Vaughn Palmer: The city of Kelowna has done a close analysis of B.C.’s proposed changes and warns they will be costly in dollars and delays

Premier David Eby’s proposed makeover of the Heritage Conservation Act would mean major delays and extra costs for his government’s goal of expediting housing and infrastructure construction. So says a report to Kelowna council, compiled by city staff after an extensive review of the more than 50 changes to the Act which were proposed by a group of provincial officials and Indigenous representatives.

“While it has been stated by the province that the proposed changes will improve permit processes, staff strongly believe that it will add time, cost and uncertainty to development,” says the submission from Kelowna’s city manager, Doug Gilchrist. “The process involves new requirements for more development applications and capital project work.”

Moreover, this would be “contrary to needs and to provincial government mandates to support accelerated development for housing and infrastructure to create thriving communities.” Additionally, business groups across multiple sectors warn of severe adverse consequences for public and private land development, investor certainty, the economy, and the democratic process if the Heritage Conservation Act changes are implemented.

The four-page report dated Oct. 17 was prepared for city council. It echoes concerns cited by the Union of B.C. Municipalities last week in calling for the government to pause reform of the Act.

The government and Indigenous working group would impose greater demands on local government and private landowners to conduct archeological assessments at their own expense before starting a development. It proposes to broaden the heritage definition beyond physical sites and artifacts to include “intangible cultural values.” There also would be new and greater obligations to consult and accommodate the interests of Indigenous nations.

The Kelowna staffers provided more detail about the implications of the changes for the archeological work entailed in identifying, assessing and conserving heritage sites.

Read the article at the Vancouver Sun: https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/analysis-warns-bc-heritage-act-changes-could-kill-provinces-goal-expediting-housing-builds