Province introduces minimum density for transit-oriented development

Province introduces Transit Oriented Development legislation

Legislation has been introduced that will allow the Province to establish minimum allowable height and density for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) areas. Local governments will be required to designate these areas near transit hubs and consider applicable guidelines pertaining to them. The Province expects that approximately 100 TOD areas will be designated in approximately 30 municipalities within the first year of the legislation coming into effect.

Province launches one-stop housing

permit service

The Province has launched a one-stop service for home developers to apply for provincial permits. The Single Housing Application Service (SHAS) hosted on the Permit Connect BC website is designed to support homebuilders applying for provincial permits. Dedicated provincial staff, “housing navigators”, will help coordinate provincial natural resource permits, provide guidance on applications, and confirm application status in real time for homebuilders. Members may contact the Province via email or phone (1-844-687-4644) for more information.

Dialogue on alcohol policy

The BC Alliance for Healthy Living Society and Vancouver Coastal Health are hosting a dialogue on alcohol policy. Speakers will examine alcohol consumption in communities, and opportunities to support local governments in developing policies. Interested local government representatives are asked to register immediately, as this webinar takes place Thursday, November 16, 9–10:30 am PST.

Speakers include Mark Lysyshyn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health; Kate Vallance, Research Associate, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research; and, Councillor Tom Stere, District of Tofino.

Emergency Preparedness Funding webinar

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund grant streams are intended to enhance the resiliency of BC First Nations, local governments, and communities in preparing for and responding to emergencies and climate-related risks. A webinar covering the Spring 2024 funding stream intakes will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 1:30 – 3 pm. Register now.

The Lynn Orstad Award nominations are

now open

The Lynn Ornstad Award recognizes women in BC or Alberta who have made significant contributions to furthering wildfire resiliency in their community, agency, or province. The award will be presented in person at the 2024 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit. Recipients receive a personalized award and a $1,000 grant towards furthering wildfire resiliency efforts focused on increasing education and community engagement; fundamental elements of Lynn Orstad’s achievements. Submit nomin ations here.