Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Due to development pressures and the associated loss and fragmentation of natural areas throughout the region, it has become increasingly important to preserve Delta's remaining natural assets. A system of designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) can provide assurances that Delta's environmental values are secured in the future.
Examples of ESAs in Delta include, or include sections of:
- the Delta Nature Reserve,
- Burns Bog, Boundary Bay and Deas Island Regional Parks, and
- the South Arm Marshes and Boundary Bay Wildlife Management Areas.
Delta's waterways are designated ESAs and are also protected by the Development Permit Area for Streamside Protection and Enhancement (Bylaw No. 6349). To see these and other ESAs, see the Environmentally Sensitive Area Designations Map - { pdf 3.9MB } in the draft Official Community Plan (OCP).
Delta has several categories of ESAs that vary in intent, from permitting limited residential use on less sensitive portions of designated areas and allowing passive recreation and educational activities, to ESAs that restrict public access. See the descriptions of the different categories of ESAs - { pdf 3.9MB }.
Delta's draft OCP contains additional policies related to ESAs - { pdf 3.9MB } in both its Natural Environment and Parks, Recreation and Culture sections. Some of these policies are:
- Complete a comprehensive ESA inventory that builds on previous studies undertaken,
- Raise awareness of the importance and values of ESAs and encourage community stewardship,
- Monitor the status of ESAs to ensure that the values for which they were protected are not degraded or lost,
- Develop a wildlife management plan for parks and environmentally sensitive areas including a habitat inventory, and
- Develop a land acquisition/disposition strategy in support of the provision of parks, natural areas, environmentally sensitive areas, recreation and cultural facilities.
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