Public hearings are an important part of any local government’s process, but they’ve been unable to happen since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

However, the Government of BC is now supporting local governments by giving them the ability to hold public hearings electronically.

The Province is doing so by repealing and replacing Ministerial Order M083 under the Emergency Program Act to expand the authorities given to these municipalities.

“Construction and development activities are expected to be a key part of B.C.'s recovery efforts – and building housing, in particular, affordable housing, will contribute to our goal to provide affordable housing for all British Columbians,” said Selena Robinson, minister of municipal affairs.

“Amending this order will allow local governments to continue their work on land-use decision-making and keep building their communities for the people they serve."

Local governments will now be able to continue making important decisions for their communities during the pandemic, which includes holding public hearings electronically.

This will help encourage public participation for certain development applications and other decisions, avoiding any delays that could result in cost increases or cancelled projects.

It’ll be up to each municipality to determine what electronic method works best and it’s expected that local governments provide information on how people can participate in these hearings.