Environmental Planning

Environmental planning, which often involves complex and interrelated issues, is the responsibility of the Community Planning and Development Department in consultation with other departments. Environmental planning is based on the foundation of Delta's Official Community Plan (OCP), which is a long-term guide for future decision-making and contains policies regarding land use, development, services, amenities and infrastructure.

In addition to the OCP, regional plans and strategies such as the Livable Region Strategic Plan, the Sustainable Region Initiative and the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for the Greater Vancouver Region, provide guidance regarding environmental objectives.

When the Community Planning and Development Department receives development applications, the applications are reviewed in relation to policies and objectives regarding environmental issues such as tree preservation, protection of the natural environment, enhancement of habitats for wildlife and fish, and/or protection of development from hazardous conditions such as steep slopes or areas prone to flooding. See Environmental Reviews of Development Applications.

Another key component of Environmental planning is the stewardship of land. Due to the increasing loss and fragmentation of natural areas throughout Delta and the region as a whole, preserving Delta's remaining natural assets is particularly important. As such, Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) have been designated to protect the environmental values of these special areas for the future.

In addition to ESAs, other lands in Delta have considerable environmental importance. For example, agricultural lands play a vital role for wildlife, particularly in terms of providing habitat along the Pacific Flyway for migratory birds. Read about Agricultural Land Stewardship.

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