WHEREAS communities situated on flood plains are overshadowed by the potential threat of flooding; AND WHEREAS the significant rate of gravel aggregation in rivers adjacent to flood plains is well documented and removal thereof would reduce the flooding risk; AND WHEREAS small local governments lack the financial resources to undertake gravel extraction; AND WHEREAS there is no provincial or federal program in place for flood reduction or prevention; AND WHEREAS royalties are required to be paid on all gravel extracted that is not for public works use: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the provincial government to waive royalties for all gravel that is extracted by local governments and leaseholders from riverbeds adjacent to flood hazard areas, where qualified professionals confirm that gravel extraction will reduce flooding risk.
Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations Government recognizes that the removal of gravel and sediment from river beds near developed areas can help reduce the risk of flooding in those communities. For this reason, the Aggregates and Quarry Material land use policy includes a provision stating that gravel removed from rivers for flood mitigation purposes is royalty-free. This gravel may be used for public works purposes, such as roads, dykes or other community facilities. Gravel extracted for commercial purposes is subject to royalty payments. The ministry will consider policy amendments that would allow gravel removed for flood mitigation purposes to be sold by local governments to recover gravel removal costs; however, any gravel removed beyond the cost recovery point would be subject to royalties.