AMEBC submits recommendations re: changes to Mineral Tenure Act Regulation
The AMEBC recently submitted to the Ministry of Forest, Mines and Land a letter outlining a number of recommendations regarding the government's proposed changes to the Mineral Tenure Act Regulation. See the letter and recommendations as posted by the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia.

Foreign investment review in Canada after Potash deal collapses
New guidance is expected from the federal government following BHP Billiton's withdrawal on November 14, 2010 of its offer to acquire Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

The offer, which was announced on August 18, 2010, was conditional upon, among other things, receipt of regulatory approval under the Investment Canada Act. BHP Billiton received an interim decision from the Minister of Industry on November 3, 2010, indicating that, at that time, the Minister was not satisfied that the proposed transaction was "likely to be of net benefit to Canada" – the statutory test for approval under the Investment Canada Act. See the full article as posted by the Competition, Antitrust & Foreign Investment Group at Blakes.

B.C. Hydro to invest in Harmac Pulp Mill upgrade
Nanaimo's Harmac pulp mill will receive another infusion of capital that will see huge energy and cost savings at the Duke Point facility. B.C. Hydro will contribute toward a $1.1-million project to modernize Harmac's vacuum pump system. The amount of the Crown corporation's investment is expected to cover at least half the cost of the project. See the full story as posted by the Nanaimo Daily News.

City of Surrey adopts Wood First policy
The City of Surrey has become the first city in Metro Vancouver and the largest centre in British Columbia to adopt a Wood First policy, which demonstrates the City's commitment to consider using wood in all new City-funded capital projects.

The Wood First policy encourages the use of wood as a building material in the construction of City-funded capital projects, where it is economically competitive and functional, including new buildings and major additions. It promotes the use of climate-friendly construction practices and materials, and is consistent with the B.C. Building Code and the Provincial Wood First Act. See the news release.

Riparian Area Regulations Reviewed
The Supreme Court of British Columbia recently released the first decision of that court to consider the Riparian Area Regulations ("RAR") under the Fish Protection Act (British Columbia). Staples McDannold Stewart has posted an interesting article on that court decision. See the article.