Welcome to our Industry News Corner!
Here, we share updates on emerging trends, notable projects, regulatory changes, company announcements, and industry insights. Whether it's innovative approaches to development, exciting project milestones, or news impacting our communities and environment, this page keeps you informed and connected to the conversations driving our industry forward.
November 2025
Celebrating Oleg's Achievement of 25+ of Certified Membership with the PIBC
We would like to recognize Pacific Land Group’s Founding Principal, Oleg Verbenkov, for his achievement of 25+ Years of Certified Membership with the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC). Oleg was recognized at the 2025 World Town Planning Day Gala event.
September 2025
Corporate Announcement from Pacific Land Group
We are pleased to share the promotion of Rosa Shih to a Senior Planner position within Pacific Land Group. Rosa is a Registered Professional Planner who has been with Pacific Land Group since 2014, starting as a Planning Assistant.
ACC and DCC Tool Updates
The Province of BC has introduced a new tool called Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs), which local governments may choose to use to help fund community amenities such as recreation centres, daycares, community centres and libraries.
July 2025
Brookswood-Fernridge Environmental and Engineering Services Plan
The Township of Langley has released the long-anticipated Environmental and Engineering Services Plan (ESP) for Brookswood-Fernridge area. This document outlines how infrastructure and environmental systems will support growth in the area. The ESP covers everything from road upgrades to stormwater management, and sets the groundwork for how future development can move forward in a coordinated way.
June 2025
Surrey Introduces New Pilot Pre-Application Process
The City of Surrey has recently launched a new pilot pre-application process as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline development approvals. The pilot pre-application process replaces Surrey’s former Design Review Group (DRG) process. While pre-applications remain optional, they are strongly encouraged. This early, focused feedback will help applicants prepare stronger, more complete applications, which can ultimately shorten overall project timelines.
October 2024
City of Surrey Zoning Update: Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)
SSMUH refers to a range of buildings and dwelling unit configurations that can provide more affordable housing options and housing supply. Examples of SSMUH include secondary suites, coach houses, garden suites, duplexes, and houseplexes.
June 2024
Lanstone Homes Project Update
Further to the new Provincial legislation, Municipalities across BC are well underway in revising their policies to reflect the new bills. Bill 44 requires properties zoned as single family to be considered for higher density housing options, and removes the requirement for public hearing if proposals align with the Municipality’s Official Community Plan (“OCP”).
May 2024
Instream Season
Summer is almost here and with it comes the instream least risk timing window for any development/construction in or near water. This sensitive timing window typically falls between August 1 - September 15 annually and several approvals and permits are required.
Bird Nest Season is in Full Swing
We're in the peak of bird nesting season here in BC and bird nest surveys are required for any land clearing occurring up until August 31. Some species require year-round protection and additional considerations are needed.
January 2024
A Year in Review for the Environmental Division
As we dive headfirst into 2024, we would like to reflect on our “Year in Review” and celebrate some memorable moments for our Environment Team.
New Provincial Regulations: Bill 44 and Bill 47
The Provincial Government has made amendments to the Local Government Act (LGA) and the Vancouver Charter (VC) that will promote density increases in zones that have previously been restricted to single- family dwellings and duplexes, and in transit-oriented areas.
November 2023
City of Delta: New Development Application Procedures Bylaw
The newly proposed bylaw aims to expedite the development of homes and other community projects by accelerating the review process, and reducing the number of procedural steps required to obtain application approval.
Bill 16: Amendments to the BC Transportation Act
Pacific Land Group is pleased to provide land use and development services for many Transit-Oriented Development projects throughout Metro Vancouver, and assist land-owners in understanding how their properties may be affected by Bill 16 acquisitions.
September 2023
Navigating VFPA Projects and Environmental Review Processes
Projects occurring within the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's jurisdiction may require a Project and Environmental Review. Our team of Qualified Environmental Professional's are experienced in navigating this review process.
Summer Environmental Recap
Our field crew has been busy this summer season! Our time outside conducting bird nest surveys, fish salvages, amphibian salvages, watercourse assessments, and environmental reviews has brought us face to face with a few of nature’s creatures and critters.
August 2023
Instream Work Windows
The Instream Work Windows is now open! For the majority of watercourses within the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, the window opened on July 15th for Pacific Salmon, and August 1st for rainbow, steelhead, and cutthroat trout. Do you have a project requiring instream work permitting and approvals? Our team of Qualified Environmental Professionals are experienced in the process.
City of Langley Industrial Zoning Update
The City of Langley is updating its industrial zones. As an initial stage, the City has adopted changes to its "Light Industrial" (I1) zone. With these amendments, the City promotes greater economic competitiveness, land use efficiency and flexibility to accommodate new industrial uses.
August 2022
Environmental Site Assessments with Drones
Do you have a site with challenging access? Inquire about our environmental site assessment capabilities with drones!
July 2022
Changes to DFO RFR Review Timeline
Effective immediately, the DFO Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program is extending their review timeline for Request for Reviews (RFRs).
February 2022
Bird Nesting Season Reminder
Bird nesting season is almost here! In BC, nesting season, or breeding bird windows, are typically between March 1 and August 31. Planning on land clearing? A Bird Nest Survey may be required prior to any land clearing works especially during the breeding bird window.
November 2020
Riparian Areas Protection Regulation ("RAPR") Update
On November 1, 2019, the Riparian Areas Regulation ("RAR") was amended and became the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation ("RAPR") under Section 12 of the Fish Protection Act. PLG’s Qualified Environmental Professional (“QEP”) are formally certified through Vancouver Island University’s Natural Resources Extension Program to complete RAPR assessments under the new Regulation.
September 2020
Plant Health Inspections & Habitat Restoration
If you have a project that requires an annual plant health inspection (e.g., P-15, riparian health or post remediation), Fall is a great time to schedule this work!
Watercourse Classification Confirmation Assessments ("WCCA")
The WCCA, completed by PLG’s Qualified Environmental Professional (“QEP”), consists of online background review, field assessment(s), setback applicability and determination, and report preparation. If there is a watercourse near or within your property (mapped or unmapped), setbacks may be required pending an assessment and appropriate classification of the watercourse by a QEP.
City of Surrey: Campbell Heights Business Park
The Campbell Heights Business Park is a developing industrial park in South Surrey spanning approximately 1,700 acres. PLG’s involvement in Campbell Heights Business Park dates back to the rezoning and subdivision of the original, 350-acre Phase 1 development.
August 2020
Notice of Intent (“NOI”) Process & Soil/Fill Use Permits
The Notice of Intent (“NOI”) process is for landowners who wish to place fill or remove soil in the Agricultural Land Reserve (“ALR”). The NOI is submitted directly to the Agricultural Land Commission (“ALC”) for consideration by the CEO.
April 2020
Township of Langley: Development Cost Charges 2020
Township of Langley Council implemented a new Development Cost Charges Bylaw 2020 No. 5555 at its March 23, 2020 meeting. The new Development Cost Charges Bylaw repeals and replaces a 2012 bylaw and is intended to reflect current land acquisition values and construction costs.
March 2020
It's Bird Nest Survey Season
Spring is here, and with it comes the return of many migratory and resident birds looking to create or return to their nests within the Lower Mainland. Planning ahead to schedule a Bird Nest Survey is crucial, and can help prevent delays and infractions over the course of your project.
January 2020
Riparian Areas Protection Regulation ("RAPR") 2019 Amendments
On November 1st, 2019, following recommendations from the Provincial Professional Reliance Review and the BC Ombudsperson’s Report on the Riparian Areas Regulation ("RAR"), the RAR was amended and became the Riparian Areas Protection Regulations ("RAPR").
Regional Transportation Development Cost Charges
On January 15, 2020, the Regional Transportation Development Cost Charges (“DCCs”) will enter its second year. Rates are based on per dwelling unit of per square foot of floor area, as defined in the Regional Transportation DCC Bylaw.
October 2019
City of Surrey: Newton - King George Boulevard Land Use Plan Underway
On October 21, 2019, City of Surrey Council authorized the initiation of a land use planning and community consultation process for the Newton – King George Boulevard Land Use Plan. The Land Use Plan area spans between 68 Avenue and 56 Avenue (Highway 10) along the King George corridor.
August 2019
City of Surrey: Grandview Heights Area 3 ("Darts Hill") Neighbourhood Concept Plan
Pacific Land Group has actively participated in the Grandview Height Area 3 Neighbourhood Concept Plan process since 2017.
City of Surrey: Guildford Town Centre – 104 Avenue Plan
Following the City of Surrey Council endorsement of the Stage 1 Guildford Town Centre – 104 Avenue Plan, a comprehensive review of servicing requirements will be undertaken to ensure that the Guildford Town Centre plan is achievable.
City of Vancouver: Joyce-Collingwood Station and Exchange Upgrades
As part of the TransLink Maintenance and Repair Program, the Joyce–Collingwood Station and Exchange upgrades ($46 million) were completed and re-opened recently.
June 2019
Township of Langley: Brookswood-Fernridge Neighborhood Plans
Township of Langley Council recently endorsed Terms of Reference for neighbourhood planning in the Booth, Fernridge and Rinn areas of the Brookswood-Fernridge Community Plan.
April 2019
Surrey–Langley SkyTrain (“SLS”) Project
A report outlining the upcoming public engagement on the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain (“SLS”) Project was delivered to City of Surrey Council on April 1, 2019. City staff will now begin work on a planning areas review with TransLink to confirm land use planning along 104 Avenue and King George Boulevard.
Bill 15: Proposed Amendments to the Agricultural Land Commission Act
Bill 15, the Agricultural Land Commission Amendment Act 2019, was presented for first reading at the BC Legislature and continues to be a subject of provincial debate. The Bill proposes administrative changes to the ALC decision making structure. Changes to how (and who) can submit an exclusion application are also notable
March 2019
Bill 52: Changes to the ALC Act and Regulations
On February 22, 2019, B.C.'s Lieutenant Governor in Council approved the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) Regulations which brings into force changes to the Agricultural Land Commission Act under Bill 52. The main changes to these pieces of legislation pertain to limits on house sizes of residential uses and the placement of fill for properties in the ALR.
February 2019
City of Richmond: Rezoning Application for Medical Cannabis Production Facility
The City of Richmond received an Application from Rosebud Productions Inc. to rezone a portion of 23000 Fraserwood Way, Richmond (Units 105, 110, and 115) to allow a licensed Health Canada medical cannabis production facility.
October 2016
City of Surrey: Ecosystem Protection Measures
The City of Surrey recently adopted new by-law requirements called Ecosystem Protection Measures, including a new Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit Area and new setbacks for Streamside Protection. These changes affect all properties within 50 m of the Green Infrastructure Area and within 50 m of the top of bank of any Class A, A/O, or B stream.
November 2014
Surrey Business Excellence Award
Pacific Land Group was recently recognized by the Surrey Board of Trade as one of Surrey's best businesses. The Surrey Business Excellence Award was awarded to Pacific Land Group within the 1-10 employees category.
October 2014
Business in Vancouver Spotlight
Pacific Land Group's newest project in Campbell Heights is highlighted in a recent Business in Vancouver article.