Urban Watershed Restoration: Putting Plans

Into ActionTanis Douglas

Bowker Creek Initiative CoordinatorCapital Regional District, Victoria

BC

Collaborative FrameworkWatershed Assessment (2000)Watershed management forum and open house (2002)Bowker Creek Watershed Management Plan (2003)Bowker Creek Initiative established and part-time coordinator hired (2004)Public launch (2005)

VisionThe varied human uses and natural

areas in the Bowker watershed are managed to minimize runoff and pollution, making Bowker Creek a healthy stream that supports habitat for native vegetation and wildlife, and provides a community greenway to connect neighbourhoods.

Watershed Plan Goals1: … take responsibility for actions that affect water quality in the watershed.2: Manage flows effectively.3: Improve and expand public areas, natural areas and biodiversity.4: Achieve and maintain acceptable water quality.

Outreach (Goal 1)Outreach (Goal 1)

Master Drainage Plan in Progress (Goal 2)

Treat flooding and erosion problems associated with 10 yr + rainfall eventsDaylighting a recommended option to deal with inadequate infrastructure and climate changeWill be rolled into an Integrated Stormwater Management Plan

Greenways (Goal 3)Greenways routing recommendations are developed and will be given to the three municipal councilsGreenway ROW obtained in one locationOwners of undeveloped lands next to the creek have been contacted Redevelopment ongoing

Natural Areas, Biodiversity (Goal 3)

Integrated Stormwater Management Plan to include prescriptions for channel, floodplain and riparian restorationOpportunistic projects to restore riparian areas and address erosion