Does PST now apply to landscape architecture in BC?

TLDR: the PST changes announced in the BC 2026 budget do not apply to landscape architectural services.

The 2026 budget legislation (scroll down to section 82(a)) specifies that “architectural services” refer to the “practice of architecture” as defined in the Architects Regulation, which does not apply to landscape architects.

The provincial government is currently drafting a regulation for our profession that will include a definition of the “practice of landscape architecture.” There is no confirmed timeline for when this regulation will take effect, but we anticipate January 1, 2027. Cabinet approval is required before implementation, and timing ultimately depends on Cabinet’s schedule and priorities. While it was previously hoped the regulation would be completed last year, broader global events shifted the government’s focus.

Even if the regulation comes into force on January 1, 2027, that would not mean PST automatically applies to landscape architectural services as of that date. Cabinet would still need to pass new or amended legislation to apply PST to the "practice of landscape architecture".

The government has been asked to provide some indication of its level of appetite and the potential timing for such a change once regulation under the Professional Governance Act is in place. If there is an indication that PST may be introduced within the next few years, a further announcement will be made.