Ecosystem Mapping Project

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector Multi-sector (Plans)
Project value$176,904
Project Type Feasibility Study
Sub Sector Sustainable Communities
Grant amount$88,452
Program type GMF
Municipality District of Squamish, BC
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 23,819
Project timeline 2007 - 2011
Project number 7323

Description

The District of Squamish will implement a Geographic Information System (GIS) to aid in the protection of the environment through informed municipal planning. The Squamish Ecosystem Mapping Project (SEMP) will result in a dataset that will enable sustainable use of the land base within the community of Squamish. The SEMP encompasses several stages, including mapping, fieldwork and analytical components. The ultimate objective is to overlay detailed ecosystem mapping with the data layer of land with development potential to identify sensitive ecosystems that are most at risk from development pressure. This would permit municipal planning staff to determine areas within project boundaries that require protection or development restrictions. The data and results from the SEMP will assist also in municipal projects such as Smart Growth on the Ground (land use planning), trail mapping, realignment of cadastral lines, municipal infrastructure management, and community emergency response programs.

Applicant

District of Squamish, BC