Resources
The following is a list of resources related to the protection, management and state of Edmonton's natural areas.
Plans
Natural Connections Strategic Conservation Plan
The City of Edmonton's strategic natural areas conservation plan. This plan introduces an ecological network approach to planning for the protection of Edmonton's natural areas.
Environmental Strategic Plan
The City's primary environmental planning document - includes a Natural Area Systems Strategy.
Municipal Development Plan (Plan Edmonton)
The City of Edmonton's highest level strategic plan - deals with Edmonton's physical, social and economic development. Several priority statements address natural areas protection.
Urban Parks Management Plan
Will guide the acquisition, maintenance, development, preservation and use of parkland from 2006 - 2016.
North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (select from Office Consolidation Plans list)
Addresses the protection of the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System as part of Edmonton's natural areas network, and establishes the principles for future implementation plans and programs for parks development.
Ribbon of Green Concept Plan
Ribbon of Green Master Plan
The current planning framework for open space development in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System. The Concept Plan presents "a collective public vision for the River Valley" and establishes the framework for the Master Plan. The Master Plan establishes policy guidelines for the "long-term development, use and care of the entire valley".
Policies
Natural Area Systems Policy (Policy C531)
Environmental Policy (Policy C512)
Corporate Tree Management Policy (Policy C456)
Integrated Pest Management Policy (Policy C501)
Sustainable Building Policy (Policy C532)
Parkland and North Saskatchewan River Valley Utility Installation Policy (Policy C307)
Inventory Documents
Edmonton State of Natural Areas Report (Spencer Environmental 2006)
Natural Areas in Edmonton: An Assessment of Conservation Value and Potential (Geowest 1999)
Inventory of Environmentally Sensitive and Significant Natural Areas (Geowest 1993)
Urban Natural History Interpretive Sites In and Adjacent To Edmonton (Ealey 1986)
Conservation Checklist
A guide for planners, applicants and consultants, outlining conservation requirements related to development in Edmonton.
Conservation Planning Checklist
Information Requirements for New City of Edmonton Plans and Major Amendments to Existing Plans
The City's new Natural Area Systems Policy (C531) governs the City's conservation planning and management. However, until a City Procedure has been developed for this new policy, the City Procedure associated with the former Conservation Policy C-467, stands. That City Procedure outlines certain information requirements that must be met at key points in the development process, including the creation of new plans (Area Structure Plans, Servicing Concept Design Briefs, Neighbourhood Structure Plans, and Neighbourhood Area Structure Plans) and major amendments to existing plans.
These information requirements include:
- Natural Site Assessments
- Natural Area Management Plans
- Environmental Review requirements for the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System
Guidelines for Determining Environmental Reserve Dedication
This is a City of Edmonton guide to determining ER dedication for wetlands and other bodies.
Alberta Legislation and Guides
The Legislative Framework for Municipal Planning, Subdivision and Development Control
Discusses the legislated municipal planning framework, outlines the steps in the subdivision and development control process, and notes the statutory exemptions and limitations to municipal planning authority.
Alberta's Wetlands: A Law and Policy Guide
Outlines the various laws and policies that may affect the condition and/or existence of Alberta's wetlands.
Water Bodies and the Management of Bed and Shores
An information sheet about the ownership and management of the bed and shore of water bodies in Alberta.
Sustainable Resource Development's Standard Recommendations to Municipal Subdivision Referrals
Includes recommended minimum Environmental Reserve widths.
Land Use Policies
Intended to help municipalities to harmonize provincial and municipal policy initiatives at the local land-use planning level.
