The changing role of local government in environmental management -- A British Columbia case study

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:197572

Kotyk, M S ^[1]; Wolfe, L D.S. ^[2]; Huestis, L B ^[3]

---

1. District of North Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
2. Quadra Planning Consultants, Ltd., West Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
3. Swinton and Co., Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)

The development of environmental management strategies have increased in complexity and scope in recent years. From the introduction of the first piece of environmental legislation in the 1950`s through to the 1990`s, the authors have seen the introduction of numerous new regulatory schemes and major policy guidelines. One of the common themes in the more recent regulatory schemes is the need to eliminate duplication and overlap in the delivery of regulatory programs by government agencies. With the increasing requirement to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of these environmental strategies, nations, provinces, and communities have sought ways to develop partnerships and harmonize the implementation of these programs. International agreements signed in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, inter-Provincial agreements signed by the Committee of Canadian Ministers of the Environment in 1992, and Protocol agreements signed between the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks and the Union of B.C. Municipalities signed in 1993 have resulted in local government having an increased role in the management and/or responsibility for environmental stewardship. Although local governments and Regional Districts are frequently seen to be managers of land, they are often ill equipped, unwilling, or without the legislative mandate to assume this increased environmental responsibility, thereby jeopardizing the thrust of harmonization and partnerships. An overview of the trends in the various levels of environmental legislation with emphasis on British Columbia are presented, along with various tools which have been adopted, and the limitations indicated, by 25 cities and municipalities in the Vancouver, Lower Mainland area. Suggestions to overcome these obstacle to local government involvement are provided.

• OSTI ID: 197572
• Report Number(s): CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
BRITISH COLUMBIA
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS