UBCM members overwhelmingly support a pause to legislative development to allow for
face to face consultation.
UBCM has shared a report with the Province of British Columbia indicating that proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act will require more engagement with local governments, First Nations, and other stakeholders to effectively renew the current legislation.
The report summarizes feedback from local government and First Nation staff and elected officials in response to information shared by the Province outlining the proposed changes.
While respondents support the Province’s intent to speed up permitting, provide flexibility during disaster recovery and provide a stronger role for First Nations, they also indicated significant concerns with the potential risks of the proposed changes.
A majority of respondents indicated that the amendments under consideration by the Province pose a significant risk of increasing the financial burden upon local governments and homeowners to comply. Respondents also identified concerns that the changes could delay private and public projects even further. UBCM members also said that if the Province moves too quickly at this stage it risks negative public reaction to the impact of the proposed changes on private property rights.
In their comments on the survey, CAOs and technical staff suggested that the provincial government could take the following actions:
- Co-design reforms with First Nations, local governments and archaeology professionals,
- Fund and staff implementation at all levels, both within the provincial government and through the provision of funding to First Nations and local governments,
- Clarify legal and procedural questions before legislating, and
- Pilot new mechanisms – such as Heritage Management Plans and enforcement models – before full rollout.
Without these measures, respondents warn the reforms could increase confusion, delay projects and erode trust, thereby undermining both reconciliation and effective heritage stewardship.
UBCM undertook the consultation with its members during a six-week extension to the Province’s initial deadline for feedback.
Submission to the Ministry of Forests on Proposed Changes to the Heritage Conservation Act
Media Calls:
Paul Taylor, Director of Communications
ptaylor@ubcm.ca
604-270-8226, ext. 205