Due to significant delays in the provincial review of “Assessment Reports” prepared in accordance with the Riparian Area Protection Regulation (RAPR) – currently estimated at 9-11 months - it is being proposed that the Regional District Board consider the issuance of a Watercourse Development Permit (WDP) without an "Assessment report" having been reviewed by the province, and that this be in effect whenever provincial processing times exceed six (6) months.

At its meeting of March 16, 2023, the Planning and Development (P&D) Committee of the Regional District Board resolved that theWatercourse Development Permit (WDP) Area Guidelines in the Electoral Area Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaws be amended to include the following:

If the provincial ministry responsible for reviewing Assessment Reports has indicated to the Regional District that Assessment Reports are unlikely to be reviewed and forwarded to the District within six (6) months of being submitted, then a Watercourse Development Permit (WDP) may be considered for issuance without an “Assessment Report” having been received from the responsible provincial Minister, provided that an Assessment Report prepared in accordance with the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation has been submitted directly to the Regional District, certifying that the proposed development:

• will not occur in the streamside protection and enhancement area (SPEA), and
• if the Assessment Report is based on a detailed assessment, will not result in any harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of natural features, functions and conditions in the streamside protection and enhancement area that support the life processes of protected fish.

The Amendment would apply to the WDP Guidelines contained in Electoral Areas "A", "C", "D", "E", "F", "H", & "I" OCPs. In addition, we are proposing to amend the Development Procedures Bylaw in order to update the Watercourse Development Permit Application Requirements to reflect the new provision.