Latest News
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DRIPA action plan consultation extended
July 28, 2021
The Province has extended the engagement period on their draft Action Plan to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), with submissions now being accepted through to September 15, 2021. Although input is focused on First Nations communities and leadership, and Indigenous peoples and organizations, the Province is accepting input from other bodies including local governments, as part of the broader engagement.
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UBCM Executive meeting highlights
July 28, 2021
The UBCM Executive held its quarterly Committee and board meetings in Richmond on July 14-16. The July meeting provides closure on a number of year-end matters but also establishes direction for the year ahead. In addition to a full slate of Committee meetings, members met with the Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and received a delegation from the co-chairs of the Short-Term Rental Advisory Committee.
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Working with FireSmart BC Tools and Resources
July 28, 2021
FireSmart BC is hosting a free informative and interactive 45-minute webinar on August 26th that will provide local governments, First Nations, neighbourhood champions, fire departments, Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee members, and Local FireSmart Representatives (LFRs) with the tools and know-how to work with a wide variety of FireSmart BC tools and resources.
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RCMP Auxiliary Program update
July 28, 2021
RCMP National Headquarters terminated the Auxiliary Program on April 1, 2020. As a result, the Director of Police Services recently communicated to RCMP E-Division that all Auxiliary members must temporarily suspend all activities. The Province is unable to consider renewing or making new appointments until RCMP National Headquarters finalizes an MOU with the Province for a new Auxiliary Program.
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Province declares State of Emergency
July 21, 2021
The BC Government has declared a provincial state of emergency in response to the increasing number and severity of wildfires. This declaration comes as more than 294 wildfires continue to burn, and on the same day that UBCM delivered a request for additional provincial support to address the situation.
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New meat inspection regulations
July 21, 2021
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries is making changes to the Meat Inspection Regulation to create new licence categories, and to allow more modernized inspection approaches. The changes come into force on October 1, 2021.
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Modernizing Forest Policy virtual engagement
July 21, 2021
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development will host regional policy-specific discussions to gather local government input following the release of the recent intentions paper Modernizing Forest Policy in British Columbia. These sessions are designed for Mayors, Chairs or their delegates to share insights on behalf of their communities. Registration is open for the sessions beginning the week of July 26.
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Wood Stove Exchange Program
July 21, 2021
The Province and BC Lung Association are currently soliciting applications from communities that want to participate in The Provincial Wood Stove Exchange Program. The program helps improve air quality by changing out old, smoky wood stoves for cleaner heating options including heat pumps, gas or pellet stoves and cleaner-burning wood stoves.
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Convention plenary focus on Truth and Reconciliation
July 14, 2021
UBCM’s plenary session will address the urgent question of how Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities might walk further along the path towards truth and reconciliation. The panel will feature the Honourable Murray Sinclair, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and will provide guidance for local governments seeking direction on how to meaningfully and effectively act on the TRC Calls to Action.
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Increased residential flexibility in ALR
July 14, 2021
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries has announced changes that will allow expanded residential flexibility in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The ALR Use Regulation has been amended and will come into force on December 31, 2021. The amendment includes options for ALR land owners for an additional small secondary home in additional to a principal residence.
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