Neighbourhood Structure Plan (NSP) Applications

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The NSP Terms of Reference (approved by Council in 2009) detail specific ecological information requirements that are to be included in a NSP application. For more information on the NSP TOR, please contact Sustainable Development. The NSP TOR identifies the requirement for a Phase II Ecological Network Report.

Ecological Reports and Environmental Reviews

Phase II Ecological Network Report

The City of Edmonton is committed to early, integrated planning for the protection of the ecological network so that development is tailored to the ecological network. The Phase II Ecological Network Report (ENR) occurs during the NSP stage (or at zoning for industrial developments), following the completion of the Phase I ENR during the ASP stage. The Phase II ENR replaces Natural Site Assessments, previously in use.

The Phase II ENR is intended to inform the development of the NSP. At its core, the Phase II ENR documents the interplay between the ecological features of the plan area and those of the built infrastructure, with the goal that the two can be designed together to respect both the ecological and infrastructure needs of the neighbourhood. This interplay is best supported by an integrated interdisciplinary approach, instead of specialties working in isolation.

The Phase II ENR methodology has been aligned with the City of Edmonton’s Neighbourhood Structure Plan (NSP) guidelines, with a requirement for some of the same information, so that several Phase II ENR sections/figures can be easily transferred to the NSP [see Terms of Reference for the Preparation and Amendment of Residential Neighbourhood Structure Plans (City of Edmonton 2014)

Phase II Ecological Network Report Terms of Reference

Ecological Design Report

At the discretion of Sustainable Development, an Ecological Design Report may be required at the NSP application stage, particularly if a plan area contains significant ecological resources and natural features. Details regarding the scope of an Ecological Design Report should be discussed with Sustainable Development.

Environmental Review Requirements in the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw 7188)

The North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (adopted in 1985) identifies a boundary for the river valley and ravine system and a set of policies and development approval procedures for lands within this boundary.

Please refer to the Zoning Bylaw to determine if your project is within the bylaw boundary.

Provincial Public Lands Act and Water Act Review

If not already conducted at the ASP stage, verification of all provincial bed and shore claims must be provided at the NSP stage.

Please see the ASP Applications section for more information.

Natural Area Management Plans

City-wide Natural Area Management Plan

The City of Edmonton manages an extensive network of natural areas throughout Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System, as well as wetlands and forest stands in the uplands above the River Valley. In order to effectively manage this natural area system, the City developed the City-Wide Natural Area Management Plan (NAMP) 42MB to support the management of the ecological network as a whole.
The City-Wide NAMP sets out guiding principles and management objectives and strategies that are common to all natural areas throughout the City. When a new natural area is protected, the city-wide objectives and strategies are applied to the new site.
In addition, when a new natural area is protected, a site-specific management plan will be developed for that area. The site-specific plan provides additional management strategies based on the unique features and management requirements of that particular natural area site.
To understand the City’s natural area management objective and strategies for the overall natural areas system, please view the City-wide Natural Area Management Plan (42MB).

Site-specific Natural Area Management Plans

Site-specific Natural Area Management Plans (SSNAMPs) are required prior to rezoning and subdivision of lands and must be directly linked to the planning process and decisions developed at the NSP stage. The SSNAMP is developed to provide guidance, over and above that found in the City-wide NAMP, on the unique features and management strategies that apply to that specific site.

The City's Natural Area Systems Policy (C-531) mandates that SSNAMPs be developed for natural areas in Edmonton that are to be conserved. SSNAMPs provide a baseline description of the site, as well as site-specific management goals, objectives and strategies. They also identify the parties responsible for management activities.
The information collected during the preparation of the Phase I and II ENRs can be referred to during the creation of site-specific Natural Area Management Plans.

For further information about the development of SSNAMPs, please contact the email below or see: Guidelines for Developing Site-Specific Natural Area Management Plans in the City of Edmonton.

For More Information

Parks and Biodiversity

Email	naturalareas@edmonton.ca