Electrical Planning Report Deadlines in British Columbia: What Your Strata Needs to Know

Across BC, strata councils are hearing a lot about Electrical Planning Reports—and for good reason. These reports are now mandatory for most strata corporations, and the deadlines to complete them are officially on the clock.

For some regions, the countdown ends in 2026, while others have until 2028. The difference? It all comes down to where your strata is located.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything your strata needs to know about Electrical Planning Report deadlines in British Columbia—including which timeline applies to you, what happens if you miss it, and how to start preparing today.

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Why Electrical Planning Reports Are Now Required

Electrical Planning Reports (EPRs) became mandatory after the Province passed Bill 22, which amended the Strata Property Act. The goal? To ensure that strata corporations are ready for the growing demands of electrification—especially as more residents install EV chargers, heat pumps, and energy-efficient systems.

Without planning, many buildings simply don’t have enough electrical capacity to handle the shift. These reports help identify current system limitations and guide future upgrades.

They’re not just a bureaucratic checkbox—they’re a critical tool for smart, sustainable strata management.

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Key EPR Deadlines Based on Location

Deadline #1: December 31, 2026

If your strata is located in one of BC’s high-growth urban or suburban areas, this deadline likely applies to you. The 2026 deadline covers the following regions:

• Metro Vancouver Regional District, including:
  • City of Vancouver
  • Burnaby
  • Richmond
  • Coquitlam
  • North Vancouver
  • Surrey
  • Langley (City and Township)
  • White Rock
  • Maple Ridge
  • New Westminster
  • West Vancouver
  • Port Moody
  • Port Coquitlam
  • Pitt Meadows
  • Tsawwassen First Nation
  • Village of Anmore, Belcarra, Lions Bay, Bowen Island (except if only accessible by air or boat)
  • Electoral Area A
• Fraser Valley Regional District:
  • Abbotsford
  • Chilliwack
  • Mission
  • Hope
  • Kent
  • Harrison Hot Springs
  • 8 unincorporated electoral areas
• Capital Regional District (excluding islands only accessible by air or boat):
  • Southern Vancouver Island, including Victoria and Saanich

Deadline #2: December 31, 2028

If your strata is located outside of the districts listed above—including rural communities or more remote islands—your deadline is December 31, 2028. This includes:

• Southern Gulf Islands
• Bowen Island, if only accessible by air or boat
• All other areas of BC

⏳ Even if your deadline seems far off, the advice from experts is clear: don’t wait. Demand for qualified report providers is increasing, and the longer you delay, the harder (and more expensive) it may become to meet your deadline on time.

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Who Else Needs to Meet the Deadline?

New Strata Developments

If your strata corporation was established after December 31, 2023, you have a slightly different timeline. In that case, you must complete your EPR within five years of your strata plan being deposited with the Land Title Office.

All Strata Types Count

EPR deadlines apply to every strata corporation with 5 or more strata lots, regardless of:

• Building height or size
• Whether it’s residential, commercial, or mixed use
• Leasehold, bare land, recreational, or industrial

Yes—even a strata that governs a golf course or marina needs to comply if it has five or more units.

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What Happens If Your Strata Misses the Deadline?

The regulation is provincial law, and although there isn’t currently a formal enforcement body issuing fines, failing to comply can have real consequences:

• Your strata will be unable to attach a valid EPR to the Form B, which is required when selling a unit
• Buyers may be discouraged or request price reductions if they see that your electrical system hasn’t been assessed
• The strata council may be exposed to legal or insurance risks if unplanned upgrades or failures occur without proper planning

In short, delaying the report puts your building, your budget, and your owners at risk.

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Tips for Staying on Track With the EPR Deadline

If you’re part of a strata council that hasn’t started the process yet, here’s how to get on track and stay compliant:

• Add it to your AGM agenda: Start the conversation early with owners
• Budget for the report: Use the Contingency Reserve Fund (CRF) or include it in your annual operating budget
• Survey owners: Gauge interest in future electrical upgrades like EV charging or heat pumps
• Start gathering documents:
  • Utility billing history
  • Strata plan and building schematics
  • Equipment lists (e.g., heating systems, elevators, lighting)
• Issue an RFP (Request for Proposal): Use a sample template from CHOA or BC Hydro
• Book a site visit early: Demand is growing, and service providers will book up quickly

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Summary

Electrical Planning Reports are no longer optional—they’re a legal requirement under Bill 22, and the deadlines are fast approaching for stratas across British Columbia.

If you’re in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, or Capital Regional District, your deadline is December 31, 2026. For everywhere else in BC, it’s December 31, 2028.

While these dates may seem far off, strata councils should act now to ensure they can hire a qualified professional, gather the necessary data, and plan for any upgrades recommended in the report.

Planning early will help your community avoid delays, reduce costs, and future-proof your infrastructure for BC’s electric future.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can we delay the report by a vote at a general meeting?

No. Electrical Planning Reports are mandatory under provincial law. Strata corporations cannot opt out, even by a ¾ vote.

Can we wait until 2026 or 2028 to start the process?

Technically, yes—but it’s not advised. Qualified professionals may be in short supply closer to the deadline. Starting early ensures you get competitive pricing and time to act on recommendations.

What if our building doesn’t have any EV chargers or heat pumps yet?

You still need an EPR. The report isn’t just about what you have now—it’s about planning for future demand, especially as owners begin transitioning to electric systems.

What if we just built our strata?

New strata corporations formed after December 31, 2023, must complete the report within five years of the strata plan deposit date.

How do we know if we’re in the BC Hydro service territory?

Most communities in BC fall under BC Hydro’s coverage. If you’re unsure, you can check your utility provider or consult the official service map at bchydro.com.