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E5. Modernization of Regional District Legislation
Status
Withdrawn
WHEREAS regional districts have not undergone a comprehensive legislative reform since their inception in 1965, resulting in outdated provisions in the Local Government Act that impede effective governance, particularly in rural and unincorporated areas;
AND WHEREAS regional districts lack parity with municipalities in terms of recognition, regulatory authority, revenue tools, and decision-making powers, and are not currently recognized in legislation as an equal order of government;
AND WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has committed through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) to advancing inclusive governance, including Indigenous participation in regional district decision-making structures:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM request the Province of British Columbia undertake a comprehensive modernization of regional district legislation, guided by the principles and recommendations of the Regional District Legislation Roadmap (February 2025), to ensure equitable governance structures, enhanced authority, inclusive representation, and flexible revenue tools that reflect the current and future needs of all regional districts in British Columbia.