Priority 03
Rivers, Trees & Environmental Protection
Protecting Port Coquitlam’s natural environment requires more than simply preserving what remains. As the city grows, we need to protect and strengthen our rivers, streams, parks, trails, tree canopy and natural areas, safeguard sensitive habitat and apply strong environmental standards when development occurs. We should also continue improving the infrastructure and maintenance practices that protect waterways and natural areas while preserving the green spaces that are an important part of Port Coquitlam’s character.
Port Coquitlam’s rivers, streams, parks, trails and tree canopy are central to our community’s identity and quality of life. Growth must be managed without gradually diminishing the natural areas residents value.
Environmental protection and responsible development should work together. Good planning allows our community to accommodate growth while preserving the natural features that make Port Coquitlam a desirable place to live.
I will advocate for:
- RIVERS AND STREAMS — Protect the Coquitlam River, Pitt River, local streams and their surrounding riparian areas from erosion, flooding and the impacts of development.
- URBAN TREE CANOPY — Preserve healthy mature trees where practical, strengthen replacement requirements and expand tree planting throughout the community to meet the City’s 30% canopy target, provide more shade and help reduce urban heat.
- PARKS, TRAILS AND NATURAL AREAS — Protect and properly maintain the green spaces, habitats and trail networks residents depend on for recreation and connection with nature.
- RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT — Require environmental effects to be carefully considered before development is approved and ensure that mitigation measures are actually implemented and enforced.
- FLOOD AND STORMWATER PROTECTION — Plan for changing weather conditions by maintaining and improving drainage, dikes, pump stations and other flood-protection infrastructure.
- CLEANER PUBLIC SPACES — Reduce litter and illegal dumping and continue improving waste reduction, recycling and responsible disposal options for residents.
- COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP — Support tree planting, invasive-species removal, stream restoration and volunteer programs that help residents care for the natural environment.
- CLEAR STANDARDS AND ENFORCEMENT — Provide residents with understandable environmental rules and ensure those rules are consistently applied and enforced.