WHEREAS the provincial Mines Act governs the issuance of permits relative to the mining and extraction of natural resources across the province without first having a permit applicant confirm local government support for such activity; AND WHEREAS local governments may have established official community plans designating specific areas for such mining and extraction of natural resources: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM prevail upon the provincial government to amend the Mines Act to first require a mines permit applicant to confirm such mining activity is within an area designated by a local official community plan permitting such mining activity.
Ministry of Energy Mines The Province of British Columbia is committed to working with local governments across BC to find solutions to issues related to mining activities. The Ministrys referral process for Notice of Work application proposals includes providing local governments the opportunity to review and provide comments. Mining is important to the BC economy whether mining aggregate to build our roads, hospitals and homes or exploring for sub-surface mineral and coal resources. This sector provides employment in communities throughout British Columbia and appropriate development of our resources is key to the provincial economy.