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Welcome to the project page for the Blasting Bylaw Update. This page provides information, resources, and updates about the project.
Where we are today
Nov. 2024 - Thank you for your interest in the Blasting Regulations review. The consultation on blasting closed October 28 and staff are finalizing answers to the last series of questions submitted.
The next step is to summarize comments received and prepare a report for Council with a public input summary and any changes to the proposed blasting regulation update. The tentative timing for this report is early 2025, subject to staff and consultant availability. Further updates will be posted here.
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
Nov. 2024 - Thank you for your interest in the Blasting Regulations review. The consultation on blasting closed October 28 and staff are finalizing answers to the last series of questions submitted.
The next step is to summarize comments received and prepare a report for Council with a public input summary and any changes to the proposed blasting regulation update. The tentative timing for this report is early 2025, subject to staff and consultant availability. Further updates will be posted here.
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.
Page last updated: 12 Nov 2024, 11:10 AM
Progress
July 2020
Blasting Regulations Update has finished this stage
Council received an overview of the jurisdictional responsibilities for blasting and how blasting activity is managed through hours of operation tied to the building permit. Council requested a further assessment and recommendations for short-term amendments to the blasting regulation and longer-term changes to the noise bylaw for rock blasting and hoe ramming.
June 2023
Blasting Regulations Update has finished this stage
Council received an update on the work undertaken by staff to improve blasting and hoe ramming rules in Oak Bay. Council provided direction on the level of additional consultation desired.
March 2024
Blasting Regulations Update has finished this stage
The most recent discussion at Council benefitted from more detailed resident inputs in addition to feedback from contractors and information from blasters.
September/October 2024
Blasting Regulations Update has finished this stage
Consultation with the community, including question and answers provided by staff through Connect Oak Bay.
Early 2025
Blasting Regulations Update is currently at this stage
Council consideration of consultation summary and regulation changes.
