Whereas the BC Hydro Power and Authority Act and associated statutes references other Acts within its scope, including the Climate Change Accountability Act and Environmental Management Act; And whereas various communities have experienced that their operations do not fully comply with these Acts or the provincial governments Nature-Based 2030 Climate Change targets to protect land, preserve nature, and reverse diversity loss; And whereas the Authority does not allocate a budget for adequate eco-restoration in areas where its activities have harmfully impacted biodiversity, and financial support is crucial to the success of hydro projects and the realization of provincial climate change targets; And whereas to prepare the Province for the impacts of climate change, it is essential that BC Hydro collaborates with local governments, stakeholders, and landowners, and the Hydro and Power Authority Act must also prioritize ecosystem retention in its mandate to provide affordable power while minimizing environmental impact, restoring biodiversity and in the process support local governments Climate Action Plans: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM recommend the provincial government mandate an amendment to the Hydro Power and Authority Act to incorporate a budget for Climate Change Ecosystem Restoration as well as technologies that support tree retention andor re-planting in all its projects, thus demonstrating the provincial governments commitment to its Nature-Based 2030 Climate Change targets.
Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions BC Hydro continues to prioritize initiatives intended to mitigate environmental impacts in its operations and maintain ecological integrity near its sites and facilities. The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program FWCP is a joint initiative between BC Hydro, the Province, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations and public stakeholders, with a purpose to conserve and protect species in watersheds impacted by BC Hydro dams. Through the FWCP, 8.7 million in funding has been approved for 81 projects in 20242025, in comparison to 5.5 million approved for 43 projects in 20202021. The projects approved for 20242025 include varied initiatives to support fish habitat restoration, ecological function in watersheds, and enable further work to provide short and long-term benefits to species and habitats in ecologically diverse regions across the province. BC Hydro also continues to support tree and vegetation planting in municipalities and First Nations communities throughout B.C. The Community ReGreening Program funds small-scale community projects which support ecological improvements through planting and ensures appropriate trees are planted near power lines. The program can improve communities by enabling them to develop more green space, including recreation space, and restoring or enhancing wildlife habitats. It can also support communities in reintroducing and maintaining native vegetation and in the removal of invasive plant species. Concurrently, BC Hydro maintains environmental policies and best practices in infrastructure development, vegetation management, and water use planning, and is prioritizing mitigation of land and water impacts in its integrated resource planning.