Green Bylaws Toolkit
The Green Bylaws Toolkit for Conserving Sensitive Ecosystems and Green Infrastructure was originally published in 2007 and updated in 2016 and 2021 for use by land-use planners and decision-makers. With its practical approach and sample bylaw wording, the Green Bylaws Toolkit remains an important resource for land use practitioners across BC.
The 3rd Edition of the Green Bylaws Toolkit for Protecting and Enhancing the Natural Environment and Green Infrastructure (2021) features more case studies, topics of interest to local government, and deeper consideration of ecosystem connectivity and the importance of restoring and linking ecologically valuable land. This edition additionally reflects changes in legislation, best practices and bylaws since 2016. We anticipate that the Green Bylaws Toolkit will continue helping BC planners and local governments as they implement ecologically sustainable land-use practices within their communities.
Green Bylaws Toolkit 101
Below is a webinar recording introducing the 3rd edition of the Green Bylaws Toolkit in 2021. The Toolkit was presented by Deborah Curran, Ione Smith and Alexia Cadoret, with an introduction from DG Blair.
This recording is also available on the Stewardship Centre for BC’s YouTube channel.
Green Bylaws in Action on Vancouver Island 2024
Learn about the real-world successes and challenges of implementing green projects, policies, and bylaws in three Lower Vancouver Island communities: the Regional District of Nanaimo, the Comox Valley Regional District, and the District of Saanich.
Speakers include:
- Jamai Schile, MCIP, RPP, Senior Planner, Regional District of Nanaimo
- Keith Lawrence, BSc, Senior Environmental Analyst, Comox Valley Regional District
- Paul de Greeff, MLA, BSc, Manager of Park Planning and Development, District of Saanich
Green Bylaws in Action on the Lower Mainland 2024
Learn about the real-world successes and challenges of implementing green projects, policies, and bylaws in two communities on the Lower Mainland of BC: the Township of Langley and the District of North Vancouver.
Speakers include:
- Yolanda Leung, BSLA, Landscape Design Coordinator, Township of Langley
- Brianne Labute, RPP, MCIP, Community Planner, District of North Vancouver
- Matthew MacKinnon, MSc, RPBio, Biodiversity Policy and Projects Manager, District of North Vancouver
Green Bylaws in Action on the Lower Mainland 2023
Learn about the successes and challenges associated with the implementation of green policies and bylaws in three Lower Mainland communities: the District of West Vancouver, the City of Surrey, and the Township of Langley. Speakers include:
- Heather Keith, RPBio, Senior Manager of Climate Action
- Pamela Zevit, RPBio, Biodiversity Conservation Planner
- Nichole Marples, Executive Director, Langley Environmental Partners Society
This recording is also available on the Stewardship Centre for BC’s YouTube channel.
Green Bylaws in Action in the Okanagan 2023
Learn about the successes and challenges associated with implementing green policies and bylaws in the Okanagan. Speakers include:
- Jing Niu, Environmental Planner, Regional District of Central Okanagan
- Jen Miles, Environmental Coordinator, City of Kelowna
- Scott Boswell, Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program
This recording is also available on the Stewardship Centre for BC’s YouTube channel.
Partners and Funders
The Green Bylaws Toolkit is the result of a combined effort. The 3rd (2021) edition was made possible by the following agencies and individuals:
The Environmental Law Centre at the University of Victoria, Faculty of Law initiated the original version of this Toolkit for Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Wetlands Stewardship Partnership, and the Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia. Law students Linnsie Clark and Kate Hamm worked in concert with law instructors Deborah Curran and Calvin Sandborn.
Thanks to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the BC Ministry of Environment, the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia and the Canadian Wildlife Service for their financial support, to the Stewardship Centre for BC for hosting the Toolkit on its website, and to Bev Ramey of BC Nature for providing the inspiration for this project.
