Whereas many areas across the Province have suffered through a range of natural disasters that require the resources and response from all levels of government; And whereas some natural disasters, such as flooding, can be reasonably predicted in advance of the actual disaster, and municipalities require Provincial and Federal approvals to mitigate potential impact: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM approach the Province of BC to ensure sufficient Provincial staff are in place to administer necessary permitting processes, and to work with local jurisdictions such that imminent disasters are mitigated in advance of potential loss of life and serious destruction of private and public property.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General The Province recognizes the importance of mitigation to reduce the likelihood and impact of hazards to communities across British Columbia. Provincial staff are dedicated to adjudicating provincial permitting processes in as timely a fashion as practicable. During a declared flood emergency, a municipality or regional district can install emergency-related erosion protection or flood protection works prior to receiving provincial authorizations, subject to the provisions in the legislation including notifications. If no flood emergency has been declared, provincial staff will reach regulatory decisions within prescribed or operational target timelines after an application has been received. Local authorities are encouraged to prepare early and engage qualified professionals and permitting agencies to understand all regulatory requirements under both normal conditions and during flood emergencies. The Province is in the process of modernizing the Emergency Program Act EPA and released a discussion paper on October 28, 2019 that outlines proposed changes. The three-month consultation was open until January 31, 2020 and local governments, First Nations, interested organizations and public input was encouraged. The proposed new legislation expected to be tabled in the Fall 2020 legislative session will address all four pillars of emergency management mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and will emphasize an all-of-society approach to address risk and enhance resilience in all communities.