Principle

Contribute to the protection of water quality and quantity in the Sturgeon River watershed.

Photo: Meesha Lee

Water quality is a key indicator of St. Albert’s ecological health. Buildings and roads cover much of the city’s surface, and these built features can contaminate water sources and make it difficult for rainfall to infiltrate the ground. The following policies help protect water quality and quantity in the Sturgeon River watershed by reducing the impact of the built environment.
 

Policies

5.3.1.

Encourage the use of Low Impact Development (LID) principles and best practices in new development and redevelopment, such as green roofs, permeable pavement, and bioswales, subject to the City’s standards and guidelines for such features.
 

5.3.2.

Support the use of LID principles and best practices through incentives.
 

5.3.3.

Support improved water quality and quantity through monitoring and reporting programs, implementing awareness and conservation incentives, encouraging naturalization initiatives, and developing planning policies.
 

5.3.4.

Conserve, restore, protect, and manage wetlands in accordance with provincial wetland legislation and policy.
 

5.3.5.

Assess the following possible impacts when proposed development abuts a watercourse:

1. Impediments to the flow of water
2. Soil erosion or damage to the riparian area
3. Loss of recreation potential
4. Negative effects on fish and wildlife habitat
    

5.3.6.

Support the work of the Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance and the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance.