The Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver announced a joint natural infrastructure investment of more than $36.2 million towards Vancouver’s Rain City Strategy, which outlines a series of actions to improve the water quality, increase resilience to climate change, and enhance ecosystems.
The strategy aims to enhance the use of natural infrastructure to prevent urban flooding and improve water quality. Its goal is to capture and clean 90 per cent of Vancouver’s average annual rainfall and help manage rainwater runoff from 400,000 square metres of drainage area. Examples 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.
“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 Government of Canada is contributing $18,900,000 to this project, and the City of Vancouver is contributing $17,325,000.
“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.
