Piper’s Lagoon, the City of Nanaimo

Congratulations on achieving Orca Level 2 GSH rating!

In 2020, the SCBC Green Shores team verified a Green Shores for Homes (GSH) project in the City of Nanaimo which has received an ORCA Level 2 rating.

Happy property owners in Piper’s Lagoon after shoreline restoration applying Green Shores for Homes principles.

The project site lies along the marine shoreline, adjacent to Paper’s Lagoon Waterfront Park, situated within the intact Garry Oak ecosystem. Collectively, Garry oak and associated ecosystems are among the most endangered in Canada. Once common in coastal areas of southwest British Columbia, less than 5% of these ecosystems remain in near-natural condition.

Before enrollment in Green Shores for Homes program, the property had a uniform vegetation structure comprised mainly of lawn grass. An old concrete bulkhead separated the property from the shore and significantly reduced shoreline function by interrupting movement of materials and fauna between upper and lower slopes.

Piper’s Lagoon Shoreline Before Green Shores for Homes

After Green Shores for Homes principles were applied, the shoreline’s aesthetic and function were significantly improved. With the bulkhead, fence, and an old buried, non‑functioning septic system removed, the slope was regraded and planted with extensive native vegetation. Additionally, several large rocks and pieces of large woody debris were placed throughout the newly designed riparian area creating protection against wave energy, micro‑habitat for flora and fauna, and increased aesthetic appeal.

Piper’s Lagoon After Green Shores for Homes

To learn more about this project, visit Piper’s Lagoon Case Study page.

Green Shores is a program of the Stewardship Centre for BC. To learn more about Green Shores, click here to explore the Green Shores website. If you want to improve your shoreline and enroll in Green Shores for Homes program, contact us at info@stewardshipcentrebc.ca.