The changing role of local government in BC

Discussed below, recent legislative developments such as the passing of the Community Charter in 2003 reflect the growing authority and independence of local government in BC. [...] Changes to the structure and administration of local governance since the 1960s reflect the expanding size and scope of local government. [...] As of 2008, over 87% of the BC population resided in municipalities even though the area encompassed by them comprises less than 2% of provincial lands.10 The emergence of other organizations in the latter twentieth century further reflects the evolution and growing scope of local government in BC. [...] The Ministry of Community and Rural Development currently oversees municipal affairs and the administration of the Local Government Act and Community Charter. [...] In the 1980s, for example, the provincial government cut unconditional grants to municipalities, provoking local calls for reform to the distribution system and greater consultation with local government through the UBCM.24.