SLRD Board adopts bylaw amendments to improve development application processes and advance reconciliation

Pemberton, BC – The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Board has adopted amendments to its Development Approval Information, Fees and Notification Procedures (DAIFN) Bylaw that advance the organization’s Truth and Reconciliation commitments while improving efficiency, clarity and administration of development application processes.

The changes support two key SLRD strategic priorities: Truth, Reconciliation and Relationships and Responsible Governance and Service Excellence.

The amendments to Development Approval Information, Fees and Notification Procedures Bylaw No. 1936-2025 were developed through the SLRD's ongoing work to implement commitments outlined in the SLRD's Indigenous Relations, Truth and Reconciliation Guide, while also improving organizational processes and reducing administrative barriers where possible. The Guide commits the SLRD to reviewing and updating policies, bylaws and procedures to better reflect Indigenous perspectives and strengthen relationships with First Nations throughout the region.

Following first and second reading in June 2026, the proposed amendments were referred to all First Nations within whose core traditional territories the SLRD operates. Feedback received through the referral process helped strengthen the final bylaw and informed revisions ultimately adopted by the Board.

Bylaw No. 1969-2026, cited as “Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Development Approval Information, Fees and Notification Procedures Bylaw No. 1936-2025, Amendment Bylaw No. 1969-2026”, was adopted at the SLRD’s October Board meeting.

"This bylaw is a strong example of how we can advance multiple priorities through the same piece of work," said presiding Chair Jenna Stoner. "As we reviewed our development application processes to improve clarity, consistency and service delivery, we also took the opportunity to implement commitments from our Truth and Reconciliation Guide. The result is a stronger bylaw that improves how we serve applicants while also strengthening relationships with First Nations and supporting reconciliation in practice."

The amendments include updated definitions developed in response to First Nations feedback, enhanced clarity around requirements related to archaeological information and compliance with the Heritage Conservation Act, and development application fee exemptions for eligible First Nations affordable housing and traditional cultural activity projects on fee simple lands. Together, these changes support the Guide's objective of aligning SLRD processes and documents with regional First Nations knowledge and perspectives.

The updated bylaw also includes several administrative improvements intended to support efficient and consistent service delivery. These include greater clarity around permit expiry timelines, the introduction of cost recovery agreements for complex applications requiring specialized technical review, and clearer requirements related to archaeological assessments early in the development process. These changes provide better certainty for applicants, improve processing efficiency and help identify potential issues earlier in the review process.

"The consultation process reinforced the value of working directly with First Nations when reviewing our policies and procedures," added Stoner. "The feedback we received strengthened the bylaw and helped ensure the final amendments are more effective, more transparent and better aligned with the communities we serve."

Key changes support both reconciliation objectives and continuous improvement of development application processes, including:

• Updated definitions of “First Nations” and “Traditional Cultural Activity” based on First Nations feedback.
• Enhanced clarity around requirements related to archaeological information reports and Heritage Conservation Act compliance.
• New authority to provide up to 100 per cent development application fee exemptions for eligible First Nations affordable housing and traditional cultural activity projects.
• Greater clarity regarding development approval and permit expiry timelines.
• New provisions enabling cost recovery agreements for complex development applications requiring specialized technical review.
• Administrative updates to improve interpretation, consistency, and efficiency.