[1] Regional districts should not be confused with counties of British Columbia, which function as court house boundaries solely for the administration of justice.

Regional districts came into being as an order of government in 1965 with the enactment of amendments to the Municipal Act.

In those predominantly rural areas, regional districts provide services such as land use planning, building inspection, solid-waste management, and some responsibility for community fire protection.

Indian reserves located within the boundaries of regional districts are likewise excluded from their jurisdiction and infrastructure, and there are varying levels of collaboration between First Nations governments and regional district boards.

Regional districts are governed by boards of directly and indirectly elected directors.