o Regional Growth Strategy (Metro Vancouver)


3-I Lead the development of regionally effective legislation. Options include working with member

municipalities to write model bylaws on invasive species control and management, for use by

those jurisdictions in amending their existing bylaws or writing new bylaws. Sample matters to

address:

o prohibiting the movement and dumping of contaminated fill, soil, gravel and related

materials,

o prohibiting the use of material sources (e.g., soil) contaminated with invasive species in

development and remediation projects,

o prohibiting the dumping of biomass in parks or other locations,

o prohibiting the sale of invasive species (or, alternatively, the planting of invasive species),

o obligating implementation of a set of actions as part of an agreed-to regional, and

management response (e.g., EDRR actions to deal with newly identified invasive species)

3-J Encourage local governments with existing invasive species bylaws to amend them, as

necessary, to align with the regional model bylaws; and encourage local governments still

without such bylaws to expedite writing and adopting them using the models.

3-K Establish a service for invasive species management within Metro Vancouver. Part of that

service may involve establishing a Weed Committee, under the BC Weed Control Act, with

primary responsibility for invasive species regulation and enforcement.

3-L Amend the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy to incorporate policy statements that

pertain to invasive species management and serve as part of a regional response to

environmental protection and climate change impacts.

3-M Encourage nurseries, garden centres, private growers, and other parties in Metro Vancouver to

ban the sale of all invasive plant species.

3-N Work with the First Nations, provincial and federal governments, as well as other land managers

(e.g., utilities, ports) to achieve consistent invasive species management on lands that lie within

Metro Vancouver but are outside its jurisdiction.

Region-wide issues (such as cross-border movement of contaminated soil, need for consistent prevention responses)

must be regulated in bylaws to support consistent understanding of the requirements by contractors and developers.




21

Municipalities could:

3-O Develop invasive species bylaws if they have not already done so, or modify and update their

existing bylaws to ensure they align with the model bylaws developed with Metro Vancouver.

3-P Amend other bylaws, as necessary, to ensure they align with invasive species bylaws (e.g., as

applies to the cosmetic use of pesticides).

3-Q Regularly review their invasive species bylaws to keep them up-to-date and effective.

3-R Update their Official Community Plans to ensure that invasive species management issues are

addressed and consistent with regional standards.

3-S Require that development sites where invasive species are present be remediated and restored

according to an agreed-to invasive species management plan (i.e., one that ensures all invasive

species are removed and that only approved non-invasive species are planted).

3-T Ensure that post-development site inspections and monitoring are carried out to confirm that

the terms of an invasive species management plan have been met.

The horticultural and pet industries could:

3-U Educate their customers about safe alternatives to buying invasive plant and animal species, and

about the serious problems that can result from not controlling such species (including, in the

case of pets, releasing them outdoors).


3-V Advocate to their municipalities the importance of establishing an invasive species regulatory

framework that is consistent with the actions called for in this strategy.



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Goal 4

Establish a unified region-wide approach to communication to ensure consistent

messaging and engagement.

Clear, consistent and open communication – in administration, operations, regulation and

enforcement, training and education, public outreach, across Metro Vancouver is essential for

supporting the initiatives and goals of this Invasive Species Management Strategy.

The range of parties involved in, or affected by, invasive species issues in the region is wide.

Chief among them:

• all levels of government – local, regional, provincial, federal and First Nations

• political decision-makers

• stewardship groups

• large industry and small business, from major developers and construction companies

to horticultural and landscaping operations

• utilities and large land owners and land managers (e.g., transportation companies,

ports)

• homeowners and private landowners

Establishing invasive species management as a high-priority endeavour across the region

requires elevating public and political awareness about the issues, and demonstrating that a

well-organized and coordinated region-wide response is in place. Creating a profile for the

strategy and for invasive species control efforts generally is key to promoting that awareness.

The process must start with crafting a communication plan including strategies to meet the

needs of the various audiences, as identified above. Such a plan will ensure that the right

information consistently reaches the right people when they need it, in the form they need it,

for the purposes they need – whether that is to take emergency action, make funding

decisions, encourage best practices, or operate in compliance with laws.


4.1 Develop a region-wide public image for invasive species management in Metro Vancouver.

4.2 Draw up a set of communication strategies to ensure timely, pertinent and engaging information

messaging and audience reach on invasive species matters with all stakeholders in Metro

Vancouver.

4.3 Set up the means for all stakeholders to contribute to communication, education and other

outreach initiatives.

4.4 Create and implement education campaigns for a range of target audiences.




23

The ISCMV could:

4-A Coordinate development of a comprehensive regional communication plan to raise public and

political awareness about invasive species and to inform and educate all affected parties about

the issues. As part of this work, the ISCMV could:

o Consider establishing a Communications Sub-Committee to coordinate brand

development initiatives and create the appropriate communication strategies.

o Coordinate development of a communication plan that ensures the delivery of consistent,

well-informed and timely information, messaging, and updates to each of a range of

audiences, including but not limited to:

- political office holders

- municipal administrators, management and staff

- First Nations

- general public, homeowners and private landowners, and school students

- stewardship groups

- utilities, large landowners and land managers (e.g., of residential, commercial and

industrial properties)

- horticulture, landscaping and pet businesses

- Canadian Border Services and other federal government agencies

- provincial government representatives

o Focus on topics that increase region-wide awareness and understanding about invasive

species, including but not limited to:

- the health, environmental and economic risks these species pose

- how they spread

- how to identify and report them

- how to deal with them safely and properly.

4-B Work with Metro Vancouver and member municipalities to adopt or build on the “brand”

development undertaken to date, to ensure the clear, region-wide identification of invasive

species management work and products across the region, and associated specifically with the

Invasive Species Management Strategy.

4-C Promote consistent use of the regional invasive species management logo in all print and online

communications, education campaigns and programs, and other outreach activities and

initiatives.

4-D Develop template-based communications resource materials (such as signage, print and online

materials) that contain the regional logo and messaging and can be adapted to include partner-

specific information.

4-E Evaluate the effectiveness of each communication strategy annually and adjust approaches,

standards and overall messaging as required to ensure Goal 4 is being achieved effectively.

4-F Strengthen relationships with academic and research institutions to:

o obtain up-to-date scientific information about invasive species,

o share information for research purposes,

o work collaboratively on monitoring and evaluation of invasive species management

activities,



24

o determine how best to use that information to improve the management of invasive

species (e.g., to predict vectors of invasive species movement, to develop best

management practices), and

o encourage publication of research findings and results obtained from demonstration sites.

4-G Support the establishment of a program of ongoing education and training for stewardship

groups and other volunteers (e.g., on identifying and reporting information about new invasive

species, correct removal and disposal techniques). Actions could include but are not limited to:

o encouraging members of stewardship groups and other volunteers to attend regional

conferences and other training and information-exchange kinds of events (e.g., ISCMV

annual forum), and

o organizing an annual meeting with stewardship groups to invite discussion and input on

regional invasive species management issues.

4-H Collaborate with other invasive species communication campaigns to ensure messaging is

consistent and strongly aligned.

4-I Develop education materials that support compliance and enforcement activities.

Metro Vancouver and member municipalities could:

4-J Work in partnership with the ISCMV to adopt or build on the “brand” development undertaken

to date to identify invasive species management work and products across the region, and be

associated specifically with the implementation of the Invasive Species Management Strategy.

Municipalities and industry coulds:

4-K Work with the communication materials issued by the ISCMV and participate in communication

campaigns and other outreach programs on invasive species management .


4-L Participate in communication campaigns and other outreach programs about invasive species

management.

4-M Participate in training opportunities offered through the ISCMV and other agencies.

4-N Consider offering their expertise to schools as part of educational outreach.

Stewardship groups will be a very important part of the education and outreach part of the response, both in

delivering education and outreach and as an audience for these activities.




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Goal 5

Develop and implement a region-wide system for data collection, reporting,

monitoring, evaluation and sharing of information.

In business, industry and government, sound, defensible decision-making relies on using up-to-

date, relevant data to support meaningful analyses and conclusions. This is the case for

invasive species management decision-making and planning in Metro Vancouver. The better

the quality of the data collected about the presence, movement and nature of the problem

species, the more reliable the inventories and maps that can be produced. And good

inventories, maps and other data are critical for well-informed decision-making – about

funding commitments, resourcing, priority-setting, emergency response planning and more.

For regional data collection, mapping and reporting to yield accurate, relevant results, a

uniform approach must be agreed to by all parties providing input to the collection system. A

standard system must therefore be agreed to and adopted. As well, everyone using the system

must have a clear understanding of how it works, the data requirements to ensure validity and

reliability, how the information can be used, and so on. To be most effective, the system must

also be attainable and shareable by all parties.

Why is data collection so important?

The value of establishing a consistent, robust region-wide approach to data collection, inventorying,

mapping and information-sharing cannot be overemphasized.

Such an approach:

• enables the creation of critical tools for visual communication

• reveals the shared nature of infestations between jurisdictions and even between property owners

• gives insight to pathways of spread (vectors) into and within the region

• helps demonstrate the need for treatment funding by quantifying the problem.

• helps show the extent of control successes.

Metro Vancouver currently lacks a uniform system for collecting, analyzing, summarizing and

reporting information about invasive species. For example, a wide range of data collection

approaches is being used, among them:

• internal GIS systems – some are updated annually; some are only updated for species

being treated;

• spreadsheets – these are used to track treatment sites, but are not spatially linked;

• the province’s Invasive Alien Plant Program application and database (IAPP);

• Community Mapping Network (CMN); and

• contractor-provided maps.

This mix of approaches makes data collection, comparability, evaluation and sharing difficult. It

impedes the ability of local governments, industry, stewardship groups and other stakeholders

to plan, budget for and make management decisions effectively. It leads to duplication of



26

control efforts and investment. And it limits the reliability and usability of information for

scientific study as well as for operational planning.

The IAPP system is a tool for consistent data collection and mapping across British Columbia. It

is used by provincial government land managers, the ISCMV and other regional invasive

species committees for the spatial tracking of invasive plant management. In some respects,

the IAPP seems a logical choice for adoption as a regional mapping system to support the

Invasive Species Management Strategy. However, the system lacks the flexibility and ease of

user interface required at the municipal level for inputting various types of data.

The provincial government has announced plans to update the IAPP to make it more user-

friendly. While this will help improve provincial data collection and sharing, the changes may

still not provide a full solution to the data-gathering and data-sharing needs within Metro

Vancouver. A fully updated system may also take several years to complete.

One possible alternative to the IAPP that the region could consider is the Community Mapping

Network,5 which has a Web-based mapping and data management system built and in

operation. Its Invasive Species Atlas is designed to manage spatial and attribute data for

activities and observations for all invasive species across the Pacific Northwest, but the system

could be configured to show a view of Metro Vancouver.

The need to record where no invasive species are present, especially after eradication and

other control efforts have been applied, must also be addressed as part of a region-wide

survey system. Positive results point to the value of investing time, funds and resources in

control efforts.

Set a milestone date associated with data consistency in the region and for making an inventory template

(resource) publicly available.



5.1 Establish a consistent approach to data collection, mapping, inventorying and reporting in the

region.

5.2 Coordinate the sharing of mapped data for all invasive species, including efforts undertaken for

control, the success of control efforts, and surveys that have not yet found invasive species.


The ISCMV could:

5-A Facilitate a consistent approach to invasive species data collection, mapping, inventorying and

reporting for all jurisdictions and other authorized parties in Metro Vancouver.

5 http://cmnmaps.ca/invsp/



27

5-B Support development of a region-wide approach to quantifying invasive species management

successes in detection, prevention, control, eradication and null observations.

5-C Support establishment of a consistent approach to the sharing of information with all regional

stakeholders about the results of control efforts and programs, and for using that information to

help identify future potential pathways of invasion and spread.

All levels of government, industry and stewardship groups could:

5-D Share and report the invasive species data they collect, map and inventory.

For additional details about standards for data collection and data sharing, see Appendix 4.



28

Goal 6

Continually monitor the effectiveness of the Invasive Species Management

Strategy and adapt it as necessary.

Strategic plans, just like roadmaps, stay useful only if they are regularly reviewed and updated

to reflect new information and the reality of changing conditions and expectations. Therefore,

putting a plan in place to monitor and assess the Invasive Species Management Strategy as

initiatives are pursued, and then making modifications based on this information, heightens the

strategy’s value as a comprehensive, meaningful and reliable tool.

Monitoring of every aspect of the Invasive Species Management Strategy’s implementation is

necessary to ensure continuous progress in achieving the strategy’s goals, optimal use of

resources and financial investments, and public accountability for dollars spent.

A monitoring and adaptation program provides the best means of demonstrating that the

strategy’s actions are achieving the desired outcomes with the inputs invested.


6.1 Establish a comprehensive plan for the region-wide monitoring of the strategy implementation.

6.2 Regularly report to the invasive species management community the results of monitoring the

strategy’s implementation and its achievements.

6.3 Adapt goals, strategies and actions of the Invasive Species Management Strategy, as required, to

improve its effectiveness.


The ISCMV could:

6-A Develop a monitoring plan that includes but is not limited to:

o establishing a schedule for revisiting the strategy every 3 to 5 years to update as required,

and

o developing metrics, targets and key deliverables to provide a means of tracking progress

and achievements.

6-B Implement the monitoring plan and assess whether, based on the measures made, strategic

priorities are being achieved and key activities are effective.

6-C Report the results of assessments to all stakeholders involved in supporting the strategy (see

Goal 4).

6-D Apply adaptive management principles to adjust strategies and actions as necessary to maintain

progress in achieving the desired goals.

6-E Elicit input on the effectiveness of implementation from all stakeholders.



29

The strategy contains great points and ambitious goals. The level of detailed actions is very high and could be

overwhelming. … A scaled-down version of the strategy could be useful to get started. It should prioritize

implementing the first steps that will further enable the implementation of the remaining actions. It could be a

phased-in implementation/work plan, relatively easy to accomplish and celebrate the success, building support for

the remaining of the phases.




30

Appendix 1: Stakeholder organizations that provided feedback during the

strategy’s development

Alouette River Management Society

BC Hydro

BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

BC Parks

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Burke Mountain Naturalists

Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society

Byrne Creek Streamkeepers

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Carefree Greenery Ltd.

City of Burnaby

City of Coquitlam

City of New Westminster

City of North Vancouver

City of Port Coquitlam

City of Port Moody

City of Richmond

City of Surrey

City of Vancouver

City Park Stewards (City of North Vancouver)

Concerned Citizens for Illegal Soil Deposits (Langley)

Corporation of Delta

Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada Limited

Diamond Head Consulting Ltd.

District of Maple Ridge

District of North Vancouver

District of West Vancouver

District of West Vancouver Invasive Species Working Group

Douglas College

Ducks Unlimited Canada

EBB Environmental

Everett Crowley Park Committee

Evergreen

FortisBC Energy Inc

Fraser Valley Invasive Plant Council

Friends of Cypress Provincial Park Society

Friends of Hunter Park Lynn Valley

Green Admiral Nature Restoration

Institute of Urban Ecology, Douglas College

Invasive Species Council of BC



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Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver

Langley Environmental Partners Society

Lighthouse Park Preservation Society

Lions Bay Council

Lower Mainland Green Team

Madrone Environmental Services

Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Leisure and Parks Services

Metro Vancouver

Nature Vancouver

North Shore Wetland Partners

Nova Pacific Environmental

Old Growth Conservancy Society

Pacific Streamkeepers Federation

Peace River Regional District

Port Metro Vancouver

Port Moody Ecology Society

Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council

South Coast Bat Action Team

South Coast Conservation Program

Stanley Park Ecology Society

Surrey Environmental Partners

TFN/Matcon Civil Joint Venture

The Nature Trust of BC

Township of Langley

Tsawwassen First Nation

Tsleil-Waututh Nation

Ustlahan Society

Vancouver Aquarium



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Appendix 2: The strategy development process

The first discussion about a strategy was held at the Invasive Plant Council of Metro Vancouver Fall

Forum on October 13, 2011. At its Fall Forum in 2012, the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver

(ISCMV) held a Roundtable Discussion about how a process to develop a strategy should be structured.

At the same time, the ISCMV was also actively seeking funding to be able to carry out a process.

In July 2013, the ISCMV released a Request for Statement of Qualifications for a Technical Writer and

Facilitator to assist with developing a Regional Invasive Species Strategy for the region. IPS Island

Planning Services was the successful applicant and started preparations in mid-August 2013.

Multi-Stakeholder Meeting #1

The first multi-stakeholder meeting for the strategy development process was held on October 1, 2013,

at the BC Institute of Technology in Burnaby. About 57 people attended, representing a wide variety of

organizations and agencies concerned about invasive species within Metro Vancouver.

The purpose of this initial meeting was to have the participants give the consultants direction as to the

goals, principles, objectives and actions they wanted for the strategy. Participants engaged in a mix of

brief presentations, exercises and small group discussions to express their perspectives. The resulting

discussions were captured on a mural by Avril Orloff, a graphic recorder. The mural serves as an

executive summary of the discussions.

Ideas not recorded on the mural were not lost. Each small group appointed a note-taker, who

documented the ideas and passed these notes along to the consulting team for consideration and

incorporation into the strategy. In this way, each group was able to confidently identify their top idea (or

two), knowing that their larger discussions would be part of the background material for the strategy

development.

Virtual participation was also available. The meeting was streamed live on the Web and about 25 people

logged in to watch. (Unfortunately, the Internet connection was weak, causing some technical

difficulties.) Opportunities for input via tweeting and email were made available during the day or as

follow-up to the meeting. The ISCMV also made a short video documenting the creation of the mural.

Mural highlighting the key messages from the discussion at the first multi-stakeholder meeting at BCIT



33

Stewardship Group Meeting

A special meeting was held with representatives from stewardship groups throughout Metro Vancouver

on December 2, 2013, at the Metro Vancouver Info Centre in Burnaby. This meeting was attended by 22

people with a wide range of experience and knowledge of stewardship matters. The key question for

this meeting was how best to integrate stewardship groups into the regional strategy. The challenge is

that the interests of stewardship groups are often very localized and specialized whereas the strategy is

needs to be regional in scope. There was an excellent discussion about how stewardship groups see

themselves as contributing to the strategy, what they need from it, and how they wish to be identified

as contributing to meeting its goals.

Stewardship groups see themselves as partners in meeting the challenges posed by invasive species. It is

recognized that these groups are a vital part of the strategy if their capacities and their limits are

respected. For example, they can support the strategy by:

• advocating for adoption of the strategy;

• carrying out a lot of the invasive species management work;

• being a conduit for education and public awareness campaigns.

In return, stewardship groups need to be included in the discussions, particularly around invasive

species management actions within their particular area of concern. They must also be provided with

ongoing training as protocols for consistent data collection and mapping are written and best practices

for management are developed. Stewardship groups also need to develop good working relationships

with their local governments and, in turn, their local governments need to reach out to them and

respect and support the contributions that the groups are making in achieving the community’s

environmental protection goals.


The second multi-stakeholder meeting in the strategy development process was held on December 3,

2013, at the Surrey Centre Library. About 47 people attended, including some newcomers and others

who had been to the first meeting. In all cases, participants again represented a wide variety of

organizations and agencies concerned about invasive species in Metro Vancouver.

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss key questions for the strategy that emerged from Multi-

Stakeholder Meeting #1:

1. Who will be responsible for the implementation, monitoring and review of the strategy once

completed? – this was an opportunity to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the current

system within the region, look at other models of regional collaboration on invasive species, and

related questions; and

2. What position should the strategy take on questions of regulation and enforcement?

At this meeting, the morning was taken up with a series of presentations on two topics:

1. Organizational structures – to provide an overview of existing models, including their roles and

responsibilities, strengths and weaknesses; and

2. Regulatory frameworks – to provide an overview of existing laws, bylaws and enforcement

matters.

Organizational structures were addressed by:

• Jennifer Grenz, Development and Projects Manager, Invasive Species Council of Metro

Vancouver – Jen described the ISCMV, which is a not-for-profit society made up of, and



34

accountable to, a wide variety of regional stakeholders: governments (federal, provincial,

regional, First Nations, and municipal), environmental stewardship groups, academic

institutions, nurseries, landscapers, private landowners, consulting firms and non-profit

organizations. It is affiliated with another not-for-profit society, the Invasive Species Council of

BC, which has a similar membership base at the provincial level. The ISCMV’s work is organized

into two major types of operations: 1. education and outreach, and 2. on-the-ground

management.

• Elaine Armagost, Manager of Invasive Plants, Peace River Regional District – Elaine shared about

the Peace River Regional District’s Weed Committee, established under the provincial BC Weed

Control Act. In this model, Elaine is a Regional District staff person with both educational and

enforcement activities within her portfolio. She is also the staff support person to the Regional

District’s Weed Committee, which is made up of appointed members representing all

stakeholder groups. Their role is to provide advice to the Regional District Board, which is the

final decision-maker.

• Jennifer Grenz, in the absence of representatives from Wyoming, talked about the Wyoming

State structure, where Weed Boards are part of each county’s local governance. Each Weed

Board belongs to the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council, in a hub-and-spokes model. Local issues

can be addressed at a state level as well, and there is continuous feedback from the regions to

the state and back out to the regions. In this model, invasive species management is a function

of government, and stewardship groups are paid to implement invasive species management

activities.

Regulation and enforcement issues were addressed by:

• Dave Ralph (remotely), Senior Invasive Plant Technologist, Central Interior and Coast, Ministry

of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Operations – Dave outlined the history of the

provincial BC Weed Control Act and its associated regulations, which are currently under

revision, and other provincial Acts and regulations that can help regional districts and

municipalities establish an invasive species regulatory framework. Key elements of a regulatory

framework include noxious weed bylaws, bylaws to prevent the dumping of yard waste in parks,

unsightly premises bylaws that can link to noxious weeds under the BC Weed Control Act, and

soil transportation and deposition bylaws (although few refer to invasive species).

• Elaine Armagost – Elaine pointed out several issues with regard to the Peace River model of

invasive plant regulation and enforcement. Of note was the challenge the local government

faces in ticketing other landowners for having weeds growing on their properties while at the

same time having weeds growing on its own lands.

• Lanny Englund, Urban Forestry Manager, City of Coquitlam – Lanny described that

municipality’s Invasive Species Bylaw, developed specifically to address giant hogweed but

designed to allow flexibility for adding other species in future.

In the afternoon, using World Café methodology, the group made its way through a series of eight

questions, with each individual having a chance to discuss three questions. The questions addressed

organizational structure, data collection, messaging, consistent control strategies, integration of

stewardship groups, regulation and enforcement, and government policy change requirements.

These discussions, together with the input received in the morning from the speakers, gave the

consultants much to consider in preparing a preliminary draft of the strategy. The preliminary draft was

reviewed with the Regional Strategy Committee at a meeting on January 30, 2014. After review and



35

comments from committee members, the consultants revised the preliminary draft and it was circulated

to attendees at Multi-Stakeholder Meeting #3.


The third multi-stakeholder meeting was held on February 19, 2014, at the Gleneagles Golf Course in the

District of West Vancouver. About 55 people attended, including a few newcomers and others who had

been to previous meetings. In all cases, participants represented a wide variety of organizations and

agencies concerned about invasive species within Metro Vancouver.

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the draft strategy and resolve several key questions in order

to complete the document. The major outstanding question was about what organizational model

should be proposed to move the strategy forward. As part of this discussion, Erin Embley made a

presentation about how Metro Vancouver is structured, to help all participants understand how it

operates and how it is different from municipal governments.

Overall, participants expressed satisfaction with how the strategy was taking shape. For those

individuals who needed more time to formulate their thoughts, and those who were unable to attend

the February meeting, their perspectives were invited through an online survey that replicated the

questions discussed at the meeting. The survey closed on March 5, 2014.

Completing the Strategy

After the third stakeholder meeting, the consultants considered all the input received from participants,

as well as the nine responses received to the follow-up online survey, and revised the draft strategy

accordingly.

This third draft of the strategy was presented to the Regional Strategy Committee on March 31.

Final changes were made in response to feedback received from the Committee, and a final draft

version of the strategy was submitted to the ISCMV on April 7, 2014.

The Regional Strategy Committee reviewed and proposed further changes to the April 7, 2014 draft.

ISCMV staff consulted with identified regional stakeholders on proposed changes put forward by the

Regional Strategy Committee and made the changes proposed by the committee.

ISCMV will present the final draft for feedback from the Metro Vancouver Environment and Parks

Committee on July 3, 2014.

ISCMV will present the strategy at its fall forum in September of 2014.



36

Appendix 3: Standards for data collection and data sharing

Much discussion at stakeholder meetings focused on the pros and cons of adopting a regional data

collecting and mapping system (e.g., encouraging all parties to use the province’s Invasive Alien Plant

Program [IAPP]) as compared with supporting individual municipalities and other organizations to use

their own internal systems.

Regional versus individual data collection systems

Many stakeholders felt that even if a regional-level system were established and committed to by all

parties, some municipalities and other organizations would continue to use their own systems. The main

reasons for doing so: to have control over their own data; to facilitate their own internal asset

management; and to achieve cost efficiencies.

Several suggestions were made of ways to assist all parties to share data in ways that would be relatively

easy and inexpensive and still provide value regionally:

• Annual submission of containment lines for specific species – This information could be used to

create a regional online map of containment lines. The information could be submitted as GIS

data or as basic paper maps with hand drawn lines.

• Development of online map and information page about regional EDRR – All municipalities and

other organizations could share information about the occurrence of EDRR species in their

jurisdictions, and about what actions are being taken and what lessons have been learned.

• Improvements to the provincial Report-a-Weed tool – Many municipalities wonder where the

data reported this way goes and why the information is not being communicated back to them.

The tool needs to be improved. In the meantime, regardless of who hosts this “clearinghouse”

of data, the information needs to be communicated to the right people in a timely manner.

• Development of a regional animal- and insect-based database system (since the IAPP is for

plants only) – Such a system would enable the identification of introduction points and vectors

of non-plant invaders, and provide data support for pooling resources to target specific

outbreaks.

The need for data-collection standards

• Standards are required to establish what information is the bare minimum that should be

collected during inventory (e.g., date, surveyor, UTM coordinates, species, area, density

class/percent cover). The IAPP has data collection standards that could be used as at least a

starting point.

• Standards are required for maps, such as using consistent colours for each invasive species. For

example, Esri GIS mapping software colours could be assigned to top priority species (e.g.,

hogweed, knotweed), which would make it easier for quick interpretation of map data.

• A toolkit for inventory and mapping could be made available to all. This would help

municipalities and other organizations that don’t yet have inventories or that want to enhance

their system to be consistent with that of others.



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Appendix 4: Regional Invasive Species Management Charter (draft)

The Vision

Metro Vancouver is a place in which native ecosystems are preserved, public health and safety are protected, and

economic impacts from invasive species (on infrastructure, industry, etc.) are minimized.

We support this vision by proclaiming that:

• Invasive species are a regionally significant issue, challenging public health, ecological integrity and public

investments in infrastructure.

• The management of invasive species is a shared responsibility.

• A collective, integrated, cooperative approach offers the most practical and cost-effective way to

successfully address the risks posed by invasive species.

To achieve this vision, we need a unified region-wide approach that includes the following elements:

1. Enhanced regional organizational capacity

2. Consistent management responses

3. Appropriate and consistent regulation and enforcement

4. Consistent messages and community engagement

5. Coordinated data collection and information sharing

The Commitment

Therefore, I/we the undersigned declare my/our commitment to:

• Working toward the vision and goals of the Invasive Species Management Strategy.

• Making invasive species a management priority within our jurisdiction or organization.

• Providing support for the prevention and overall management of invasive species.

• Working together with other jurisdictions on invasive species management issues.

• Collaborating with the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver by sharing our progress in our

invasive species management work.

Name/Organization:

Signature:

Date:

For more information about this charter, contact the Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver at

[email protected] or 604-880-8358. Municipalities and other levels of government will be recognized on the ISCMV website as

supporters of the Invasive Species Management Strategy.



38

Acknowledgements

Funders

Metro Vancouver

City of Coquitlam

City of Burnaby

District of North Vancouver

BC Hydro

BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Hosting Stakeholder Events (in-kind)

BCIT

Metro Vancouver

City of Surrey

District of West Vancouver

Consulting Team

Bev Suderman, Facilitator, IPS Island Planning Services

Georgina Montgomery, Writer, West Coast Editorial Associates

Avril Orloff, Graphic Facilitator

Regional Strategy Committee Members

Erin Embley, Metro Vancouver

Alison Evely, Metro Vancouver

Jude Grass, Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, BC Nature

Jennifer Grenz , ISCMV

Joanna Hirner, BC Parks

Tasha Murray, ISCMV

Amber Smith, BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Fiona Steele, Diamond Head Consulting

Melinda Yong, City of Burnaby

Others

Thank you to all stakeholders who provided feedback and participated in the stakeholder sessions.


1

Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro VancouverG o a l s a n d A c t i o n s f o r M e t r o V a n c o u v e r

Goal 1

Goal 2

Goal 3

A c t i o n s |

A c t i o n s |

A c t i o n s |

1-H

3-I

2-F

1-J

1-I

2-G




Enhance the regional organizational structure and capacity required for effective, long-term invasive species management in Metro Vancouver.

Develop a consistent region-wide response to the prevention and management of invasive species.

Develop regionally effective legislation and policy supported by monitoring, enforcement and education.

Consider entering into discussions with the ISCMV about forming a partnership agreement or other formal relationship to cooperatively lead the implementation of the Invasive Species Management Strategy.

Lead the development of regionally effective legislation. Options include working with member municipalities to write model bylaws on invasive species control and management, for use by those jurisdictions in amending their existing bylaws or writing new bylaws. Sample matters to address:

Work with provincial and federal government agencies and with neighbouring regional districts to improve the coordination of prevention and management efforts aimed at defending the region’s borders from invasive species.

Provide financial support to the ISCMV in carrying out its responsibilities under the strategy.

Consider appointing an advisory body to the Regional Board of Directors, to facilitate regional cooperation and aid in the implementation of the strategy. Advisory functions could include but not be limited to:

Ensure that adequate regional disposal sites for materials contaminated with invasive species are in place, to accommodate and encourage compliance with bylaws.

• annual reporting on the status of invasive species management in the region,

• advising on the development of local and regional bylaws, and

• modifying the list of regionally significant invasive species.

• prohibiting the movement and dumping of contaminated fill, soil, gravel and related materials,

• prohibiting the use of material sources (e.g., soil) contaminated with invasive species in development and remediation projects,


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• prohibiting the dumping of biomass in parks or other locations,• prohibiting the sale of invasive species (or, alternatively, the planting of invasive species),• obligating implementation of a set of actions as part of an agreed-to regional, and• management response (e.g., EDRR actions to deal with newly identified invasive species)

Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver - Goals & Actions for Metro Vancouver

3-J

3-L

3-L

3-K

3-M

Encourage local governments with existing invasive species bylaws to amend them, as necessary, to align with the regional model bylaws; and encourage local governments still without such bylaws to expedite writing and adopting them using the models.

Amend the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy to incorporate policy statements that pertain to invasive species management and serve as part of a regional response to environmental protection and climate change impacts.

Work with the First Nations, provincial and federal governments, as well as other land managers (e.g., utilities, ports) to achieve consistent invasive species management on lands that lie within Metro Vancouver but are outside its jurisdiction.

Establish a service for invasive species management within Metro Vancouver. Part of that service may involve establishing a Weed Committee, under the BC Weed Control Act, with primary responsibility for invasive species regulation and enforcement.

Encourage nurseries, garden centres, private growers, and other parties in Metro Vancouver to ban the sale of all invasive plant species.

3-I continued

Metro Vancouver and member municipalities could:

All levels of government, industry, and stewardship groups could:

4-J

5-D

Work in partnership with the ISCMV to adopt or build on the “brand” development undertaken to date to identify invasive species management work and products across the region, and be associated specifically with the implementation of the Invasive Species Management Strategy.

Share and report the invasive species data they collect, map and inventory.

A c t i o n s |

A c t i o n s |

A c t i o n s |

Goal 4

Goal 5

Establish a unified region-wide approach to communication to ensure consistent messaging and engagement.

Develop and implement a region-wide system for data collection, reporting, monitoring, evaluation and sharing of information.


3

Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro VancouverG o a l s a n d A c t i o n s f o r M u n i c i p a l i t i e s

Goal 1

Goal 2

A c t i o n s |

A c t i o n s |

All levels of government (local, provincial, federal and First NAtions) could:

Municipalities and other governments could:

Enhance the regional organizational structure and capacity required for effective, long-term invasive species management in Metro Vancouver.

Develop a consistent region-wide response to the prevention and management of invasive species.

1-K

2-H

1-M

2-K

1-N

2-L2-L

1-O

2-J

1-L

2-I

Demonstrate their commitment to and support for the strategy by signing a Regional InvasiveSpecies Management Charter.

Use best management practices – both species-specific and activity-specific (e.g., mowing in public parks and along road rights-of-way) – to prevent and control the spread of invasive species.

Participate in committee and working group initiatives that are coordinated by the ISCMV.

Encourage and acknowledge the valuable contributions of stewardship groups to local and regional invasive species management efforts.

Commit financial and other resources to the management of invasive species within their jurisdictions.

Consult with stewardship groups to explore models to encourage municipal staff members and volunteers to work together on invasive species management.

Prioritize highly sensitive areas within the region (e.g., spawning channels) for control and containment.

Collaborate with neighbouring jurisdictions on invasive species management.

Work with the ISCMV to support the development of initiatives for encouraging residents and other private landowners to control invasive species on their properties in ways that are both responsible and in keeping with best management practices. Such initiatives may include educational campaigns and incentive programs.

Identify organizational barriers to effective invasive species management work, and establish ways to achieve consistency in approaches between departments. One model might be to establish an inter-departmental working group to coordinate invasive species management work and issues within the jurisdiction.

Fund control and containment work.


4

Goal 3

Goal 4

Goal 5

A c t i o n s |

A c t i o n s |

A c t i o n s |

Municipalities could:

Municipalities and industry could:

All levels of government, industry, and stewardship groups could:

Develop regionally effective legislation and policy supported by monitoring, enforcement and education.

Establish a unified region-wide approach to communication to ensure consistent messaging and engagement.

Develop and implement a region-wide system for data collection, reporting, monitoring, evaluation and sharing of information.

Invasive Species Management Strategy for Metro Vancouver - Goals & Actions for Municipalities

3-O

3-R

3-S

3-T

3-Q

3-PDevelop invasive species bylaws if they have not already done so, or modify and update their existing bylaws to ensure they align with the model bylaws developed with Metro Vancouver.

Update their Official Community Plans to ensure that invasive species management issues are addressed and consistent with regional standards.

Require that development sites where invasive species are present be remediated and restored according to an agreed-to invasive species management plan (i.e., one that ensures all invasive species are removed and that only approved non-invasive species are planted).

Ensure that post-development site inspections and monitoring are carried out to confirm that the terms of an invasive species management plan have been met.

Regularly review their invasive species bylaws to keep them up-to-date and effective.

Amend other bylaws, as necessary, to ensure they align with invasive species bylaws (e.g., as applies to the cosmetic use of pesticides).

4-K Work with the communication materials issued by the ISCMV and participate in communication campaigns and other outreach programs on invasive species management.

5-D Share and report the invasive species data they collect, map and inventory.


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To: Environment and Parks Committee From: Eve Hou, Air Quality Planner, Planning, Policy and Environment Department Date: September 12, 2014 Meeting Date: October 2, 2014 Subject: Metro Vancouver Membership in Electric Mobility Canada

RECOMMENDATION That the GVRD Board authorize staff to renew Metro Vancouver’s membership with Electric Mobility Canada (EMC).

PURPOSE At the September 9, 2014 Environment and Parks Committee meeting, Mark Dubois‐Phillips, Vice Chair of Electric Mobility Canada (EMC), appeared as a delegation. He provided an overview of the role electric vehicles play in our region, the activities of EMC and made a request for Metro Vancouver to consider re‐joining as an organizational member. The Environment and Parks Committee directed staff to report back with recommendations in response to this delegation’s request. BACKGROUND Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) is a charitable non‐profit society whose mission is to bring together stakeholders to work together “to move Canada’s transportation system to electric traction”. It is currently comprised of 140 members nationwide from diverse sectors including government, electric power providers and industry. EMC is funded almost entirely through membership fees and revenues from its annual conference. This year the conference will be held in Vancouver on October 28‐30 (http://emc‐mec.ca/ev2014ve/en/). Two member municipalities are currently members of EMC ‐ City of Surrey and City of Vancouver. Metro Vancouver, through its fleet services group, has been a member of EMC since 2008. For several years, Metro Vancouver’s former fleet superintendent sat on the Board of EMC. After his departure, fleet services staff elected to allow Metro Vancouver’s membership with EMC to lapse in 2014. The reasoning behind this was that fleet services did not have sufficient justification to renew our membership from a fleet perspective. EMC has requested that Metro Vancouver consider renewing our corporate membership. DISCUSSION From an air quality and climate change policy perspective, EMC’s goals align well with a number of the Board’s strategic objectives. Transitioning to emission‐free transportation is a key component to achieving Metro Vancouver’s greenhouse gas reduction targets and to preventing formation of ground‐level ozone, particularly following the end of the AirCare program in 2014. As such, a number of actions in the Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (IAQGGMP) aim to increase uptake of electric vehicles (EVs).

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Metro Vancouver Membership in Electric Mobility Canada Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Date: October 2, 2014

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EMC fulfills a unified, cross‐sectoral advocacy role. As a member of EMC, Metro Vancouver would have a stronger voice in influencing decisions and strategic directions at the EMC level, as well as advocating to senior government for improved electric vehicle policies, programs and infrastructure. EMC was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) Program in BC in 2010, which provided financial incentives for clean energy vehicles. Unfortunately, as reported to the Environment and Parks Committee earlier this year, the CEV program ended in March 2014 leaving a gap in BC. Recognizing its benefit to our region, the Board has written to the Provincial government in April 2014, advocating for the continuation of the CEV Program. Many other provinces and states continue to provide incentives for electric vehicles. The Quebec and Ontario governments provide up to $8,000 and $8,500 per vehicle in purchase incentives, respectively. In the U.S., the Federal Government provides a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle. Membership in EMC could be helpful to Metro Vancouver in ensuring that our region’s concerns regarding purchase incentives, HOV lane access and infrastructure are heard by senior levels of government. Beyond advocacy, advertised benefits of membership include:

Connecting through local Chapters, Sector Groups, Annual Conference and networking events;

Access to valuable EV information including the Plug‐In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Readiness Guide for municipalities and other jurisdictions, EV sales data;

Keeping abreast of trends of importance to government;

Opportunity to participate on working groups; and

Special rates at the Annual EV Conference and Trade Show. ALTERNATIVES

1. That the GVRD Board authorize staff to renew Metro Vancouver’s membership with Electric Mobility Canada (EMC); or

2. That the GVRD Board direct staff to take an alternate course of action.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS If the Board approves Alternative 1 the cost of membership is $3,729 per year. This cost would be funded through the existing corporate support budget. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION Transitioning to zero‐emission vehicles is essential to meeting our region’s greenhouse gas reduction targets, and also provides benefits in the reduction of other air contaminants that lead to smog or health impacts. Electric Mobility Canada (EMC), a charitable non‐profit organization, is a convener of stakeholders with this shared objective and the nation’s only cross‐sectoral advocate for electric vehicles. As a corporate member of EMC, Metro Vancouver can better ensure that EMC’s efforts are directed to where they are most needed in our region. Staff recommend Alternative 1, that Metro Vancouver renew our corporate membership at the cost of $3,729 per year. 8599062


To: Environment and Parks Committee From: Allan Neilson, General Manager, Planning, Policy and Environment Department Date: September 15, 2014 Meeting Date: October 2, 2014 Subject: Manager’s Report ‐ Environment

RECOMMENDATION That the Environment and Parks Committee receive for information the report dated September 15, 2014, titled “Manager’s Report – Environment”.

ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS COMMITTEE 2014 WORKPLAN – ENVIRONMENT Attachment 1 to this report sets out the Committee’s Workplan for 2014 – Environment. The status of work program elements is indicated as pending, in progress, or complete. The listing is updated as needed to include new issues that arise, items requested by the Committee, and changes in the schedule. NEW AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION IN MISSION In partnership with the Fraser Valley Regional District, in August 2014 a new monitoring station began operating in Mission. The station is the 28th permanent station operated by Metro Vancouver as part of the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Monitoring Network located throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and the 6th station in the FVRD. The new station monitors ground‐level ozone, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as well as meteorology and posts current data to Metro Vancouver’s AirMap. It will fill a monitoring gap on the north side of the Fraser River, improve understanding of how pollutants form and move around the region, and provide air quality monitoring for the local community. Media release (Attachment 2). NEW AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION IN MISSION Data from the new Mission station, along with all other monitoring stations is available on Metro Vancouver’s AirMap.ca, as well as the Provincial government’s bcairquality.ca. Both applications display air quality monitoring information, including current pollutant readings, 24‐hour and seven‐day trends, as well as meteorological data like temperature, wind speed, and wind direction for each monitoring station. Metro Vancouver’s airmap.ca has recently been upgraded with improved graphics and smart phone and tablet functionality. UPDATE ON FRASER SURREY DOCKS COAL FACILITY Fraser Surrey Docks continues to be in discussion with Metro Vancouver’s Environmental Regulation and Enforcement division staff regarding application for an air emissions permit. As reported to the Committee during its tour in July, air quality monitoring studies are underway in Delta to enhance the understanding of the levels of coal particles in the environment, better inform environmental and health risk assessments, and assist in making regulatory decisions related to the movement and handling of coal. In cooperation with the Corporation of Delta, a year‐long

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particulate monitoring program began in Delta in July 2014. Monitoring for airborne particulate matter was initiated at three locations near railway lines carrying coal trains as well as in one residential location. Portable instruments track concentrations of particulate matter minute‐by‐minute and collect samples on filters for specialized analysis of coal content later in a laboratory (as well as diesel particulate matter). More recently, Metro Vancouver’s mobile air monitoring unit (MAMU) began a one‐month monitoring program in White Rock on September 8. In cooperation with the City of White Rock, MAMU will be located in a municipal parking lot near to the rail line running along the waterfront until approximately October 10. Measurements will be made continuously to assess the potential air quality effects of passing coal trains. Analysis of the coal content of filter samples taken by MAMU will be compared to similar filter samples collected at City Hall in White Rock, which is more distant from the rail line. MAMU has been moved from its location in North Vancouver, where it has been doing similar monitoring of coal and other air contaminants since April 2014, in response to air quality concerns in regard to nearby transportation projects (i.e. Low Level Road Project) and industries, including the coal handling facility at Neptune Terminals and the Richardson grain terminal. It is expected that MAMU will return to its North Vancouver location, in Moodyville, after completing one month of monitoring in White Rock. Attachment:

1. Environment and Parks Committee 2014 Workplan – Environment (DOC 9858027) 2. New Regional Air Quality Monitoring Station & Mobile Airmap (DOC 10275568)

9858027


Manager’s Report ‐ Environment Environment and Parks Committee Meeting Date: September 9, 2014

Page 3 of 3

Environment and Parks Committee 2014 Work Plan ‐ Environment Priorities

1st Quarter Status

Implement year three of Non‐road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation including expanding registration requirements to Tier 1 engines, and fees increase for Tier 0 engines

complete

Conduct climate change workshop with Environment and Parks Committee complete

2nd Quarter

Report on regional ground level ozone strategy complete

Prepare third annual Caring for the Air report complete

Host forum on Regional Green Infrastructure Network pending

Complete research on pollinators and honey bees and develop recommendations in progress

3rd Quarter

Develop new programs, with other agency partners, to address emissions from on‐road heavy duty diesel vehicles

in progress

Complete updated assessment and prioritization of air toxics in the region in progress

Initiate and implement additional programs for reducing greenhouse gas emissions among prioritized business sectors and facilitating the uptake of low carbon vehicle technologies

in progress

Develop a framework for inter‐municipal projects and initiatives to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions

pending

Develop proposed Regional Green Infrastructure Network for consideration of member municipalities

in progress

4th Quarter

Process air quality permit applications including permit applications for new coal handling facilities

in progress

Develop capacity to monitor ultrafine particulate matter in progress

Adopt new ambient air quality objectives for sulphur dioxide in line with leading jurisdictions, consistent with the principle of continuous improvement

in progress

Implement additional greenhouse gas reduction offset projects that will achieve and maintain Metro Vancouver’s carbon neutral status

in progress

Provide status report on 2011 Ecological Health Action Plan pending

Provide status report on 2011 Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan

in progress

Consider proposed 2015 air quality programs and budget pending

9858027

5.8 Attachment 1


September 25, 2014

NEW REGIONAL AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION & MOBILE AIRMAP

Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District have again demonstrated their commitment to

monitoring air quality throughout our shared airshed by adding a new monitoring station in Mission.

The new station, located in central Mission near the Mission Secondary School, is the 28th permanent station in

Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality Monitoring Network. The network collects air data from Horseshoe Bay to Hope

every hour of the day, seven days a week.

All of the data collected is now available on an updated AirMap.ca, which is accessible on mobile and desktop

devices.

“Our air monitoring network is one of the most comprehensive in the world,” said Board Chair Greg Moore.

“The additional data from the Mission station will provide us with a more-complete picture of air quality

throughout the Lower Mainland. And with the ability to now access the information on mobile devices, people can

find out about the air quality wherever they are,” he added.

The station is owned by the Fraser Valley Regional District and collects data on ground-level ozone, particulate

matter, and nitrogen oxides, which are indicators for the Air Quality Health Index. The Index is a scale designed to

provide information on health effects of air quality and to help limit exposure to air pollution especially for

vulnerable groups like children, seniors, and those with respiratory illnesses.

The Mission station is now contributing data to Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality Monitoring Network and is also part

of AirMap.ca, which displays real-time information on a colour-coded map to indicate readings from low to high

risk. AirMap.ca shows the latest readings, 24-hour and seven-day trends as well as meteorological data like

temperature, wind speed, and wind direction for each monitoring station.

“By collecting even more data and improving public access to it, residents of and visitors to Metro Vancouver can

easily check air conditions and plan activities while protecting their health,” said Director Heather Deal, Chair of

Metro Vancouver’s Environment and Parks Committee.

“Clean, clear air is one of the things that makes Metro Vancouver a great and desirable place to live, play and

work,” said Chair Moore. “By adding another monitoring station to this important network, we are demonstrating

the importance we place on continuously improving the air quality in the airshed that we share with the Fraser

Valley Regional District.”

For further information, please contact the Information Centre at 604.432.6200.

Metro Vancouver is a partnership of 21 municipalities, one Electoral Area and one Treaty First Nation that collaboratively plans for and delivers regional-scale services. Its core services are drinking water, wastewater treatment and solid waste management. Metro Vancouver also regulates air quality, plans for urban growth, manages a regional parks system and provides affordable housing. The regional district is governed by a Board of Directors of elected officials from each local authority.


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OCTOBER 2014

SUMMARY OF EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct 4 Spying on Spiders

BELCARRA REGIONAL PARK

Oct 4 Heritage Apple Day Event

DERBY REACH REGIONAL PARK

Oct 5 Creative Cafe

MINNEKHADA REGIONAL PARK

Oct 8 Blood Moon Night Walk

CAMPBELL VALLEY REGIONAL PARK

Oct 12 Bowen Island Apple Fest

CRIPPEN REGIONAL PARK

Oct 19 Return of the Salmon

KANAKA CREEK REGIONAL PARK

Oct 25 First Annual Regional Parks EcoBlitz

VARIOUS REGIONAL PARKS

Oct 25 Weedbusters

BURNABY LAKE REGIONAL PARK

Oct 26 Demystifying Mushrooms

CAMPBELL VALLEY REGIONAL PARK

Oct 26 Critter Capers – Masquerade Mystery

TYNEHEAD REGIONAL PARK

Oct 28 Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area Scientific Advisory Panel Meeting

WEST AREA PARKS OFFICE ‐ #130 – 1200 WEST 73RD AVENUE, VANCOUVER


http://www.metrovancouver.org/region/calendar/Pages/default.aspx

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GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT …

Documents