Whereas enactment of the Community Charter in 2003 has created an imbalance of powers and authorities between municipalities and the regional districts in which they participate; And whereas many of the regional district powers and authorities provided by the Local Government Act do not adequately address the current realities and complexities of regional governance in BC: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM strongly encourage the Province to act upon its commitment to modernize and harmonize the legislation governing regional districts.
Ministry of Community, Sport Cultural Development The Ministry recognizes that regional districts are diverse and can face unique challenges that may require customized solutions. The Regional District Task Force Task Force was created by UBCM in 2008 to consider issues and challenges facing regional districts and to identify possible solutions and strategies. The Task Forces 2010 recommendations led to a program of both legislation and non-legislative incremental change focused on practical problems. Legislative measures have included the Spring 2014 amendments to the Local Government Act which helped streamline and modernize government regulations by removing Ministry approval for some local government bylaws, including those that apply to Regional District Official Community Plans OCP, zoning bylaws and subdivision servicing bylaws. Additionally, the recent revision of the Local Government Act has brought all regional district provisions together into a regional district package to establish a coherent order. To the extent that it is possible, the organization of regional district provisions in the revised Local Government Act parallels the organization of municipal provisions in the Community Charter. Non-legislative initiatives have included supporting the development of regional district political leadership through the Local Government Leadership Academy, assisting regional districts in resolving service disputes and working in partnership with UBCM and LGMA to increase the dispute resolution capacity of senior staff and elected officials through training. The Ministry recognizes the important role that regional districts play in efficient, economic and effective service delivery. The Ministry will continue to seek to refine legislation for regional districts as issues arise and as legislative priorities warrant.