Environmental Assessment Office seeks feedback on proposed expedited process

Press Release

March 10, 2026

VICTORIA – B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) is seeking feedback on a newly proposed expedited environmental assessment process designed to reduce assessment timelines and support more efficient decision-making for major projects deemed to be in the public interest.

The expedited process has been created for projects that are designated under the Infrastructure Projects Act, so they can be reviewed more quickly while maintaining B.C.’s high environmental standards and obligations to consult with First Nations.

The province’s EAO has developed a proposed expedited environmental assessment process, outlined in a discussion paper. During the next few months, the EAO will be engaging with First Nations, industry, project proponents, environmental assessment practitioners, local governments and environmental groups on the proposed process. The discussion paper and details about how to provide submissions are available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/environmental-assessments/environmental-assessment-process/act-review.

The public is also invited to provide input on public engagement and other aspects of the proposed expedited process. Members of the public can fill out a survey from Tuesday, March 10, until Monday, April 13, 2026, on the EAO’s public engagement website: https://engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/xEA.

Public‑infrastructure projects designated under the Infrastructure Projects Act may be eligible for an expedited environmental assessment by the EAO. Other proposed major projects designated as provincially significant may also qualify. The government’s aim in designating projects is to support faster delivery of those projects that bring substantial economic, social or environmental benefits for people in B.C.

In B.C., environmental assessments are managed by the EAO, a neutral regulatory agency of the provincial government. Every major project that undergoes an environmental assessment is assessed thoroughly on the specific and individual aspects of that particular project, including its potential environmental, economic, social, cultural and health effects, and impacts on First Nations and their rights. Assessments follow a clearly defined process under the Environmental Assessment Act.

Quick Facts:

• With fixed phase timelines, the proposed expedited environmental assessment process would take 20 months, making it up to 60% faster than the standard three- to five-year process.
• To qualify for an expedited assessment by the EAO, projects must first be designated under the Infrastructure Projects Act.
• Designated projects must be in a high state of readiness, with proponents demonstrating advanced studies and early engagement to support a thorough review in under two years.
• As the expedited process is developed through a new regulation under the Environmental Assessment Act, the EAO will consult and co-operate with First Nations in alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Learn More:

• To learn more about the Ministry of Infrastructure’s designation process, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/infrastructure/infrastructure-projects-act
• Learn more about the proposed expedited environmental assessment process and provide feedback: https://engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/xEA
• To learn about the EAO’s review of the Environmental Assessment Act, including the expedited assessment process, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/environmental-assessments/environmental-assessment-process/act-review
• For more information about environmental assessments in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/environmental-assessments

Contact:
Ministry of Environment and Parks
Media Relations
On behalf of the Environmental Assessment Office
250-953-3834

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