Swell Environmental Consulting Ltd. RE: Addendum to Natural Watercourse and Shoreline Development Permit Area Review for 2820 Shoreline Drive

Natural Watercourse and Shoreline Areas Development Permit Area, Bylaw No. 811

The View Royal Official Community Plan (OCP 2011) Bylaw No. 811, identifies the following Guidelines that apply to the Natural Watercourse and Shoreline Areas DPA:

• Development of riparian and shoreline areas should be limited and not negatively impact the ecological health of the immediate area or impede public access.
• Retention of existing healthy riparian and shoreline vegetation should be maximized with any paths, structures or other constructed areas sited to minimize impact on trees and sensitive areas.
• Restoration of riparian and shoreline vegetation and habitat, including removal of invasive species, is encouraged for all properties within this Development Permit Area.
• Development should result in a net increase in native vegetation in almost all circumstances including trees, shrubs and grasses.
• For shoreline areas heavily impacted by previous development, target the restoration of ecologically appropriate vegetation for an average 15m wide (minimum 5 m) shoreline zone over 50% of the shore length.
• Riparian and shoreline area development should sensitively manage storm water, focusing on infiltration and release of storm water in ways and quantities that mimics natural patterns, avoids scouring and erosion and results in storm water free from pollutants.
• The preservation and enhancement of native trees and shrub clusters that overhang the waters’ edge is strongly encouraged as these provide shade, protection and feeding habitat for fish and wildlife.

Proposed Works

The additional proposed work in the DPA is (Figure 1):

• Remove asphalt driveway and replace with permeable grass-turf pavement
• Replacement of the wooden deck and steps along the shoreline to the dock
• Replacement of a concrete patio north of the house (with a smaller footprint than the existing)
• Replacement of two failing mortared rock walls with rock filled gabions
• Install of ornamental flower garden planting beds
• Removal of invasive species, in particular English ivy (Hedra helix) along the shoreline
• Plantings with in the SDPA
  • All plantings along the shoreline (3-5m) are native species and are replacing existing invasive species (e.g. English ivy)
  • Remaining plantings are a mix of native and ornamental species (replacing lawn, English ivy, and existing ornamental plantings)

Full landscaping plan by Andrew van Egmond is included Appendix 1.

The proposed work will replace aging structures with similar structures/uses (patio, deck, garden areas) with smaller footprint and increased permeable surfaces. The areas of the proposed work are previously disturbed and dominated by invasive and ornamental vegetation. The proposed landscaping will remove invasive species (primarily English ivy) along the shoreline and increase the native plant habitat along the shoreline, including overhanging shrubby vegetation, which is important to provide cover, shade, food and nutrients for fish and other marine aquatic organisms. The owners have initiated the English ivy removal along the shoreline.

The project will reduce footprint of hard surfaces in the SDPA:

• Concrete patio (existing = 77m2, proposed = 48m2)
• Floating boardwalk / staircase down to deck above the bedrock
• Wooden deck (existing = 34m2, proposed = 31m2)
• Remove asphalt driveway and replace with permeable grass-turf pavement