Approving Officers Virtual Workshop
April 30 and May 1, 2026
Statutory Approving Officers or others working in BC local government responsible for processing subdivisions are invited to join local government experts and practitioners for two half-days specifically designed to support them in their role. This engaging and interactive learning opportunity is aimed at both new and seasoned Approving Officers working in BC local government.
Workshop Dates:
April 30, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PDT
May 1, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
Fees: $418 + GST (members), $478.50 + GST (non-members)
Register online before April 16, 2026.
Cancellations: Cancellations are accepted before April 16. No refunds will be provided after April 16, 2026.
Eligibility: Registration is reserved for those who work in a BC local government or First Nations jurisdiction, and are the Statutory Approving Officer, Deputy, or the primary person responsible for the evaluation of subdivision applications in their organization. Provincial approving officials are welcome.
Digital Release: Photos of participants may be used for the purposes of LGMA educational and promotional material and publications, including future website or social media materials and promotions. Video recordings of speakers may be utilized in future educational programming, and though your comments will not be utilized, your image may appear on Zoom if you were a participant in the session. Please email office@lgma.ca if you DO NOT CONSENT to your image being used for this purpose.
Sessions can be used towards Continuous Professional Learning credits.
Please note: The program is still being developed. The schedule will be updated as more speakers and topics are confirmed.
Workshop Schedule
Day 1 - Thursday, April 30
8:30-8:40 a.m. Welcome from Approving Officer Program Advisor David Block
Opening remarks by Approving Officer Program Advisor David Block (RPP, MCIP), Director of Development Services/Approving Officer, City of Terrace
8:40-10:10 a.m. Concurrent breakout sessions for emerging and seasoned Approving Officers
Join one of two breakout groups to connect with and learn from your peers. Each group will be facilitated by different subject matter experts.
Breakout A: Basics for brand-new AOs
Breakout B: Tales from the Trenches for seasoned AOs
Please choose your breakout during registration.
10:15-11:50 a.m. Legal update with Guy Patterson, Young Anderson
11:55 a.m.-12:55 p.m. Deep Dive: Strata Plan Scenarios with LTSA - presented by Lindsay Bealle, Deputy Registrar
The Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA) is pleased to present a session designed to enhance participants’ understanding of strata plans. Using a hypothetical case study, the presentation will introduce three potential approaches from an LTSA perspective.
Participants will then break into smaller groups to explore these options in greater depth, followed by a plenary discussion to share key insights and ask questions.
The session is intended to spark ongoing dialogue and provide Approving Officers with concepts and considerations to carry forward into future strata plan scenarios.
12:55-1 p.m. Wrap up
Closing thoughts on Day 1 of the workshop by Approving Officer Program Advisor David Block
Day 2 - Friday, May 1
8:30-8:40 a.m. Welcome & Reflection on Day 1
Welcome from Approving Officer Program Advisor David Block
8:40-9:10 a.m. Nuts & Bolts Virtual Café breakout sessions
Tap into the hive mind! Connect with your colleagues in facilitated small group discussions around common issues, problems, and the solutions that are working for you.
9:10-10:40 a.m. AO or PAO - What's the difference?
Join members of the Approving Officers advisory committee for a session exploring differences between statutory Approving Officers and provincial Approving Officers and walk away with a better understanding of bringing in other levels of government.
10:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Panel discussion - Extra special stratas
Session description to follow
12:20-12:30 p.m. Wrap up
Closing thoughts by Approving Officer Program Advisor David Block
