Senior Government Regulations
Development in the Lower Mainland is regulated through federal and provincial regulations in addition to local government bylaws. Instream work and riparian protection is regulated through the Water Sustainability Act, the Fisheries Act, and the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation. The Wildlife Act and Migratory Bird Convention Act establish wildlife related offences. Invasive species control is governed by the Weed Control Act, Integrated Pest Management Act, and Pesticide Control Products Act. Consult this guide to ensure your project is in compliance with senior government regulations.
Water Sustainability Act
Inteded to protect watercourses in BC. Notifications or Change Approvals are required for instream work.
Riparian Areas Protection Regulation
Intended to protect riparian areas from land development in BC. Development is prohibited in designated steamside setback areas.
Breeding Bird Regulations
The Wildlife Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act protect birds, their nests, and their eggs. Bird surveys are necessary before clearing trees or vegetation during the nesting window.
Pileated Woodpecker Nest Cavities
Pileated woodpecker nest cavities are protected year-round by the Migratory Birds Regulation. A permit is required to relocate a nest cavity.
Wildlife Act
Intended to protect wildlife in British Columbia. Permits are required to capture, salvage, and relocate wildlife and fish.
Pesticide Use Regulations
The federal Pest Control Products Act and provincial Integrated Pest Management Act govern the use of pesticides in BC.
Invasive Species Regulations
The BC Weed Control Act requires that property owners remove all designated noxious weeds from their property.
Fisheries Act
Intended to protect fish and fish habitat in Canadian waters. Regulatory review is required for work near water.
Water Sustainability Act
Inteded to protect watercourses in BC. Notifications or Change Approvals are required for instream work.
Riparian Areas Protection Regulation
Intended to protect riparian areas from land development in BC. Development is prohibited in designated steamside setback areas.
Breeding Bird Regulations
The Wildlife Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act protect birds, their nests, and their eggs. Bird surveys are necessary before clearing trees or vegetation during the nesting window.
Pileated Woodpecker Nest Cavities
Pileated woodpecker nest cavities are protected year-round by the Migratory Birds Regulation. A permit is required to relocate a nest cavity.
Wildlife Act
Intended to protect wildlife in British Columbia. Permits are required to capture, salvage, and relocate wildlife and fish.
Pesticide Use Regulations
The federal Pest Control Products Act and provincial Integrated Pest Management Act govern the use of pesticides in BC.
Invasive Species Regulations
The BC Weed Control Act requires that property owners remove all designated noxious weeds from their property.
Fisheries Act
Intended to protect fish and fish habitat in Canadian waters. Regulatory review is required for work near water.