Another Watershed in Maple Ridge compromised?
Proposed Residential Development of 12256 - 222St, Maple Ridge. Development Permit: DP/032/07
This proposal has requested a variance to the setback from the T2 watercourse [referred by the Developer as a drainage channel!] in the amount of 2.27 meters and 1.33 meters – these were the numbers presented by the developer at the Public Information Meeting of Dec 17, 2007.
Background information for this north slope watershed in Maple Ridge:
- The District of Maple Ridge at this point has spent approximately $60,000 protecting Morse Creek which is part of this north slope watershed, to prevent it’s compromise. So why wouldn’t the DMR require a building design that preserves this part of the watershed?
- The “Smart Growth on the Ground - Bulletin 3 June 2004” indicates that the DMR has committed to completing an integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP) for each watershed. This commitment includes public participation.
- The 2004 Progress Report with the GVRD[now Metro Vancouver] – Liquid Waste Management Plan
states on
- Page17 C38, that there is a “Silver Valley Storm Water management Plan”, and
- Page 17 - C39 states that 2 studies for watersheds will be completed in 2005 [These are the two watersheds mentioned in the Technical Bulletin June 2004]
The above-mentioned documents [the watershed studies] directly relate to this application DP/032/07 [at 12256 222 St] in that T2 [a creek that empties into the South Alouette] is part of this watershed. This variance request applies to the underground parking as well as the building, so the recharge area for T2 will not just be a surface challenge. The volume of material that would have to be removed [due to the underground parking] will affect the soil hydrology and its’ water carrying capacity for T-2.
This same creek passes through agricultural land and includes a parcel of agricultural land owned by the DMR, so maintaining pre-development base flows on T2 is very important for the District. The newly formed Agricultural Advisory Committee should be informed of these developments.
The District is also planning on improving the 128/Abernathy connection in connection with the Golden Ears Bridge so we shouldn’t have to spend taxpayer’s money on over sizing the road culverts on 128th Ave to compensate for any increased storm water from upstream developments.
Upcoming meetings of the Advisory Design Panel
The next meeting of the Advisory Design Panel is May 13, 2008 so the above mentioned project may be on that agenda and the District staff may want to consider the down stream impact of this “variance ” request for 12256 – 222 Street, Maple Ridge.
If you have any concerns about this application please contact the Planning Staff at the District of Maple Ridge or the Mayor and Councilors. 604-463-5221.
Map to development site
Additional Notes and Suggestions:
1. The Conservation Area should remain the responsibility of the project which should include invasive species removal and native plantings. In this way the burden of maintenance to the taxpayer at large will be reduced.
2. The Design Advisory Panel should include an environmental consultant when the project has a watercourse connected with the project. “Design and function” are inseparable.
3. As this project is within the Regional Town Centre of Maple Ridge [Smart Growth Area] the preparation of an Integrated Storm Water Management Plan should be carried out as has been previously agreed upon in June of 2004 [Rain Water Management in Maple Ridge].
In the interest of responsiblity to all taxpayers the District of Maple Ridge should defer the approval of all projects in this area until there is a complete study and an Integrated Storm Water Management Plan of the north slope watershed.
Public Hearing for this project is July 23, 2008 at 7:00pm at Council Chambers.
