Background

In response to resident concerns, Council directed updates to the District’s blasting regulations in 2020. Currently, Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 4247 contains blasting permit requirements.

Residents’ concerns have been documented and reviewed as the first part of this bylaw review and update. Following direction from Council in June of 2023, further research and consultation with residents, blasters, and contractors was conducted. Council received an update report on March 18, 2024, summarizing five key themes: policy alignment, noise, property, safety, and communication. At that meeting, Council asked for additional opportunity for public input.

Currently, proposed changes include introducing regulations for rock breaking and blasting, limits on the amounts and timing of rock removal, increased communication and neighbour notification and a change in the permit fee structure.

Welcome to the project page for the Blasting Bylaw Update. This page provides information, resources, and updates about the project.

Where we are today

July 21, 2025 – Council directed staff to prepare the necessary bylaw amendments for the proposed blasting regulation. They also referred the bylaws, once available, to the Heritage Commission and Advisory Planning Commission for their advice. Once completed the bylaws will return with advisory advice to a Council meeting this fall.

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