Letter from Tara Faganello, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs

May 23, 2025 Reference: 186635

Mayor Sid Tobias and Members of Council Town of View Royal Email: mayortobias@viewroyal.ca

Dear Mayor Tobias and Councillors:

The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs (Ministry) is considering potential legislative amendments to expand the circumstances in which local government council meetings can be closed to the public to include some circumstances specific to Local Government-First Nation relations.

The proposed amendments are intended to support local governments in building relationships with First Nations, fostering government-to-government relationships and advancing reconciliation. Please see the attached document for an overview of the proposed legislative amendments to the Community Charter. Similar amendments are also being considered for the Vancouver Charter.

We are seeking your feedback regarding the proposed amendments. I invite you to attend one of the information webinars hosted by Ministry staff, with support from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), taking place over the month of June. Further information and exact dates are available in UBCM’s The Compass newsletter from May 21, 2025. Details are also available at: www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/latest-news/input-requested-proposed-changes-closed-council-and-board-meetings.

Written feedback can also be provided in response to this letter. If you or your staff wish to directly comment on the proposed amendments, please provide your feedback to Policy, Research and Legislation Branch staff by email (LG.PRL@gov.bc.ca) within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Tara Faganello Assistant Deputy Minister Local Government Division Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs

Attachment: Overview of Closed Meeting Provisions and Proposed Amendments

CC: ssommerville@viewroyal.ca