British Columbians will vote in municipal elections every four years instead of every three years if a proposed law passes the province's legislature.

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes says she plans to introduce legislation that will add an extra year to the terms of municipalities, regional districts, park and school boards, as well as the Islands Trust.

The former councillor from Quesnel says the change will give elected officials more time to consult, plan, achieve community goals and manage election costs.

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The four-year terms would begin after the November 2014 elections, with British Columbians voting again in local elections in 2018.

The proposal was among more than two dozen made in 2010 by a joint task force representing the provincial government and the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

Oakes says local elections take place every four years in all other provinces.