Improving B.C.’s permitting processes through regulatory changes

Press Release

Feb. 27, 2026

VICTORIA

Summary

Regulatory amendments update permitting requirements in four natural-resource-related areas
Public feedback on proposed changes helped shape the final amendments
It is another step in broader updates that will transform permitting provincewide

Four regulatory amendments will make it easier and more efficient for people and businesses to get the natural-resource permits needed to rebuild homes from wildfire, begin new home construction and restore ecosystems.

“We are making it easier and faster to start important projects, from rebuilding homes after disasters to restoring wetland habitat and industrial sites,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “Shorter timelines mean projects get started faster, more jobs are created, and we all benefit from a stronger economy.”

Updates support homebuilding, wildfire recovery, site restoration and local economies

Changes to the Water Sustainability Regulation and the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation focus on improving clarity and supporting people and businesses to reduce project timelines.

Flexibility has been added for developments in low-risk riparian areas, including after a wildfire or for utility maintenance, to proceed following a streamlined process.
Low-risk construction dewatering activities will no longer need authorization under the Water Sustainability Act, supporting quicker development.
Ice road construction to support restoration at oil and gas locations will no longer need short-term water-use permits.
Local governments, First Nations and Crown corporations will be able to conduct stream-restoration activities more easily.

Working together to improve permitting processes

The changes allow provincial permitting staff to focus on high-risk applications that need more time and effort to review. It means more complex applications are reviewed quicker so projects can get underway.

Hundreds of people in British Columbia weighed in on the regulatory changes through online engagement between September and December 2025. Their feedback helped shape the updates, and will continue to inform additional future changes to permitting processes that are under consideration.

Building B.C.’s economy

Permitting updates are a priority across government. Improving permitting processes opens more doors for B.C. businesses to succeed and contribute to a strong, healthy economy while also protecting the environment. The all-of-government approach is aimed at accelerating major projects, leveraging new technology and reducing systemic barriers, while keeping environmental standards high and maintaining reconciliation commitments. The changes are part of a broader strategy that includes:

Investment in permitting capacity is showing positive results by eliminating backlogs and reducing delays for priority applications.
A one-window approach to housing and connectivity is eliminating backlogged applications for housing and, since 2023, it has also reduced the turnaround time for connectivity applications by 61%.
Delegation models are expanded for decision-making. The expansion of authorities to other agencies means that more decision-makers are managing the resource. At the same time, sector expertise is maximized to improve efficiency and stewardship.
Further work is underway to reduce the number of applications needed, streamline processes between government departments, and accelerate key projects that support provincial priorities, such as clean, renewable energy.

Updating and improving permitting processes are part of the Province’s Look West industrial and economy strategy. Look West leverages B.C. strengths and work underway to be the economic engine of Canada, build major nation-building projects, create good-paying jobs and skills-training opportunities for people, and grow key sectors that are driving economic growth into the future.

Learn More:

To read the full Look West Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger B.C. and Canada strategy, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
To learn about the other ways the Province is building a stronger B.C. economy, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/StrongEconomy

Contact:
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Media Relations
GCPE.WLRSmedia@gov.bc.ca
250-419-8775

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