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Parks and Recreation Case Studies

BC Parks Impact Assessment Process and Training

Client: BC Parks

AXYS participated in the review and development of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) policy for the BC provincial parks system. Our expertise in EIA processes helped refine the policies, procedures, and guidelines of this policy that will be applied to all provincial parks and recreation areas in the province. The policy addresses the potential impacts of projects and actions, including non-development projects such as recreational activities, scientific research, and management decisions. In addition to ecological impacts, the process also considers any social, cultural or economic effects of a proposed action.

In particular, AXYS developed preliminary and full screening components to streamline the assessment process. The screening allows the majority of projects to be either approved or rejected at an early stage based on preliminary information regarding legality, appropriateness, and the significance of effects. Only those projects most likely to result in significant impacts, or projects where impacts are unknown, will require a full and detailed assessment report. The final document produced by AXYS contained step by step procedures and guidelines for implementing the assessment policy regardless of the type or scale of the proposed action.

After completing the development of the BC Parks Impact Assessment Policy and Process, AXYS was contracted to develop and deliver a training program to assist BC Parks staff in understanding and implementing the process. The program was developed in collaboration with BC Parks and consisted of a training binder for participants, all necessary reference materials, an overhead presentation, break-out sessions, and several case study examples. The two-day course was delivered in eleven district offices across BC, and in the Victoria headquarters office. Audiences ranged in size from 5 to 22, and most participants had limited experience in conducting impact assessments.

Burnaby Mountain Park Management Plan, Burnaby, British Columbia

Client: City of Burnaby

AXYS, in co-operation with Phillips, Farevaag and Smallenberg planning consultants, developed a park management plan for the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area in the city of Burnaby. This urban park offers numerous opportunities for nature conservation, recreation and education and is a regional visitor destination. The area is heavily used by various activity groups including hikers, mountain bikers, tourists and passive recreationists. Some facilities have been developed including a restaurant, playground, parking lot and a number of formal trails. The park is surrounded by urban activities including residential development and industrial use.

The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive management plan and corresponding park design (Master) plan which considered all management issues and design elements. Key tasks included conducting field inventories of the mountain, preparing maps depicting the various natural, cultural and recreation features, identifying key issues, and developing options for park design. A strong public consultation component was also included.

Banff Bow Valley Study, Banff National Park, Alberta

Client: Parks Canada

One of AXYS’ principals, Mr. Jeffrey Green, was appointed to a national task force to address environmental impacts and sustainable tourism issues in Banff National Park. This study can be described as a precedent setting park planning/land use process which will ultimately determine the future management objectives of national parks in Canada.

The 27-month long study examined the effects of existing human uses and tourism on the natural ecosystems and cultural values of Banff National Park, with a focus on the Banff Bow Valley. One component of this study was the participation of Mr. Green on a sub-task force to look at the impacts of current and future land use on wildlife corridors in the Banff Bow Valley.

This study also involved the Ecological Outlooks Project, which included a cumulative effects assessment of past and present stresses, as well as a Futures Outlook Project which examined potential economic and environmental changes between 1995 to 2045.

Recommendations for future management of Banff National Park were developed for maintenance of ecological and cultural integrity, environmentally sustainable tourism, park management and regional co-operation. The study served as a basis for the development of an updated park management plan that addressed issues identified through the study process and through extensive public consultation. The Banff Bow Valley Study is intended to serve as a model for other national parks.

Impact Assessment for Submersible Tours at Helliwell Provincial Park

Client: BC Parks

AXYS conducted a BC Parks Level 2 Impact Assessment on behalf of Jessco Logistics. Jessco had proposed to operate submersible tours at Helliwell Marine Park for an eight-week period in the summer of 2000. The submersibles would allow participants to view the underwater features of Helliwell Park, particularly sixgill sharks that used this area during the same period, and marine biota found along an underwater feature called 'the wall'. As the submersible tours were a new activity for BC Parks with unknown impacts, a Level 2 Impact Assessment was required.

AXYS prepared a detailed project description and operation plan, completed the required BC Parks impact screening forms, and developed emergency response plans for three types of emergencies: medical, storm/weather, and hazardous materials spill.

Additionally, AXYS assisted members of the proponent's team in preparing protocols for operating the submersibles around sixgill sharks and wall biota, and for boat and barge activities around harlequin ducks, a species of concern that frequented the Helliwell area. An interim permit to conduct the summer submersible program was granted to Jessco by BC Parks soon after submission of the impact assessment.