Whereas Section 94 of the Community Charter prescribes public notice provisions through a newspaper distributed at least weekly; And whereas other forms of media have a far greater reach than newspaper publications: Therefore be it resolved that the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development be requested to conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation of the statutory advertising provisions with a view to amending such provisions in response to the technological advances of recent years.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs Housing Section 94 of the Community Charter provides a degree of flexibility for communities to use alternative means where it is not practical to publish a public notice in a newspaper. Additionally, the Community Charter also explicitly authorizes additional public notices, including by the internet or other electronic means. While there is flexibility already in place, the Province recognizes that media environments are evolving in communities throughout BC. Though local newspapers continue to reach residents in many communities, electronic and internet-based forms of communication have increasingly become a useful tool for local information. Any changes to public notice requirements would have considerable policy implications. Therefore, careful consideration and consultation would be necessary. The Province will continue to monitor the changes in local media communication throughout BC and is willing to engage in discussion with UBCM regarding potential changes to public notice requirements.