Union of BC Municipalities Annual Convention Resolution - Strengthening the Legislation for Alternative Approval Processes

That Council direct Staff to submit the following resolution to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities for consideration at their 2024 Annual General Meeting: “WHEREAS the Alternative Approval Process as a means to obtain approval of the electors as outlined in Section 86 of the Community Charter is lacking clarity as it relates to public notice requirements stated in Section 94.2; AND WHEREAS the document “Alternative Approval Process: A Guide for Local Governments in British Columbia” states that “local governments may choose to allow electors to submit response forms by e- mail or by fax” but provides no clear process or guidelines though noting that these electronic response forms are not covered by provincial legislation; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia amend the legislation in the Community Charter pertaining to Alternative Approval Processes to clarify: 1. how Section 94.2 interacts with Section 86 in terms of publication of the first and second notice; 2. the timing as to whether a local government can receive a completed elector response form before the second publication; and 3. clear requirements for accepting elector response forms electronically including: a. acceptable methods of receipt; b. whether electronic elector response forms require an original copy to be submitted with the original signature; and, c. if electronic elector response forms are received and an original copy is required if the original copy must also be received before the deadline.”