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Goal 4 - Protect the Environment
2. Provide resources and tools to support commu-
nity members and associations in their steward-
ship efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
During the OCP public engagement process, some
citizens expressed concern about the effectiveness
of environmental regulation enforcement. The envi-
ronmental toolbox at the disposal of municipalities
is limited to development permit and subdivision ap-
proval at the predevelopment stage. While most of
the responsibility remains with provincial and federal
agencies, the City can still exert a strong influence on
environmental protection and conservation.
OBJECTIVES
1. Develop a local regulatory system that sets out
clear and accountable methods for monitoring
and enforcement.
2. Ensure environmental standards are monitored
and enforcement is effective for the long term.
POLICIES
1. Work with provincial and federal agencies to
strengthen the monitoring of approved devel-
opments for continuous compliance with the
environmental regulations in effect.
2. Continue to employ OCP Maps and Schedules,
development permits, subdivision approval and
other applicable planning instruments, to iden-
tify and protect environmentally sensitive fea-
tures.
GRAVEL EXTRACTION AND FOREST
MANAGEMENT
Chilliwack’s natural resources such as forests and wa-
tercourses provide habitats for a wide range of wild-
life and/or aquatic species and can influence local
hydrology/hydrogeology. These resources need to
be carefully managed by all levels of government to
minimize potential environmental impacts and haz-
ards related to flooding or slope stability.
Gravel removal is restricted to specific areas of the
community (Map 9), and is regulated by local bylaws
and possibly provincial and federal regulations de-
pending on the removal site. Sediment removal from
the Fraser and Vedder Rivers is conducted for flood
protection purposes, with environmental conditions
imposed by the provincial and federal governments.
Gravel removal and deposition is constrained by ALR
regulations if it occurs on farmland. There may also
be geotechnical or hydrologic assessments required
and mitigative measures imposed on certain removal
sites.
OBJECTIVE
Ensure best sustainable practices in the management
of natural resources for a balanced approach to com-
munity development, flood protection, environmen-
tal conservation, and public values.
POLICIES
1. Liaise with the provincial and federal agencies re-
sponsible for gravel and forest management, and
monitor resource development trends to ensure
the City’s interests are recognized and environ-
mental, geotechnical and hydrological mitigation
measures are incorporated.
2. Manage gravel extractions in the community
through OCP and zoning designations and grav-
el movement control, including the Soil Removal
and Deposit Bylaw.
3. Continue with the enforcement of the Tree Man-
agement (Land Development) Bylaw for a bal-
anced approach to development, especially in the