2024 UBCM Emergency Social Services Grant Application Approval

Policy NE2.7 Stormwater Discharge

Ensure that the discharge of stormwater does not negatively impact adjacent water quality and that there is no increase in stormwater discharges as a result of new development. Encourage innovative design techniques that maximize groundwater recharge.

Policy NE2.10 Comprehensive Development Zoning

Comprehensive Development zoning may be required in areas that require special care in dealing with difficult terrain, preservation of natural features and access challenges. Due regard should be given to maintaining special natural characteristics.

Policy NE4.9 Alternative Transportation

In accordance with other sections of this plan, encourage the use of car alternative transportation and support the reduced dependence on private vehicle travel.

Policy IS1.1 Sustainable Development Pattern

Plan new infrastructure and services to support compact and sustainable development. Prioritize investments that support new housing, commercial and facility development within the planned Town Centre, Neighbourhood Centres, Community Corridors areas.

Extension into un-serviced areas will only be built in tandem with new development and will be financed by development projects. Extension of services in areas outside the Urban Growth Boundary or for developments that are not in conformance with the policies of this plan will not be supported.

Policy IS1.2 Adequate and Appropriate Infrastructure

Ensure that development will only occur if appropriate infrastructure systems (water, wastewater, and sewer) and standards are in place, and designed to the satisfaction of the Town. Work with developers and regional agencies to ensure adequate systems that promote conservation and expand only as necessary to accomplish goals and policies within this plan.

The presence of adequate infrastructure is not in itself a justification for development.

Policy IS1.4 New Development

Ensure that new developments utilize best practices for infrastructure design, operations and maintenance. Developers will be required to meet the Town’s standards and should be encouraged to incorporate innovative strategies, such as:

• On-site stormwater management and surface stormwater treatment.
• Underground services.
• Water conservation and wastewater reduction.
• Use of pervious surfaces and permeable landscaping materials.

Policy IS1.5 Comprehensive Drainage Studies

Require comprehensive drainage studies that include drainage improvement recommendations and implementation procedures for all major developments.

Policy IS1.6 Curbs and Gutters

Curbs and gutters will be required for new development in all commercial, mixed residential and mixed-use areas. The Town may adjust this requirement if a development proposal includes alternative approaches to stormwater management that support sustainable development, protect the natural environment, and are designed and implemented to the satisfaction of the Town.

Policy IS1.8 Emergency Access

Require developments to make adequate provision for emergency vehicle access and manoeuvrability, as well as ensure that the infrastructure necessary to support fire protection activities is in place.

Policy IS1.9 Fire Protection

Ensure fire protection is an important element in site and building design, with the view to shifting the burden of fire suppression to the developer and property owner.

Policy IS2.1 Environmentally Sensitive Design

Ensure that infrastructure and services are designed and located to be sensitive to surrounding land uses, and reduce or eliminate adverse impacts to the natural environment. Design considerations should include:

• Utilizing natural features and systems such as trees, vegetation, and riparian areas for natural stormwater absorption and treatment.
• Mimicking and incorporating natural systems
• Strategies to minimize the amount of stormwater entering the sewer system
• Sustainable approaches to wastewater management, such as site-specific wastewater infrastructure for private developments
• Utilizing pervious surfaces on driveways, parking lots and access roads
• Xeriscaping, infiltration basins, and green roofs as a means of reducing stormwater runoff and the heat island effect.

Policy IS2.4 Water Conservation

• Support strategies and develop incentives for reducing water consumption and wastewater generation. Strategies could include rainwater collection, grey water reuse (Including the use of treated water for irrigation purposes) and dual piping systems.

Policy IS2.6 Stormwater Discharge

• Ensure that the discharge of stormwater does not negatively impact adjacent water quality. Diverted stormwater collection and discharge systems require provision for grease, oil, hydrocarbon, and sedimentation removal facilities and on-going maintenance of these facilities. Such systems shall be engineered to the satisfaction of the Town.
• Where a net benefit for fish habitat can be demonstrated, the Town may consider proposals from applicants to enhance fish habitat, including in-stream works or the creation of wetland areas, as part of alternative design options for development projects. Approval for these projects may be subject to approval from applicable provincial and federal government authorities.

Policy IS2.7 Infiltration and Detention

• Support stormwater management practices that emphasize infiltration and detention to minimize the effect of stormwater discharge into Esquimalt Harbour, Craigflower Creek, Millstream Creek and other natural watercourses.

Policy IS3.2 New Development Costs

• Require that the cost of system upgrades to accommodate new development be borne by developers.

Policy CH1.5 Archaeological Sites Referrals

Continue to refer development applications on or adjacent to archaeological sites to the B.C. Archaeology Branch.

Policy ED3.1 Local Employees

Ensure an adequate match between housing stock and the housing needs of local employees, with the intent to reduce long commutes and create a balanced and inclusive community.