The Chamber’s letter, sent earlier this month, requested that the CSRD consider opting out of Bill 35 before the provincial March 31 deadline. Opting out would allow the regional district to use the following 12 months to gather meaningful feedback from Area B residents and businesses and assess the impacts of the legislation on local tourism, housing, and the broader business community.

Why This Matters for Area B

Over the past year, businesses and residents have raised concerns that the CSRD’s March 2025 decision to opt in to Bill 35 proceeded without adequate community consultation. Now that the implications of the Act are clearer, many operators and residents are seeking a more transparent, data‑informed approach before long‑term regulatory decisions are set.

By opting out, the CSRD would gain the necessary time and flexibility to:

• Conduct structured engagement with Area B businesses and residents
• Evaluate economic impacts on tourism‑dependent sectors
• Understand how the legislation is affecting local housing supply and workforce stability
• Gather accurate and comprehensive data to inform future decisions

What the Chamber Will Present on February 24

At the February 24 Board meeting, the Chamber will outline:

1. Key concerns and questions submitted by Area B businesses
2. Potential economic implications of Bill 35 for the region
3. A proposed engagement and data‑collection process for the 12‑month opt‑out window

This delegation aims to support the CSRD in making a well‑informed decision ahead of the March 31, 2026 provincial opt‑out deadline.

Looking Ahead

The Chamber appreciates the opportunity to present this information directly to the CSRD Board and is committed to representing the interests of local businesses and the broader community in this process.

For questions or to share feedback related to Bill 35, please contact:

Caroline Lachapelle
CEO, Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce
executive@revelstokechamber.com
250‑827‑5345 ext. 202