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Vancouver, BC – July 20, 2026 – The Province of British Columbia is continuing work to modernize natural resource permitting through the development of a British Columbia Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual under the Water Sustainability Act (WSA). Once implemented, the manual will establish a standardized, science-based approach for identifying and delineating wetlands that may be affected by permitted activities.
While the manual does not change mineral tenure rights or restrict where mineral claims can be acquired, it could potentially affect how exploration projects are planned, permitted, and carried out in areas near wetlands or streams.
What is changing?
Currently, wetland delineation in British Columbia is completed using a combination of professional judgment, regional guidance, and existing technical methodologies. As a result, approaches and documentation can vary between practitioners and regions, sometimes leading to inconsistent permit reviews and requests for additional information.
The proposed manual would standardize the process for identifying wetlands using prescribed indicators of vegetation, soils, and hydrology. It also establishes consistent expectations for field assessments, mapping, reporting, and data submission to support regulatory decision-making.
The Province’s stated objective is to improve consistency, transparency, and efficiency in natural resource permitting while maintaining environmental protection.
What does this mean for mineral exploration?
The proposed guidance does not affect the acquisition of mineral claims. Mineral tenure would continue to be obtained through the Mineral Titles Online system, and the manual does not create new protected areas or prohibit exploration activities.
However, exploration activities that require authorizations under the Water Sustainability Act—particularly those involving changes in or about a stream or wetlands—may be affected by the new requirements.
Projects that could require more detailed wetland assessments include:
- Temporary or permanent access trails and roads
- Stream crossings, bridges, and culverts
- Drill pads located near wetlands or watercourses
- Water management infrastructure
- Other activities requiring approvals under the Water Sustainability Act
For these activities, proponents may be expected to provide more standardized wetland delineation reports, mapping, field documentation, and supporting environmental information as part of permit applications.
Potential impacts for members
The proposed manual presents both opportunities and challenges for mineral exploration.
Potential benefits include:
- Greater consistency in regulatory decision-making across the province
- Clearer expectations for environmental consultants and proponents
- Improved transparency in permit requirements
- More predictable review processes over time
Potential challenges include:
- Increased environmental consulting and field assessment costs
- Additional documentation and reporting requirements
- Longer application preparation timelines
- Increased demand for qualified wetland professionals
- The potential for permitting delays if implementation results in additional information requirements without corresponding improvements to regulatory review processes
For exploration projects with small, temporary footprints, it will be important that implementation remains proportionate to the level of environmental risk.
AME’s position
AME supports efforts to improve the consistency, transparency, and predictability of British Columbia’s permitting system. Standardized, science-based guidance has the potential to improve regulatory certainty for both proponents and decision-makers.
As the Province continues to develop and implement this guidance, AME will advocate for an approach that:
- Maintains efficient and timely permitting;
- Applies requirements proportionate to the scale and risk of exploration activities;
- Reduces duplication and unnecessary administrative burden;
- Provides clear expectations for proponents and qualified professionals; and
- Delivers measurable improvements in permitting certainty and timelines.
AME will continue participating in provincial engagement opportunities and will provide feedback to help ensure implementation supports responsible mineral exploration while achieving the Province’s environmental objectives.
We Want to Hear From You
AME is participating in the Province’s engagement on the proposed Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual and related natural resource permitting improvements and will continue to advocate for practical, risk-based implementation of the proposed wetland delineation guidance.
As these changes could affect how mineral exploration projects are planned and permitted, we are seeking feedback from members to better understand potential impacts across the exploration sector. Your input will help inform AME’s discussions with government and future written submissions.
Whether your organization conducts grassroots exploration, advanced exploration, environmental consulting, or permitting, we encourage you to share your experience and perspectives in the feedback form below.