February 25, 2022 - Metro Vancouver

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To: Regional Parks Committee

From: Steve Schaffrick, Division Manager, Central Area, Regional Parks

Date: January 13, 2022 Meeting Date: February 9, 2022

Subject: Delta Nature Reserve and Delta South Surrey Greenway – Public Engagement Summary

RECOMMENDATION

That the Regional Parks Committee receive for information the report dated January 13, 2022, titled

“Delta Nature Reserve and Delta South Surrey Greenway – Public Engagement Summary.”

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 2021, staff completed a background report and phase one engagement on park planning and key directions for a park management plan for the Delta Nature Reserve, the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area lands east of Highway 91, and the Delta South Surrey Greenway.

Phase one engagement results showed strong support for protecting the ecological value of the lands coupled with a desire for more educational opportunities, improved access and additional park amenities. This information report reviews the results of phase one engagement.

Initial engagement with First Nations has determined that a cultural study for the lands should be completed as next step in the management planning process and as part of broader engagement with Indigenous communities. The draft management plan will be brought to the MVRD Board in 2023 for consideration ahead of phase two engagement.

PURPOSE

To provide the Regional Parks Committee and MVRD Board with a summary of public and First Nations engagement on park planning and key directions for a park management plan for the Delta Nature Reserve (DNR), Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area (BBECA) lands east of Highway 91, and Delta South Surrey Greenway (DSSG), and to outline next steps in the management planning process.

BACKGROUND

In July 2020, Metro Vancouver was transferred 50 percent ownership of the DNR from the City of Delta. At the time of the transfer, it was determined that a management plan would be required for the DNR, the BBECA lands east of Highway 91 and the DSSG. The Regional Greenways 2050 strategy also identifies the DSSG as a regionally significant connection.

At its April 7, 2021 meeting, the MVRD Board adopted the following recommendation:

That the MVRD Board authorize staff to proceed with the engagement process as presented in the report dated March 16, 2021, titled “Delta Nature Reserve and Delta South Surrey Greenway – Public Engagement and Management Plan”.

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Delta Nature Reserve and Delta South Surrey Greenway – Public Engagement Summary Regional Parks Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 9, 2022 Page 2 of 4

The first phase of public, stakeholder and First Nations engagement commenced in summer 2021 and concluded in early fall 2021. This report summarizes the results of the first phase of engagement and outlines next steps in the development of a draft management plan. The draft plan will be brought to the MVRD Board for consideration ahead of a second phase of public engagement.

PHASE ONE ENGAGEMENT

The DNR, BBECA east of Highway 91, and the DSSG fall within the consultative areas of seven local First Nations, namely: Katzie First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Kwikwetlem First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, Semiahmoo First Nation, Tsawwassen First Nation, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation in addition to eleven Nations and one Tribal Council out of the region, including Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lake Cowichan First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, Seabird Island Band, Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation, Skawahlook First Nation, Soowahlie First Nation, Stz’uminus First Nation, Stó:lō Nation, and Stó:lō Tribal Council.

Staff engaged First Nations, governmental and non-governmental agencies, stakeholders, and the public on park planning and key directions for the draft management plan. The engagement report (Attachment) provides a detailed summary of engagement results, and highlights are provided in this report. Input was received from representatives of the City of Surrey, Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel, Cougar Creek Streamkeepers, Burns Bog Conservation Society, Environment and Climate Change Canada, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Horse Council of BC, and HUB Cycling Delta-Tsawwassen.

Because of joint ownership of the lands, City of Delta staff attended a number of meetings that Metro Vancouver organized with the external agencies. City of Delta staff have provided considerable input and expertise toward the management planning process.

Phase One Public Engagement

Opportunities for public input included two in-park engagement events and an online feedback form.

Over fifty people attended the in-park engagement events and 317 feedback forms were completed.

Staff have reviewed and collated public input from the stakeholder meetings, engagement events, and online feedback form. The following themes emerged:

• strong support for protected environmental areas;

• the need to balance the desire of some for more park amenities – with trails, boardwalks, washrooms and parking being most requested amenities – with the desire of others to keep the area natural and minimize facility development;

• interest in providing learning opportunities, including nature interpretation trails, bog education landscape, and hands-on habitat restoration opportunities;

• the need to address trail drainage and flooding;

• the need for improved trail and boardwalk surfacing; and

• the need for coordination and collaboration with partner agencies on interface issues and management plan implementation.

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Governmental and Non-Governmental Engagement

Targeted agency engagement occurred throughout 2021. There is strong support for continued protection and conservation of natural assets, for improvements to site hydrology, and for enhanced greenway connectivity. The following table provides a summary of key issues that emerged in discussions with the various governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged.

Agency Issues

Metro Vancouver Liquid Waste Services Collaboration and access for South Surrey Interceptor (wastewater pipe) and the DSSG City of Delta and City of Surrey Plan development, stakeholder relationships,

trail connectivity, and interface issues Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel Protection of bog ecosystems and hydrology Cougar Creek Streamkeepers Interface issues and opportunities along the

DSSG and Lower Cougar Creek corridor

Burns Bog Conservation Society Nature education, current site challenges, and opportunities

Environment and Climate Change Canada, and BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

Management plan opportunities, coordination, and approvals

Horse Council of B.C. Improved connectivity, equestrian parking, and conflicts between user groups

HUB Cycling Delta-Tsawwassen Improved connectivity and cycling amenities First Nations Engagement

The First Nations engagement was initiated with an introductory letter to all First Nations whose consultative area overlapped with the DNR, BBECA east of Highway 91, and the DSSG. Following the letter, virtual meetings were conducted with the First Nations who indicated interest and desire to be involved in the management planning process.

During engagement, several First Nations expressed a concern that the management planning should not proceed before there is better knowledge and understanding of the cultural history of the lands.

As such, staff propose the initiation of a cultural study with interested local First Nations, which after its completion would inform the next steps in the development of the management plan.

This direction is based both on early discussions with First Nations and emerging best practices from park projects at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra and Widgeon Marsh Regional Parks. The cultural study is intended to help understand past uses and areas of interest, to inform planning and conceptual layout of park elements, to inform public-facing interpretation, and to understand current and desired future cultural use of the lands.

Once the cultural study is complete, staff will develop a draft management plan informed by the cultural study, the background environmental work, and the phase one engagement information.

Staff will ensure that First Nations have continued engagement opportunities in the development of the draft management plan. This draft management plan will be brought to the MVRD Board in 2023 for consideration and for permission to complete phase two engagement.

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ALTERNATIVES

This is an information report. No alternatives are presented.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

All costs incurred for phase one engagement on the management plan were within the approved 2021 budget. The proposed cultural study will be paid for within the existing 2022 budget. It is difficult to estimate the cost of the cultural study until further meetings with interested First Nations are held.

However, based on past cultural studies the cost is estimated at approximately $250,000 to $300,000.

A full costing of the park development will be possible once the management plan is complete. Park development will be phased as incremental capital improvements over the multiple decade life of the plan, and funds will be approved through the annual Regional Parks Capital Budget.

CONCLUSION

Metro Vancouver is undertaking a management plan for the Delta Nature Reserve (DNR), Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area (BBECA) lands east of highway 91, and the Delta South Surrey Greenway (DSSG). This report provides an overview of results of phase one engagement with First Nations, key agencies, stakeholders, and the public. The next step for the management plan is to complete a cultural study of the project area. The cultural study, along with phase one engagement and the background report, will provide a basis for development of a management plan for the DNR, BBECA lands east of highway 91, and the DSSG. The draft management plan will be brought to the MVRD Board in 2023 for consideration ahead of phase two engagement.

Attachment

Delta Nature Reserve + Delta South Surrey Greenway: Summer 2021 Phase 1 Engagement Summary, December 2021

Reference

Delta Nature Reserve + Delta South Surrey Greenway: Background Report

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ATTACHMENT

Delta Nature Reserve + Delta South Surrey Greenway

Summer 2021 Phase 1 Engagement Summary

December 2021

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Delta Nature Reserve + Delta South Surrey Greenway | 2

Metro Vancouver began developing a draft management plan for the Delta Nature Reserve (DNR) and Delta South Surrey Greenway (DSSG) in early 2021. The goal of the management planning process is to develop a plan that guides future park development that balances the Regional Parks’ mandate to protect park ecosystems, and to connect visitors to nature.

Metro Vancouver considers engagement a key element to successful projects. The Metro Vancouver engagement guide states that “engagement is based on the premise that people have the right to participate in decision-making processes that affect them on the individual or community level.” As such, Metro Vancouver undertook a robust engagement process for phase I engagement, which will be followed by a second phase of engagement once a draft plan is developed.

In phase one engagement, Metro Vancouver asked First Nations, stakeholders and the public for input to guide plan development. As a result of the First Nations engagement, it is recommended that the next step for this project is to complete a cultural use study. It is anticipated a cultural use study will take approximately one year to complete. Development of a draft management plan will begin after the completion of the cultural use study.

2021 Engagement Methods

The public opportunities to provide input into the plan included in-park engagement sessions and an online feedback form.

As part of the public engagement, two outreach booths were set up on September 11, one from 9am to 11am at Mud Bay Park, the southern end of the DSSG, and a second from 1 to 3pm at the DNR. Visitors were encouraged to learn about the project, the engagement opportunity and they were provided with a bookmark with a project link to complete an online feedback form. A total of just over 50 people visited the booths to learn more about the project.

The in-person engagement at the parks and the opportunity to provide feedback online were advertised through social media posts, emails invitations and in local news outlets including the North Delta Reporter, the Surrey Now Leader and the Delta Optimist.

Staff also held planned engagement meetings with representatives from number of organizations, including the Cities of Delta and Surrey, the Burns Bog Conservation Society, the Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel, HUB, the Cougar Creek Stream Keepers, and the Provincial and Federal Governments First Nations Engagement

Metro Vancouver continues to strive to build effective relationships with First Nations to ensure better alignment and to develop common objectives The DNRDNR and DSSGDSSG fall within the consultative areas of nineteen First Nations. These first nations/tribal councils are:

Cowichan Tribes Halalt First Nation Katzie First Nation

Kwantlen First Nation Kwikwetlem First Nation Lake Cowichan First Nation Lyackson First Nation Musqueam Indian Band Penelakut Tribe

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Delta Nature Reserve + Delta South Surrey Greenway | 4 Seabird Island Band Semiahmoo First Nation Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation

Skawahlook First Nation Soowahlie First Nation Stó:lō Nation

Stó:lō Tribal Council Stz’uminus First Nation Tsawwassen First Nation Tsleil-Waututh Nation

Engagement letters were sent to all nineteen First Nations and Tribal Councils. Meetings were also held with staff from Kwantlen First Nation, Kwikwetlem First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, and Tsleil- Waututh Nation. In addition, Tsawwassen First Nation contacted staff for further information in respect to the cultural study.

Agency and Stakeholder Engagement

Staff invited agencies and stakeholders for their input to inform the draft management plan. Meetings and site visits were held with nine different agencies.

Date Organization Meeting

Dec. 9 2020, Jan. 20 2021, May 6 2021

Liquid Waste Services staff Site visit, project update and discussion

Jan. 13 2021,

May 6 2021 City of Delta Staff Site visit and project

discussion meetings

Mar. 1 2021 City of Surrey Staff Project update and discussion

July 14 2021 Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel Project update and discussion July 21 2021 Cougar Creek Streamkeepers Site visit and discussion July 27 2021 Burns Bog Conservation Society Project update and discussion Oct. 18 2021 Environment and Climate Change Canada, BC

Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and rural Development, and City of Delta staff

Joint meeting with four initial Burns Bog Purchase partners;

project update and discussion Nov. 8 2021 Meeting with the Horse Council of B.C. Project update and discussion Nov. 30 2021 Meeting with HUB Cycling Delta-Tsawwassen Project update and discussion

SUMMARY OF FEEDBACK AND MEETINGS Online Feedback Form

The online feedback form was available from August 23 to September 20 2021. We received 317 feedback form responses. Some of the feedback that we have heard include information on visitors access the DNR and DSSG, along with their key planning objectives including environmental topics, safety, and access, and possible facilities for consideration into the management plan. Respondents shared their attachment to the natural areas and there was a high degree of support for protecting these areas, highlighting the need for balance and careful siting of future amenities. Restoration work, as well as opportunities to learn about the bog, including more trails and boardwalks were highly

supported. Improved trail drainage, surfacing and managing user conflicts, as well as more user facilities within the reserve and greenway were desired by respondents.

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*Response percentages may not add up to 100%

due to rounding.

1.How do you get to the Delta Nature Reserve or Delta South Surrey Regional Greenway?

2. Where do you usually access the Delta Nature Reserve and greenway?

Almost a third of respondents access the project area via the Planet Ice Parking Lot, with Highway 10 and the 72nd Street overpass being the next most common entrance points. Other entrances include a number of neighbourhood connections between the project area and the residential areas east of the project area.

Personal Vehicle, 57%

Walk, 20%

Bicycle, 14%

Horse, 7%

Transit, 1%

Run, 1%

Multimode, 0.3%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

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Delta Nature Reserve + Delta South Surrey Greenway | 6 3. Do you typically visit the reserve and greenway…:

4. Are there reasons that would prevent you from visiting the Delta Nature Reserve and Delta South Surrey Regional Greenway more frequently?

Lack of amenities - please specify:

- Washrooms (36) - Cycling paths (2) - Parking (2) - Dog bags (1)

- Limited walkways, benches (1) - Parking for horse trailers (1) - Safe boardwalk (1)

- Garbage bins (1) - Water fountain (1)

Feeling unsafe – please specify:

- Seclusion/lack of other users (7) - Off leashed dogs (5)

- Being a woman (5)

- Feels unsafe visiting alone (4) - Suspicious activity (3)

- Flooding (2)

- People experiencing homelessness (2) - Speed of cyclists (1)

- Lack of lighting (1) - Lack of policing (1)

05 1015 2025 3035 4045 50

Lack of amenities Too far from home Feel unsafe Access to personal vehicle Presence of dogs Flooding Vehicle break-ins Accessibility issues Access to public transport Trail surfacing Not aware of the reserve & greenway Personal reasons (e.g. time, physical limits)

# of responses

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due to rounding.

5. How often do you visit the reserve and/or greenway?

6. Why do you come to this reserve and/or greenway?

Other reasons people had for visiting the greenway included:

- Access to horseback riding trails and clubs - Unique natural areas

- Commuting

- Recreational cycling - Bird watching - Volunteering

- Personal attachment to the area Being in

nature 36%

Trails and boardwalks

32%

Close to home 28%

Other, 5%

3 times a week or

more, 14%

1 to 2 times a week, 24%

about once a month, 39%

about once a year or less, 22%

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Delta Nature Reserve + Delta South Surrey Greenway | 8 7. On the map, please tell us your favorite places in the reserve and/or greenway and what makes

these places special.

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Delta Nature Reserve + Delta South Surrey Greenway | 9 8. How do you feel about the following potential features or facilities being added to these areas?

Please rate your level of support for each.

A number of other amenities for the reserve and greenway were suggested, including:

- Equestrian Trails (13) - Washrooms (11) - Leave the site as is (11) - Dog off-leash area / trails (9) - Improved drainage (8)

- Structures and signs to protect creek (4) - Trail surfacing + width improvements

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- Improved signage (4)

- Multiuse trails (4) - Increase safety (4) - Improved connectivity (3) - Guided walks (2)

- Benches (2)

- Water fountains (2) - Garbage bins (2) - Interpretive Signs (2)

9. Do you have any additional feedback or comments about the DNR and Delta South Surrey Regional Greenway management plan?

There were 200 comments received and often comments contained multiple statements. The most common statements in comments received were:

- Desire to keep area natural and minimize facility development (43) - Improve trail drainage (19)

- Improve trail and boardwalk surfacing (17) - Maintain and improve equestrian facilities (17) - Improve trail connections for commuters (14) - Safer access across railway tracks (10)

- Enforcement of leash requirements for dogs (9) - Provide a washroom (7)

0 50 100 150 200 250

Protected environmental areas More boardwalks / trails Nature interpretation trails (with signs/exhibits) Bog educational landscape Hands-on habitat restoration opportunities Parking areas Visitor education centre Day-use / Picnic area Nature-themed play area with natural features Picnic shelters

# of Responses

Very important Somewhat important Neutral Not very important Not at all important

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0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

Facebook / Twitter Email invitation Word of mouth Volunteer organization Newspaper Metro Vancouver website Pop-up in the park Other

due to rounding.

- Conflict with high bike speeds (7)

- Concern about watershed and creek protection (6) - Desire for improved signage (6)

- Desire for additional facilities (benches, water fountains, bike racks) (6)

RESPONDENT INFORMATION Responses by Location

Responses by Advertising Type Responses by Age

19 years and under, 0.3%

20 to 34 years,

10%

35 to 49 years, 29%

50 to 64 years, 31%

65 to 74 years, 22%

years, 75+

8%

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EXTERNAL AGENCY, MUNICIPAL PARTNERS, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION SUMMARY Targeted agency engagement occurred throughout 2021. There is strong support for continued protection and conservation of natural assets, a desire to improve site hydrology and to enhance greenway connectivity. Discussions with key agencies included:

- Metro Vancouver Liquid Waste Services staff to ensure ongoing collaboration and access for both the South Surrey Interceptor (wastewater pipe) and the DSSG. This includes looking at limiting impacts to existing infrastructure.

- City of Delta and City of Surrey staff to collaborate on plan development, stakeholder relationships, trail connectivity and interface issues.

- Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel to provide advice and strategies on best methods for ongoing protection of bog ecosystems and hydrology within limits of acceptable change.

- Cougar Creek Streamkeepers to discuss interface issues and opportunities along the DSSG and Lower Cougar Creek corridor.

- Burns Bog Conservation Society to discuss opportunities for nature education, current site challenges and opportunities.

- Environment and Climate Change Canada, and BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development to discuss management plan opportunities, coordination and approvals.

- Horse Council of B.C. to discuss opportunities for improved connectivity, equestrian parking and conflicts between user groups.

- HUB Cycling Delta-Tsawwassen to discuss opportunities for improvement connectivity and cycling amenities.

IN-PARK ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

About 50 people visited the public outreach information booths at two different locations on September 11, 2021. Some conversations were with frequent DNR and greenway users, while others were curious about the management planning process. Each person was given a bookmark with a hyperlink to access the online feedback form and was encouraged to provide comments there.

Some of the comments we’ve heard from the in-person engagements included:

- Request for a washroom (2)

- Desire to minimize park development (2) - Suggestion for improving natural areas (2)

- Desire to see better support for universal accessibility (1) - Desire for dog friendly boardwalk surfacing (1)

- Request to replace boardwalk loop near sunken tractor (1) - Request for more user code of conduct education (1) - Request to reduce dog off-leash use (1)

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- Desire for more equestrian trails (1)

- Request for improved wayfinding signage to access the DNR (1) - Desire for a separate trail at Highway 10 crossing along Greenway (1) - Desire for a Bog education centre (1)

- Request to purchase additional riparian lands (1)

- Request to consider alternate greenway routing in addition to primary route (1)

OTHER FEEDBACK

Comments on the regional park management plan were also received via Facebook on promotional posts about the management plan and public engagement process.

The August 23^rd post on public engagement received 7 comments, which ranged from concerns about protecting Burns Bog, to excitement for park development, and to suggestions of housing development on the lands. The post also received 12 shares, 37 reactions and 122 link clicks.

The September 6^th reminder post on public engagement received 3 comments. The comments ranged from wondering about reducing flooding in the parklands, to support for more nature, and to concern about too much park development. The post also received 12 shares, 20 reactions and 135 link clicks.

The September 13^th reminder post on public engagement received 5 comments. The comments ranged from appreciation for the feedback opportunity, to boardwalk repair, to suggestions of development, and to concern about too much park development. The post also received 7 shares, 19 reactions and 154 link clicks.

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5.2

To: Regional Parks Committee

From: Doug Petersen, Division Manager, East Area Regional Parks

Date: January 14, 2022 Meeting Date: February 9, 2022

Subject: Surrey Bend Regional Park – Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Proposal for Off-Channel Habitat Enhancement

RECOMMENDATION

That the Regional Parks Committee receive for information the report dated January 14, 2022, titled “Surrey Bend Regional Park - Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Proposal for Off-Channel Habitat Enhancement”.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is interested in funding habitat restoration within Surrey Bend Regional Park as habitat compensation for one of their infrastructure projects. The proposed compensation project would create 5,000 m² of aquatic habitat as well as 6,975 m² of revegetated riparian area. Staff will work with the Ministry’s staff and consultants to investigate the feasibility of this project. If it is found to be in the interest of both parties, an agreement will be drafted and brought back to the MVRD Board for approval.

PURPOSE

To inform the Regional Parks Committee of a potential off-channel habitat enhancement project within Surrey Bend Regional Park as a result of a shortfall in habitat compensation requirements under the Fisheries Act associated with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Port Mann / Highway One project.

BACKGROUND

In June 2021, Metro Vancouver met with staff of Hemmera, an Ausenco Company engaged on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) to review and guide proposals for habitat compensation work outlined in the letter from MOTI dated December 21, 2021 (Attachment 1).

The MOTI constructed offset fisheries habitat in 2013 in this park, one of several sites associated with the Port Mann / Highway One project. The original offset project was designed by LGL Ltd. and Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. and has been successful. However, after the five-year effectiveness monitoring period for all of the offsetting projects associated with Port Mann / Highway One project, some sites were unsuccessful and there was a shortfall in habitat requirements for the Fisheries Authorization.

OVERVIEW OF THE HABITAT COMPENSATION PROJECT

Monitoring of the channels constructed in 2013 has shown them to be stable and capable of recruiting and supporting 7 native fish species including coho, chum, rainbow, cutthroat and stickleback as well as 3 native amphibian species. The project proposes the creation of an additional 465 linear meters of channel with a

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Surrey Bend Regional Park – Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Proposal for Off-Channel Habitat Enhancement Regional Parks Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 9, 2022 Page 2 of 2

high tide depth of 1.5 m and a wetted width of 11.8 m to achieve 5,000 m²wetted habitat with a 10%

contingency (Attachment 2). The project intends to:

• Utilize the pre-existing 293 linear meter “L” shaped shallow channel inside the Beaver Loop to create additional channel habitat (Main Channel);

• Create an additional 172 linear meter channel which branches off of the new channel, still within the Beaver Loop (Option A, B or C);

• Vegetate 6,975 m² with native plant species to develop into desired riparian community;

• Place and anchor woody debris for instream complexing; and,

• Monitor and maintain the restored area during the establishment period.

The restoration site being considered by Metro Vancouver is currently un-diked floodplain vegetated mainly by invasive reed canary grass and wetland shrubs. The project fits within the guiding principle of the Surrey Bend Regional Park Management Plan to promote restoration and enhancement of habitat where appropriate.

Next Steps

Staff will continue to work with MOTI to investigate the feasibility of this project. If it is found to be in the interest of both parties, an agreement will be drafted and brought back to the MVRD Board.

ALTERNATIVES

This is an information report. No alternatives are presented.

There are no financial implications to Metro Vancouver with respect to exploring the feasibility of this project. Any financial implications that may arise if this project was to proceed will be considered at the time an agreement is considered by the MVRD Board.

CONCLUSION

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is interested in funding habitat restoration within Surrey Bend Regional Park as habitat compensation for one of their infrastructure projects. The proposed compensation project would create 5,000 m² of aquatic habitat as well as 6,975 m² of revegetated riparian area benefiting native fish species such as coho salmon, and rainbow and cutthroat trout. Removal of invasive species and the creation of additional aquatic habitat will add biodiversity and benefit the overall ecology of the park. Metro Vancouver is interested in restoring ecologically compromised areas of Surrey Bend Regional Park and this opportunity would advance restoration goals beyond what the current park budget would allow.

Attachments:

1. Correspondence dated December 21, 2021 regarding Proposed Habitat Enhancement at Surrey Bend Regional Park

2. Figure: Proposed Channel Options for Surrey Bend Regional Park Habitat Compensation

49820723

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Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

South Coast Region

Phone: 236-468-1984 Mailing Address:

310-1500 Woolridge St.

Coquitlam, BC V3k 0B6

Web Address:

www.gov.bc.ca/tran Road Information:

www.drivebc.ca

December 21, 2021 To: Janice Jarvis

Natural Resource Management Specialist, Regional Parks, East Area Parks and Environment, Metro Vancouver

Re: Proposed Habitat Enhancement at Surrey Bend Regional Park

INTRODUCTION

This letter has been prepared to outline a concept for habitat enhancement at Surrey Bend Regional Park as proposed by Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI). This letter describes the proposed concept, includes design, location, scope of work, and responsibilities of relevant parties to support an “approval-in-principle” by Metro Vancouver.

MOTI constructed offsetting habitat within Surrey Bend Regional Park in 2013. These habitat works consist of 24,000 m² of wetted habitat including 2,000 linear meters of tidally influenced channel accessible to fish via two channel connections to the Fraser River. Habitat in the Park constructed in 2013 consists of a loop channel (Beaver Loop) and a blind channel (Spirea), both of which connect with Parsons Channel and the Fraser River. These channels support a wide variety of aquatic species including 7 native fish species, 3 species of amphibians and fully functioning and naturally recruiting riparian habitats (PSF 2018¹). These habitat works include a culvert crossing to facilitate maintenance access for Beaver Loop as well as 5.8 km of

recreational trails.

To address a shortfall in habitat compensation requirements of Fisheries Act Authorization (FAA) 04-HPAC-PA1-00063-2g, MOTI is seeking to construct an additional 5,000 m² of wetted habitat and associated riparian vegetation. Surrey Bend Regional Park has been identified as a possible location for construction of this additional habitat.

PROPOSED LOCATION

Surrey Bend Regional Park is a wetland complex located within the upper reaches of the Fraser River estuary in the northwest corner of the City of Surrey. The Park is jointly managed by Metro Vancouver and the City of Surrey under the Surrey Bend Regional Park Management Plan (2010). Proposed location of the newly created habitat is within the Beaver Loop portion of the previously constructed habitat (Figure 1 and Attachment A).

1 Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF). 2018. Surrey Bend Fisheries Habitat Compensation Project

Effectiveness Monitoring Report Year 5: Summary Prepared for Transportation Investment Corporation.

ATTACHMENT 1

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Page 2

Figure 1 Proposed Channel Options for Surrey Bend Regional Park Habitat Compensation (KWL 2021)

PROPOSED SCOPE OF WORK

To achieve 5,000 m² of new instream habitat, approximately 465 linear meters of channel will be required, inclusive of 10% contingency habitat. The conceptual design is a 15.8 m wide

trapezoidal channel 293 m long following the alignment of a pre-existing L-shaped ditch. This estimate assumes a 1.5 m high tide corresponds to a 11.8 m wetted channel width. An

additional 172 m of channel will tangent off the L-shaped channel. See Figure 1 above for the tangent channel options (options shown in green, yellow and red).

In addition to channel construction, 6,975 m² of riparian habitat (15 m wide X 465 m long) would be revegetated. Revegetation may also be required to stabilize soil berms and channel banks.

Based on the previous habitat works, instream habitat complexing (e.g., placement of boulder- log clusters) is recommended. However, due to sensitive soil conditions, complexing is unlikely to be feasible during the year of channel construction.

Additional detail is provided in Attachment A, a conceptual design memo prepared by Kerr Wood Leidal Consulting Engineers (KWL). KWL designed the previously constructed habitat at Surrey Bend.

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PROPOSED RESPONSIBILITIES

The proposed habitat enhancement at Surrey Bend Regional Park would be a collaborative undertaking between MOTI and Metro Vancouver. MOTI would provide funding, project management, and environmental coordination services for construction of the new habitat.

MOTI would use its ‘as and when’ consulting services contract with Hemmera Envirochem Inc.

(Hemmera) for the restoration design, design review, tendering support, construction monitoring, five years of effectiveness monitoring, and maintenance/management

recommendations. Hemmera would contract KWL to team on the project, with Craig Sutherland of KWL in the role of Engineer of Record.

Metro Vancouver would provide permission and access to conduct this project on Regional Park land, including maintenance; technical review of proposed designs, tenders, and monitoring and maintenance reports; and act as liaison with park users, Metro Vancouver Parks Committee, Metro Vancouver Board, and local stewardship groups, if necessary.

The delivery of the work would be subject to a project agreement jointly developed by MOTI and Metro Vancouver. It is understood that the MOTI would be financially responsible for

construction and associated monitoring as outlined above.

Construction and landscaping contractors selected through MOTI’s tendering process would be responsible for installation of the works and standard warranty period. Their work would be subject to monitoring for compliance with the design plan, details, and specifications, as well as Metro Vancouver review.

CLOSURE

MOTI hopes the above detail provides sufficient information and assurance for Metro Vancouver to grant an “agreement in principle” to proceed to detailed design and drafting of a project agreement for the proposed work at Surrey Bend Regional Park. Please feel free to contact me by email at [email protected] or telephone at (236) 468-1984 if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Joanne M Letkeman, BSc

Regional Manager, Environmental Services Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Attachment A: KWL Technical Design Memo

c.c. Robin Taylor, Hemmera Senior Environmental Assessment Manager Stephanie Cavaghan, Hemmera Project Manager

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ATTACHMENT 2 Proposed Channel Options for Surrey Bend Regional Park Habitat Compensation

Surrey Bend Regional Park

Legend

D

Trail

Regional Park Boundary Proposed Project

Location

Re-work Existing Channel ( ... 293 m)

New Channel Options:

Option A (,.., 172 m) Option B (,.., 172 m) Option C (,.., 172 m)

^N

A

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1 February 9, 2022

Sav Dhaliwal, Chair, & Directors Metro Vancouver Regional District, Adriane Carr, Chair & Members

Metro Vancouver Climate Action Committee, Jonathan Coté, Chair & Members

Metro Vancouver Regional Planning Committee

Dear Chairs, Directors & Committee Members:

METRO 2050 CLIMATE COURSE CORRECTION: WIN-WIN-WIN SOLUTIONS, VISION & STRATEGY ALIGNMENT I urge Regional District Directors, Climate Action and Regional Planning Committee Members to align Metro 2050’s strategies with its vision, adopting a basic coarse correction framework along with six win-win-win solutions.

Strong Vision and Status Quo Strategy on Policy Fundamentals

Metro 2050’s vision and goals set sight on a prosperous, sustainable, low carbon, resilient future, improving on Metro 2040. Metro 2050’s strategies, nevertheless, keep the region on course for a high carbon, high congestion, high cost, high risk and high inequity destination. Metro Vancouver explicitly articulates the strategies’ essence:

“…no changes have been made to the location of any of the land use designations, the Urban Containment Boundary, the Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas, or the Special Study Areas.”

“There are currently about 6,500 hectares of lands with the regional land use designation ‘General Urban’

within the UCB, that are undeveloped or rural and planned for future urban growth... the remaining urban lands within the UCB will be largely developed over the next 15-20 years... These areas are expected to be developed as mainly low-density housing with some higher density…”

The “undeveloped” 6,500 ha within the UCB is roughly the size of a medium sized municipality, e.g., half a City of Vancouver by area, one West Van, two Port Moodys, four New Westmisters or 40 City of North Vancouvers.

Metro 2050 Implications

Metro Vancouver’s very own growth projections for undeveloped land have three implications:

1. Increased Carbon & Congestion: Increase passenger vehicle GHGs an estimated 4.66 per cent by 2030 from 2010 levels versus contributing to a targeted 60 per cent reduction and add an estimated 650 million km of driving per year on Metro Vancouver roads versus a 25 per cent reduction as targeted by the BC Government.

2. Loss of Urban Tree Canopy & Climate Resilience: “Result in a loss of over 3,000 ha of tree canopy,” according to Metro Vancouver, virtually wiping out the prospect of a target of increasing urban tree canopy from 32 per cent to 40 per cent. Implications include increased stormwater management costs, increased vulnerability to

flooding and heat wave events and a sustained decline in ecosystem health and biodiversity.

3. Increased Civic Infrastructure Deficits & Intergenerational Inequity: Increase civic infrastructure deficits because low density development doesn't generate enough revenue to operate, maintain and replace its civic infrastructure. This is a significant additional burden on future taxpayers, further exacerbating one of the greatest inequities of our time: intergenerational inequity. Young people today will not only confront greater climate change impacts, under current policy, affordability, congestion and taxpayer burden will grow and public services will decline. Young, disadvantaged populations will be more adversely impacted.

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2030 Driving 2040 Driving 2030 GHGs 2040 GHGs 2030 Tree Canopy 2040 Tree Canopy 650 million km

additional driving in Metro annually

one billion km additional driving in

Metro annually

4.66% passenger vehicle GHG increase

annually

5.25% passenger vehicle GHG increase

annually

5% urban tree canopy loss in Urban Containment

Boundary

10% tree canopy loss in Urban Containment

Boundary

Course Correction Framework & Six Big Moves

Metro Vancouver Directors are urged to adopt the following basic framework to steward a coarse correction:

2. Quantify the contribution of Metro 2050 strategies to key targets in Metro 2050 and Climate 2050 3. Annual monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement to strengthen alignment between goals and

strategies and align Metro 2050 with other key Metro Vancouver policy priorities.

4. Enhance Metro 2050 with stronger support for Win-Win-Win strategies.

Metro’s climate agenda is built on big moves. None yet exist on land use. Here are six. Each and every municipality, your residents, businesses and taxpayers and the region would benefit environmentally, socially and economically.

1. Transit Hub Housing & Commercial

2. SkyTrain Connected Freight Consolidation Centres & Zero Emission Courier Vehicles 3. Industrial Land Protection & Intensification

4. General Urban Resiliency & Gentle Intensification

5. Connecting Big Urban Centres - Frequent Transit Corridor Focused Growth 6. Greenspace Protection

Fairness & Governance Conundrums & High-Benefit, Low-Cost Course Correction

Some municipalities may deem some of these win-win-win solutions as unfair because the historical norm has been to incrementally extend the urban containment boundary, even if other municipalities are adversely impacted by increased congestion and reduced transit revenue. These have been deemed the costs of development. It is a bit unfair to change the rules. However, today, we have evidence that the costs far outweigh the benefits.

Municipalities are growing their infrastructure deficits. Congestion costs the region socially and economically billions annually. Municipal decisions have inadvertently contributed to the largest and fastest growing GHG sources. The impact of singular climate change events to single communities can be billion-dollar catastrophic losses. This, too, is unfair. Fortunately, the course correction is a long-term win-win-win for all municipalities.

Many elected officials and staff have conscientiously invested immense energy to update the Regional Growth Strategy, acknowledging shifting priorities and meeting the expectations necessary for adoption. The threshold for RGS adoption––unanimity––makes it immensely challenging to steward the course corrections needed to reach our shared vision and goals. Only elected officials can drive this course correction.

I am carbon copying key provincial ministers as Metro Vancouver is a flagship jurisdiction and comprises half of B.C.’s population. Metro 2050 has huge implications for contributing to provincial CleanBC, affordability and transportation policies and targets and advancing market transformation across B.C., Canada and North America.

Respectfully,

Alex Boston

Executive Director, Renewable Cities Fellow, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue

Encl. Briefing: Metro 2050 Climate Course Correction: Win-Win-Win Solutions, Vision & Strategy Alignment c.c. Honourable Rob Flemming, Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure

Honourable George Heyman, Minister of Environment & Climate Change Strategy & TransLink Honourable Bowinn Ma, Minister of State for Infrastructure

Honourable Jose Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs

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5.2

To: Finance Committee

From: Katie Karn, Deputy Corporate Officer

Date: February 1, 2022 Meeting Date: February 10, 2022

Subject: Authorization to Attend 2022 Standing Committee Events RECOMMENDATION

That the Finance Committee approve attendance at the following events within the 2022 Leadership and Engagement program budget:

• Air and Waste Management Association Annual Conference

• American Planning Association National Planning Conference

• American Water Works Association Annual Conference

• BC Recreation and Parks Association Symposium

• BC Lung Association Air Quality and Health Workshop

• BIO International Convention

• Canadian Housing and Renewal Association Congress

• Canadian Hydrogen Convention

• Canadian Institute of Planners

• Chartered Professional Accountants Canada Conference for Audit Committees

• CityAge

• Collision Conference

• GLOBE Forum 2022: Destination Net Zero

• Green Transportation Summit & Expo

• Housing Central Conference

• National Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference

• RailVolution

• Recycling Council of BC Conference and Trade Show

• Solid Waste Association of North America

• Special Parks District Forum

• Toward Net Zero by 2050 Conference

• Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference

• Additional events approved by the Board Chair that align with the priorities of the appropriate standing committee.

This report brings forward conferences and events for approval by the Finance Committee, as required by the Remuneration Bylaw, as these were approved in the 2022 budget. 22 events were identified given their relevance to the various standing committee mandates; each event presents an opportunity for committee members to participate in learning, interaction and engagement with other North American organizations, and to represent Metro Vancouver. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance at these events varies between virtual and in-person. Selection of committee

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Authorization to Attend 2022 Standing Committee Events Finance Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 10, 2022

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member participation will be considered at upcoming standing committees, which will then require Board Chair approval as the final step.

PURPOSE

To seek approval of attendance at 2022 events and conferences, that were identified as part of the Board-approved budget, which will authorize remuneration for those members approved to attend.

BACKGROUND

Pursuant to the provisions of the Remuneration Bylaw, authorization for committee members’ travel and payment of expenses for attendance at events must be approved by the Finance Committee (which has oversight of the General Government budget), and finally must be adopted by the Board Chair. This report is being brought forward to start the process for approval of attendance at events in 2022.

In October 2021, the MVRD Board approved the annual budget for General Government services which includes funds set aside for committee member attendance and remuneration at events in 2022. Events are defined under the Remuneration Bylaw as “courses or similar education or research activities, conventions, seminars, workshops and conferences”. The annual budget is developed based on events that are relevant and have value to individual Standing Committee mandates, and where there is a benefit to have representation from Metro Vancouver Directors or Committee members at those events. The proposed events align with the provisions of the Board’s policy titled Metro Vancouver Leadership and Engagement Policy.

Events will be brought forward for consideration at the relevant Standing Committees and members interested in attending events (or equivalent events, as appropriate) will submit their interest to Standing Committee Chairs for Board Chair approval. Events and the number of recommended attendees have been included in this report for consideration by the Finance Committee in accordance with the Remuneration Bylaw, which requires a resolution from the Committee to support remuneration for attendance from the General Government budget.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions – Given the COVID-19 pandemic and possible related travel restrictions, it is possible that some of the conferences listed may be cancelled or moved to an online virtual format, if not already provided for such.

The events listed below have been submitted for representation by Metro Vancouver Standing Committees in 2022.

• Climate Action Committee events

Air and Waste Management Association Annual Conference Place and Date: Suquamish, Washington, November 2-4, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

BC Lung Association Air Quality and Health Workshop Place and Date: TBA

Number of attendee(s): 2

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GLOBE Forum 2022: Destination Net Zero

Place and Date: Vancouver, BC and Virtual, March 29-31, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 2

Green Transportation Summit & Expo

Place and Date: Tacoma, Washington, August 16-18, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

• Finance Committee events To be determined

• Housing Committee events

American Planning Association National Planning Conference Place and Date: San Diego, California, April 30-May 3, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 2

Canadian Housing and Renewal Association Congress Place and Date: Quebec City, Quebec, April 27-28, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

Housing Central Conference Place and Date: TBA

• Indigenous Relations Committee events Toward Net Zero by 2050 Conference

Place and Date: Vancouver, BC, and Virtual, April 25-26, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 2

• Invest Vancouver Management Board events BIO International Convention

Place and Date: San Diego, CA, June 13-16, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

Canadian Hydrogen Convention

Place and Date: Edmonton, AB, April 26-28, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

Collision Conference

Place and Date: Toronto, ON, June 20-23, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

• Liquid Waste Committee events

Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference Place and Date: New Orleans, Louisiana, October 8-12, 2022

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• Mayors Committee events CityAge

Place and Date: Virtual, February 24, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

Place and Date: Vancouver, BC, March 29-31, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

• Performance and Audit Committee events

Chartered Professional Accountants Canada Conference for Audit Committees Place and Date: TBA

• Regional Parks Committee events

BC Recreation and Parks Association Symposium Place and Date: Whistler, BC, May 4-6, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 2

National Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference Place and Date: Phoenix, Arizona, September 20-22, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 2

Special Parks District Forum Place and Date: TBA

• Regional Planning Committee events

American Planning Association National Planning Conference Place and Date: San Diego, California, April 30-May 3, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 2

Canadian Institute of Planners

Place and Date: Whistler, BC, July 5-8, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 2

RailVolution

Place and Date: Miami, Florida, October 30-November 2, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

• Water Committee events

American Water Works Association Annual Conference Place and Date: San Antonio, Texas, June 12-15, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 2

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• Zero Waste Committee events

Place and Date: Vancouver, BC and Virtual, March 29-31, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 2

Recycling Council of BC Conference and Trade Show Place and Date: TBA

Solid Waste Association of North America

Place and Date: San Diego, California, December 5-7, 2022 Number of attendee(s): 1

ALTERNATIVES

1. That the Finance Committee approve attendance at the following events within the 2022 Leadership and Engagement program budget:

• Air and Waste Management Association Annual Conference

• American Planning Association National Planning Conference

• American Water Works Association Annual Conference

• BC Recreation and Parks Association Symposium

• BC Lung Association Air Quality and Health Workshop

• BIO International Convention

• Canadian Housing and Renewal Association Congress

• Canadian Hydrogen Convention

• Canadian Institute of Planners

• Chartered Professional Accountants Canada Conference for Audit Committees

• CityAge

• Collision Conference

• GLOBE Forum 2022: Destination Net Zero

• Green Transportation Summit & Expo

• Housing Central Conference

• National Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference

• RailVolution

• Recycling Council of BC Conference and Trade Show

• Solid Waste Association of North America

• Special Parks District Forum

• Toward Net Zero by 2050 Conference

• Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference

• Additional events approved by the Board Chair that align with the priorities of the appropriate standing committee.

2. That the Finance Committee receive the report dated February 1, 2022, titled “Authorization to Attend 2022 Standing Committee Events”.

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If the Committee supports Alternative 1, funds are included in the 2022 General Government budget to cover the remuneration and expenses associated with the attendance at the events listed in this report. If some of the events are cancelled or move to an online virtual format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, expenses will be lower than anticipated as travel and accommodation costs will not be applicable. The total budget for the conference events for standing committee members to attend in 2022 is $231,996 for both expenses and remuneration.

CONCLUSION

The Remuneration Bylaw requires the Board Chair authorize remuneration associated with committee member attendance at events. The Finance Committee has oversight responsibility for the General Government budget and therefore this Committee is required to provide a resolution to approve the events. The events listed in this report are within the approved 2022 budget and within the scope of work for each of the designated standing committees; Alternative 1 is recommended.

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To: Finance Committee

From: Heather Schoemaker, General Manager, External Relations Sue Mah, Officer Manager, External Relations

Date: December 6, 2021 Meeting Date: January 12, 2022

Subject: Authorization to Attend 2022 International Events RECOMMENDATION

That the Finance Committee approve attendance at the following international events within the 2022 Leadership and Engagement program budget:

• United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Congress - 7th World Congress and 2022 World Summit

• ICLEI Resilient Cities 2022 (known as Daring Cities)

• ICLEI World Congress 2022

• World Urban Forum 2022 (WUF11)

• Study Tours

• Additional international conferences identified by the Chair that align with the priorities of the Leadership and Engagement Program

This report brings forward international conferences and events for approval by the Finance Committee, as required by the Remuneration Bylaw as part of the Board adopted Leadership and Engagement Policy. In accordance with the policy, Metro Vancouver will participate at both a national and international level, in events that promote Metro Vancouver in a leadership role, provide opportunity for engagement and continuous improvement in the advancement of organizational goals, allow for the acquisition of knowledge and skills which directly benefit the organization and region, provide influence on decisions elsewhere in cities or regions which have a direct or indirect benefit to Metro Vancouver, offer the provision of assistance to other cities or regions in the world, and enhance Metro Vancouver’s reputation in the international community. Representation and attendance at 2022 international events and conferences require support and approval from the Finance Committee.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to consider the attendance and remuneration of board members to attend events that are within the mandate of Metro Vancouver’s international engagement objectives and to make recommendations to the Board Chair.

BACKGROUND

Pursuant to the provisions of the Remuneration Bylaw, authorization for committee members’ travel and payment of expenses for attendance at events must be within the scope of the Board approved budget, and approved by the Finance Committee (which has oversight over the general government budget), and finally must be approved by the Board Chair.

February 25, 2022 - Metro Vancouver

5.1

ATTACHMENT

Delta Nature Reserve + Delta South Surrey Greenway

Summer 2021 Phase 1 Engagement Summary

CONTENTS

5.2

INTRODUCTION

PROPOSED LOCATION

ATTACHMENT 1

PROPOSED SCOPE OF WORK

PROPOSED RESPONSIBILITIES

CLOSURE

ATTACHMENT 2 Proposed Channel Options for Surrey Bend Regional Park Habitat Compensation

Surrey Bend Regional Park

Legend

D

Trail

Regional Park Boundary Proposed Project

Location

Re-work Existing Channel ( ... 293 m)

New Channel Options:

Option A (,.., 172 m) Option B (,.., 172 m) Option C (,.., 172 m)

A

5.3