Riparian Area Protection Regulations (RAPR)

Streamside & Lakefront Development

Riparian areas are the areas bordering on streams, lakes, and wetlands that have the potential to directly influence and provide fish habitat. If you are developing within 30 metres of a watercourse within some areas of the Province of BC, you may be subject to the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR).

The RAPR, enacted under Section 12 of the Fish Protection Act in July 2004, calls on local governments to protect riparian areas during residential, commercial, and industrial development by ensuring that proposed activities do not damage habitat. The regulation requires a science based assessment that will determine a Stream-side Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) for the property, and will vary from each site based on local characteristics.

Our QEP’s (Qualified Environmental Professional) have undertaken numerous RAPR assessments within the Thompson/Okanagan Region and have provided expert auditing services to the Ministry of Environment to assess the work completed by others. Give us a call today and we will be happy to assist you with your proposed riparian area developments.