From the lowland floodplains of the Fraser River, to the cliffs of Sumas Mountain, Abbotsford has a diversity of habitats that support many wildlife species.
Wildlife Protection
Management of wildlife, including species at risk, is primarily under the jurisdiction of the federal and provincial governments. While the City does not have direct jurisdiction for wildlife or species at risk, the City has an interest in ensuring development/activities are consistent with senior government legislation, best management practices (BMPs), guidelines, expectations etc., as this ensures development and activities align with the City's Community Sustainability Strategy and Official Community Plan (OCP).
A number of areas within the City are designated by the OCP as Natural Environmental Development Permit (NEDP) areas. No site clearing, re-grading or other land disturbance is permitted until either an NEDP is issued or an exemption is granted. The intent of the NEDP is to protect the natural environment, including environmentally sensitive habitats, significant stands of vegetation, species at risk, and fish habitat.
If the proposed development meets a criteria listed under the Exemptions of the Natural Environment Development Permit Guidelines< or is able to demonstrate that the proposed development will not impact environmental values on the property, it may be exempt from having to get a Natural Environment Development Permit. In some cases, this may require support from a Qualified Professional. The City must provide confirmation that the proposed development is exempt prior to the development occurring.
If development within a Natural Environment Development Permit area cannot be avoided, the City may require that the property owner retain a Qualified Environmental Professional to undertake an Environmental Assessment in accordance with the City’s Environmental Assessment Report Terms of Reference. More information on the NEDP is available on the Environmental Regulations page.
The Environmental Assessment Report must include a detailed assessment of terrestrial features onsite and should summarize:
- the proposed development and construction footprint;
- the results of the terrestrial assessment;
- mitigation measures to protect the sensitive ecosystem, species at risk, and any identified environmentally valuable resources;
- the proposed restoration and enhancement of habitats; and
- any potential hazards created by the proposed development to natural features that support the life processes of sensitive ecosystem, species at risk, and any identified environmentally valuable resources.
Additionally, the Environmental Assessment should also consider implications for wildlife, invasive species, and any other impacts of the proposed development on natural areas.
Ecosystem Mapping
Ecosystem mapping has been completed throughout the City:
- McKee Peak Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (2006)
- Sumas Mountain Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory - excluding McKee Peak (2010)
- Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory conducted by Metro Vancouver and is available to view in their GIS web-app.
Species at Risk
There is an abundance of wildlife in the City of Abbotsford and many endangered species of plants and animals are found here, including over 40 species classified. Over 30 of these species-at-risk are located on Sumas Mountain which is well-known both regionally and provincially as a biodiversity hotspot.
A species is defined as being “at risk” if it is:
- extirpated (no longer exists in the wild in Canada, but exists elsewhere in the wild);
- endangered (faces imminent extirpation or extinction);
- threatened (likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors, leading to its extirpation or extinction); or
- of special concern (may become threatened or endangered because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats).
The City is known to provide habitat for many species at risk including:
- birds such as the Peregrine Falcon, American Barn Owl, Great Blue Heron, and Western Screech Owl;
- mammals such as the Mountain Beaver, Townsend’s Mole, and Pacific Water Shrew;
- amphibians such as the Red-legged Frog, Coastal Giant Salamander, and Oregon Spotted Frog;
- molluscs such as the Oregon Forestsnail and Pacific Sideband;
- fish such as the Nooksack Dace and Salish Sucker; and
- plants such as the Phantom Orchid and Tall Bugbane.
More information on species at risk is available from:
- BC Ministry of Environment - Species and Ecosystems at Risk
- Species at Risk Public Registry
Urban Wildlife
Many species of wildlife have adapted to survive in cities, such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, deer, and coyote. Most wildlife are just moving through our living spaces, but if there is adequate food, water, shelter and space, they may want to stay. The BC Ministry of Environment's website provides conservation information and best practices for interacting with wildlife while the Wildsafe BC website provides information to prevent conflict with wildlife.
The City recommends that wildlife, including nesting birds are considered during tree removal, as outlined in the Protection of Nesting Birds and Wildlife Information Bulletin.
Reporting a Dangerous Wildlife Sighting
As a public safety provider, the Ministry of Environment Conservation Officer Service is focused on responding to human wildlife conflicts. If you observe dangerous wildlife (bear, cougar or coyote) in an urban area involved in any of the following, please report the incident to the Conservation Officer Service 24-hour toll-free line at 1-877-952-7277:
- Accessing garbage or other human supplied food sources
- Instances where wildlife cannot be easily scared off
- Dangerous wildlife is in a public location like a city park or school during daylight hours
- When a cougar is seen in an urban area
Observing dangerous wildlife in the woods, back country, forested areas or a wildlife interface is normal. We recommend that anyone spending time in these areas should ensure that they are familiar with how to react should they encounter dangerous wildlife. The BC Ministry of Environment's website provides conservation information and best practices for interacting with wildlife. The Wildsafe BC website hosts an interactive map with all current sightings.