Green Waterfront Design

Bringing diverse experts together to develop climate-friendly solutions for local waterfronts.

Local governments in coastal communities around the world need to prepare for sea level rise, a climate change impact that is sometimes called “a slow-moving emergency.”  The waters are not rising overnight, but we need time to get out of the way – especially in prime coastal areas dense with people, development and infrastructure.

The Green Waterfront Design Charrette brought together design experts and staff from five British Columbia municipalities, including planners, engineers, sustainability specialists, emergency managers and biologists. Working collaboratively, they explored how shifts in land use and building design could support community resilience to sea level rise, focusing on responses that developed green infrastructure and provided opportunities to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, and maintain valuable natural shoreline amenities.

Check out this report for a thorough overview of the Charrette, including the objectives, expert presentations, as well as ideas and insights to address sea level rise in BC's Lower Mainland.