The provincial government has announced postponement of proposed amendments to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) that had originally been anticipated for spring 2026. In a November 2025 report submitted to the Ministry of Forests on proposed changes to the HCA, UBCM conveyed members’ overwhelming support for a pause to legislative development to allow for face-to-face consultation. UBCM will be following up with the Ministry of Forests to learn more about its plans for further engagement.
UBCM’s report identified risks, inconsistencies and challenges with the amendments proposed by the Province. Key elements of these concerns include:
- The potential scope creep of the proposed expanded definition of “heritage” to include specified intangible cultural values.
- The need for a continuing and clearly defined provincial role in matters of compliance and enforcement to avoid perceptions of self-interest that would be created by delegating these authorities to First Nations exclusively
- The need for the ability of local governments to choose among archaeological firms when compliance work is being undertaken coupled with the need to expand the body of archaeologists certified to do the work.
- Doubts that the changes proposed would do the opposite of the stated goal of expediting permitting processes thereby slowing development and adding to the costs of residential, business and industrial landowners.
The government also received significant pushback from industry over the proposed changes. Many of the objections noted by industry representatives align with the input provided by local governments.
The Ministry of Forests expressed intent to continue to engage with industry, project proponents, First Nations, local governments and other interested parties. The Province noted plans in the near future for a cross-sector meeting with industry regarding the permitting process.
UBCM president Cori Ramsay spoke with several news organizations about the changes this week, including the Vancouver Sun.