Green Shores | Case Studies

North Pender Island Green Shores for Homes Riparian Zone Restoration

Project Overview

Location: North Pender Island, British Columbia	Project area: riparian only; approx. 78 m2
Year completed: 2025	Awards: NA
Shoreline length: ~17 m	Shore type: varied sediment
Green Shores rating achieved: Silver	Total points: 33

Site Description

The property is located on the SW shoreline of North Pender Island, within Boat Nook. Erosion at the toe of the slope; particularly in winter storms, is causing the bank to fail. Stormwater management is impacting soil stability from exposed plastic pipes hanging over the slope. A buried wooden retaining wall is failing and vegetation on the slope includes primarily invasives and non-native agricultural grasses. The slope is over steepened and some of the materials include imported fill and refuse.

Historical Site Use

Residential use.

 

Project Team and Affiliated Organizations

Swell Environmental Consulting Ltd.
Polster Environmental Services Ltd.
Ryzuk Geotechnical
Braedon’s Big Dig Em Trucking & Excavating

 

Project Objectives

The project is intended to:

1. Stabilize the riparian slope
2. Increase resilience of the site to high tides, sea level rise and storm surge
3. Increase biodiversity through native plantings
4. Increase habitat value on the slope

 

Work Plan

1. The shoreline was assessed for forage fish potential
2. A geotechnical assessment of the requirements to stabilize the slope was obtained
3. Existing vegetation on site was surveyed
4. A plan to utilize terraced willow wattles and densely planted native vegetation was created
5. The existing vegetation (largely non-native) was removed, the slope was cut back 1.5 – 3.0 meters to create a lower profile (approx. 34 degree slope from previous 40-50 degrees), the failing wood retaining
   wall was removed, large woody materials were installed at the slope base, willow wattle terraces were created and native plantings including dune grass were placed on the wattle terraces, and the stormwater system was redesigned to remove surface water from the bank.

 

Description of how the project meets Green Shores principles

> Maintained/ Enhanced Habitat Function and Diversity

• With increased shoreline stability and willow wattle terraces, native vegetation is expected to thrive and will create habitat for amphibians, birds and pollinators. Removal of non-native vegetation and replacement with native species will increase biodiversity. Overhanging vegetation will create shade and leaf litter/insects from plants will support the aquatic environment.

> Preserved/Restored Shoreline Physical Processes

• Large woody materials provide stability for the bank while allowing some sediment and water movement along the shoreline to occur. Removal of the failing wooden retaining wall helps to restore natural shoreline processes.
  Replacement of the ineffective drainage pipes will reduce the potential for erosion and sedimentation from surface run-off.

> Ecological Services Provided

• Improved stormwater management provides enhanced water quality.
  Installation of native plants provide biodiversity and erosion protection for the soil surface.
  Large woody materials provide habitat and wave attenuation

> Additional Notes

The willow wattle terrace design in combination with a reduced slope profile and redesigned stormwater management system work well together to stabilize the riparian slope.