Green Shores | Frequently Asked Questions
Green Shores is a science-based program of the Stewardship Centre for BC that helps property owners adopt nature-based approaches in shoreline management to protect, beautify and improve their shoreline properties.
Green Shores offers Green Shores for Homes and Green Shores for Shoreline Development project certifications, Green Shores training and free downloadable resources on how to apply nature-based solutions on a waterfront property.
Below are the top five frequently asked questions about Green Shores. Click on any question below to see the answer.
Getting started with Green Shores is easy! First, we encourage everyone to browse the program website and case studies to learn about the program and its project.
You can also learn more here:
- How to get started with Green Shores for Homes
- How to get started with Green Shores for Shoreline Development
- Green Shores: Programs and Certification information sheet
When you are ready to enrol, fill out an appropriate form here.
Green Shores projects are usually less expensive than replacing or building a hard armour protection (bulkhead, rip rap or a seawall) – and they are more resilient and may require less repair over time. A report done by SNC-Lavalin (2014) concluded that the margin of cost savings for soft shore approaches in the case study examples ranges from 30-70% less than hard approaches. Enrolment in Green Shores for Homes is free! In addition, Green Shores can help you save time and money on finding the right professional to create and implement your nature-based shoreline design.
Learn more about the cost-effectiveness of the nature-based solutions and how Green Shoes can increase your property value and provide environmental benefits here:
Shoreline projects require permits from local, provincial and federal governments as well as consultation with First Nations. To learn more, click below.
Homeowners in the Ministry of Forests West Coast Region of Vancouver Island may use our expedited permit checklist and the guide. Learn more here:
Green Shores training opportunities include workshops, online courses and webinars. The Stewardship Centre for BC partners with the University of Victoria, British Columbia Institute of Technology and Saint Mary’s University to deliver Green Shores training. These training courses are open to homeowners, First Nations, local government workers, property managers, contractors, biologists, coastal engineers, and anyone else who is interested in learning about the application of Green Shores nature-based solutions on the shoreline.
- Read our blog: Inside Green Shores Training
Green Shores allows a range of options from hybrid, soft, to natural shorelines. Green Shores projects are commonly a soft shore or hybrid design. A soft shore design uses indigenous materials like gravel, sand, logs, and vegetation to facilitate the natural process of the shoreline. A hybrid design uses a combination of soft shore practices and engineered practices. Sometimes it can cause more damage to the shoreline to completely remove the bulkhead or riprap, therefore a hybrid approach is more feasible. The hard elements can be buried below a substantial soft surface to bring back that natural soft beach environment. Hybrid designs can be very technical and therefore it is required to be designed by a Qualified Coastal Professional.
Visit the Stewardship Centre for BC’s website and find more information about
- Green Shores News
- Green Shores Training
- Green Shores Programs
- Green Shores Resources
- Green Shores Testimonials
You can also contact us at info@stewardshipcentrebc.ca.
