Background

The District of Central Saanich has used innovative design approaches and best management practices (BMP) in the ISMP to reach the goal of restoring the dispersal of rainwater flows to near predevelopment levels. The reduction of storm water flows will substantially reduce the extent of the damage caused by erosion, extreme variability of flows, degradation of water quality and required conveyance works. The project was started in the summer of 2007, with a massive data collection program to ensure the facts collected were accurate and reliable. A Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC), chaired by the chair of the Engineering & Public Works Committee, was formed with members of government agencies, area farmers, local interest groups, and District staff to develop proactive solutions to the changes that urbanization has brought to the District’s storm-water system and natural habitat.

An important measure of success for the District was to ensure that each stakeholder group supported and felt positive about the final ISMP. The stakeholders in this project had very different issues, values and requests; however, they worked together to develop a comprehensive implementation plan that addresses ecological, social, cultural, agricultural and engineering issues in a manner that all parties are supportive of.

Open houses were used to obtain feedback from the public and educate them on the importance of storm water management. The Final Report and Implementation Plan were presented to Council in the Fall of 2009.

These report recommendations are in the process of being implemented. The District has started implementing many of the short-term recommendations,  (Dooley Road culvert and Graham Creek hydraulic design), while medium and long-term goals have been identified and assigned to various departments and industry experts for execution. Council has approved the recommended ISMP projects during the 2011 – 2014 Five-Year Financial Plan. Long-term success will be measured by monitoring the progress of the implementation plan over the next five to 20 years.

For further information on Rainwater Management visit the Waterbucket, Sustainable Approaches to Water Resources website.

ISMP Final Report

The ISMP Final Report and Implementation Plan was presented to Committee on October 26, 2009.  Due to the large size of the document, it is available below in sections as noted: