Peeling back the Pavement - POLIS Water Sustainability Project

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Blueprint principle 1: build it better design cities that work with the water cycle First Step Create Incentives for Green Infrastructure Create guaranteed, upfront incentives for property owners and developers to adopt green infrastructure practices. For developers, this can include expedited permitting and favourable zoning allowances for new developments and redevelopments that include urban stream and wetland restoration as part of functional site development. For homeowners, incentives can include reductions in rainwater utility charges when runoff is minimized and grants for retrofits and xeriscaping (waterwise landscaping). Disincentives can also be introduced, such as increased costs for developers that do not use green infrastructure in new developments and redevelopments. Lead by example and require all existing government buildings and lands to rely on green infrastructure as a primary approach to managing rainwater on site. Municipalities and senior government should link all infrastructure funding to basic green infrastructure requirements, such as stream health and restoration, minimum permeability requirements, or green roofs. Governments can also provide support for educational and professional development programs for developers, green builders, landscapers, real estate agents, environmental consultants, and engineers. next Steps Implement Rainwater Utility Charges Shift the financing of drainage systems and new and retrofit green infrastructure from property taxes to rainwater utility charges with fees based on property owners’ actual use of the stormwater system. Mandate “Runoff Neutral” Standards for All New Developments and Redevelopments Require that all new developments and redevelopments meet net-zero post-construction runoff standards through infiltration and retention. Set Effective Permeability/Impermeability Targets for the Region Establish maximum allowable percentages of effective impervious and pervious surface area for different areas in the region. Alternatively, set release rate targets for new developments and redevelopments. 34
Repair and Replace Obsolete Drainage Infrastructure and Restore Urban Streams and Watersheds Use rainwater utility charges to finance necessary infrastructure repairs and leverage the restoration of urban waterways. Make upgrading combined sewers and repairing cracked pipes the priority. Install End-of-Pipe Runoff Treatment Where Needed Although upstream green infrastructure should be the priority, implement modern end-of-pipe mechanisms, such as constructed wetlands, where appropriate to reduce runoff pollution. outcomes IMPROVED RUNOFF QUALITY REDUCED RUNOFF VOLUME ENHANCED ASSET MANAGEMENT WATERSHED GOVERNANCE Photo: Architectsea Bioswales line a street in West Seattle, Washington to enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. 35
Page 1 and 2: Peeling back the pavement A Bluepri
Page 3 and 4: Key messages ➤ In the natural env
Page 5 and 6: introduction A Tale of two cities P
Page 7 and 8: About the handbook: MOVING FORWARD
Page 9 and 10: Photo: Capital Regional District, B
Page 11 and 12: RAINWATER CITY PERMEABLE SURFACES I
Page 13 and 14: PRoblem 1 “CONCRETE JUNGLES”: D
Page 15 and 16: PRoblem 2 RAINWATER DOWN THE DRAIN:
Page 17 and 18: Photo: P. Lynch Flooding due to sto
Page 19 and 20: Photo: www.drainsofmycity.com In so
Page 21 and 22: The transformation of a Stormwater
Page 23 and 24: Green Infrastructure Practices Cons
Page 25 and 26: Principle 3: New Governance: An Int
Page 27 and 28: BOX 4: VALUING PROPERLY FUNCTIONING
Page 29 and 30: Illustrations: L. Carnes Transition
Page 31 and 32: HOW TO USE THE BLUEPRINTS The follo
Page 33 and 34: let rain do the work watershed gove
Page 35 and 36: and focus for local government ince
Page 37: CASE STUDY 1 HALIFAX SHOWS five REA
Page 41 and 42: CASE STUDY 3 PHILADELPHIA THINKS BI
Page 43 and 44: Department of Transportation and Pu
Page 45 and 46: Blueprint principle 2: let rain do
Page 47 and 48: CASE STUDY 5 RAIN AS A NEW SOURCE D
Page 49 and 50: on both sides of the street. Street
Page 51 and 52: water supplies, and flooding all re
Page 53 and 54: Photo: R. J. Frith Integrate Land a
Page 55: Establish Multidisciplinary Departm
Page 58 and 59: 54 CASE STUDY 7 PROGRESSIVE LEGISLA
Page 60 and 61: CASE STUDY 8 THE BOWKER CREEK INITI
Page 62 and 63: 58 Illustration: L. Carnes
Page 64 and 65: 60 appendix leading thinking and pr
Page 66 and 67: 13. Although the Fisheries Act does
Page 68 and 69: 41. See for example, Brandes, O.M.,
Page 70 and 71: Stratus Consulting Inc. (2009, Augu
Page 72: POLIS Project on Ecological Governa

Peeling back the Pavement - POLIS Water Sustainability Project

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