Streams

What is a stream?

A stream under the BC Water Act means a natural watercourse or source of water supply, whether usually containing water or not, ground water, and a lake, river, creek, spring, ravine, swamp and gulch.

Why are streams important?

Stream corridors are important in many ways. Firstly, they:

• provide support to aquatic and terrestrial food webs for fish and wildlife
• provide shelter, cover and temperature regulation for fish and wildlife
• provide wildlife migration corridors and linkages between critical habitats
• absorb excess nutrients and buffer aquatic features from pollution
• recharge ground water and aquifers (our source of drinking water)
• stabilize banks and reduce erosion
• dissipate energy of floods
• retain water in soil during droughts
• create habitat diversity for a wide variety of plant, wildlife and fish species
• beautify our community
• offer recreational opportunities and provide special places for relaxation and inspiration

A Benefit to the local economy

Evidence indicates that protecting streams has a positive or beneficial economic effect to local economies. For example:

• Communities have repeatedly found that property adjacent to protected environments constitute an excellent location for development and this preference is expressed in a greater willingness to pay to live near these habitats.
• A community high quality-of-life ranking can provide a critical edge in attracting new business.
• Conserving trees also saves money on energy bills and treatment of runoff.