WC138 SeptOct 2024 - Flipbook - Page 37
H2OPINION
Municipal Challenges and
Opportunities with Natural Infrastructure
A simple framework can help Canadian municipalities employ
technologies available for natural infrastructure.
BY HIRAN SANDANAYAKE, AMY WINCHESTER, AND MADELEINE BUTSCHLER
HE CONCEPT of natural infrastructure
is gaining prominence across Canadian
municipalities, and rightfully so. It promises
innovative approaches to our urban challenges while delivering a multitude of benefits.
However, like any strategic endeavor, it requires
thoughtful design, implementation, and alignment
with local context. In this article, we’ll explore three
distinct levels of action that municipalities can take
to integrate natural infrastructure effectively. Wherever your organization is at in its natural infrastructure
journey—you can find ways to proceed!
Getty Images
T
Defining the terms
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) defines natural infrastructure as the
use of preserved, restored, or enhanced elements of
vegetation, land, water, and ecological processes to
meet targeted infrastructure outcomes. The CCME’s
Natural Infrastructure Framework provides a common vocabulary for users interested in nature-based
approaches. It addresses challenges related to coastal
hazards, riverine floods, municipal stormwater, and
extreme heat. The figure from CCME on the following page is a great conceptualization of the spectrum
of natural infrastructure approaches and how it
relates to other terms commonly used.
Hiran
Sandanayake,
P.Eng., is the manager,
water resources, planning
and engineering, at the
City of Ottawa.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Amy Winchester,
M.A.Sc., P.Eng. is a
senior engineer for CBCL
Limited and Chair of
CWWA’s Climate Change
Committee.
Madeleine
Butschler,
Juris Doctor; Masters,
Continuing Professional
Education, is CWWA’s
Utility Leadership Chair.
WATER C AN ADA • SEP TEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
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