Major infrastructure projects such as hospitals and post-secondary facilities will be constructed faster as British Columbia looks to speed up permitting and approvals through new legislation, tabled on May 1.

If passed, the infrastructure projects act will also support the work of the ministry of Infrastructure by speeding up approvals for other projects designated as provincially significant, including those delivered by other partners such as Crown corporations, local governments, First Nations, and private proponents.

To be designated as provincially significant, a project would need to create significant economic, social or environmental benefits for people in B.C. and contribute to priorities such as food security, critical mineral supply, replacement of U.S. imports and disaster recovery. Criteria for the designation of projects of provincial significance will be released in the coming weeks.

“At a time of uncertainty caused by Donald Trump’s tariffs, it’s more important than ever that we create more good-paying jobs by delivering the critical infrastructure projects people need – faster,” said Premier David Eby. “We are building a record number of new schools, hospitals and major transportation projects across B.C., but too many others face unnecessary and costly delays.”

The legislation will also:

• • prioritize and accelerate provincial permitting for provincial and other designated projects, including developing a qualified professionals reliance framework;
  • allow an expedited environmental assessment process so designated projects can be reviewed more quickly without compromising B.C.’s high environmental standards;
  • establish a framework for alternative permit authorizations, through an agreement-seeking approach with local governments, to get shovels in the ground faster for provincial and other designated projects;
  • put the authority of the new ministry into law so it can carry out its roles and responsibilities, such as policy development, project planning and prioritization, land acquisition, and procurement for vertical provincial projects; and
  • enable the ministry to work with school districts, health authorities and post-secondary institutions to deliver some projects on their behalf

This will allow government to group multiple projects into a single procurement or allow government to purchase project components for multiple projects at a single time. Working collaboratively with schools, health authorities and post-secondary institutions will help deliver projects are efficiently and cost-effectively.

During the past eight years, the province has embarked on the largest capital plan in its history to build schools, hospitals and student housing for growing communities. “This legislation is the next step forward,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “As we work to deliver projects faster, this gives us the tools to accelerate key projects and help strengthen our province, while maintaining our commitments to advancing reconciliation and protecting the environment.”