Salmon-Safe BC: Connecting Salmon, Water and Land Management Practices

Salmon-Safe BC is one of Canada’s truly integrated eco-certification programs that links progressive agricultural and urban land and water management practices with the protection of watersheds. Salmon-Safe advances scientifically developed, peer-reviewed standards to protect water quality, restore habitat and enhance biodiversity. By taking a holistic approach to site assessment that considers site design, development and ongoing operations, Salmon-Safe BC certification addresses potential and existing water quality and habitat impacts from stormwater runoff, pesticides and chemical use, sediment generated from construction or ongoing operations, irrigation practices along with activities within riparian or foreshore zones. By adopting Salmon-Safe standards, developers, landowners and property managers can help ensure this iconic species thrives for future generations and showcase their mark of leadership and commitment to the health of BC’s watersheds. Inspired by the success of Salmon-Safe US, Salmon-Safe BC launched in 2010. Since that time, the program has continued to increase its cumulative impact certifying 32 agricultural sites and 3 high-profile urban sites with demand continuing to grow across the Province. Combined with US sites, Salmon-Safe\u27s impact is substantial with a total of over 850 certified sites across the Pacific Northwest. This presentation will provide a more in-depth overview of how the Salmon-Safe BC urban program is beginning a new movement towards holistic and regenerative design and development practices through its high-profile, demonstration sites including the Mountain Equipment Co-op Head Office and Flagship store, Vancouver International Airport and the Keith Drive site in Vancouver’s False Creek Flats