The City enjoys one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the Metro Vancouver region with several of the City's most popular attractions being parks, greenways, and open spaces.
To protect the green assets that give the community its character and identity, the City developed a Parks & Greenways Strategic Plan in 2002. The Plan outlines a long-term vision for the integration of recreational, ecological and sustainable transportation networks throughout the City. Various programs have been developed to ensure that the City's parks and green spaces remain an enduring source of community pride.
Park Projects
Of the City's completed park projects, many key re-developments and enhancements have been recognized at the provincial and national levels. As the community expands and changes, the City intends to continue making its parks a permanent part of its growth. Learn more about Park Projects.
Greenways
As early as the City's original 1907 town plan, greenways were considered an important part of the City's natural environment. Since then, the City has experienced major urban development and a growing population, yet protecting and creating greenways remain a priority for the City. Learn more about the City's Greenways.
Natural Areas
As an established municipality, the City has a comprehensive network of parks and trails. Within these parks are natural areas that include ravines and steep slopes, which are in turn home to fish bearing streams and native plant species.
Since most City parks are fully developed, the impact on habitat and vegetation is largely the result of human use and dog activity. Some of the activities people most enjoy in the City such as walking their dogs, hiking trails, or mountain biking can have significant negative effects on the natural environment. In other instances, some of the City's natural areas are vulnerable to erosion, sedimentation, and storm water problems.
The City recognizes the value in balancing the recreational and educational aspects of its urban parks. Without a clear vision for environmental protection and a commitment to environmental best practices, the City's popular and picturesque parks would not be enjoyed by future generations.
Environmental initiatives being explored and integrated by the City include:
- Pursuing creative solutions for stormwater management such as designing and implementing community detention ponds that don't affect existing waterways and help to educate the public on its use
- Using bio-retention areas or rain gardens in private development sites
- Limiting the installation of new trails or facilities that do not benefit a sensitive habitat
- Erecting trailside barriers such as fences along heavy use trails to protect sensitive ravines and creeks
- Restoring riparian areas that have been negatively impacted by erosion or park use
- Implementing policies that balance the health and safety of residents with the protection of the environment
- Managing invasive non-native plant species and integrating naturescaping principles to increase the habitat for wildlife and birds