Legislation

Articles related to provincial and federal legislation that affects local governments.

UBCM to lead Heritage Conservation Act consultation

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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.

Opportunity for engagement on Bill 15

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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.

Heritage Conservation Act: Update on proposed changes

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Provincial staff provided an update to UBCM delegates on proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act at 2025 Convention

Province pauses Heritage Conservation Act changes

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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.

UBCM calls on Province to pause Heritage Conservation Act changes for proper consultation

Read more about UBCM calls on Province to pause Heritage Conservation Act changes for proper consultation

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.

EDMA regulations implementation pushed to early 2027

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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.

Infrastructure Projects Act implementation feedback

Read more about Infrastructure Projects Act implementation feedback

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.

Heritage Conservation Act: local government engagement opportunity

Read more about Heritage Conservation Act: local government engagement opportunity

Senior and technical local government staff and elected officials are encouraged to attend a BC government webinar on proposed amendments to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) on August 12, 9am – noon PDT. Register in advance to ensure you receive an information package from the Ministry of Forests beforehand.

Prompt payment for construction sector

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The Ministry of Attorney General in BC is developing a proposal regarding prompt payment in the construction sector.

Fire Safety Act amendments for regional districts

Read more about Fire Safety Act amendments for regional districts

The BC Government has amended the Local Government Act, enabling regional districts to designate fire inspectors and investigators and establish fire inspection and fire investigation services without requiring a service establishing bylaw. These amendments, which came into force on May 29, 2025, are directly related to responsibilities under the Fire Safety Act, which came into effect on August 1, 2024.

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