Yukon River Environmental Management Strategic Plan, Whitehorse, YT

EDI completed a Strategic Plan for the Ta’an Kwach’an Council’s (TKC) participation in natural resource management within their Traditional Territory. This was conducted by consulting and surveying TKC citizens and from interviews with key personnel and agencies that are responsible for managing specific resources (i.e. Yukon Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, Northern climate Exchange). The information from the consultation process was analyzed and compiled into a report.

Stormwater Sedimentation Assessment, Prince George, BC

EDI conducted an assessment of selected stormwater outfalls within the City of Prince George, in order to document known and potential sedimentation concerns. Stormwater samples were collected for analysis of total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations and catchment areas were investigated to locate sediment sources. A report was prepared outlining potential affects of sedimentation on aquatic habitats, and possible options for dealing with cumulative and point sediment sources were presented. The report also proposed modifications to the City's Storm Sewer Bylaw, aimed at reducing erosion and sedimentation during construction activities and minimizing impacts of stormwater on the receiving aquatic environment.

Watershed Drainage Plan, Prince George, BC

In conjunction with Associated Engineering, EDI conducted the Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment portion of a Watershed Drainage Plan completed for The City of Prince George. The plan was completed for three catchment areas in the neighborhood of College Heights. The Fish and Wildlife Habitat Assessment portion of the study included, the investigation of urban stream systems to assess fish habitat quality and quantity, along with the identification of sediment sources, which could potentially affect stream habitats. Neighborhood green spaces and wooded areas were examined, and their potential for providing wildlife habitat was assessed. Adverse effects of land development were identified. A report was prepared, which outlined project findings and provided recommendations for sections of the project area scheduled for development.

Watershed Drainage Plan for Hudson’s Bay Slough, Prince George, BC

EDI was retained by Associated Engineering to participate in the completion of a Watershed Drainage Plan (WDP) for the Hudson’s Bay Slough Catchment Area in the City of Prince George. The objectives of this WDP were to establish strategies and conceptual plans for managing stormwater in order to meet the City of Prince George’s Water Management Policy. EDI’s role in the WDP was to address the preservation and improvement of environmental quality and the protection of watercourses from erosion and sedimentation. Fish and wildlife assessments were conducted in the Hudson’s Bay Slough catchment area at an overview level, and field information was collected to determine fish distribution, as well as the quality and quantity of fish and wildlife habitat present. Potentially sensitive habitat areas were identified and recommendations to protect or enhance these areas were provided. Additionally, erosion and sedimentation concerns in the catchment area were noted and recommendations to minimize these issues were provided.

Ta’an Kwach’an Council Community Settlement Lands Land Use Plan, Whitehorse, YT

EDI completed a Land Use Plan for the Ta’an Kwach’an Council’s Community Settlement Lands (near Whitehorse, Yukon). The planning process involved the design and implementation of a community consultation process that incorporated a variety of formats, such as mail outs, interactive workshops and informational open houses. The project involved synthesis and analysis of information on natural and cultural resources, current land use patterns, opportunities and constraints to development, and potential sources of conflict for the lands. Management objectives and land use options were developed through the consultation and analysis processes.

Community Energy Baseline Studies, Yukon and northern BC

EDI completed Community Energy Baseline studies for 10 First Nations in the Yukon and northern BC. These projects have included study design, conduct of community surveys, information gathering, data analysis, capacity building and reporting. The goal of these projects were to determine the energy consumption and greenhouse gas production of each First Nation community. These studies are a natural starting point for First Nations to work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through the conduct of this project we have gained significant knowledge about First Nations perspectives on climate change and energy use.

Mamquam Blind Channel Shoreline Habitat Enhancement, Squamish, BC

EDI was retained by BCR Properties Ltd. to conduct a shoreline habitat assessment and assist with an enhancement design for a redevelopment project on the Mamquam Blind Channel in downtown Squamish, BC. The redevelopment involves conversion of former industrial lands to a mixed use residential development, incorporating four multi-storey, mixed use residential buildings and a public sea walk. The shoreline enhancement design integrates a marsh vegetation component into shoreline stabilization works associated with the redevelopment. In addition to the shoreline habitat enhancement design, EDI also prepared an environmental assessment report to address potential environmental impacts and mitigation strategies associated with the redevelopment proposal. The reports produced through the project provide the information needed to meet Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act requirements for the redevelopment project, as well as the information needed by the Squamish Estuary Review Committee in the development review process.

Lower Mesilinka River Watershed Assessment and Priority Assessment, north central BC

EDI, in association with P. Beaudry and Associates Ltd., completed a Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP) and Priority Assessment within the lower Mesilinka River watershed, a major tributary to Williston Reservoir. The primary objective of the project was to identify priority areas within the watershed in which future WRP activities and investments should be concentrated. The project included the ranking and prioritization of 17 individual sub-basins within the Lower Mesilinka watershed. Potential restoration opportunities and priorities were identified in each of these basins and five basins were identified as having the highest priority for future WRP activity.