B.C. municipalities fast-track borrowing with ‘silent consent’ tool

When the District of Saanich proposed borrowing $150 million earlier this year to redevelop its aging municipal works yard, it didn’t seek approval through a referendum.

Instead, council used B.C.’s Alternative Approval Process (AAP), a mechanism that allows governments to assume public consent unless at least 10 per cent of eligible voters formally object.

By the June deadline, more than 10,000 residents had submitted objection forms — enough to stop the borrowing plan.

Across B.C., the AAP is being used more frequently by municipalities to fast-track costly infrastructure projects. At least nine processes have been initiated so far in 2025, matching the total recorded for all of 2024. Projects range from recreation facilities and sewer upgrades to land purchases and operations centr