Engagement Update: Natural Resource Permitting 2025
Thank you to everyone who participated in the public engagement process on proposed changes to improve natural resource permitting. From September 22 to December 12, 2025, we heard many perspectives, ideas, and considerations. People from a wide range of groups across the province took part. These groups included First Nations, local governments, industry, professional associations, regulatory bodies, qualified professionals, academic institutions, federal agencies, not‑for‑profit organizations, and members of the public.
- 48 information and engagement sessions held
- 999 participants attended
- 124 written responses received by email
- 1526 surveys completed
We are pleased to share that all input has been summarized into a What We Heard Report (PDF, 1MB). The proposed changes are being updated based on the feedback received.
Next steps on regulatory topics
Based on the feedback received, four of the six regulatory topics were approved in February 2026:
- Conditional exemptions for construction dewatering activities
- Short‑term water use exemption for the construction of ice roads to access restoration sites
- Expanding eligibility for stream restoration activities
- Riparian areas enhancements
Find out more in the Feb 27 government news release.
The Water Sustainability Regulation changes are now in effect and updated Operational Guidance is now available to help proponents and practitioners understand and implement the recent changes:
- New construction dewatering operational policy (PDF, 425KB)
- New construction dewatering policy bulletin (PDF, 186KB)
- Updated Users’ Guide for Changes In and About a Stream in British Columbia (PDF, 820KB)
- New BCER Technical and Information Update: Water Diversions for Ice Road Construction Related to Restoration Activities Now Exempt from Water Sustainability Act Authorization Requirements (TU 2026-05) | BC Energy Regulator (BCER)
The Riparian Areas Protection Regulation changes will take effect January 2027 once some additional work to support implementation has occurred.
Topics requiring further work
The remaining topics may need legislative changes. Because of this, they have a longer timeline. We expect to share more information when it is available.
If you have any questions please contact us at PermittingSolutions@gov.bc.ca.