Ministers statement on Heritage Conservation Act engagement process
Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar announced the extension of the engagement process for the Heritage Conservation Act until mid-November 2025. The Act, which has not been updated in 30 years, is criticized for failing to meet the needs of local governments and First Nations. Parmar highlighted the importance of making permitting faster and enhancing the protection of heritage sites. Since 2022, over 360 local government representatives have participated in discussions on the proposed updates. A two-hour workshop for local governments is set for September 25, focusing on intended outcomes of the modernization.
Parmar stressed that no decisions have been finalized and encouraged public input through an online feedback platform. The government aims to ensure the new legislation reflects the needs of all communities in B. C. The current engagement process allows for ongoing conversations, including one-on-one sessions with local governments.