UBCM Update

VANCOUVER, BC — A provincial policy session at the [Union of BC Municipalities] Convention received an update on old growth deferral areas. Representatives from the Ministry of Forests and the Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship emphasized that calls from local government for greater consultation have been heard. Eamon O’Donoghue, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Forests, advised delegates that “most of the heavy lifting on old growth is to come,” as local governments and First Nations can anticipate much deeper engagement from the Province on the recommendations in the Review. The Ministry of Forests confirmed it will be reaching out to UBCM for guidance on the best process to engage with communities to conduct comprehensive consultation and has hired a consultant to assist with the development of a consultation strategy.