Creeks and Stormwater Management

The City uses natural creek channel design and methods rather than pipes and concrete channels as much as possible. This natural approach has several benefits:

• Natural creek channels provide habitat for fish, wildlife and vegetation;
• Natural creek channels are more attractive than engineered solutions;
• The water in natural creek channels is filtered by the root systems of aquatic plants; and
• Deeper sections in natural creek channels form pools that slow water flow and reduce the impact of heavy flows during rainstorms.

The City works in conjunction with property owners who live close to creeks to maintain a healthy system and teaching them about:

• Not dumping debris such as grass clippings in or beside the creeks;
• Not using pollutants such as oils or herbicides where they can be washed into the storm sewers; and
• Encouraging natural vegetation and plants along creek banks to shade the water and stabilize the banks.

City staff also work with community groups on creek clean ups and rehabilitating streams and watersheds.