Burnaby Updates

[chowhou]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

I also assume that the image we're all looking at is a released Feb 5 site plan proposal and not an approved detail landscaping plan?

We can read the rules and regulations along with the planning report to see how livable it will be.

An Environmental Review Committee (ERC) application requesting relaxations to SPEA setbacks associated with Beecher Creek was made in July 2023. Following considerable review and design iterations, ERC supported the reduction of SPEA setbacks to 15 m from the top of bank, with the condition that the applicant enhance the entire 15 m SPEA with native species, and in accordance with the Brentwood Town Centre Plan, provide a 2 m wide pedestrian pathway within the identified SPEA setback (15 m). In keeping with the Brentwood Town Centre Plan, the realignment of Beecher Creek requires a Water Sustainability Act Section 11 approval from the Province. The provincial approval will be required prior to Final Occupancy.

SPEA Protection Once the boundary of the SPEA is confirmed, it must be integrated into the landscape design, and shown on submitted landscape and building drawings. The SPEA must be clearly marked in the field and fenced to protect the area from construction impacts (see item 9). Permanent fencing or installation of a ‘live barrier’ may be required as a condition of ERC approval, for long term protection of the SPEA (see item 7). Wherever possible the SPEA should be integrated as a positive asset into the site. Permanent protection of the SPEA with registration of a restrictive (no-build) covenant may be required as a condition of development approval.

Permanent Fencing. Fencing may be required to retain the SPEA in a natural undisturbed condition in perpetuity, depending on the adjacent land uses. The type of fencing used will depend on the objectives of the site, and could range from a low impact design (e.g. split rail fence) combined with signage, to a tall fence of wood and/or metal where trespassing is a concern. Generally, fencing should be at least four feet tall, to prevent a person easily stepping over the fence. Where possible, fencing should allow the movement of wildlife through a riparian area. In some cases, dense plantings, often including thorny (native) plants may be used to discourage human access into riparian setback areas. Fencing or live barriers must be shown on all landscape drawings.

Trails and infrastructure. Any construction of trails or infrastructure (e.g. roads, sewers, stormwater systems, sediment control facilities) within a SPEA must be approved by the City Environmental Review Committee, and may be subject to compensation requirements. Wherever possible trails will be constructed outside of the SPEA or at least 15m from the top of bank, with appropriately designed viewpoints constructed to minimize impacts. Trails should be combined with service access facilities where possible, to minimize incursions into the streamside area.

Is construction of small structures or formal landscaping allowed within the SPEA?
The intent of the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area is to provide a natural area
for habitat and stream protection, and the Zoning Bylaw prohibits “development” within this
area, therefore no small structures or formal landscaping are allowed within the SPEA. As
stated by the Ministry of Environment:

The vegetation in the SPEA provides the natural features, functions and conditions that
support fish life processes. In this regard, the vegetation in the SPEA must be left in a
natural, undisturbed state and activities that have the potential to damage it are not
permitted in the SPEA. Where a SPEA has been previously disturbed by development
activities the objective is to allow regeneration of the vegetation either naturally or through
enhancement efforts.

Very usable!