Whereas the Province has oversight through applications, permitting and leases for works in and around water, streams, wetlands and riparian areas; And whereas the timelines for the completion of these processes are now extended to the point of hardship for communities and property owners: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to commit additional resources to oversight processes for works in and around water, streams, wetlands and riparian areas, to reduce timelines and increase responsiveness to communities needs.
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Thank you for bringing forward this resolution. BCs regulatory framework, comprising the Water Sustainability Act WSA, Riparian Areas Protection Act, and related regulations and policies, ensures essential protection of aquatic ecosystems. Applications, permitting, and leases in water-sensitive zones are critical to maintaining environmental integrity and community safety. In 2023, the province strengthened the Aquatic Ecosystems and Freshwater Fisheries Branch by increasing resources and funding, resulting in significantly faster review turnaround times. That same year, the Province invested 100 million to establish a permanent Watershed Security Fund. In 2025, dedicated resources have been allocated to lead amendments to the Riparian Areas Protection Act and Regulation RAPAR, focusing on improving clarity and interpretation, expanding exemptions, and introducing flexibility for low-risk development in riparian areas. These changes are intended to increase efficiency in processing riparian reports, streamline reviews for low-risk activities, and uphold protection for riparian ecosystems. Lastly, between fiscal years 202223 to 202526, the Province has additionally been resourcing broader permitting needs for strategic permitting initiatives legislative reform and priority projects housing and connectivity. The Province is also exploring opportunities for regulatory and legislative reform to support a more efficient, predictable, and inclusive permitting system. Initial opportunities under the Water Sustainability Act and Regulation, the RAPAR and the Forest Act were explored in 2025, including engagement with First Nations, interested parties and the public. Proposed changes are being refined and are expected to advance to decision in 2026. Legislative reform will free up resourcing through establishing clear standards, guidelines and accountabilities and delegating regulatory work and decision-making in low-risk areas to reduce bottlenecks and backlogs. Further, the Provinces proposed reform will help to streamline critical projects, such as housing and connectivity, that require permits for water use and work around wetlands. Fixing systemic issues will ensure limited resources can focus where they are needed best. Looking ahead, the Province remains committed to working collaboratively with local governments, First Nations, and other stakeholders to improve regulatory processes while safeguarding BCs natural environments.