WHEREAS the provincial government has been granting Crown tenures in the Regional District of Comox-Strathcona without appropriate zoning and therefore, without benefit of public input through a public hearing process; AND WHEREAS the granting of Crown tenure by the Province in advance of local zoning bylaw approvals has caused conflict and hardship for both the communities involved as well as the applicants, and has put many applicants into a position of non-compliance with local bylaws: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government ensure that the appropriate zoning for the applied-for use is in place prior to any Crown tenure being granted.
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands The Regional District of Comox-Strathcona has brought forward a resolution that is an issue right across the Province. Government is aware of the need to better coordinate provincial and local government decisions on land use. We have already started work with the UBCM on two projects, focusing on resort development on Crown land and independent power production facilities to ensure that provincial land tenuring decisions are consistent with local government interests and zoning expectations. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands staff will build on this work to develop a balanced and responsive land tenuring framework with the UBCM membership. This is a complex task that will take some time to plan and implement. Government will continue to manage Crown land resources in a sustainable and balanced manner that obtains the best return for Crown resources while also supporting social, community and environmental values that benefit all British Columbians.