Vancouver invests in natural infrastructure and climate change resilience

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The Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver will contribute more than $36.2 million towards Vancouver’s Rain City Strategy, a series of actions to address water quality, increase resilience to climate change, and enhance ecosystems.

“With the increase in flood and climate related challenges—investing in natural infrastructure is a way for communities to use their ecosystems to improve quality of life, reduce pollution, enhance biodiversity, and build resilience to climate change,” said Taleeb Noormohamed, MP for Vancouver Granville. The Rain City Strategy is an exciting investment in natural infrastructure solutions helping to reduce carbon emissions.”

The Government of Canada is contributing $18.9 milion to this project, and the City of Vancouver is contributing $17.3 million.

“Increasing natural infrastructure in Vancouver has numerous benefits for residents and the species we share our city with. We’re very thankful for this support from the Government of Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund. This investment will contribute to a more livable Vancouver, a stronger future in the face of coming climate pressures, an opportunity to grow our local green economy, and healthier waters in Still Creek, False Creek, Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.

The goal is to enhance natural infrastructure to prevent flooding and improve water quality by cleaning 90 per cent of Vancouver’s average annual rainfall and help manage rainwater runoff from 400,000 square meters of drainage area.

It could include using absorbent landscaping, rainwater tree trenches, wetlands and stream restoration, capturing rainwater closer to where it falls. Ecological processes will serve to remove pollution from urban runoff, improve water quality, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, increase climate change resilience, protect species, and preserve biodiversity and habitats.

“It’s not often we celebrate our infamous rainwater but in these changing climates, it is a pleasure to announce this valued investment that makes use of our most plentiful natural resource. From stream restoration to increased flood resilience to species protection, this investment in green infrastructure will support our growing city’s climate, wildlife and population for years to come,” said Scott Jensen, chair of the Vancouver board of parks and recreation.

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