Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has provided the following statement about extending the engagement process for modernizing the Heritage Conservation Act in B.C.:

“We have formally been engaging to help find solutions and ways to update the Heritage Conservation Act, to make permitting faster and easier, help people and communities rebuild quicker after disasters, protect heritage sites more effectively and strengthen the role of First Nations in decision-making about their own heritage and ancestors.

“Local governments have been involved in the discussions and engagement from the beginning of this process – as far back as 2022. Since then, more than 360 local government representatives have participated in engagement activities. Tomorrow, Sept. 25, there is a standalone, two-hour workshop for local governments offered at UBCM to discuss the intended outcomes of modernizing the legislation.  

“The status quo is not an option. We invite more people in B.C. the opportunity to come to the table. That is why I am announcing today that we are extending the engagement to mid-November to ensure all people in B.C., including local governments, have their voices heard.

“It has been clear that the Heritage Conservation Act, last updated 30 years ago, is failing to meet the needs of local governments, First Nations and many others. But we have also heard concerns about the language in the proposals.

“As we continue to engage, I want to be clear that there have been no decisions made to date. We want to hear from people affected so we can ensure the legislation we will draft will meet the needs of people in B.C. in the best way.

“We will continue to be open to one-to-one conversations with local governments following tomorrow’s workshop. For example, we have an upcoming session with Metro Vancouver.

“For anyone in B.C., there remains the opportunity to provide written feedback online:
https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/engagement/heritage-conservation-act/
Our current engagement process will remain open until Nov. 14, 2025, and we encourage people to have their voice heard by sharing their thoughts through the online questionnaire.”