The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is officially asking the provincial government to repeal provisions of Bill 30 that fall under the heading of the Utilities Commission Act.
The new piece of legislation was given a third reading on May 15, sparking outrage among SLRD directors who discussed their response to the bill at Tuesday's (May 23) regular meeting in Pemberton.
Bill 30 takes away local government's authority to zone energy-related projects on Crown land. The act also removes local government from the development of other energy resources.
The published explanation for the amendments to the Utilities Commission Act reads, "The amendment will clarify the intent of the Utilities Commission Act and help foster investor confidence for IPP projects in British Columbia and diversify energy supplies through a one-decision maker process similar to most other resource development approvals, It will also bring certainty to local government in clarifying their jurisdiction over IPPs."
The bill was adopted by the legislature despite opposition from the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) and other local government organizations. SLRD Chair John Turner said he was shocked by the province's move because a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the province and the UBCM last September. The MOU was drafted to foster cooperation and recognize the jurisdiction and accountability of both orders of government.
Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, took part in a consultation session with UBCM members Thursday (May 25). Susie Gimse, Area C director, said the minister was expected to explain how local government will be involved under the new legislation.
"They have removed our ability to zone for IPPs and we need to understand what our new role is," Gimse said. "I think we should go."
Other directors such as Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed and 樱桃视频Mayor Ian Sutherland said it is a mistake to show up. Melamed joked about arriving with duct tape across his mouth and one hand taped to his back because the provincial government doesn't seem to care what local government says or how they vote.
"This meeting is not going to be a discussion, it is going to be a monologue," Sutherland said. "How many times did we ask for a meeting? A conversation should have taken place three weeks ago. I think the UBCM should cancel the meeting with the minister."
Gimse said she thinks showing up for the meeting and showing opposition for Bill 30 is important.
Throughout the discussion, SLRD directors pointed out that Bill 30 is a provincial issue with impacts beyond IPPs. Russ Oakley, Area A director, said Bill 30 eliminates the chance for local benefit. He also criticized the UBCM role in the Bill 30 fiasco. He said the UBCM executive did not adequately address the issue.
"I think at some point, we need to consider whether or not we want to continue to participate in the UBCM. I mean, we are paying for this," Oakley said.
The SLRD also passed a motion to hire a public relations firm and get the message about Bill 30 out. Oakley said the SLRD needs to invest money to inform the public because the average person does not realize the implications of the utilities act and what it could mean in the long run.
"This could be the thin edge of the wedge. If someone wants a ski hill and local residents feel it would be detrimental, it doesn't matter. What is there to stop the provincial government from making minor changes to another piece of legislation so they can push ahead with a ski hill?" Oakley said.
Although the situation looks grim, the SLRD board made it clear it is not going down without a fight. Melamed suggested the SLRD start seeking advice of West Coast Environmental Law and look at ways of taking proactive measures.
"We know what is coming with the Ashlu and we need to develop the next battleground. We need to look at a legal strategy, which might be a legal challenge. We are going to need a defence fund because I am prepared to fight," Melamed said.
The SLRD agreed to lobby the provincial government to repeal Bill 30. The motion will be in the hands of local representatives at the meeting with Neufeld today.
"This resolution gives a clear indication of how we feel and gives us time to work on it. This whole thing caught us off guard and we had no time to mount an opposition campaign. We barely go the message out to ourselves," Oakley said.
