Advocacy Update #25 - November 18, 2025

In this issue:

Upcoming CHBA BC Webinar: Understanding the Cowichan Case
CHBA BC Submits Feedback on the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project
CHBA BC Engages on Natural Resource Permitting Improvements
Feedback on the BC Home Energy Planner Tool

Upcoming CHBA BC Webinar: Understanding the Cowichan Case

CHBA BC is hosting a new webinar on December 2 to help members better understand the recent Cowichan Tribes v. Canada court decision and its potential implications for the residential construction industry.

This session will feature Sharon G.K Singh, Partner at McMillan LLP, who will provide a legal overview of the ruling and walk through key elements of the case, along with the historical context behind the decision.

We’ll be sending registration details to members by email soon.

CHBA BC Submits Feedback on the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project

CHBA BC has submitted feedback to the Province as part of the Ministry of Forests’ engagement on the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project (HCATP). Although supportive of the overall intent behind the proposed changes, we emphasized that the current proposals risk creating further uncertainty and added layers of complexity, which could contribute to costly delays.

Our submission raised issues with the lack of meaningful consultation to date, as well as the expanded definition of ‘intangible’ heritage, which requires further clarity. We also highlighted concerns around new requirements without adequate staff or First Nations capacity to implement these changes, such as:

Mandatory archaeological data checks;
Records of engagement; and
Heritage management zones.

CHBA BC will continue to engage with the Province and ensure our members’ perspectives are heard.

Natural Resource Permitting Improvements Engagement

On November 5, CHBA BC participated in an engagement session hosted by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) on proposed changes including expansion of wetland definitions under the Water Sustainability Act, the enforcement of a mitigation hierarchy plan, in-lieu offset payments, and increased reliance on qualified professionals.

CHBA BC is preparing a submission to the Ministry to advocate for further targeted consultation with industry and professional regulators, the development of wetlands delineation mapping, and the clarification of permit application requirements to prevent unnecessary delays for builders, among others. Please direct any comments or questions to mahsa@chbabc.org.

The engagement period is still open until Friday, December 12, 2025 to provide feedback on many topics connected to the proposed changes.

Click here to access the engagement surveys.