Current News Releases

1. New Vision Connects Rural B.C. to a Stronger Future
   Another key focus of the new vision is enhancing people’s access to quality health care when they need it. An initial investment of $20 million to enhance medical-travel supports provided by the Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air will support more people in rural and remote areas who need to travel for cancer care.
   September 22, 2023
2. New Funding Supports Local Governments with Housing Initiatives
   A new provincial funding commitment of $61 million will support local governments building capacity to meet new housing-density initiatives, including the implementation of anticipated changes to development approval processes, planning and zoning, such as small-scale multi-unit housing.
   September 22, 2023
3. Province Provides Support to Strengthen Local Fire Departments
   Most communities in B.C. rely on volunteer firefighters to protect people, homes and businesses when a fire breaks out. The Province is helping boost the capacity of firefighters by providing access to enhanced training opportunities and more equipment.
   September 22, 2023
4. Coquitlam’s Project Greenlight Launches Tech Pilot Project
   A two-year City pilot project launched this month will deliver user-friendly, actionable data on Coquitlam park use, vehicle crash sites and economic development.
   September 22, 2023
5. City of Kelowna Awarded at UBCM for ‘Chipping In’ on Fire Mitigation
   The City of Kelowna has offered free curbside removal and chipping of flammable plant and shrub materials for the past two years to reduce risk from wildfire on private properties in Kelowna.
   September 21, 2023
6. B.C. Moves to Increase Housing Supply, Deliver More Homes Faster
   The first action focuses on speeding up the permitting process through the launch of a one-stop shop that eliminates the need for multiple permitting applications across different ministries.
   September 18, 2023
7. Fort St. John Celebrates Opening of New RCMP Detachment
   Replacing the aging 35-year-old detachment, the newly constructed $51.4 million RCMP Detachment boasts a contemporary design, featuring innovative mass timber construction and a 145-kilowatt photovoltaic system. It is anticipated that the detachment will outperform traditional builds by consuming over 80 percent less energy, equating to annual savings exceeding $60,000.
   September 18, 2023
8. District of Houston Celebrates Canfor's Investment Decision to Build a New State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility
   In collaboration with Canfor, Houston has also been working to ensure that local conditions align with investment objectives and offer certainty in development processes.
   September 15, 2023
9. Vancouver Reforms Single Family Neighbourhoods
   These changes directly align with Vancouver Plan direction, including the goal of creating more complete and connected neighbourhoods with more housing choice. They also align with the Province’s Homes for People plan, which encourages construction of small-scale, multi-unit homes through zoning changes, more housing for middle-income households, and streamlined permitting processes.
   September 15, 2023
10. B.C. Secures Measures to Ensure Families Feel Safe Accessing Public Spaces
    Effective Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, possession of illicit drugs within 15 metres of any play structure in a playground, a spray or wading pool, or a skate park will be prohibited.
    September 14, 2023