Local Government (Green Communities) Statues Amendment Act, (Bill 27) 2008

Government is committed to addressing climate change and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent below current levels by 2020. Government outlined the need to work on these issues in the 2007 and 2008 Speeches from the Throne as well as in Premier Gordon Campbell's UBCM Convention address in 2007. We can meet our targets by working together and sharing knowledge and experiences.
 

Local governments can make long-lasting decisions that benefit their communities and make positive impacts on the environment, resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This legislation provides local governments with some additional powers to make important changes in their communities, yet gives them the flexibility they require to adapt operations in ways that meet their unique needs and circumstances.
 

The legislative amendments provide local governments with a variety of tools to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and energy, and work towards creating more compact and sustainable communities. The amendments focus on:

• Targets in OCPs and regional growth strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Development cost charge exemptions, waivers or reductions
• Expanded development permit area authority
• Flexibility related to off-street parking

Full details of the legislative amendments can be found on the Internet at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/38th4th/3rd_read/gov27-3.htm.
 

Answers to many question regarding the Local Government (Green Communities) Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 27) can be found in a Frequently Asked Questions (71 KB) document prepared by ministry staff. There is also a resource list (67 KB) in which ministry staff have compiled various information sources relevant to Bill 27 (Green Communities Act).
 

Please contact the Intergovernmental Relations and Planning Division for further information at:

Intergovernmental Relations & Planning Division
Ministry of Community Development
6th Floor
800 Johnson Street
PO Box 9841 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9T2
 
Phone:
250-387-4037 in Victoria
 
For toll free access call Enquiry BC:
Call 604-660-2421 in Vancouver or 1-800-663-7867 elsewhere in B.C. and request a transfer to
250 387-4037 in Victoria
 
Fax:
250 387-8720
 
Email:
Intergovernmental Relations and Planning