This Policy was approved by HRM Regional Council on September 12, 2006.

Staff Reports:  August 8, 2006; February 7, 2006.

POLICY

Daylighting of watercourses:

• Preservation of watercourses by avoidance of enclosing or piping is the priority.
• HRM encourages the Nova Scotia Department of Environment & Labour not to permit piping of watercourses.
• HRM will encourage watercourse daylighting, as part of efforts to preserve or restore natural watercourses as a component of a stormwater management strategy.
• HRM is not responsible for fish habitat management.
• Daylighting will be considered according to the following conditions, in subsidiary order as indicated:

1. Where existing HRM stormwater collection infrastructure must undergo significant repair or replacement, daylighting of the watercourse involved will be considered as an option. Consideration will include the feasibility of daylighting in relation to the surrounding environment, land use and ownership, adequacy of space, drainage and potential flooding issues, safety and other practical or engineering considerations as appropriate. Legal and liability issues must also be considered. Replacement of culverts with bridges or a three-sided culvert rather than straight pipe is preferred wherever possible. Daylighting projects should be environmentally friendly and compatible with the surrounding area.

2. Where practical and legal considerations in condition 1 could permit a feasible daylighting project, HRM will consider the cost of daylighting as opposed to costs for repair or replacement of existing infrastructure. Any allocation of HRM capital resources must be considered according to the priority rating criteria established by Council for capital projects relating to wastewater and stormwater.

3. Where community interests or groups advocate daylighting of a particular enclosed watercourse, HRM will consider the project in light of conditions 1 and 2. Any funds or resources which a community group can contribute will be part of the project consideration. Should full funding for a daylighting project be provided by an outside group, HRM will cooperate with the project to the extent possible under the considerations outlined in condition 1.