Series GR-3647 - Land use planning and management records

Title and statement of responsibility area

Title proper

Land use planning and management records

General material designation

  • textual record
  • cartographic material
  • graphic material

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  • Source of title proper: Title based on contents of the series

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Series

Reference code

GR-3647

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Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)

Dates of creation area

Date(s)

  • 1950 - 2014 (Creation)

Physical description area

Physical description

53.54 m of textual records, maps and photographs

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Archival description area

Name of creator

(1993-1996)

Biographical history

In 1993, all functions of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing relating to recreation and housing were transferred to the newly established Ministry of Housing, Recreation and Consumer Services (OIC 1216/93). With this change, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. In 1996, the functions relating to housing were transferred back which led to the ministry being renamed as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 205/96).

Name of creator

(1934-1976)

Biographical history

The Dept. of Municipal Affairs was established in 1934 with the enactment of the Department of Municipal Affairs Act (SBC 1934, c. 52). Prior to that, municipal matters had been administered by a municipal branch of the Dept. of the Attorney-General.

The Dept. of Municipal Affairs was responsible for administration, review and processing of by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluation of administrative practices and procedures, including financial management, of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts.

In 1976, the mandate and functions of the Dept. of Housing and the Dept. of Municipal Affairs were merged and the department was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 3199/76).

Name of creator

(1976-1978)

Biographical history

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing was established in 1976 as the successor to the Dept. of Municipal Affairs and the Dept. of Housing (OIC 3199/76). The ministry was organized into a Municipal Affairs Section and a Housing Section with each section headed by a Deputy Minister. The purpose of the Municipal Affairs Section was to administer, review and process by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluate administrative practices and procedures, including financial management of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts. The purpose of the Housing Section was to supervise, acquire, develop, maintain, improve and dispose of housing in the Province; and encourage the creation and support of assisted housing through government grants to municipalities and other organizations.

In 1978, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the housing function was transferred to the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing (OIC 3018/78).

Name of creator

(1978-1986)

Biographical history

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs was established in 1978 as the successor to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 3018/78). The ministry was responsible for administration, review and processing of by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluation of administrative practices and procedures, including financial management, of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts. The Transit Services Division provided transit management services and administered the Transit Services Demand and Supply Programs. It also administered the Islands Trust. Following a government-wide restructuring in August 1986, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs became known as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Transit (OIC 1499/86).

Name of creator

(1986)

Biographical history

Following a government-wide restructuring in August 1986, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs became known as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Transit (OIC 1499/86). A few months later, in November 1986, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 1904/86).

Name of creator

(1986-1988)

Biographical history

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs was established in 1934 under its first name, the Dept. of Municipal Affairs, with the enactment of the Department of Municipal Affairs Act (SBC 1934, c. 52). Prior to that, municipal matters had been administered by a municipal branch of the Dept. of the Attorney-General.

The Dept. of Municipal Affairs was responsible for administration, review and processing of by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluation of administrative practices and procedures, including financial management, of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts.

In 1976, the mandate and functions of the Dept. of Housing and the Dept. of Municipal Affairs were merged and the department was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 3199/76). Shortly thereafter, it was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 3018/78) when the housing function was transferred to the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing. The remaining functions included administrative services, financial management, and planning services to municipalities, regional and improvement districts. Transit Services Division provided transit management services and administered the Transit Services Demand and Supply Programs. It also administered the Islands Trust. Following a government-wide restructuring in August 1986, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs became known as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Transit (OIC 1499/86). A few months later, in November 1986, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 1904/86).

In 1988, all functions relating to culture, recreation and historic resources of the Ministry of Tourism, Recreation and Culture, were transferred to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. As a result of these changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture (OIC 1310/88).

Name of creator

(1988-1991)

Biographical history

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs was established in 1934 under its first name, the Dept. of Municipal Affairs, with the enactment of the Department of Municipal Affairs Act (SBC 1934, c. 52). Prior to that, municipal matters had been administered by a municipal branch of the Dept. of the Attorney-General.

The Dept. of Municipal Affairs was responsible for administration, review and processing of by-laws relative to municipalities, regional districts, and improvement districts; evaluation of administrative practices and procedures, including financial management, of local governments; special programs respecting building regulations; and regional planning processes for municipalities and regional districts.

In 1976, the mandate and functions of the Dept. of Housing and the Dept. of Municipal Affairs were merged and the department was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 3199/76). Shortly thereafter, it was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 3018/78) when the housing function was transferred to the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing. The remaining functions included administrative services, financial management, and planning services to municipalities, regional and improvement districts. Transit Services Division provided transit management services and administered the Transit Services Demand and Supply Programs. It also administered the Islands Trust. Following a government-wide restructuring in August 1986, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs became known as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Transit (OIC 1499/86). A few months later, in November 1986, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 1904/86).

In 1988, all functions relating to culture, recreation and historic resources of the Ministry of Tourism, Recreation and Culture, were transferred to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. As a result of these changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture (OIC 1310/88).

In 1991, all functions relating to culture were transferred from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture to the Ministry of Tourism (OIC 1375/91). At the same time, the housing functions of the Ministry of Social Services and Housing were transferred and merged with the functions relating to municipal affairs (OIC 1376/91). As a result of these changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture became the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing.

Name of creator

(1991-1993)

Biographical history

In 1991, all functions relating to culture were transferred from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture to the Ministry of Tourism (OIC 1375/91). At the same time, the housing functions of the Ministry of Social Services and Housing were transferred and merged with the functions relating to municipal affairs (OIC 1376/91). As a result of these changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture became the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing.

In 1993, all functions relating to recreation and housing were transferred to the newly established Ministry of Housing, Recreation and Consumer Services (OIC 1216/93). With this change, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

Name of creator

(1998-2001)

Biographical history

In 1998, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 177/98). In 2001, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed as the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services (OIC 565/01). Functions from the following disestablished ministries were also added: Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs; Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism; Ministry of Women's Equality; Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture; and Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers.

Name of creator

(1996-1998)

Biographical history

In 1996, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing when the functions relating to housing were transferred back to it when the Ministry of Housing, Recreation and Consumer Services was disestablished (OIC 205/96). In 1998, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (OIC 177/98).

Name of creator

(2001-2005)

Biographical history

In 2001 the Ministry of Municipal Affairs was renamed the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services (OIC 565/2001). Functions from the following disestablished ministries were also added: Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs; Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism; Ministry of Women's Equality; Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture; and Ministry of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers.

In 2005, the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services was renamed the Ministry of Community Services, and functions related to Aboriginal Affairs were transferred to the newly created Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (OIC 450/2005).

Name of creator

(2005-2008)

Biographical history

The Ministry of Community Services was formed in 2005 to replace the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services (OIC 450/2008). The new ministry was responsible for all of the functions of the former ministry with the exception of the functions relating to First Nations and Treaty Negotiations which were transferred to the newly created Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. The mandate of the Ministry of Community Services was to promote livable and sustainable communities. It did this by collaborating with First Nations, municipalities, regional districts, in accordance with the Community Charter and Local Government Act; providing advice and resources to local governments to plan for sustainable development and to address for social issues; work with groups to address women's and seniors issues. The Ministry of Community Services was replaced in 2008 by the Ministry of Community Development (OIC 430/2008).

Name of creator

(2008-2009)

Biographical history

The Ministry of Community Development was established in 2008 (OIC 430/2008). The new ministry brought together most of the functions from the previous Ministry of Community Services. In 2009 it was renamed the Ministry of Community and Rural Development (OIC 281/2009).

Name of creator

(2009-2010)

Biographical history

In 2009 the Ministry of Community Development was renamed the Ministry of Community and Rural Development (OIC 281/2009). The new ministry continued with many of the same functions from the previous Ministry of Community Development such as supporting competitive regional and local economies across British Columbia to be sustainable and socially responsible. In 2010 the Ministry of Community and Rural Development was renamed the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development (OIC 652/2010).

Name of creator

(2010-2017)

Biographical history

In 2010 the Ministry of Community and Rural Development was renamed the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development OIC 652/2010). At this time, functions from the disestablished Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport respecting sports and recreation (Sports BC, BC Games Society) and the disestablished Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Arts respecting the BC Film Commission were transferred to the Ministry of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development. The ministry’s purpose was to assist local governments and residents build well-governed, livable, economically resilient, socially responsible, green and healthy communities with opportunities for participation in sport and the arts.

In 2017, the Ministry of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development was renamed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (OIC 213/2017).

Custodial history

Scope and content

The series consists of records regarding the review and approval by the minister of bylaws concerning land use and planning, amendments to official community plans and their related amending bylaws and changes of zoning. These include case files for individual localities, in particular regional districts. The records were used for legal purposes, research and reference.

The records include a coded subseries, known as the "36 series," which documents planning bylaw review and approval, planning grant review and approval, and ministerial authorizations related to land use planning and management bylaws.

Planning bylaw review and approval involves planning bylaws that require ministerial approval (e.g., regional district, the Islands Trust, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler planning bylaws). Planning staff reviewed those bylaws in order to ensure that they did not conflict with provincial government interests.

Record types include correspondence, forms, briefing notes, bylaws, minutes, studies and reports, official community plans and their supporting documents, records regarding local committee meetings (agendas etc.) public hearings and workshops (public posting of notices, minutes from public hearings), responses from referral agencies (comments on bylaws by government agencies), documents regarding rezoning applications, petitions from the public and news clippings. Intermingled in the predominantly textual records are maps and engineering plans and some photographs. Records also include bylaw submission forms submitted with bylaws requiring approval of the minister.

The creator of the records used a coding system that assigned a code to each local government. For example, the regional district codes consisted of the two-digit alphabetic prefix “RD” for regional district followed by the alphanumeric coding system in use in the ministry responsible for municipal affairs at the time. In many cases the files would be labeled in such a way as to abbreviate the code. While the filing systems initially appear to be aimed at an alphabetical order, by locality, that order is often broken. Local government codes used in this record series can be found in Appendix D of the Administrative Records Classification System 1993 Edition. Some of the codes on files are extended with dashes or decimal numbers which represent subject categories.

The records were created by several ministries which carried out the functions and activities of provincial responsibility for local governments; in addition to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (the name used at different times), the creators included: the Department of Municipal Affairs; the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Transit; the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Culture; and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing.

Notes area

Physical condition

Immediate source of acquisition

Transferred from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and predecessors at different times over the years; the most recent transfer was in 2021.

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Availability of other formats

Restrictions on access

These records are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other acts and access may be restricted. Please contact the BC Archives to determine the access status of these records..

Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

Associated materials

Related materials note: Land use planning and management records concerning local government in BC, including official community plans and their amendments, are also located in series GR-3656.

Related materials

Accruals

General note

Accession number(s): 91-1898, 91-7399, 91-8637, 92-0807, 92-0839, 92-5385, 92-6057, 92-8074, 93-1092, 94-6198, 94-6169, 94-8315, 95-6219, 96-0103, 96-1773, 96-1875, 96-1931, 97-2599

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