Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative Report, 2009

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

Graeme Stewart-Robertson Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

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Executive Summary ACAP Saint John has conceptualised and developed the most advanced sustainable development initiative ever proposed for Atlantic Canada. The Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative endeavours to use soft infrastructure (wetlands and watercourses) as a means to meet a plethora of present and future needs within our community. This project has identified and mapped 27 potential wetland remediation/enhancement/preservation sites - the first of which is poised to break ground

by July 2010 - all of which utilise the wetland and watercourse compensation requirements of developers to increase storm-water retention capacity within wetlands (reduce fl ooding, climate change adaptive strategies), enhance our urban natural spaces (conservation and eco-tourism), incorporate interconnected active transportation routes (GHG reduction, intra-urban connectivity and healthy lifestyles), and promote social and cultural development. This project has already achieved widespread recognition in the community thanks to public outreach and engagement initiatives such as media articles, trade industry publications, public open houses and website dissemination. Additionally, the scale and scope of Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative has the potential to be, and has already begun to be, recognised on a international level for its advancement of sustainable development concepts.

As a project that stands high upon the pillars of good sustainable development, the Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative represents a new vision for the City of Saint John, and indeed the entire Greater Saint John region. With potential to expand all the way to the headwaters of Marsh Creek in Rothesay, and eventually create links all the way from Grand Bay-Westfield to Quispamsis to St. Martins, this is truly a project that the region and all of its citizens can rally behind. New Brunswick deserves a world-class showcase of its potential for innovative thought, collaboration and economic drive, and no other single undertaking better encapsulates our ability to balance the needs of the environment, society and the economy better than the Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative. By focusing our collective resources and recognizing the true worth of our city and its resources – both human and natural – we can make this type of cooperation an everyday part of doing business, and in the process transform Saint John’s image from revolting to revolutionary.

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Table of Contents Acknowledgements

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Disclaimer

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Restoration Master Plan

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Marsh Creek Overview

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New Opportunities

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A Vision for Marsh Creek

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A Model of Sustainable Development

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Direct Results

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Climate Change Adaptation

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Future Directions

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Open House

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Open House - Exit Survey Responses

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Site Locations

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Courtenay Bay

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Forebay

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Medial Marsh Creek

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[South]

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Medial Marsh Creek

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[North]

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Rockwood Cut

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Line Marsh

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Fen on Little Marsh Creek

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Rothesay Avenue

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Floodplain

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Drurys Pasture

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Drurys Pasture Adjunct

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Upper Marsh Creek Lake [above earthen

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flood control dam]

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Upper Marsh Creek Pond [above old

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concrete dam]

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Glen Road Fen

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Coldbrook Floodplain

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Coldbrook Floodplain

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Extension

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Braemar Wetland

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Majors Brook [corner of

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McAllister Drive and

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Westmorland road]

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Majors Brook Linear Marsh

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Consumers Drive Marsh

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Majors Pasture

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Three Mile Fen

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Marsh Creek at Ashburn Road

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Junction of Majors Brook

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and Marsh

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Creek

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Ashburn Lake Road [West]

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Mystery Lake Marsh [upstream]

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Kelly Lake Swamp

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Marsh Creek on the Glen Road

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Renforth Bog

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Ashburn Creek

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Forebay Recommendations Paper

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Acknowledgements The Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative represents a collaboration of numerous individuals and organisations who share a common goal of protecting the immense natural capital that exists within our city, and highlighting the value represented by the region’s largest urban watershed. The work represented within this document is a collation of years of observations and recommendations developed through dialogue between ACAP Saint John and the many stakeholders within the communities of Greater Saint John. ACAP Saint John would like to extend a special thank you to the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund and Environment Canada for their generous contributions to this important community endeavour.

Thanks also to the City of Saint John and its sta, in particular Yves Leger (GIS Planning and Developing Branch), Kim Graham (Vision 2015) and Craig Campbell (Municipal Planning), as well as to Helene Rioux (Service New Brunswick) for information on property ownership.

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the critical role played by the hundreds of community stakeholders who volunteered their time, experience and the insights into helping put forth ideas and suggestions for making Saint John the premiere sustainable community of our region.

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Disclaimer The Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative, conducted by ACAP Saint John, represents the culmination of years of suggestions, recommendations, criticisms and observations provided to us by hundreds (if not thousands) of stakeholders throughout the greater Saint John community. While every eort has been taken to accurately reflect their collective viewpoints, this report in no way suggests that ACAP Saint John has managed to incorporate all of the stakeholders’ inputs, or that the thoughts provided by any one stakeholder are fully reflected by the final report. Rather, ACAP Saint John has endeavoured to merge the most common and consistent themes provided to us into a context that reflects the dynamic social, economic and environmental events that are occurring in contemporary Saint John.

Furthermore, the Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative project comprises of several visions for the future of Saint John. That is, it contains ideas or concepts of what could be accomplished to improve the sustainability of this community. The images and descriptions contained within this document have been selected and altered based solely upon their basic physical attributes (most notably their geographic location), and their potential to enhance the social, environmental and economic opportunities available to the region’s residents and potential residents or visitors. ACAP Saint John made a deliberate attempt to include all relevant land areas regardless of land ownership. As such, it must be noted that the inclusion of potential enhancements or alterations to any parcel or parcels of land contained within this document do not represent or imply consent from the respective landowner(s). Rather, this document presents opportunities for those landowners who are interested in examining the potential for a large-scale sustainable development that could improve the aesthetics and connectivity of this great city.

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Restoration Master Plan

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Marsh Creek Overview The Marsh Creek watershed is located in the eastern quadrant of Saint John, New Brunswick. Encompassing a total land area of over 4100 ha, it makes up the largest urban watershed in the city. Marsh Creek is a fourth order stream, which contains fi ve major tributaries: Little Marsh Creek, Cold Brook, Ashburn Creek, Majors Brook, and the Fisher Lakes Tributary.

The watershed is defined by its steep bedrock slopes that form an ample marsh basin. Water drains down these slopes and into large, deep areas of silt and heavy loam. The upper stretches of the watershed and its tributaries, primarily graduated forest streams, drain into this basin, much of which lies near sea level and was su b j e c t to re g u l a r t i d a l inundations prior to human intervention.

A SIGNIFICANT WATERSHED MARSH CREEK IS THE LARGEST URBAN WATERSHED IN GREATER SAINT JOHN AND AT OVER 4100 HECTARES IN SIZE, FORMS THE GEOGRAPHIC CENTRE OF THE REGION

Marsh Creek is the single longest urban watercourse within the region and serves as a common outlet for all Marsh Creek tributaries. The headwaters of this ~12 km long creek originate just outside the northeastern Saint John City limits in the Renforth Bog. As such, the physical and biological characteristics of Marsh Creek can be observed to change dramatically from its headwaters - with its pristine wetlands and idyllic stream channel - to its terminus - the degraded environs of Courtenay Bay and lower Marsh Creek.

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The Marsh Creek watershed is extremely varied in its overall topography, ranging from extremely level terrain below sea THE GREAT MARSH A 650+ HECTARE TIDAL level to rocky crags and hilltops. The MARSH CENTRED AROUND WHAT IS NOW highest peak within the watershed (~135 m) is the central SAINT JOHN’S LARGEST RETAIL DISTRICT summit of Golden Grove Mountain. Located to the northeast, this landmass drains into Quinn Lake at the headwater of Cold Brook. The lowest elevation in the watershed occurs along the downstream section of Marsh Creek itself, where there are several points that sit at, or near sea level.

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The Marsh Creek watershed has long been the site of human activity, dating back into the colonial era when the creek was dyked to allow hay and other crops to be cultivated in its fer tile soils. This agricultural use continued for centuries and grew to include more modern industries such as factories, mills and shipbuildings, which were drawn to the flat lands and close proximity to timber reserves.

ONE OF MORE THAN 50 SEWER OUTFALLS THAT DISCHARGE RAW SEWAGE INTO THE SAINT JOHN HARBOUR & MARSH CREEK

The arrival of the railway in the 19th century forever altered the drainage basin, as it spread the city beyond the confines of its harbour. The 20th century brought with it many changes including large-scale post-war housing projects, retail developments and highways.

The creek oers ideal habitat for a variety of local species, including waterfowl, blue heron, raccoons, groundhogs and deer, and at fi rst glance has great aesthetic appeal.

However, the creek ecosystem is under daily anthropogenic stresses. Its MODIFICATIONS TO THE CREEK OVER THE close proximity to heavily developed regions opens it YEARS HAVE ALTERED ITS MORPHOLOGY to large influxes of solid waste and urban runo containing petroleum and chemical products and sediment from construction and road-sanding operations. The lower end of the creek has 10 sewage outfalls, which dump millions of litres of untreated Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative 10 human waste on a daily basis.

THE MARCO POLO WAS BUILT AND SAILED OUT OF MARSH CREEK

HIDDEN GEMS MARSH CREEK’S WATERSHED IS FULL OF BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES WAITING TO BE EXPLORED

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New Opportunities Saint John is in the midst of unprecedented economic growth, and as it sits on the threshold of a new era of development and prosperity, critical decisions must be made to ensure not only the sustained growth of the economy, but to assure the long term sustainability of our community and its population. The work toward this goal has already begun thanks to the outstanding community support for the Vision 2015 process, the public private cooperation behind the Benefits Blueprint study, the provincial government’s Roundtable on Sustainable Communities, and the City of Saint John’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. All of these studies identified the need for a long-term plan to ensure that any alteration to the fabric of a region not only recognizes the need for social, economic and environmental stability, but also ensures that any proposed development provides opportunities to advance each of these community pillars.

CENTURIES OF DEVELOPMENT HAVE LEFT MARSH CREEK IN ITS CURRENT STATE OF DISREPAIR

The combination of Harbour Cleanup (the removal of raw sewage into Marsh Creek) and recent economic growth in the region, creates the opportunity for an unprecedented rehabilitation of the Saint John landscape. The geographic centricity of Marsh Creek makes it an ideal candidate for enhancement as an integrated urban watershed, providing connec tivity amongst residential, commercial and recreational features.

MARSH CREEK AS IT STANDS TODAY INCLUDES SAINT JOHN’S BUSIEST AND MOST-DEVELOPED COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, AND IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE CITY’S UNPRECEDENTED ECONOMIC GROWTH

FLOOD EVENTS SUCH AS THIS ONE ON THE CITY’S EAST SIDE HIGHLIGHT THE NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE MITIGATION STRATEGIES Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

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Regulations (inherent in all levels of government) stipulate that any development that alters or otherwise disrupts environmental integrity INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPERS ARE LOOKING FOR HABITAT must compensate the community by creating, enhancing or preserving COMPENSATION PROJECTS TO FULFILL REGULATORY an equal or greater quantity of a preferably similar environment within REQUIREMENTS the region in which the alteration occurred. While these regulations do provide a measure of protection for ensuring that ‘no net loss of environmental integrity’ occurs, they often create a logistical burden for developers and development proponents who are responsible for specifically identifying how this environmental compensation will be delivered. Furthermore, the current lack of a comprehensive municipal land-use plan in Saint John prevents the integration of all compensation projects in a cohesive and collaborative manner. Since environmental compensation will be a certainty for developments in Saint John, it makes sense that the city should have a definitive plan for how best to utilise this resource.

HARBOUR CLEANUP PROVIDES A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO TRANSFORM MARSH CREEK FROM A BLIGHT ON THE CITY’S IMAGE, TO A NATURAL TREASURE

THE MCRI CONFORMS TO ALL OF THE PRINCIPLES FOR SUSTAINABILITY ESTABLISHED BY THE CITY OF SAINT JOHN’S ‘VISION 2015’ PROCESS

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A Vision for Marsh Creek Every community has its unique history and values, its goals and aspirations for the future, and its particular strengths and weaknesses. Sustainable communities use these decisions of the basis of their long-term planning. The planning process begins with a dialogue that involves ONCE HARBOUR CLEANUP QUELLS THE HAZARDS AND SMELLS the whole community in searching in and reflecting upon its history and values; about OF RAW SEWAGE, THE PUBLIC CAN BEGIN TO USE AND ENJOY key relationships; on the use of land and resources; on the consequences of planning AREAS SUCH AS THE COURTENAY FOREBAY options; and on the future viability of traditional industries and “ways of life” that have sustained the community in the past.

Sustainable development presents a challenge to society to leave their community in a better state, thereby enhancing the quality of life for present and future generations. The Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative meets this challenge by providing unified solutions to pressing local, national and international issues. By incorporating a multifaceted approach to urban development, and integrating active transportation routes, green space conservation and enhancement, fl ood mitigation, all as parts of community-industry partnerships, the MCRI is one of the most remarkable opportunities for community advancement ever seen in Canada. Though wetland remediation is the over-arching theme of the initiative, the benefits will be felt region-wide. These benefits include: Economic-social impacts (green In recent years, ACAP Saint John has been hard at work not only securing spaces, active transportation, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, education); Enviro-economic impacts Harbour Cleanup – an initiative that will have unprecedented benefits (community partnerships, business accessibility); and Socio-environmental impacts (flood event for Saint John’s image and environmental well-being – but also on mitigation, climate change adaptive strategies, wetland remediation). coastal climate change adaptive strategies, research on the history of the city’s harbour in conjunction with UNBSJ’s CURA project, compiling the most in-depth database of Saint John wetlands ever assembled, and on creating comprehensive watershed management plans for the city’s major urban watercourses. Throughout all of ACAP’s studies, the city’s sustainable planning initiatives and the province’s Self-Sufficiency Agenda, one common denominator began to emerge as a central component of Saint John’s environmental, economic and cultural future: Marsh Creek.

Natural areas and human development do not have to be mutually exclusive. Sustainable developments incorporate natural habitat as a part of the infrastructure of the project, such as using constructed wetlands as fi lters for contaminated parking IMAGINE A CITY WHERE JUST MINUTES FROM THE lot runoff. By incorporating soft infrastructure into planning processes, a DOWNTOWN CORE YOU CAN WATCH EAGLES SNATCH developer can reduce maintenance costs and increase property values, while FOOD FROM THE WATER IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE also preserving natural capital and providing benefits for the community. In addition, the advantages of the MCRI, by its very nature, are not simply shortMarsh Creek Restoration Initiative term14gains, but meaningful long-term improvements to the community that will provide value well into the future.

IMAGINE A CITY WHERE BOARDWALKS LINK YOUR HOME TO YOUR PLACE OF WORK AND YOU CAN WATCH BEAVERS SWIM JUST METRES FROM WHERE YOU SHOP

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS PROVIDE COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES FOR COMMUTERS, RESIDENTS AND RECREATION ENTHUSIASTS

REPLACING TIDE GATES ON COURTENAY BAY WOULD NOT ONLY IMPROVE FISH PASSAGE INTO MARSH CREEK, BUT ALLOW IT TO DRAIN BETTER DURING STORM EVENTS

IMAGINE A CITY WHERE YOUR FAMILY CAN WALK ALONG A PRISTINE TREE-LINED CREEK AND LEARN HOW SETTLERS FARMED OVER 400 YEARS AGO

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A Model of Sustainable Development So how can Marsh Creek - a name which echoes the worst of Saint John’s image - be enhanced by using all three requisites of sustainability (economic, social and environmental), transforming it from one of New Brunswick’s most degraded ecosystems, into an example of a fully functional and integrated urban watercourse, as well as becoming the definitive example of sustainable development in Atlantic Canada?

THE THREE PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY SOCIAL, ECONOMIC & ENVIRONMENTAL

The Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative [MCRI] combines the functionality of a multi-use (i.e. walking & cycling) trail system with the existing natural benefits of an urban watercourse to provide the foundation of this sustainable development proposal.

Specifically, the MCRI proposes that a number of existing wetlands in east Saint John could be expanded and interconnected via a walking and cycling trail, and enhanced with interpretative panels, gazebos, landscaping, and more to provide the maximum number and variety of benefits to the greater Saint John community. These varied benefits include: offering increased storm-water retention capacity to reduce the frequency and intensity of ! flooding in East Saint John; offering environmental and historical educational opportunities for the 10,000 students attending schools in or around Marsh Creek; creating recreational opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching and camping; increasing property values and growing the municipal tax base; improving the environmental MARSH CREEK PROVIDES COUNTLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL health of this GROWTH WITHIN SAINT JOHN. FOR EXAMPLE THE UPPER STRETCHES OF THE CREEK ARE IDYLLIC FOR CAMPING, HIKING, BIRDWATCHING AND ECO-TOURISM d e g r a d e d watercourse; filtering parking lot and snow dump runoff; improving fi sh passage and riparian vegetation health; linking together existing parks FLOOD ABATEMENT IS JUST ONE OF MANY and green spaces; offering a POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF THE MCRI o n e - s to p - s h o p p i n g l i s t o f wetland compensation projects to ease the burden for those proposing new economic development in the City of Saint John; Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative 16 and much more.

Direct Results Despite its negative image, Marsh Creek contains some of the most scenic and undeveloped natural areas within the City of Saint John, particularly in the medial and upstream sections. Restoration projects would include expansion of existing wetlands throughout the watershed, both in the lowlands and in the headwaters. These measures could contribute significantly to a reduction of increasingly-frequent flooding incidents. In addition, by taking advantage of the creek’s linear configuration, an essential component of the city’s active transportation ambitions could become realised. This would directly link the RENFORTH BOG FORMS THE HEADWATERS OF MARSH CREEK Uptown business core with the city’s east side and the AND IS LOCATED ADJACENT TO HIGHWAY 1 IN THE TOWN OF suburban communities in the Kennebecasis Valley.

ROTHESAY. THE BOG IS A PRISTINE WETLAND HABITAT FOR LOCAL SPECIES SUCH AS WATERFOWL AND MOOSE

Many portions of Marsh Creek are located within residential neighbourhoods and within easy walking distance of several public schools. Remediated and expanded wetlands would provide countless educational opportunities for local students and a chance for younger generations to develop a sense of stewardship toward invaluable wildlife habitats and their community’s green spaces. Improvements to wetland areas would also reinvigorate community links with the environment. Increased pedestrian and cycle traffic would provide new business opportunities in commercial districts, while supplying existing businesses with increased ‘walk-by’ advertising.

COURTENAY BAY FOREBAY

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Re-establishing Marsh Creek as a productive ecosystem for anadromous fi shes would serve as one of the most substantial accomplishments of the Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative. An enhanced and protected Marsh Creek would ensure a legacy of habitat for native fl ora and fauna for future generations. As part of any wetland expansion, opportunities could also be created for increased carbon sequestration into plant biomass.

COLD BROOK FLOODPLAIN ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

CONSUMERS DRIVE WETLAND IS LOCATED ADJACENT TO MCALLISTER PLACE MALL

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MEDIAL MARSH CREEK IS LOCATED BETWEEN ROTHESAY AVENUE AND HIGHWAY 1. THIS PORTION OF MARSH CREEK IS VISUALLY ISOLATED FROM THE SURROUNDING BUILT ENVIRONMENT, MAKING IT AN IDEAL URBAN SITE FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT AND NATURE TRAILS

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Climate Change Adaptation A large portion of the Marsh Creek watershed exists within a low-lying basin (elevations ranging from 1 m – 3 m above mean sea level in the lowest lying areas) that is subjected to annual episodes of flooding. The Great Marsh (as it was formerly known) includes the residential area of Glen Falls, as well as Saint John’s busiest and mostdeveloped commercial districts encompassing McAllister Drive, Majors Brook Drive, and Rothesay Avenue. The inter-tidal nature of Marsh Creek’s lowest section has necessitated the placement of anti-flood gates at its terminus beneath the Courtenay causeway. These gates help prevent the Bay of Fundy from back-flooding Marsh Creek twice each day during its extreme high tide cycles. However, despite the appropriate intentions of installing tide gates on Marsh Creek, its risk of flooding is likely to increase in future years due to (see Table 1 on next page); FLOOD EVENTS SUCH AS THIS ONE IN 2008 WILL ONLY INCREASE IN FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY AS THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE CONTINUE TO MOUNT

RELIEF MAPPING OF THE MARSH CREEK WATERSHED CLEARLY SHOWS WHY FLOODING ON THE CITY’S EAST SIDE HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR CENTURIES. THE DARKER SHADING INDICATES ELEVATIONS CLOSE TO SEA LEVEL

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As demonstrated, there is an increasing need for Saint John to incorporate adaptive strategies into its municipal and regional planning processes in order to mitigate the potential effects of climate change. Specifically, Saint John has been identified as being a municipality at risk of increased flooding and physical damage associated with sea-level rise and storm surge. The MCRI incorporates climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies by significantly increasing the storm water storage capacity of existing wetlands, improving upon the existing tide gates on the Courtenay Causeway, and by building a network of active transportation routes to reduce carbon emissions from vehicle use.

1. The continued de-vegetation of watershed slopes and increased impervious surfaces surrounding the flood plain associated with urban and commercial developments. The loss of vegetation could increase the rate at which precipitation runoff enters the flood plain, thereby increasing the potential for higher creek volumes in a shorter period of time; 2. The in-filling of the Marsh Creek channel from sediments associated with construction activities and road/parking lot sanding operations (i.e. for winter ice conditions). A reduction in channel depth and/or width reduces the capacity for that channel to contain runoff, thereby increasing the risk of water overflowing the banks (a.k.a. flooding); 3. Crustal subsidence. The coastline of eastern Canada has been subsiding (i.e. sinking) at a rate of approximately 25 cm per century since glacial ice receded from the Canadian shield during the last ice age. Tide data collected from the Saint John Harbour confirms that, since 1905 water levels in the Bay of Fundy have risen an average of 2 mm per year relative to our coastline. The continued subsidence of our coastal land will increase the length of time in which the tide gates on Marsh Creek will remain closed (during high tides) and decrease the time in which they are open. This reduction in time through which Marsh Creek can drain will increase the amount of time that runoff may remain in its channel. Longer runoff and retention periods increase the risk of total water volume exceeding the channel’s capacity, resulting in flooding; 4. Climate change. Contemporary science predicts three climate change related effects that could increase the potential for flooding in Marsh Creek. First, an increase in the amount of precipitation delivered during any single storm event could increase the risk of flash fl ooding in Marsh Creek. Secondly, storm surges could increase the height and/or duration of high tides in Saint John, causing A back-up of Marsh Creek as the tide gates remain closed for longer durations. Thirdly, a predicted global sea level rise of 0.40 cm over the next century, combined with a 0.20 cm relative sea level rise (from crustal subsidence) would also decrease the duration in which the tides gates could open to drain Marsh Creek.

TABLE 1

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Future Directions The concepts identified through the development of the MCRI can be applied THE PLANNING OF A HEALTHY AND VIBRANT CITY MUST to other areas of Greater Saint John (and New Brunswick), providing a region- RECOGNISE THE VALUE THAT NATURAL AREAS BRING TO THE wide initiative that would provide enhanced benefits to the community. In COMMUNITY order to make the project a success, work must continue on meeting with landowners and key stakeholders to maximise potential opportunities and outcomes. As working with all facets of the community is a key aspect of sustainability, this open dialogue will allow the community to take ownership in the project and begin to take pride in what Marsh Creek can become. By not limiting our expectations based on the errors of the past, we can not only envision a brighter future for Saint John, but actually make it a reality through cooperation and IN THE SAINT JOHN OF THE FUTURE WETLANDS SUCH AS THE RENFORTH BOG WILL NOT ONLY BE AREAS OF GREAT BEAUTY, sound planning.

BUT ALSO FUNCTIONAL PARTS OF CITY INFRASTRUCTURE

It is critical to continue to assist the City of Saint John with the renewal of its Municipal Plan to ensure the incorporation of key natural features and the recognition of wetlands as critical infrastructure.

The implementation of sustainable development practices comprises the single greatest opportunity to re-invent Saint John since the postwar period. By establishing new municipal planning policies, revising business mandates, improving public consultation and taking stock of our natural capital, Saint John can become not only a more vibrant and liveable city, but it can begin to attract new residents and become a model for sensible and sustainable living throughout Canada and North America. By investing in sustainability today, we’re not only assuring that we enhance the ability of future generations to meet their needs, but we are also giving those future generations a better economic Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative foundation on which to build, a better environment in which to live, and a better city to 22 call their own.

The work done to date on the MCRI is just the tip of the iceberg, and there exists dozens of other potential wetland projects throughout Saint John that have to be identified and fully developed. Development of a comprehensive wetland functionality survey would allow potential developers to contribute to a holistic system of sustainable urban wetlands, rather than simply creating a patchwork of projects across the region. Such a survey would prioritise and package the projects in a manner which would allow the public, government regulators and developers alike to see not only where progress can be made toward an end goal, but to allow them to have complete access to information on the wetland size, water quality, aquatic and terrestrial habitat, and restorative potential.

Open House In order to solicit public input on the Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative and to better communicate the goals and aspirations of this ambitious sustainability project, ACAP Saint John held an Open House event on November 9th, 2009 at the Hilton Hotel/Saint John Trade & Convention Centre. The event was centred around two key aspects: an open presentation atmosphere between ACAP project staff and the pubic, and the completion of exit surveys which would allow the public and stakeholders to provide direct written input into the planning process.

To better communicate the project, eight large format signs were designed and printed, each highlighting a specific aspect of the MCRI and focusing on conveying the sheer size and scope of such a large-scale restoration. Colourful site photos, concept designs, maps, and historical drawings were all included in the poster designs in order to give depth and substance to the Open House. In addition, these striking posters are now available to be seen in the ACAP Saint John office, and members of the general public frequently stop into the office to read, learn and discuss the promise that the Marsh Creek watershed holds for the city of Saint John’s rejuvenation. The content of the presentation was also placed on the ACAP Saint John website for global consumption and to facilitate discussion amongst a broader group of stakeholders.

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POSTERS PRODUCED FOR THE MCRI OPEN HOUSE ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM THE MCRI OPEN HOUSE

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Open House - Exit Survey Responses Question 1: Was today's open house of value to you, and have you come away from the session with a better understanding of the proposed initiative ?

Question 2: In your opinion, what was missing from the MCRI as presented today, and what issues would you like to see addressed as the initiative moves forward?

1. Yes 2. Help Us! 3. It is a wonderful, robust and elegant proposal. Best wishes and may it be successful - soon!

4. Yes, a good project and badly needed.

5. Yes 6. There was a lot for the overall fixing of the problem but what is there for the residents who live with the flooding. There is no information on the children's school. They can't use their playground.

No insurance coverage for flooding, etc.

7. Absolutely, I think ACAP has clearly laid out their plan for the future of Marsh Creek and find it to be will thought our and attainable.

8. Yes 9. Yes 10. The panels were good as well as the interaction with staff.

11. Yes,. Good presentation material 12. Yes, enjoyed the posters and came away with a better understanding of the Marsh Creek area.

13. Yes, thank you.

1. There will need to be a significant commitment from community, business, government. This appears to be a grassroots community initiative which will require significant shift in current policy to succeed.

2 HELP US! 3. "How to get involved" - a framework that helps business owners and proponents, get going toward a synergy with their current motives, and planners. - a list of ways that the public can help move this along.

4. More information for the people who live in that area. Bring the presentation to the Glen Falls School to let the people have more access to the information.

5. I think everything was addressed very well. All questions were answered.

6. Legend for maps.

7. A more holistic approach is needed. One needs to look at the city in its entirety and its future needs i.e. the effects climate change will have on all the city i.e. environment, economic, social, political and so on. To help the average citizen understand the urgency of climate change. It might help is you had maps that clearly show the effects sea level rise will have on the city showing the neighbourhoods infrastructure and community assets that will be endangered.

8, Nothing 9. Information on what "normal, typical, average, people can do to help. More info as the progression occurs, more info as the possibility of flooding decreasing, more info as the changing of development of the Glen Falls area.

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Question 3: Would you support the Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative as it was presented today? Please explain why of why not:

Question 4: If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please write them in the space provided below.

1. Yes, because it takes the realist approach to helping he environment.

2. Yes, 3. As a citizen I agree with this and would vote accordingly.

4. A conditional yes! My support of the proposal is dependent on if we as a society, a nation take action on climate change now!

Also, if we as a society are faced with the choice of saving Marsh Creek or the downtown and our vulnerable communities I would have to say we must put the rest of our city ahead of Marsh Creek.

5. Yes, I feel their plan is well thought out and will benefit Saint John residents in many ways ( environmental safety and stability, natural spaces for resident use etc. trails and marshes).

6. Yes, I want to save my home.

7. As it was presented today, this is a vision that I could certainly support. How to support it was not clear, and could use some additional coordination.

8. Yes, will be a valuable asset to this city by way of public spaces.

9. I believe it is a positive step that can move forward as a community/grassroots initiative.

1. Excellent presentation, knowledgeable individuals to answer questions.

2. Next open house should be held with the city of Saint John, proponents, the DOE and presenters telling how they are or are considering contributing to this. Another option for above suggestions is a workshop to collect success stories and challenges of achieving this vision.

3. The Renforth Bog plan looks good!

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A POIGNANT EXAMPLE OF THE RESPONSES GARNERED FROM THE COMMUNITY DURING ACAP’S MARSH CREEK RESTORATION INITIATIVE OPEN HOUSE

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Site Locations The following section outlines the location and geographic size of potential wetland remediation and/or expansion sites throughout the Marsh Creek watershed. All sites have been identified and delineated based on the suitability of their location for collection of stormwater, the value they contribute to habitat, the placement of property ownership lines, their spatial significance to social uses, their proximity to the Marsh Creek channel and its major tributaries, and the overall potential they hold as wetland areas for Greater Saint John.

Each of the 27 project sites are marked by a number on the watershed map, and are then each given an individual highlighter map showing the precise location, size and delineation of their potential maximum project extent. The second watershed-area map shows potential trail routes that would serve as active transport and wildlife corridors between as many MCRI sites as possible while complimenting, not interfering with, current or proposed municipal infrastructure.

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

29

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

30

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

31

1

Courtenay Bay Forebay

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

32

C e n t ra l S

re a : 30.7

a i n t Jo h n

ha

2

Medial Marsh Creek [South]

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

33

Ne a r R o t

re a : 15.9

h e s ay Av

ha

e n ue

3

Medial Marsh Creek [North]

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

34

Ne a r R o t

re a : 8.9 h

h e s ay Av

a

e n ue

4

Rockwood Cut Line Marsh

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

35

R o c k wo o

re a : 1.6 h

a

d Pa r k

5

Fen on Little Marsh Creek

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

36

Ad j ac e n t

re a : 2 .8 h

a

to H w y 1

6

Rothesay Avenue Floodplain

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

37

Ne a r R o t

re a : 4.4 h

a

h e s ay Av

e

7

Drurys Pasture

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

38

Ashb u r n

re a : 21.9

L ake Ro a

ha

d

8

Drurys Pasture Adjunct

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

39

On Ro t h e

re a : m i n im

s ay R o ad

um 0.8 h a

9

Upper Marsh Creek Lake [above earthen flood control dam]

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

40

G le n Fa l ls

re a : 2 .1 h

a

10

Upper Marsh Creek Pond [above old

concrete dam]

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

41

G le n Fa l ls

re a : m i n im

um 0.7 h a

11

Glen Road Fen

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

42

G le n Fa l ls

re a : 2 .7 h

a

12

Coldbrook Floodplain

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

43

C o ld b ro o k

re a : 7.3 h

a

13

Coldbrook Floodplain Extension

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

44

C o ld b ro o k

re a : 6.3 h

a

14

Braemar Wetland

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

45

Ne a r EP R

re a : 5.3 h

a

15

Majors Brook [corner of

L o c at io n :

McAllister Drive and Westmorland road]

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

Pro je c t A

46

Ad j ac e n t

re a : 1.3 h

a

McAl li s te

r Pl

16

Majors Brook Linear Marsh

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

47

Be h i n d W a l-M a rt

re a : 1.4 h

a

17

Consumers Drive Marsh

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

48

Be h i n d M

re a : 4.8 h

cAl li s te r

a

Pl

18

Majors Pasture

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

49

Alo ng R o

re a : 6.9 h

t h e s ay A

a

ve

19 Three Mile Fen

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

50

Alo ng M a

re a : 5.9 h

a

rsh C re e k

20

Marsh Creek at Ashburn Road

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

51

Alo ng M a

re a : 3.2 h

a

rsh C re e k

21

Junction of Majors Brook and Marsh Creek

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

52

M a j o rs B

re a : 1.4 h

a

r. /M a rsh

C r.

22

Ashburn Lake Road [West]

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

53

Ashb u r n

re a : 1.5 h

L ake Ro a

a

d

23

Mystery Lake Marsh [upstream]

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

54

G o lde n G r

re a : 5.6 h

a

o ve Ave

24

Kelly Lake Swamp

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

55

G o lde n G r

re a : 4.2 h

a

o ve Ave .

25

Marsh Creek on the Glen Road

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

56

G le n Fa l ls

re a : 2 .8 h

a

26 Renforth Bog

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

57

R o t h e s ay

re a : 28.3

ha

27 Ashburn Creek

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

L o c at io n : Pro je c t A

58

Fo s te r Th

re a : 1 h a

u rs t o n Dr

i ve

Forebay Recommendations Paper

Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

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Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

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Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

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Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative

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