Whereas local governments in British Columbia are responsible for land-use planning, infrastructure, permitting, and development approvals, all of which are directly affected by provincial reconciliation policy, archaeology requirements, and the Heritage Conservation Act and Regulations; And whereas the Province of British Columbia is implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act DRIPA and also undertaking reviews of reconciliation, archaeology, and heritage policy frameworks; And whereas local governments are not consistently included as formal partners in policy development related to DRIPA implementation, archaeology processes, and heritage legislation, despite being responsible for implementation at the community level and for public infrastructure projects that are significantly impacted by these policies; And whereas the current Heritage Conservation Act is outdated, and existing archaeology processes create uncertainty, delays, and cost impacts for local governments, Indigenous communities, and the public, which further contribute to challenges in delivering affordable development and housing in British Columbia: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to ensure that all local governments in British Columbia are included in discussions and decision-making related to the review, reform, and implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, reconciliation policy, archaeology processes, and any replacement or reform of the Heritage Conservation Act.
