Whereas increasing environmental standards for solid waste management are placing considerable financial strain on local governments and their taxpayers; And whereas the provincial government should consider the financial implications of such regulatory changes on local governments and provide corresponding and accessible opportunities for local governments to receive financial support: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Province of British Columbia for the establishment of an annual funding model to assist local governments in adequately preparing for and responding to new provincial environmental standards for solid waste management.
Ministry of Environment and Parks The ministry recognizes the challenges local governments face in reducing waste, maintaining waste management services, and meeting environmental standards. Collaboration among all levels of government is essential to reduce waste while ensuring it is managed in a way that is protective of the health of people and the environment. The regional Solid Waste Management Plan, and subsequent Plan review and update processes, offer flexibility for local governments to establish programs that align with regional district capabilities and local opportunities. The prioritizing, scheduling, and budgeting required to ensure solid waste management programs and infrastructure are in compliance with provincial environmental standards should be included as part of the Plan. Local governments who own and operate solid waste facilities, such as landfills or compost facilities, can work with the provincial director to understand the site-specific considerations and financial liabilities under consideration to help inform a timeframe and reasonable implementation approach. It should be noted that required upgrades are contingent on the securing and raising of adequate funding. Solid waste management funding has been available to local governments through provincial funding programs such as the Growing Communities Fund, and organics infrastructure funding programs. A list of available funding programs can be found on the Provinces Local Government Grants and Transfers website. Provisions of the Environmental Management Act provide local governments with the option of long-term borrowing for the implementation of an approved solid waste management plan. In addition, the Province provides some exemptions from elector approval in cases where a cost is externally imposed on a municipality through a state of emergency, a court order, or an executive order like an Environmental Protection Order.