Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessments are undertaken to help maintain the stream health, fish populations, and overall productivity of the stream's ecosystem by determining the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA). Riparian areas are the buffer zone between urban development and natural streamside areas.

Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessments are required to determine the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) whenever the proposed development is adjacent to streams, lakes, or wetlands. 

Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessments are undertaken by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP), with the total process summarized by the following steps:

1) Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) to obtain any background information pertaining to site (i.e. aerial photos, online municipal mapping, provincial data, etc.);

2) QEP to perform a site visit to gather the required data associated with the Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessment, including measurements, habitat classification, overall riparian health, as well as taking photos;

3) The QEP will also assess whether other professionals will be required based on the overall site conditions to help determine the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) (i.e. Arborist, Geotech, Professional Engineer, Hydrogeologist, Erosion and Sediment Control Professional (CPESC), etc.);

4) Complete the online reporting template provided by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) to determine the SPEA, which will include a detailed assessment, aerial mapping, photos, as well as other studies as required by other professionals;

5) FLNRORD will review the Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessment as to whether it conforms with the correct RAR methodology, and will grant approval of the QEP-determined Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA).

All-Terrain Consulting Ltd. has undertaken many successful Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessments in the Township of Langley, Surrey, Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Mission, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Pitt Meadows, Hope, Delta, as well as Burnaby and Richmond. ATC can also undertake Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessments throughout British Columbia.

Even though most municipalities in Metro Vancouver have their own Streamside Protection Bylaws, a Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessment is usually also required to delineate the minimum allowable riparian setback. 

All-Terrain Consulting Ltd. can undertake the Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessment on your property to help you obtain your environmental approvals in a timely and efficient manner. 

Please call us at (778) 230-4174 with any questions or property-related inquiries that you may have.