Author | Lightnews

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 6d

The current path for building an energy transmission line across a highway is a long, involved and complex process involving multiple entities. The province is proposing changes to streamline the process and remove administrative burden. (2/3)

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 6d

We are working hard to make sure that natural resource permitting works for everyone, and between now and December 12th we are collecting public feedback on 10 proposed changes to remove delays, simplify processes and eliminate duplication. (1/3)

Natural Resource Permitting Improvements - govTogetherBC

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 7d

—does not specifically define who is considered a QP in wetlands management.

Clarifying the definition in the WSA will speed up the process for everyone.

If you have feedback, we’d love to hear from you: engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherb... (3/3)

Engagement is open until December 12, 2025 On this page: Overview Introduction Get Involved Topics closed October 17, 2025 Topics open until December 12, 2025 open 16 topics are open for public feedba...

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 7d

In B.C., people rely on Qualified Professionals (QP) to help prepare complex applications in permitting. Almost all of these QPs are accredited by an organization that represents and advocates for people working in the field, but currently, the Water Sustainability Act (WSA)— (2/3)

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 7d

We are working hard to make sure that natural resource permitting works for everyone, and between now and December 12th we are collecting public feedback on 10 proposed changes to remove delays, simplify processes and eliminate duplication. (1/3)

Engagement is open until December 12, 2025 On this page: Overview Introduction Get Involved Topics closed October 17, 2025 Topics open until December 12, 2025 open 16 topics are open for public…

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 10d

This document is still in a draft stage, and we’d love your feedback. Take a look at the manual and then the survey to let us know what you think: (3/3) engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherb...

govTogetherBC

Engagement is open until December 12, 2025 On this page: Overview Introduction Get Involved Topics closed October 17, 2025 Topics open until December 12, 2025 open 16 topics are open for public…

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Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 10d

In September of this year, the Province published the B.C. Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual, a draft support document to lend guidance and clarification for qualified professionals and interested parties on B.C.’s unique environment. (2/3)

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Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 10d

We are working hard to make sure that natural resource permitting works for everyone, and between now and December 12th we are collecting public feedback on 10 proposed changes to remove delays, simplify processes and eliminate duplication. (1/3)

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Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 10d

Bats are an irreplaceable part of our ecosystem that we need to appreciate and protect. #BatWeek

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Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 10d

It’s Bat Week in B.C.!

There are 16 different kinds of bats here. They are the only mammal in the world capable of true flight and they can fly as fast as 160 km/hour. And they help us all by eating as many as 3,000 mosquitoes and other insects in one night.

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Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 11d

But what should the province consider to make sure offset payments lead to the best outcome? Are there times when offset payments are not appropriate?

This is an important discussion and we’d love your feedback:

engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherb...

govTogetherBC

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 11d

A framework used around the world to avoid impacts, minimize impacts if they cannot be avoided, restore values on-site, and offset impacts as an absolute last resort.

An offset payment is a subset, or one type of offset. (2/3)

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 11d

We want to hear from you on proposed changes to natural resource permitting to remove delays, simplify processes and eliminate duplication.

When applications come through for something as important as affordable housing, for example, B.C. uses the Mitigation Hierarchy (MH), (1/3)

Provincial Land Use Planning

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 11d

Learn more about this project and provide your feedback:
planninginpartnership.ca/p/66677e6d6b... (6/6)

Get involved and learn about land use planning projects in B.C.

planninginpartnership.ca

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 11d

The latest public comment period is still open until Oct. 27, 2025. This is the second public survey for this project. We thank everyone who participated in the first round of engagement, which was open from June 3 to Aug. 8, 2025. (5/6)

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 11d

The goal of land use planning is to develop a common understanding and agreement on land use and management to protect and restore culturally and ecologically important landscapes and waterways, while also supporting the local economy. In the meantime, we want to hear from you! (4/6)

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 11d

In November, we are engaging with local groups focused on recreation and tourism, mining and exploration, and conservation and the environment. (3/6)

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 11d

We want our natural resources to support good, sustainable jobs, advance reconciliation with First Nations, and protect areas of natural beauty for everyone to enjoy. (2/6)

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 11d

The Province is working to build a prosperous and predictable future with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, industry, outdoor groups and the public through land use planning in the Taku Watershed. (1/6)

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Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 12d

Seeing an employee-owned, B.C.-based business made up with so many people who clearly love their work was an incredible reminder of what makes our Province so unique and special.

Natural Resource Permitting Improvements - govTogetherBC

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 12d

It’s one of the reasons B.C. has invested in mapping the entire province and putting it online for free.

The Terra Remote team is doing incredible work around the world — on the land and the seabed.

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Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 12d

It was great to meet with Terra Remote Sensing for a tour of their facility in North Saanich.

LiDAR (light detection and ranging) is a game-changer for government when planning for future opportunities and evaluating potential risks.

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Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 12d

The province is exploring whether and how to strengthen the MH under the water sustainability act. (4/4)

Learn more and give us your feedback: engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherb...

Engagement is open until December 12, 2025 On this page: Overview Introduction Get Involved Topics closed October 17, 2025 Topics open until December 12, 2025 open 16 topics are open for public feedba...

Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social · 12d

When applications come through for something as important as affordable housing, for example, we use the Mitigation Hierarchy (MH), a framework used around the world to avoid impacts, minimize impacts if they cannot be avoided, restore values onsite and offset impacts as an absolute last resort(3/4)