Articles related to provincial and federal legislation that affects local governments.
On October 9, the Province introduced the Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (Bill 25) that includes legislative amendments addressing both small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) and short-term rentals. While the changes to the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act are largely administrative in nature, the changes relating to SSMUH are more substantial.
UBCM is leading an engagement process with local governments and member First Nations regarding proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act. Two webinars are scheduled for Friday, November 7, to share findings from the survey that is currently underway. (Emails with the survey links have been sent to all CAOs.
The Province has introduced a series of amendments related to small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH) and short-term rentals. If passed, the SSMUH related amendments will clarify definitions of where SSMUH should be permitted and expand the list of provincial site standards that can be regulated. The short-term rental related amendments include clarifying changes to the definition of “principal residence” and strengthened enforcement tools.
The provincial government’s consultation period for over 50 proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) has been extended until November 14. UBCM has developed a process for local government engagement and will contract with Randy Diehl (Diehl Management Services) to support its delivery. The engagement with local governments will include a survey of CAOs, follow up interviews with select staff, and webinars with elected officials to share preliminary findings.
Local governments are invited to provide feedback to the Ministry of Infrastructure as part of the engagement process on the policies and regulations that will support implementation of the Infrastructure Projects Act (Bill 15). Webinars will solicit feedback about Provincially Significant Projects.
Provincial staff provided an update to UBCM delegates on proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act at 2025 Convention
UBCM issued a press release this morning calling on the Province to pause progress on changes to the Heritage Conservation Act until meaningful consultation can be conducted with local governments.
Victoria, BC – The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) is calling on the Province to pause progress on changes to the Heritage Conservation Act until meaningful consultation can be conducted with local governments.
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.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has launched an engagement portal to collect feedback on the implementation of the Infrastructure Projects Act. The deadline for feedback on the topic of ‘Provincially Significant Projects’ is September 30. Feedback on the ‘Qualified Professional Reliance Model’ and the ‘Expediated Environmental Assessment Process’ will occur in the fall/winter of 2025/2026.