Draft - Official Community Plan - Surrey 2050

Part D – Policies

D7 Natural Assets, Biodiversity, & Nature-Based Infrastructure

Surrey’s nature-based infrastructure – its wetlands, forests, rivers, and green spaces – are natural assets with intrinsic value. But they also deliver measurable benefits to Surrey’s residents. These natural systems provide cost effective and sustainable alternatives to traditional built infrastructure as they help to cool the city, absorb stormwater, reduce flooding, and improve resilience to climate change. At the heart of the City’s approach to biodiversity and natural assets is the Green Infrastructure Network (GIN) : an interconnected system of natural areas , parks , waterways, riparian zones, and ecological corridors woven through Surrey’s urban fabric. The GIN conserves nature and biodiversity while providing wide-ranging benefits for people and wildlife. A strong commitment to enhancing and protecting the GIN and biodiversity will continue to inform how the City approaches adaptation. The objectives and policy actions in this chapter are applicable to all relevant lands within the city. Priorities in this chapter align with the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy , the Urban Forest Management Strategy and the Climate Change Action Strategy . development, land use, urban design, infrastructure, recreation, and climate

Goal: Surrey has resilient natural assets, rich biodiversity and integrated natural infrastructure across the city.

Objectives

7.1

Design a city where biodiversity can flourish.

7.2

Value and enhance natural assets. Protect and address gaps in the tree canopy.

7.3

Surrey 2050 | D46