Radium Hot Springs Draft Official Community Plan - Flipbook - Page 81
6.4 STEEP SLOPE HAZARD DPA
INTRODUCTION
The Village contains several areas where natural
hillsides and riverbanks create potentially
hazardous conditions for development, such
as rock fall, landslide, and subsidence that
present signi昀椀cant risks to both human life and
property as identi昀椀ed on Map 10: Steep Slope
DPA. Hillside areas are subject to erosion if not
properly rehabilitated. Many of these slopes
also contain sensitive ecosystems, such as rock
outcrops and Riparian Areas.
New development in these areas should
generally be avoided to reduce natural hazards
and protect the natural environment.
Steep slope areas in Radium Hot Springs
include a buffer area that is set back from the
toe of the slope and the top of bank. Buffers
vary in width dependent on the height and
connectivity to adjacent slopes. Development
in this area should also be limited to reduce the
risks of slope failure.
The purpose of protecting these areas includes:
x Reducing the Risk of Impacts from Slope
Instability: Steep slope and buffer areas
provide a safety zone to minimize the
risks associated with landslides, erosion,
debris 昀氀ows, rock falls, and subsidence. By
keeping development away from the most
unstable areas, these buffers help protect
life, property, and infrastructure from
potential damage.
x Protecting the Natural Environment:
Steep slope and buffer areas help preserve
the ecological integrity of steep slope
areas by minimizing Disturbance to
vegetation, soil, and drainage patterns.
This protection is essential for maintaining
biodiversity, water quality, and the overall
health of the ecosystem.
by preserving natural viewsheds and
reducing the visibility of structures from
surrounding areas. They also help maintain
the scenic beauty and aesthetic character
of steep slopes, which are often valued
community assets.
x Reducing the Risk of Erosion and
Sediment Runoff: Steep slope and buffer
areas help control erosion and sediment
runoff by preserving natural vegetation,
which acts as a protective barrier and 昀椀lter.
This is particularly important for protecting
water quality in nearby streams and water
bodies.
x Providing Space for Slope Stabilization
Measures: Steep slope and buffer areas
can provide space for implementing slope
stabilization measures, such as terracing,
planting, and drainage improvements.
These measures can help reinforce the
stability of slopes and minimize the risk of
future hazards.
x Facilitating Wildlife Movement and
Habitat Connectivity: Steep slope and
buffer areas can serve as corridors for
wildlife movement, connecting fragmented
habitats and promoting biodiversity. This
is especially important in areas where
development has encroached upon natural
areas.
OBJECTIVES
Objective 98: Protect the natural environment,
its ecosystems and
biological diversity.
Objective 99: Protect development from
hazardous conditions.
x Mitigating Visual Impacts: Steep slope
and buffer areas help minimize the visual
impact of development on the landscape
How We Protect & Enhance
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