WHEREAS the Community Charter states that the provincial government recognizes that local governments require adequate powers and discretion to address existing and future community needs; AND WHEREAS the provincial government, withheld approval of a local government Fire Services Bylaw due to sprinkler requirements that exceeded the minimum provisions set forth in the British Columbia Building Code: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the provincial government grant authority to local governments to establish sprinkler bylaws to increase life safety to occupants and to minimize property damage caused by fire.
Ministry of Forests Range Ministry Responsible for Housing The BC Building Code establishes the minimum building standards for health, safety, structural sufficiency and accessibility that are applied at the time of construction. Changes to building regulations are rationalized on a cost-benefit basis. The cost to the industry and the owner is weighed against the increased level of safety achieved. The Office of Housing and Construction Standards has assembled a working group to look at this issue. The working group is meeting with stakeholders in late 2006 and the Minister will receive a report of the results in 2007. The Province of British Columbia and many building industry participants are promoting consistent building regulations from one community to the next to maintain a consistent level of safety and streamlined approval processes.