New Westminster Environmental Almanac (2917 ... - Douglas College

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Parks and Greenspaces
Habitat Connectivity – Parks provide opportunities for wildlife to travel
to other greenspaces outside New Westminster. This improves their food
supply and breeding opportunities.
Protection for Streams and Rivers – Streams and rivers drain excess
surface water as well as support fish populations. New Westminster has
already lost almost all streams to development. The vegetative cover in
parks helps maintain low water temperature as well as stabilize banks
and reduce erosion of sediment into the water.
Pervious Surfaces – Much of New Westminster’s surfaces are concrete
or asphalt. Precipitation runs off into the storm drain system (not all are
connected to a waste water treatment plant) carrying away any
contaminants that were on the concrete or asphalt. Parks provide
pervious ground surfaces that allow precipitation to enter the
groundwater system, which acts as a filter and storage for excess water.
The amount of parks and greenspaces in New Westminster has increased
significantly over the past 40 years. Since 1960, 36 hectares (90 acres)
has been added to the City’s inventory, which is a 50% increase. Another
8% will be added with the proposed development of the Woodlands
property (see Fraserview, page 19).