Riparian & Aquatic Protection

Within the District of Squamish, the Riparian Assessment Area includes all land within 30 metres of a stream, ravine, wetland, lake or ditch. These areas are governed by Development Permit Area 1 (DPA 1) and the provincial Riparian Areas Protection Regulation.

Riparian Assessments are conducted by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) and are used to establish and sometimes reduce the width of a setback from a stream, wetland or lake while providing adequate protection to the watercourse. The resultant setback is referred to as a Streamside Protection and Enhancement Areas (SPEA). Setback widths are based on several factors such as the width and gradient of the stream or the proximity of existing developments. These assessments are reviewed by municipal and provincial governments.

As per Development Permit Area 1 (DPA 1), ditches within the District of Squamish have been classified and assigned setbacks based on their contributions to fish habitat, as detailed below. Development within 30 metres of a yellow, orange or red ditch requires a report prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) that describes measures to protect the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Areas (SPEA or setback). These reports are reviewed by municipal government.

Within the District of Squamish, marine shorelines include areas extending 30 m seaward (foreshore) and 15 m upland (backshore) of marine influenced ecosystems, such as Howe Sound, Mamquam Blind Channel, Crescent Slough, Cattermole Slough and the estuary.

These areas are governed by Development Areas 1 (DPA 1) and the federal Fisheries Act. These two pieces of legislation contain guidelines and requirements for the protection of marine shorelines. Development along a marine shoreline requires a report prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) that describes measures to protect the shoreline. Federal permits may also be required.  

There are several exemptions. For example, you can…

• Maintain existing uses such as mowing your lawn or repairing your existing fence.
• Reconstruct an existing building or perform renovations within an existing footprint.
• Treat hazard trees in accordance with and under the supervision of a QEP. A hazard assessment report is to be prepared by a Certified Tree Risk Assessor and submitted to the District.
• Remove invasive species in accordance with and under the supervision of a QEP. The District may require a map of invasive species and an Invasive Species Management Plan prepared by a QEP.

A complete list of exemptions can be found within the District’s Environmental Bylaws & Guidelines. The District of Squamish’s Environmental Staff can help determine if an exemption applies to your activity or development.

Environmental Bylaws page

Instream works include, for example, the installation, replacement or removal of a culvert, bridge, stormwater outfall or instream vegetation or any works below the top of bank of a ditch, stream, wetland, lake, or ocean. Instream works require an assessment prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP), review under Development Permit Area 1 (DPA 1) and may require review by Provincial and/or Federal government.

Your development or activity may also be governed by or require review under one of the following provincial or federal acts or regulations. Contact a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) for more information.

• Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (BC)
• Fisheries Act (Canada)
• Water Sustainability Act (BC)
• Wildlife Act (BC)