City of Courtenay Official Community Plan - 2026 update

C

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d. Where Environmentally Sensitive Areas will be dedicated to the City or other public entity, and where there are management uncertainties in receiving the Environmentally Sensitive Area such as tree hazards as a result of the development that may only be known a period of time after the development has occurred, the development applicant may be required to provide management to the Environmentally Sensitive Area for a defined period of time or securities provided in lieu. In such instances, the development applicant’s responsibility shall not exceed 10 years. Where securities are part of the management agreement, any funds not used by the City or public entity in accordance with the management agreement shall be returned to the development applicant; e. Such lands shall not be considered as part of the required 5% dedication for parkland, where applicable as a condition of subdivision approval. Do not permit development within Environmentally Sensitive Areas . New trails or facilities in Environmentally Sensitive Areas will be discouraged and installed only where they provide net gain for habitat values. Continue to encourage participation of environmental stewardship organizations early in the design stages of a development project within or near sensitive ecosystems. Explore development incentives and negotiation tools to encourage protection of the natural environment beyond minimum standards.

NE 33

NE 34

NE 35

Objective 6 Information and opportunities are in place for the wider community to play an active role in the protection, restoration , and stewardship of the natural environment

Policies

NE 36

Partner with senior levels of government, regional jurisdictions, conservation professionals and organizations to maintain publicly accessible mapping and associated information of ecological systems of the area. Conduct regular reviews of associated City bylaws to ensure they are up to date and are based on current research and best practices for protection of the natural environment. Work in partnership on the development and delivery of robust public education campaigns to promote a local culture of nature and watershed conservation, restoration , and stewardship. Opportunities on private land should include, but not be limited to, invasive species management, tree planting and care, pesticides, native, bio-diverse, and watershed sensitive landscaping.

NE 37

NE 38

PART C Thematic Policies