WHEREAS the Council of the District of Tumbler Ridge is concerned about oil and gas exploration activities in the Peace River area of the Province of British Columbia; AND WHEREAS it is appreciated that there is interest in the Peace River area, and that oil and gas exploration activities and the subsequent production wells do support local communities and provide an increased level of economic activity; AND WHEREAS local governments would appreciate the opportunity to meet with Oil and Gas Commission representatives to hear of their plans inside local government areas, so that information can be obtained as to how local governments can best plan to facilitate the increased employment activities and any increases in housing, medical, and recreation uses that increased employment may bring: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources direct the Oil and Gas Commission to consult with the local government of applicable jurisdiction, so that the level of increasing economic activity can be ascertained and considered with regard to future community and regional developments.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources This resolution, brought forward by the District of Tumbler Ridge Tumbler Ridge, asks that the UBCM request the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources to direct the Oil and Gas Commission OGC to consult local government to address levels of oil and gas related economic activity in regards to future community and regional developments. Currently, the OGC works to meet the needs of local government by: -providing detailed information and reports to local governments upon request; -attending municipal and regional district meetings as required; and -moving to a regional structure and increasing staffing in the Compliance and Enforcement Branch to better serve communities. For example, in June 2005, the OGC provided Tumbler Ridge with oil and gas activity statistics in their region after their Economic Development Officer contacted the OGC requesting these figures. Because communities information needs are different, the OGC should be contacted when a community requires information. The OGC is committed to promptly providing relevant, available information to local government requests. The OGCs role is to regulate for the benefit of all, considering environmental, social and economic matters, while the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Ministry role is to facilitate responsible development of the resource. The Ministrys new Community Relations team is examining new and innovative ways to engage communities, including local government, in a dialogue about aspects of the oil, gas and mining industries in northeast British Columbia.