BCUMC Statement on Provincial Heritage Conservation Act Renewal

BC’s Urban Mayors support UBCM’s refusal to sign provincial nondisclosure agreements.

VICTORIA, B.C- The BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus affirms their full support for UBCM in their ongoing dialogue with the Provincial government regarding the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) renewal.

Last week, UBCM joined several partner organizations to express concerns over the Province’s limited HCA consultations, including the use of sweeping and far-reaching nondisclosure agreements. Local governments and other partners were excluded during a two-year period when the Province developed proposed changes, and despite this, the Province continues to move ahead with legislation that lacks meaningful engagement despite its significant implications for local governments, including urban local governments, and British Columbians.

“Municipalities have important insights to share regarding archaeological preservation and heritage conservation, learned directly from our experience working side-by-side with First Nations and interest holders,” said Marianne Alto, Mayor of Victoria and co-chair of the BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus. “It is disappointing that the Province continues to restrict feedback and dialogue on these critical issues. Our Caucus fully supports UBCM as they continue to advocate for the role of local governments in HCA consultation.”

UBCM has urged the Province to engage in joint conversations with First Nations, local governments, archaeologists, and industry leaders since September, but no significant effort has been made to bring partners together. UBCM members across BC have expressed significant concerns regarding the current HCA, and the policy papers that the Province has produced on the topic in recent months.

The Province has responded by offering limited consultation to UBCM, and requiring overarching NDAs that shut down and restrict engagement. More recently, the Province developed guidance to draft legislation before the attempted consultation process was even complete. Additionally, Minister Parmar has consistently dismissed UBCM’s role in HCA consultations.

“Meaningful engagement includes full, honest discussions with the opportunity to provide thoughtful feedback, with all partners at the table,” said Ken Popove, Mayor of Chilliwack and co-chair of the BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus. “Using NDAs to divide local governments does not contribute to productive policy making, or good governance. This current process is rushed, and dismissive of the legitimate concerns that local governments have.”

The BCUMC joins UBCM in urging the Province to engage in an open, transparent consultation process with all stakeholders, including UBCM, before any legislative amendments are introduced.

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