Calgary Wetlands

The city of Calgary is home to some of the most significant wetland areas in North America. In 1981, it was estimated that 78% of the pre-settlement wetlands in Calgary had been lost. Today, the estimate is closer to 90%. Urban development is now extending into areas of significant wetland complexes, some of which are considered provincially and nationally significant to breeding waterfowl. These wetlands also play an important role in improving water quality and quantity, reducing flooding and soil erosion, providing biodiversity, moderating climate conditions, contributing to an aesthetic urban design, and providing educational and recreational opportunities. To ensure that these benefits remain viable and sustainable for our future generations, the City of Calgary has developed the Wetland Conservation Plan, which sets priorities and explores alternatives for wetland conservation in order to guide future urban development.

1. Balancing the conservation of Calgary’s Wetlands within the context of urban development is a priority for the city. The primary goals for meeting this principle are:

• Efforts shall be made to avoid the impact from development on Calgary Wetlands that are environmentally significant and/or contribute to water quality and quantity, and that can be integrated into urban development while maintaining their ecosystem survivability and sustainability. . . .

• The City of Calgary shall ensure that there is No Net Loss of Calgary Wetlands after efforts have been made to avoid impact from development. . . .

2. Ecological boundaries of watersheds and/or aquifers do not respect political boundaries. Therefore, a regional planning perspective should be considered when unavoidable losses to existing wetlands are compensated through wetland enhancement and/or creation. . . .

3. Educating the public about the importance of wetland functions and their value in producing environmental, social and economic benefits will play an important role in wetland conservation and protection. . . .

^{Source: www.calgary.ca/docgallery/bu/parks_operations/wetland_conservation_plan.pdf -}