The Bowker Creek Watershed Management Plan (2003) guides all activities undertaken by the Bowker Creek Initiative. This watershed management plan has been developed under the sponsorship of the Capital Regional District (CRD) as part of the Watershed Management Strategy that was approved by the Environment Committee in 1997.   A forum of landowners, representatives from nongovernmental organizations, and local and senior government staff was convened by the CRD to develop an integrated watershed management plan for Bowker Creek to recognize and protect valued characteristics of the watershed.  Public input was sought and the BCWMP plan, finalized in 2003, reflects the views of the forum and members of the public.

Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives described in the Bowker Creek Watershed Management Plan were developed in through the community forum and form the core of plan.  Each goal and associated objective (click on goal below for an expandable list of objectives) , which can be found in the Bowker Creek Watershed Management Plan.

Goal 1. Individuals, community and special interest groups, institutions, governments, and businesses take responsibility for actions that affect the watershed.

Objective 1A. Ensure all interest holders understand the values of Bowker Creek and the watershed so they can act responsibly.

Objective 1B. Foster long-term community stewardship of Bowker Creek and celebrate accomplishments.

Objective 1C. Plan and manage land in the Bowker watershed in ways that create compact and attractive communities, increase areas of greenspace, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve water quality in Bowker Creek.

Goal 2. Manage flows effectively.

Objective 2A. Base watershed management decisions on a comprehensive understanding of the hydrological characteristics of the watershed; manage the risk of flood damage to property near Bowker Creek; and coordinate flow management decisions among jurisdictions.

Objective 2B. Encourage onsite retention and infiltration of stormwater to reduce the area of effective impervious surfaces in the watershed.

Goal 3: Improve and expand public areas, natural areas, and biodiversity in the watershed

Objective 3A. Prepare a comprehensive inventory of watershed values.

Objective 3B. Protect and enhance existing natural areas (or areas with restoration potential) in the watershed, particularly adjacent to Bowker Creek.

Objective 3C. Create a multi-use greenway corridor from the headwaters to the ocean, in accordance with the Regional greenway system.

Goal 4. Achieve and maintain acceptable water quality in the watershed.

Objective 4A. Identify water quality problems and causes.

Objective 4B. Meet or exceed provincial water quality guidelines for aquatic life.

Objective 4C. Establish and maintain stable naturalized banks to protect water quality and public safety.

BCI Vision

The varied human uses and natural areas in the Bowker Creek watershed are managed to minimize runoff and pollution, making Bowker Creek a healthy stream that supports habitat for native vegetation and wildlife, and provides a community greenway to connect neighbourhoods.

Document Links

Plan Summary

Full Document