Provincial Soil Removal Permits

WHEREAS the Government of British Columbia recognizes local government as an order of government which is autonomous, responsible and accountable in Part 1 of the Community Charter and local governments have the authority to regulate land use within their boundaries and the process requires considerable opportunity for public input; AND WHEREAS sand and gravel permits issued by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources have great impact on neighborhood, environmental, and infrastructure issues, yet the Ministry does not adequately consider local issues: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia be requested to amend the Mines Act to require a public process, including notification of surrounding property owners, a public hearing, and eliminating the right to waive the public hearing without the agreement of the local government in which the property is located.