Articles related to provincial and federal legislation that affects local governments.
Private member’s bill M216 passed second reading and has been sent to the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills for review. UBCM’s submission to the committee warns that the bill will disrupt an already strained planning system.
On October 23, the federal government introduced the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, which includes more than 80 proposed amendments to the Criminal Code. Many changes broadly respond to local government concerns, including resolutions and correspondence seeking stricter bail conditions for repeat offenders. A UBCM analysis follows.
The legislation includes the following proposed amendments to the Criminal Code:
More organizations are publicly sharing their concerns about the harms the bill could cause if passed. The bill has passed second reading, and is moving into the committee stage for review.
The Professional Reliance Act bill (M216) threatens to weaken the oversight of new home construction and increase the liability risk of taxpayers
UBCM members overwhelmingly support a pause to legislative development to allow for
face to face consultation.
MLA George Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary for Transit, has brought forward a private member’s bill that would apply a professional reliance model to local approvals. If passed, this legislation would require that, with limited exceptions, local governments accept submissions certified by registered professionals including engineers and architects as meeting permit or bylaw requirements. UBCM was not consulted on this legislation before its introduction and has significant concerns with the proposed approach that would erode local approval authorities.
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.