Environmental

Neighbourhood Structure Plan (NSP) Applications

The NSP Terms of Reference (approved by Council in 2009) detail specific ecological information requirements that are to be included in a NSP application. For more information on the NSP TOR, please contact Sustainable Development. The NSP TOR identifies the requirement for a Phase II Ecological Network Report. Terms of Reference for this report are currently being drafted. In the interim, the following information requirements must be met.

Ecological Design Report

At the discretion of Sustainable Development, in consultation with the Office of Natural Areas Conservation, an Ecological Design Report may be required at the NSP application stage, particularly if a plan area contains significant ecological resources and natural features. Details regarding the scope of an Ecological Design Report should be discussed with Sustainable Development and the Office of Natural Areas Conservation.

Natural Site Assessments

Natural Site Assessments (NSAs) are required for all NSPs, industrial area ASPs, and major amendments that have the potential to affect one or more natural areas. (See Attachment 2 of the Natural Area Systems Policy C-531 for more information.) NSAs are required for all Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), Significant Natural Areas (SNAs), and Natural Areas (NAs). Where a site is identified within a plan area and has not previously been inventoried, the guidelines outline a method for the screening and potential inclusion of the area as an ESA, SNA, or NA for which an assessment is required.

NSAs are completed by an environmental evaluator who uses a site check, background research and his or her knowledge of ecological attributes and the development proposal to complete the assessment. Significant environmental issues are explored, as well as measures to mitigate potential development impacts. The NSA is then used by the Office of Natural Areas Conservation and other City departments to make decisions that favour the protection of natural areas to the extent that it is possible. The NSA Guidelines below explain the process in detail.

The NSA should be completed using an ecological network approach, and should consider all natural features within the plan area, rather than individual natural sites.

Natural Site Assessment Guidelines

Environmental Review Requirements in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System (NSRVRS)

NSRVRS Environmental Review Requirements are to be addressed at both the ASP and NSP stages.

Environmental Review Requirements in the NSRVRS

Provincial Public Lands Act and Water Act Review

If not already conducted at the ASP stage, verification of all Provincial bed and shore claims must be provided at the NSP stage. Please see the ASP Applications section for more information.

Natural Area Management Plans

Natural Area Management Plans (NAMPs) are required prior to rezoning and subdivision of lands and must be directly linked to the planning process and decisions developed at the NSP stage. The City's Natural Area Systems Policy (C-531) mandates that NAMPs be developed for natural areas in Edmonton that are to be conserved. NAMPs provide a baseline description of the site, as well as site-specific management goals, objectives and strategies. They also identify the parties responsible for management activities. For further information about the development of NAMPs, please see the NAMP Guidelines.

Natural Area Management Plan Guidelines