Municipal Natural Assets Initiative: City of Nanaimo, B.C.
Published by:
David Suzuki Foundation and partners
Authored by:
Michelle Molnar,
Jake Sahl,
Michael Thompson,
Joal Borggard
Partners:
Smart Prosperity Institute,
Town of Gibsons,
Roy Brooke and Associates
ISBN:
978-1-988424-17-0
Cities, Climate solutions British Columbia, Municipal Natural Assets Initiative, eco-assets, economics, water systems, natural capital, climate change
As more Canadian communities have first hand experience with the effects of climate change, decision makers are paying attention to adaptation and building climate resiliency. But what actions will be the most effective?
This pilot study demonstrates that the Buttertubs Marsh Conservation Area in Nanaimo, B.C. provides stormwater detention benefits commensurate with engineered infrastructure. The modeling indicates the resilience of the marsh to climate change conditions, providing a similar level of service despite higher volume and velocity of flows. A significantly higher value of the marsh’s services during climate change scenario modelling points to the increasing importance of natural assets in providing critical services to municipalities that increase community resilience and adaptability.
