Articles related to provincial and federal legislation that affects local governments.
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.
The Ministry of Attorney General in BC is developing a proposal regarding prompt payment in the construction sector.
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.
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.
The provincial government is changing the rules for electric vehicles wishing to access high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. These changes affect municipal roads with HOV lanes and could trigger the need for municipalities to update road signage.
Starting August 15, 2025, drivers of electric vehicles will no longer be required to display a decal to drive in high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes when carrying less than the required number of passengers. Instead, electric vehicles can be driven in HOV lanes where signage allows it.
BC’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch is considering changes to two areas of cannabis regulation: market controls and sales at events. Local governments will have received a discussion paper from LCRB, with background information, questions for consideration and an invitation to schedule a meeting to discuss these issues by August 1, 2025.
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.
UBCM has provided a submission to the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety in B.C. The submission outlines several issues for the Commission’s consideration as it examines measures respecting public security and safety at community events. The Commission was established on May 7, 2025, following the tragic events that took place during the April 26th Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver.
The Province is seeking stakeholder feedback regarding its ‘Liquor to Go’ policy, which allows certain businesses to sell liquor for off-site consumption with the purchase of a meal for takeout or delivery. Local governments are invited to provide their input on this policy by responding to a provincial engagement paper by August 7, 2025.
The Province’s review of its CleanBC climate action plan, launched in May, is seeking feedback from local governments and other interested parties.