POWELL RIVER – New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons is glad to see that municipal control will be granted to the City of Powell River over lands they own near the mill site.

“This amendment will allow the local government to continue delivering for the people of Powell River,” said MLA Simons. “This is a great example of local governments and First Nations working together toward a common goal, and I’m glad that our New Democrat government is able to support their work and partnership.”

The City of Powell River was incorporated in 1955 under specific provincial legislation – the Powell River Incorporation Act – which set out restrictions on municipal regulation of the mill site. These provisions protected the operations of the pulp mill at the time of incorporation, but reduction in activity of the mill and transfer of mill lots to the city have made these restrictions a constraint on economic development of those lots, which are now owned by the city.

The City of Powell River approached the province to remove these restrictions specific to the municipality after discussions between them, the ministry, and the Tla’amin Nation, which supported the municipality’s request. This morning, Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, tabled Bill 26 to remove the restrictions and free up the space for the municipality to develop the land for the community.

The legislation allows for changes to the Powell River Incorporation Act to be made through regulation. For the changes to take effect, Cabinet must approve the change. This will expedite future changes to the city’s boundaries near the mill, ensuring that legislation is no longer required.

Bill 26 also dissolves the contentious Mountain Resort Municipality of Jumbo Glacier and makes changes to support all municipalities in the province in rezoning for residential areas to more efficiently to alleviate the housing crisis.