1-3 points

Intent

To avoid or reduce the degradation of the shore zone through site design that conserves or restores natural conditions.

• Larger portion of shore length developed
• Limited frontage and community access

• Smaller portion of shore length developed
• Larger community space
• More accessible
• Lots distanced from shore hazards

Applies to

Site plans and designs for new development and redevelopment of a shore area including subdivisions and parks.

1-3 points

Intent

To encourage appreciation of the shoreline environment by providing for private or public access to, and enjoyment of, the shoreline and foreshore in ways that avoid or minimize negative impacts to natural systems and processes.

Applies to

The development property, including shore zone and upland. If there is a pre-existing access structure that meets the requirements, it is eligible for 1 point.

2 points

Intent

To remediate degraded waterfront sites where development is complicated by environmental contamination. Re-development of these areas will reduce pressure on undeveloped land and help reverse existing impacts to shores, particularly with respect to contaminant input.

 Applies to

All upland and foreshore within the property boundary of the proposed development.

The intent of this credit is equivalent to the LEED contaminated site credit (e.g., SS Credit 3, LEED Canada-NC 1.1) and any site qualifying for this credit under LEED v.4 (2018) would automatically obtain the Green Shores credit.

2-9 points

Intent

To reverse the negative impacts of existing shore developments on longshore sediment transport and tidal flow processes. This credit focuses only on restoration or enhancement of processes. Restoration of measurable habitat areas is addressed in the Credit 5.

Applies to

The development property (both upland and foreshore), with consideration of shoreline processes beyond the property boundaries.

1-8 points

Intent

To recover ecosystem features, functions and specific aquatic habitat areas by restoring or creating highly valued aquatic habitats, including critical or sensitive habitats.

Applies to

Foreshore areas including subtidal and intertidal areas (littoral and seasonally wetted areas in lakes) where aquatic habitats can be substantially restored or enhanced through direct actions within measurable areas.

In the case of contamination leaching from upland sites, this credit may be applied after off-site contaminant sources have been halted or reduced such that any on-site restoration or enhancement measures will have a higher benefit.

In certain cases, enhancement of critical or sensitive aquatic habitat in areas extending beyond the development property boundary will be considered for this credit, if assurances can be made through covenants or other means that these restored/enhanced areas will be maintained during future development.

1-9 points

Intent

To encourage developments to exceed the minimum riparian zone protection (Prerequisite 4), thereby furthering conservation and restoration of riparian vegetation and ecological function and creating examples of projects that use the riparian zone as a development asset.

Applies to

The shore zone of the project area immediately above the NB/OHWM.

1-5 points

Intent

To reduce impacts to the receiving aquatic environment from on-site management of stormwater runoff.

Applies to

The development property and adjacent foreshore as well as consideration of upland inputs such as streams, seeps, groundwater flow and human-made stormwater structures.

2-5 points

Intent

To encourage planning and design that can support natural resilience of the shoreline to climate change impacts and may reduce risk to waterfront development from sea level rise and other related climate impacts.

Applies to

All permanent structures (new and existing), shore protection works and other development amenities situated within the shore area of the development property.

1-2 points

Intent

To recognize designs that exceed the requirements set by the Green Shores rating system, or that incorporate innovative approaches to meeting the credit requirements. To encourage sharing innovations in shoreline development design.

Applies to

The development property and adjacent foreshore.

2-4 points

Intent

To support and encourage the increased adoption of Green Shores design principles by shoreline property owners, developers, contractors, the professional community, and local governments.

Applies to

The development property and adjacent foreshore