FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2024
Grant Awarded to District of Clearwater for Development Approvals Process Improvement
Clearwater, BC – The District of Clearwater is excited to announce that it has been awarded a grant of $141,752 through the Local Government Development Approvals Program. This funding, part of a provincial initiative to streamline development approvals, will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our development processes.
“We’re leaving no stone unturned in our work to deliver more homes for people, faster,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “The Local Government Development Approvals Program was created so that local governments can improve internal processes and development approvals, speeding up the delivery of homes for people living and working in B.C.”
Administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), the program supports local governments in implementing best practices and developing innovative solutions to accelerate housing delivery.
“This grant funding will help new homes get built faster and more efficiently throughout the province,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Project Overview
The District of Clearwater will embark on a comprehensive four-phase project to review and enhance its development approvals process. This project aims to address key challenges and streamline procedures to promote sustainable growth. The four phases are:
- Project Initiation and Background Review: This phase involves finalizing a work plan and conducting a thorough review of existing bylaws, policies, and procedures.
- Community Engagement and Outreach: Surveys and interviews with applicants, staff, and stakeholders will gather valuable insights to inform the development of recommendations.
- Delivery of Recommendations: Based on gathered data, the District will create a comprehensive list of recommendations focused on process improvement, customer service, and policy updates.
- Implementation, Reporting and Tracking: The final phase will turn recommendations into actionable steps, ensuring effective implementation and continuous improvement.
Expected Outcomes
The project is expected to deliver several positive outcomes, including:
- Reduced application timelines
- Increased applicant satisfaction
- Enhanced internal collaboration
- Greater public understanding of the development process
- Improved clarity on infrastructure servicing requirements
“Local governments throughout B.C. have been implementing changes to streamline development-approvals processes to address community building goals,” said Trish Mandewo, president of UBCM. “This funding will help catalyze that work and support local governments as they implement best practices related to permit approvals, inspections, and more.”
Commitment to Community Growth
The District of Clearwater is committed to fostering a development-friendly environment that supports both small and large-scale projects. This grant will enable the District to update its development policies and procedures, ensuring they align with the community’s needs and promote efficient growth.
For more information about the Development Approvals Process Review and the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis, visit UBCM and StrongerBC.
-30-
Contact:
District of Clearwater
Project Lead: Jason Johnson | Interim CAO
250-674-2257