The Union of BC Municipalities Wants to See the Coastal Marine Strategy Legislated

On December 3, 2025, the Union of BC Municipalities Executive Council endorsed Resolution NR69: Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy (pg. 168-169).

Originally championed by the District of Saanich and the City of Langford, and unanimously supported at the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities convention in the spring, this resolution calls on the Province to adopt legislation to ensure BC’s first Coastal Marine Strategy, released in July 2024, is given legal teeth.

Developed in collaboration with coastal First Nations and informed by a wide range of stakeholders’ input throughout the process, from fisheries, aquaculture, recreation, conservation and shipping, the BC Coastal Marine Strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to protect and revitalize coastal communities and economies. The strategy lays out decisive actions to address marine pollution, restore nearshore habitats, build resilience to climate change, and support Indigenous coastal management.

“This is a strong endorsement by BC’s local governments. Coastal communities are feeling the impacts of climate change now and costs of response and recovery are rising. The Coastal Marine Strategy offers real and smart solutions to coastal climate impacts to protect shorelines from erosion, storm surges, and flooding. It’s also a step forward on food security, reconciliation, economic resilience and more.” – Councillor Mary Wagner, City of Langford 

The release of BC’s first Coastal Marine Strategy in July 2024 was a significant accomplishment, but a glaring functional gap already exists: the strategy does not have an accompanying legislative framework to ensure its implementation and accountability over time. 

“The BC Coastal Marine Strategy has a 20-year horizon, so we will see several governments come and go during its lifespan. Legislation is key to ensuring there is accountability, and that this critical policy does not just get put on a shelf and ignored. The strategy was developed through a truly collaborative process and has a broad base of support, and the product of that important work must be seen through.” – Erin Gray, Staff Lawyer at West Coast Environmental Law

“BC’s coast is one of the most ecologically rich and diverse marine environments in the world, but it is also under growing pressure from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. The BC Coastal Marine Strategy is an opportunity to chart a different course, and legislation is critical to make sure this opportunity leads to lasting protection.” – Natalie Groulx, Acting Conservation Director, Ocean Program at CPAWS-BC

The BC coast is a lifeline for those who live, work, and visit. Across the province, ocean-based activities contribute $21 billion annually and directly employ 131,000 people full-time.¹ This includes the recreation, transportation, seafood and technology sectors, among others. In addition, our coastline hosts critical national defense and emergency response infrastructure.

“Protecting the coast means safeguarding the ecosystems upon which all of us depend. The BC Coastal Marine Strategy recognizes that a thriving environment is the foundation for resilient local economies and food security at a time when these are needed more than ever. BC’s local governments have now sent a powerful message: ecological stewardship and community well-being go hand in hand, and we want the Coastal Marine Strategy enshrined into law.” – Councillor Teale Phelps Bondaroff, District of Saanich

With the endorsement of this resolution, attention now turns to the Province’s response, and next steps in ensuring the BC Coastal Marine Strategy has the legislative tools it needs to succeed. 

Photo: Alicia Elgert

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¹ _{Big River Analytics Ltd. (2021). Economic Contribution Analysis: For the Economic Contribution of the Oceans Sector in Coastal BC. Unpublished and prepared privately for the governments of British Columbia and Canada.}