WHEREAS there have been instances when the Environmental Assessment Office scheduled a referral period on a controversial project, in such a manner that the affected local governments and other stakeholder or interest groups were unable to make comment; AND WHEREAS in some of these cases, the Environmental Assessment Office refused all requests to extend the deadlines for commenting on projects; AND WHEREAS there are many other examples of the Province establishing consultation periods that do not respect local government and the timelines that we work in: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Environment be requested to develop policies and procedures ensuring that referral periods are established in such a manner to allow local governments, as well as other stakeholder or interest groups, that wish to comment, a fair and reasonable opportunity to do so.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OFFICE The Protocol on Principles for Sharing Environmental Responsibilities was reaffirmed in 2007 by Environment Minister Barry Penner, then UBCM President Susan Gimse, and then Environment Committee Chair Herb Pond. The Protocol requires, among other things, that any proposed significant change in environmental legislation, regulations, standards, policies or programs will be preceded by appropriate consultation among the affected parties, including timely notification of the proposed change. The Ministry of Environment makes every attempt to honour this agreement by providing a number of opportunities for local governments to review proposed work, including working directly with ministry staff where appropriate. Ministry staff will continue to work with local governments to meet their referral needs. Regarding environmental assessment referral periods in particular: - The Environmental Assessment Office EAO invites local government to participate in the intergovernmental working group set up for each proposed project; - The Public Consultation Policy Regulation B.C. Reg. 3732002 requires two public comment periods during the review of a proposed project between 30 and 75 days each to allow the public to provide written submissions; - The length of the public comment period is determined on the basis of the complexity of the proposed project and other factors typically between 45 and 60 days; - Information relevant to the public review is posted to the EAO Internet and placed in convenient locations in the vicinity of the proposed project; - Public open house meetings are held to describe the proposed project and receive the views of the public; and, - The EAO considers that these measures allow for a fair and reasonable opportunity for public input.