Environment & Climate Change

On November 4, the Province released its British Columbia Disaster and Climate Risk and Resilience Assessment (DCRRA) report. The report assesses how communities across BC may be impacted by six hazards: riverine flooding, coastal flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, drought and water scarcity, and earthquakes. It also examines how these hazards may change with climate impacts, and how they may affect natural and built environments, the economy, governance and health.

In recent correspondence with UBCM, the Province has signalled its intention to add single-use fuel canisters, fire extinguishers and medical sharps to its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. However, the update will not include industrial, commercial and institutional packaging and paper products (ICI-PPP), and the Province has also reversed its earlier commitment to include mattresses. 

The Province has provided additional details about engagement activities to inform its review of the CleanBC climate action plan. The review will evaluate the effectiveness of CleanBC policies and programs, examine progress toward B.C.’s emissions reduction targets, and recommend areas for improvement. The Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions is encouraging Local governments and other interested parties to share their experience with CleanBC.   

UBCM has sought clarification from the Province on its position regarding the roles and responsibilities of local governments for financial assistance and property buyouts when homes are deemed unsafe due to disaster risk. 

The Province’s review of its CleanBC climate action plan, launched in May, is seeking feedback from local governments and other interested parties.

On May 5, 2025, the Province released a new Clean Power Action Plan to outline how it intends to address anticipated increases in electricity demand from population growth, economic development, and electrification.

Local governments are invited to submit an expression of interest to participate in the Inclusive Climate Action for Tunisian Municipalities (ICATM) program, which runs from March 2024 to February 2029. Implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and its Tunisian partner, the International Development Center for Innovative Local Governance (CILG), this initiative focuses on strengthening the climate resilience of Tunisian municipalities while promoting equity and inclusion.

Local government officials and staff who would like to provide input on topics and areas of focus for a review of the Environment Assessment Act are encouraged to share their feedback by Wednesday, September 11, 2024. UBCM and local governments were recently notified by the Province that a legislative review of the Act is scheduled to begin in December 2024.

On Monday, July 15, 2024, the Province enacted new plastic waste regulations. These regulations aim to limit the amount of plastic waste entering landfills and reduce the environmental impact of microplastics through additional prohibitions on single-use plastics.

BC Hydro has announced a new incentive program that will offer rebates for the installation of rooftop solar and battery-storage systems in residential, commercial and institutional buildings. Beginning in July 2024, the program will provide up to $10,000 rebates for homeowners and $50,000-$150,000 rebates for local governments, schools, and businesses.