The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is taking this opportunity to express our position on Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act (2025). While we recognize and support the government’s goal of accelerating the approval and development of large-scale projects to increase economic output given the ongoing tariffs with the U.S. Administration, we are unable to support the legislation in its current form.
Our concerns lie primarily in three areas:
1. Vague Language and Broad Discretion
The current draft of Bill 15 contains unclear definitions and open-ended powers, particularly in the criteria used to designate a project as “provincially significant.” This lack of clarity may lead to inconsistent application and erodes public trust in land-use decision-making processes. More detail and accountability are needed to ensure the act is used for its intended purpose and not as a blanket override tool.
2. Erosion of Indigenous and Local Government Authority
The Chamber is particularly concerned about provisions that would allow the provincial government to circumvent the rights of Indigenous communities and the authority of local governments in land-use planning. Reconciliation and strong local governance are cornerstones of sustainable and inclusive economic development. This bill, as currently written, undermines both.
3. Need for Parallel Red Tape Reduction
While we agree that infrastructure projects must move forward more efficiently, we urge the province to tackle the root causes of permitting delays by reviewing and removing unnecessary red tape and administrative bottlenecks. Streamlining existing processes—not bypassing consultation and oversight—is a more balanced and sustainable approach.
Considering these concerns, we recommend that Bill 15 be revised to include:
• Clear definitions and constraints on when and how the Act may be invoked.
• Strong protections for Indigenous rights and meaningful consultation requirements.
• A collaborative framework that respects local land-use authority.
• Parallel commitments to reduce regulatory and permitting inefficiencies.
The business community in Penticton is aligned with the provincial vision of building stronger, more connected communities. However, this vision must be pursued in a way that maintains the integrity of democratic institutions, respects Indigenous sovereignty, and builds confidence through transparency and accountability.
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Economic Development and Trade, Energy, Environment, Finances and Budgets, Forestry, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Industry, Infrastructure, Internal Trade, International Trade, Land Claims, Mining, Municipal Affairs, Small Business, Tourism
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