Assess the vulnerability of Surrey’s natural systems to extreme heat and other climate impacts
(Full action name in the CCAS)Loading...
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Planning and implementation work has progressed in some areas (e.g., shoreline protection coastal flood adaptation, floodplain management) as well as adjusting planting plans for natural and landscaped areas (e.g., selecting for drought tolerant plant species). Conversely natural asset risk and vulnerability assessments such as those completed for the Little Campbell River watershed have not been integrated into land use or land management planning. Surrey has yet to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for identifying climate vulnerabilities and mitigative actions to protect the City’s natural assets.
Work done to date has focused on projected impacts to Surrey’s coastal areas (Boundary Bay, Mud Bay) and lowland floodplains (e.g., Serpentine, Nicomekl Rivers). Initial recommendations for addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation for the City’s urban forest have been developed through the Shade Tree Management Plan (2016) and the Urban Forest Management Strategy (2023). Through the Urban Forestry Section of the Parks Division, initial adaptation and mitigation planning has been integrated into actions such as natural areas enhancement (planting plans) and street tree selection.
The natural asset inventory (NAI) for the Little Campbell River watershed completed in 2021 assessed ecosystem services provided by, and the condition of the various assets assessed in the watershed. Included in this was a natural asset risk and vulnerability component.
Information gathered contributes to understanding the extent of the City's natural assets, the ecological services they provide and what processes and resources are in place - or are needed to address risk and reduce the climate vulnerability of the City's natural systems.