Blue green systems are networks of connected park-like streets that manage water and land in a way that is inspired by nature and designed to replicate natural functions and provide ecosystem services.
These systems seek to protect the ecological, hydrological, and social values of the urban landscape and water cycle, and to provide resilient measures to address climate change and flood management, increase connectivity, and enhance access to nature.
Rain City Strategy objectives
Blue green systems first emerged as an action in the Streets and Public Spaces Action Plan, published as part of the Rain City Strategy.
Blue green systems are advancing Rain City Strategy objectives by:
- Removing pollutants from water and air
- Reducing the volume of rainwater entering the pipe system
- Increasing managed impermeable area that treats urban rainwater runoff
- Increasing total green area that treats urban rainwater runoff
- Mitigating urban heat island effect
Blue Green Typology Study
As Vancouver continues to grow, many areas of the city are facing overland flooding because of older infrastructure and a combined sewer system. As the climate changes, we expect to experience more frequent and extreme rainfall events, and we will need to prepare for this, as outlined in the 2024-2025 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy PDF file (29.9 MB) .
The Blue Green System Typology Study describes 9 different types of Blue Green Systems that could be used in Vancouver. This framework looks at how water moves in nature and the challenges of urban areas. The Typology Study helps us envision larger Green Rainwater Infrastructure, like the St. George Rainway pilot project, to handle big rainstorms, such as 1 in 10 year storm events.
Blue Green Systems help keep rainwater close to where it falls, and prevents it from overloading our sewer system. They also provide a filtration system that cleans rainwater runoff from pollution and debris before it flows back into rivers and oceans. The Typology Study looks at how we can combine Blue Green Systems with better transportation options to create a healthier city, improve community spaces, and cool down areas that get hot in the summer.
What's happeningCurrent planning and projects
Blue green systems planning is happening in three discrete planning processes:
- Cambie Corridor: implementation of Alberta St blue green system, coordinated with the Columbia Park master plan
- Broadway Plan: staff have determined a blue green system network to be implemented as part of the Broadway Utilities Servicing Plan, and will be included in upcoming public engagement
- Vancouver Plan: staff are in the initial stages of determining a citywide network of blue green systems, to be co-located with greenways where possible
Current projects include:
Related initiatives
Contact us
Email: raincity@vancouver.ca