The Province has announced that the timeline is being extended to introduce a new regulation for local authorities, under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act. The Honourable Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, speaking at a Convention session, Climate Hazards & Housing: Risk, Resilience, and Local Action, delivered the announcement that new regulation will not take effect until early 2027.
This decision matches requests from local governments for more time to prepare for the new regulations. The UBCM-EMCR Local Government Advisory Committee on EDMA Regulations (LGAC) had previously suggested that the Province wait until after the 2025 summer hazard season to discuss the draft regulation with the Advisory Committee; and to delay implementation of the regulation beyond 2026 so as to allow adequate time for local governments, and in particular regional districts, to make the necessary preparations and budgetary adjustments.
A new regulation for local authorities intends to bring into effect requirements related to key local government responsibilities, including the preparation of risk assessments, four phase emergency management plans and business continuity plans.