Read Site Alteration Bylaw No. 568, 2022
Site Alteration on Bowen Island: what do you think?
Do you own property on Bowen Island and plan to do any blasting or other land clearing? Are you thinking about purchasing property to develop? We want to know what you think about a new bylaw to regulate site alteration across Bowen Island – specifically the removal or deposit of soil and the clearing of land.
We’re starting work on a new Site Alteration Bylaw that would establish different levels of permits required for site alteration, with escalating permit fees and application requirements based on the extent of site alteration proposed. The bylaw would also exempt site alteration activities below a set threshold.
Background
Bowen Island Municipality’s 2010 Official Community Plan contained policies to ensure that development does not result in harmful outcomes such as erosion or soil instability. Council has made it a priority to develop a Site Alteration Bylaw that would regulate development that alters a site.
The Municipality recently received a report from a University of British Columbia Sustainability Scholar, identifying best practices for a Site Alteration Bylaw. It also recommends permit “triggers,” process, and requirements. This report, along with staff recommendations, was presented to Council at the February 28, 2022 Council Meeting.
Staff have prepared a draft Site Alteration Bylaw based on that report, and Council direction, and presented the bylaw at the April 25th Council Meeting. The proposed bylaw would prohibit any site alteration or creating exposed soil on Bowen Island without a permit. Bylaw would then establish different levels of permits required for site alteration, with escalating permit fees and application requirements based on the extent of site alteration proposed.
Staff are actively seeking input from the public now, to help shape the bylaw to best suit the needs of Bowen Islanders.
Have your Say!
This is your chance to get involved in the development of new regulations on site alteration that may affect you, your neighbours and future developers. We’re holding public open houses in May so you can get all of the information about the proposed regulations, ask questions, and provide your feedback. Your input helps us form fair and reasonable policies that recognize the rights and responsibilities of property owners while protecting the natural environment.
Virtual Public Open House
Online via Zoom
2:30pm – 4:30pm
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
In Person Public Open House
Municipal Hall
2:00 pm – 5:00pm
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Take the survey
Participate in the development of the bylaw by taking this online survey. We recommend you read all of the information on this page, and then take the survey by June 20, 2022. Paper copies available at Municipal Hall.
Open house displays
Click to view the images below, or download a pdf
Open House Presentation
Site Alteration Open House presentation May 25, 2022
Reports
Staff Report – Proposed Site Alteration Bylaw April 25, 2022 Council Meeting
Staff Report February 28, 2022 Council Meeting
Staff Report – Site Alteration Bylaw Work Plan, September 28 2021 Council Meeting
Staff Report – Site Alteration Bylaw overview – February 3, 2020 Council Meeting
Questions?
Please contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning & Development at 604-947-4255 ext. 230 or dmartin@bimbc.ca