More topics

Infrastructure Projects Act

Last updated on February 23, 2026

On this page

Getting priority projects built faster

The Infrastructure Projects Act (IPA) is B.C. law that formalizes the powers of the Ministry of Infrastructure and helps streamline decision-making for major public infrastructure—like schools, hospitals, and long-term care homes—so communities can get the services they need, faster. The IPA will also support faster delivery of projects designated as provincially significant—those projects that bring substantial economic, social or environmental benefits for people in B.C. It provides access to six new tools that can help ensure the projects communities need can be reviewed and built more quickly.

How it works:

Infographic of how the Infrastructure Projects Act works.

To download a PDF (673KB) of this image please click here.

The IPA provides up to six tools to get reviews for priority projects finished faster so projects can be completed on time and on budget. These tools do not reduce B.C.’s high environmental or safety standards, and does not reduce the level of Indigenous consultation the Province is required to undertake.

Provincial Permits

  1. Priority Permitting Reviews: Designated projects go to the front of the line for permit reviews.
  2. Qualified Professional Certifications: Over time, allowing for qualified professionals to certify compliance with provincial standards.

Environmental Assessments

  1. Faster Environmental Reviews: Designated projects may be eligible to follow a new, expedited environmental assessment process.
  2. Automatic Permits: Once a project receives an environmental assessment certificate, some low-risk, ancillary/peripheral provincial permits may be issued automatically.

Local Government Approvals

  1. Local Government Planning Flexibility: Local governments can ask the province to temporarily waive provincial land use planning rules, such as official community plan updates, to avoid delays on designated projects.
  2. Faster Agreements: A framework to help local governments and project proponents reach agreements to address constraints.

What’s happened so far:

November 2024: The Ministry of Infrastructure is created.

May 2025: The Act is introduced in Spring 2025.

Summer 2025: Engagement and consultation on regulations on the criteria for Provincially Significant projects and the Qualified Professional Reliance Framework begins.

2025: In its first year, the Ministry of Infrastructure has opened seven new schools and completed 14 additions - creating over 5,000 new seats that are now open for kids. The Ministry opened eight new hospital units, departments, or towers as well as a new hospital in Fort St James.

Early 2026: Engagement begins on the environmental assessment tools available in the Act as part of a bigger engagement on the environmental assessment process. 

Winter 2026: The Ministry works to finalize criteria for provincially significant projects delivered by other partners.

Spring 2026: Engagement on Qualified Professionals Model and Expedited Environmental Assessment

Contact information

For more information, please contact: Engage.INF@gov.bc.ca.