Low Impact Development (LID)

As Edmonton grows and more land is developed in the city and surrounding areas, function of the natural water cycle is altered. Low impact development (LID) mimics natural hydrology by managing stormwater close to its source. Wherever possible, natural landscape features that contribute to local hydrology are preserved and incorporated into urban design.

Benefits

• Improves watershed health by decreasing urban pollutant loadings to surrounding watercourses
• Provides green spaces that contribute to wildlife habitat and ecological corridors
• Decreases urban heat island effects
• Reduces heating and cooling energy requirements

LID best management practices (BMPs) are techniques that rely on natural processes to manage water quality and quantity.

The LID-BMPs Design Guide is developed to support the City of Edmonton’s vision of sustainable growth which aligns with "The Way We Green". This Guide provides general and technical guidance for those interested in LID. It focuses on LID-BMPs adaptive to the cold climate and soil conditions experienced in Edmonton, including:

• Bioretention/rain gardens
• Bioswales
• Green roofs
• Permeable pavement
• Box planters
• Naturalized drainage ways
• Rainwater harvesting

For more information: