For certain matters, local governments are required to obtain approval of the electors or participating area approval before the municipal council or regional district board may proceed with its decision. The alternative approval process can be used as both a form of approval of the electors and participating area approval.
Approval of the electors is required for a variety of municipal and regional district actions, including disposal of certain utilities or specified parkland, municipal boundary extensions, and municipal loan authorization bylaws. Where approval of the electors is required, it may be obtained by the local government either directly through assent voting (referendum) or by first ‘testing the waters’ through the alternative approval process.”
You can read more about the Alternate Approval Process on the Government of BC’s website here