Research and Knowledge Initiative: Supporting Municipalities with Nature-Based Climate Solutions
New Brunswick Environmental Network, Nature NB
nben@nben.ca, 506-855-4144
Education/capacity building
natural-infrastructure
provincial
New Brunswick Environmental Network’s Supporting Climate Risk Mitigation for Municipalities with Nature-based Infrastructure - Research and Knowledge Initiative.
New Brunswickers are already feeling the impacts of climate change including flooding, more frequent hurricanes, storm surges and erosion. Not only is it urgent to prevent as many of the effects of climate change as possible, but also to prepare for the impacts to come. Nature-based climate solutions that protect and conserve nature while reducing the risks of climate change impacts can be key responses to adapting to climate change that are cost-effective and provide many co-benefits that improve quality of life and wellbeing in communities.
We are looking at developing tools and building capacity to support local governments to implement nature-based climate solutions in communities across the province. To develop this tool, we want to hear your views on nature-based climate infrastructure and what you would like to see in your communities. We want to understand what your communities value in terms of co-benefits of the infrastructure and what your largest areas of concern are in responding to climate change. These solutions should meet your needs and alleviate your concerns in the face of the climate crisis.
This project is at its early stages.
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Port Elgin Sewage Lagoon Natural Shoreline Stabilization
EOS Eco-Energy, Shediac Bay Watershed Association, Nature NB
info@naturenb.ca
Yes
Natural Infrastructure: projects that conserve/restore/protect natural ecosystem functions for climate resilience and store carbon.
land-conservation
community
In fall 2018, EOS Eco-Energy, Shediac Bay Watershed Association and Nature NB organized a tree and shrub planting event with the local community and school to restore a compacted recreation trail adjacent to the village's sewage lagoon using native trees and shrubs. Deep rooted, salt tolerant native species were selected to help anchor the bank and protect the area from ongoing erosion concerns.
Protecting Old Growth Forest and Community Water Supply
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Yes
Natural Infrastructure: projects that conserve/restore/protect natural ecosystem functions for climate resilience and store carbon.
natural-infrastructure
community
In 2018, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Village of Riverside-Albert worked to secure 326 acres (132 hectares) of Acadian forest, of which 22 acres (9 hectares) has been transferred to the Village to protect its local water supply area. This work has not only protected critical forest habitat, but ensures the community will continue to benefit from a range of other ecosystem services provided by the area (e.g. water infiltration, water quality, etc.).
https://tinyurl.com/yaxdvwqh
Lorne St. Phase II Stormwater Mitigation
Town of Sackville
sackville.com/contact
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
community
In winter 2019, the Town of Sackville began construction for a naturalized stormwater wet pond near Lorne Street. This naturalized wet pond will store ~40,000 cubic feet of stormwater during major events, which will then slowly be released through existing stormwater infrastructure into the Tantramar River. The goal of the project is to reduce flood risk. The pond is being designed to protect and enhance other ecosystem services, including recreation and habitat space.
Home | Town of Sackville Official Website
NATURhoods: Naturally Adapting To Urban Runoff
Green Venture
water@greenventure.ca
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
natural-infrastructure
community
NATURhoods is a program empowering residents to slow water down and soak it up on their property while providing beautification, home to pollinators, places to gather, flood protection, and so much more. The program provides resources and support to home and community-based projects to install green infrastructure. We educate communities on the impacts of urban runoff, and simple changes that can be done to mitigate the impacts on our ecosystem health and freshwater resources. Eligible projects may include: rain gardens, permeable paving, dry rock swales, bioswales, infiltration galleries and soakaway pits. NATURhoods was born of our successful 2-year pilot project in Dundas, and will be bringing this work to additional parts of Hamilton.
NATURhoods
Tantramar Rain Gardens
EOS Eco-Energy
Contact
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
community
Rain gardens collect rainwater from roofs, parking lots or other hard surfaces and let it absorb naturally into the ground. They are planted with native plants, grasses and flowers that help to absorb water and their root systems help to break up the soil and increase its permeability. Rain gardens do not hold water for more than a day or so, they are not ponds or wetlands. They help to reduce runoff and erosion and can help reduce localized flooding. They are also great pollinator gardens. EOS has planted 3 rain gardens in the Tantramar regions with plans for 30 over the next 3 years on private land.
https://tinyurl.com/y75t9bkg
Bioengineering & River Restoration (Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee)
Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee
info@kennebecasisriver.ca
Yes
Natural Infrastructure: projects that conserve/restore/protect natural ecosystem functions for climate resilience and store carbon.
buffers
watershed
Since 2012, the KWRC has undertaken various river restoration projects using bioengineering. Bioengineering uses living and natural materials to restore degraded stream/river banks. KWRC uses brush layering, willow staking, and geo-rolls to stabilize banks, reduce erosion, and improve floodplain connectivity. Click the link to view their map of their various restoration sites (includes sites up to 2017) to learn more.
https://tinyurl.com/yddwj3d4
Natural Stormwater Management - Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels
Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee
info@kennebecasisriver.ca
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
watershed
The KWRC has installed three rain gardens (2017-18) in Sussex to help educate the community about stormwater and to reduce impacts of flooding and stormwater runoff. The rain gardens hold and filter water into the ground to reduce runoff in the community. The group has also distributed 50+ rain barrels throughout the community, 95% of which are used regularly by recipients. These initiatives aim to reduce runoff, flood risk, and water quality concerns in the area.
https://www.kennebecasisriver.org/
Naturalized Stormwater Guidelines
City of Moncton
info@moncton.ca
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
municipal
Yes. Directly
This report was developed in 2015 and provides the City with practices, guidelines, and standards for naturalized approaches to stormwater management. The public report discusses various Best Management Practices that have been adapted to the Moncton context such as naturalized wet ponds, rain gardens, bioswales and green roofs.
https://tinyurl.com/yc9zf4ep
Lorne Street Phase II Stormwater Mitigation Project
Town of Sackville
www.sackville.com/contact
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
municipal
In winter 2019, the Town of Sackville began construction for a naturalized stormwater wet pond near Lorne Street. This naturalized wet pond will store ~40,000 cubic feet of stormwater during major events, which will then slowly be released through existing stormwater infrastructure into the Tantramar River. The goal of the project is to reduce flood risk. The pond was designed to protect and enhance other ecosystem services, including recreation and habitat space.
https://sackville.com/2019/01/lorne-street-stormwater-mitigation-project-update/
Naturalized Stormwater Pond
City of Dieppe
info@dieppe.ca
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
municipal
The City of Dieppe has developed naturalized retention basins to help manage and filter stormwater using natural vegetation off Aquatique Street in the Dieppe Industrial/Business Park.
Shoreline Reclamation and Indian Brook Enhancement
Kingsclear First Nation
Yes
Hybrid Approaches: projects that are focused on engineering and incorporate natural elements and/or processes into their design.
buffers
community
Kingsclear First Nation underwent a large-scale remediation project divided into two phases: Phase 1 was to restore original shoreline conditions after a significant erosion event and worked to reclaim lost land. Phase 2 worked to reinstate and enhance Indian Brook, which had suffered a breach in the natural meander due to a significant rainfall event. The final design for the shoreline reclamation project involved the construction of 6 engineered rockhydraulic structures (i.e. spurs or groynes) to interrupt the flow, limit sediment movement and ultimately protect the shoreline. The enhancement of Indian Brook included significant engagement with biologist, as well as youth and Elder groups in the community to reinstate terrestrial and aquatic vegetation. The final design incorporated the use of several rock types, angular rip rap, large woody debris, and erosion control blankets made of biodegradable coconut fibre to help strength the banks and encourage native species.
Stormwater Management in Working Landscapes
Clean Annapolis River Project
www.annapolisriver.ca/copy-of-contact-us
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
watershed
CARP is partnering with Eastern Charlotte Waterways to pilot various agricultural BMPs, which can help farmers retain water on their properties - providing a more sustainable solution to stormwater management, while reducing soil erosion and flood risk
https://www.annapolisriver.ca
Digby and Middleton Rain Gardens
Clean Annapolis River Project
www.annapolisriver.ca/copy-of-contact-us
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
watershed
CARP has planted various rain gardens in the Town of Digby and NSCC campus in Middleton, NS. These projects help to manage stormwater on the landscape and engage the public around natural stormwater management. Students at NSCC also contributed to this project by working to assess and map ideal sites for rain gardens based on slope, building distance, etc.
https://www.annapolisriver.ca
Climate Change Public Outreach and Education
Bathurst Sustainable Development
Yes
Education/capacity building
capacity
municipal
Bathurst Sustainable Development is working to advance the understanding of sustainable development goals and climate change resiliency challenges in the Bathurst area. Includes public education materials related to nature-based adaptation approaches.
https://www.bathurstsustainabledevelopment.com
Belcher Street Marsh
TransCoastal Adaptations - Saint Mary's University
catlyn.mcfadden@smu.ca
Yes
Natural Infrastructure: projects that conserve/restore/protect natural ecosystem functions for climate resilience and store carbon.
natural-infrastructure
watershed
The Belcher Street Marsh (north side of the Cornwallis River) east of Kentville was a mix of active/fallow agricultural land protected from tidal influx by an eroding dyke. The project aimed to address dyke erosion, protect agricultural land, restore river floodplain/tidal wetland habitat, and reduce flood risk. Local land owners, Indigenous groups, and regulators were consulted regarding dyke alignment, the project design, and sourcing materials. Site data was collected on hydrology, vegetation, geospatial attributes, and sediment/soil characteristics for baseline ecological monitoring. This data was used to compare pre-/post-restoration. Implementation: 140 metres of new dyke construction, and the grading of decommissioned dyke material was completed to create new marsh habitat. Additionally, a central channel was excavated to accommodate tidal flooding and freshwater discharge, and included living shorelines on the channel banks to prevent future erosion.
Sundial Creek restoration
Couchiching Conservancy, Sustainable Orillia, City of Orillia
engage@couchconservancy.ca
Yes
Natural Infrastructure: projects that conserve/restore/protect natural ecosystem functions for climate resilience and store carbon.
natural-asset
community
Orillia is fortunate to have within the City a rare cold water stream, Sundial Creek, supporting Brook Trout. But the creek is gradually declining in health due to urbanization and climate change. Sundial Cr is groundwater fed and flows through a city neighbourhood collecting stormwater before flowing through Grant Wetland, a Couchiching Conservancy Nature Reserve, and emptying into Lake Couchiching. Grant Wetland, which is surrounded by residential homes, provides an important buffer for increased stormwater runoff within the urban area. Several challenges have been identified with Sundial Cr: nitrate and chloride concentrations, siltation from stormwater, encroachment (hardening of surfaces, dumping of fill and yard waste), invasive species and compromised riparian zones. The project: an education campaign to engage local citizens to help restore and protect this creek and its Brook Trout, working with the City to mitigate negative stormwater effects.
Sundial Creek
Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocol - Musquash
Nature Conservancy of Canada
atlantic@natureconservancy.ca
Yes
Natural Infrastructure: projects that conserve/restore/protect natural ecosystem functions for climate resilience and store carbon.
land-conservation
watershed
Beginning in 2019, NCC will use the Wetland Ecosystem Services protocol for Atlantic Canada in salt marsh and river-margin wetlands around the Port of Saint John to identify wetlands that provide flooding, storm surge, and erosion protection services (Hog Island and Musquash Estuary Nature Reserves).
Climate Change Adaptation Planning - Saint John
ACAP Saint John
office@acapsj.org
Yes
Education/capacity building
land-use
community
ACAP Saint John has coordinated a tree planting project to increase stormwater capacity and reduce flood risk in three areas across the city including a new development site, a snow dumping area, and along a section of Marsh Creek. This project aims to increase infiltration capacity to reduce overland flow in key areas throughout the city.
http://www.acapsj.org/harbour-health/
Restoring a healthy Placentia Bay coastal ecosystem
Memorial University
Yes
Natural Infrastructure: projects that conserve/restore/protect natural ecosystem functions for climate resilience and store carbon.
ecosystem-management
community
The goal of this project is to rehabilitate degraded eelgrass beds to benefit associated fish/shellfish resources and increase coastal resilience in Placentia Bay. Includes placement of reef balls to act as substrates for eel grass to establish.
http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/crf-frc/nfl-tnl-eng.html
Green Infrastructure and Stormwater
ACAP Saint John; City of Saint John
office@acapsj.org
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
community
ACAP Saint John has coordinated a tree planting project to increase stormwater capacity and reduce flood risk in three areas across the city including a new development site, a snow dumping area, and along a section of Marsh Creek. This project aims to increase infiltration capacity to reduce overland flow in key areas throughout the city.
http://www.acapsj.org/harbour-health/
Naturalized Detention Basin
City of Moncton
info@moncton.ca
Yes
Nature-Based Approaches: projects that mimic natural processes to reduce climate risks (e.g. naturalized stormwater management ponds or mitigation)
water
community
A Naturalized Detention basin constructed in 2016-2017. This basin works to hold and treat stormwater runoff before it is released to the local storm system/watercourse. It has been sized to handle a 1:100 year storm + 20% for increased precipitation due to climate change. A second basin on Grand Allee Naturalized basin is under construction (as of January 2019). This basin is to hold and treat stormwater runoff before it is released to the local storm system/watercourse.
Dune restoration - Christmas trees
Vision H2O
info@visionh20.com
Yes
Natural Infrastructure: projects that conserve/restore/protect natural ecosystem functions for climate resilience and store carbon.
ecosystem-management
watershed
Vision H2O has worked around the watershed to restore dunes using recycled Christmas trees. Trees are placed horizontally along the dune to form a barrier that helps capture sand and hold it on the dune. All materials used in this process are biodegradable and the approach can be useful in a variety of sandy environments.
http://visionh2o.com/en/projets/restauration-des-dunes