UBCM held its quarterly Executive and Committee meetings on April 22-24, 2026 in Victoria. In addition to these meetings, UBCM hosted a reception with Members of the Legislature, Ministers and the Premier on April 21, 2026. Executive members also attended meetings with Ministers during Advocacy Days to advance UBCM policy priorities.
Key issues
Provincial Legislation Impacting Local Governments
The Executive received a report containing updates on provincial legislation that impacts a range of local government issues, including housing, municipal governance, forestry, public safety, and professional reliance.
Infrastructure Funding Update- Build Communities Strong Fund
The Executive was informed about the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), a new federal infrastructure program providing $51 billion over 10 years, plus $3 billion annually thereafter, delivered through Community, Direct Delivery, and Provincial/Territorial funding streams to support housing‑enabling infrastructure. For BC local governments, the Community stream continues uninterrupted with no changes to allocations, eligibility, or delivery, providing $326 million annually through established UBCM‑administered programs.
Housing
A report summarizing major federal and provincial housing developments, including ongoing implementation of the Housing Supply Act, was received for information. The report noted significant ongoing concern over the Province’s Budget 2026 decision to cancel and postpone Community Housing Fund intakes, with local governments and housing providers saying it will result in the loss of thousands of affordable homes. Federal infrastructure funding through the Build Communities Strong Fund was highlighted which is tied to reducing development charges.
Private Members Bill M216
The Executive was advised that the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills has recommended to the legislature that Bill M216 not proceed further. UBCM and other stakeholders raised substantial concerns about public safety, liability, and loss of local authority, which were reflected in Committee submissions. The Province has signalled its intent to pursue broader stakeholder engagement later in 2026 on alternative approaches to reducing permitting timelines.
Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) Update
A report summarizing the most recent proposed changes in the Technical Policy Paper on the HCA noted significant outstanding and unaddressed concerns, which were outlined in an article published on The Compass and in a submission to the Minister of Forests. UBCM encouraged the Province to undertake pilot projects to test the proposed policy changes and evaluate the outcomes.
Policy Update – Long Service Awards
The Long Service Awards Policy was updated to extend eligibility to elected officials serving on member First Nations governments and to specify that recipients could be either currently serving or retired from public office. Further enhancements to the program were outlined including the introduction of a program guide clarifying eligibility and evaluation criteria and the creation of an online application portal.
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) Update
The Executive received a report for information that summarized the latest developments concerning DRIPA.
Legal Update
The Executive was advised that UBCM has no new requests for legal financial assistance but continues to monitor and support two significant court appeals where it has either sought or obtained intervenor status. The Cowichan Tribes v Canada appeal remains stalled pending a May 2026 hearing related to a landowner application and finalization of trial orders, with UBCM not expecting to apply for intervenor status until 2027. In Roy v Vancouver, the case is under active management with a trial set for 2027. UBCM’s intervenor application has been filed and staff are providing ongoing strategic support to Vancouver’s legal team due to the case’s potentially broad implications for local governments.
Committee Reports
Presidents Committee
A range of issues were considered by the Committee including the continuance of the Local Government Policing Modernization Roundtable (LGPMR) and a vacancy on the BC Real Estate Foundation Board (BCREF). The Committee also received briefings concerning Advocacy Days, the HCA and DRIPA. The Executive endorsed several Committee recommendations including disbanding the LGPMR due to a lack of activity and a change in provincial direction and leaving the UBCM position on the BCREF vacant pending a review of all external appointments.
Community Economic Development Committee
The Committee reviewed several topics such as connectivity infrastructure, industrial lands inventory work, forest policy, community forests, agricultural land issues, outdoor recreation, and aquaculture. Key discussion points included ongoing gaps in rural broadband and highway cell coverage (despite existing provincial funding), next steps on industrial lands data and protection, and several policy updates affecting local governments, from forestry legislation to aquaculture transition. The Committee also received letters from member communities on PST impacts and property tax deferment changes.
Convention Committee
The Executive discussed proposed operational and logistical arrangements for the 2026 Convention including programming suggestions and the selection of a keynote speaker, banquet entertainment, and a child-minding service provider.
Community Safety Committee
The Committee discussed several issues, including Next Generation 911 funding, cybersecurity, policing issues of relevance (such as body-worn cameras, recruitment challenges, and RCMP contract issues), emergency management legislation, cannabis policy, online harms and AI, and access to places of worship legislation. The Committee also received updates from PRIMECorp B.C. and the B.C. Association of Police Boards. The Executive endorsed a recommendation that UBCM request expedited RCMP approval of all training modules for the new Auxiliary Program to eliminate remaining barriers towards implementation.
Environment Committee
The Committee received a delegation from the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions regarding the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP). The Committee discussed uncertainty regarding the program’s future, lack of clarity on the Province’s response to recommendations from the CleanBC Review, and a perceived de-prioritization of climate action. The Executive endorsed a recommendation to write to the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions reiterating UBCM’s support for the LGCAP and advocating for renewed funding. Additional updates included an overview of an expedited environmental assessment process proposed by the Province, natural resource permitting reforms, and recent correspondence related to watershed security and management.
Health and Social Development Committee
The Committee reviewed provincial and federal initiatives related to homelessness, supportive housing, updates to Belonging in BC, amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act, and new federal funding for unsheltered homelessness and encampments. The Executive endorsed a recommendation that staff prepare a report for the July Committee meeting identifying options for addressing Regional Hospital Districts, that UBCM monitor the work and progress of the Province’s Downtown Eastside Advisor, and that UBCM follow up on the evaluation framework for Belonging in BC.
Indigenous Relations Committee
The Committee invited a delegation to provide an update on inclusive regional governance to support First Nations participation on regional district boards. Other matters discussed included a progress report on the Treaty Process, joint engagement work between UBCM and provincial ministries, and recent court and agreement developments related to Indigenous title and rights. It was noted that a new Chief Commissioner for the BC Treaty Commission was appointed and the Executive endorsed writing a letter welcoming George Abbott to this position and thanking the outgoing Commissioner, Celeste Haldane, for her service.
Resolutions Committee
Proposed improvements for the handling of resolutions that are referred to Executive at Convention were considered by the Committee. Going forward, sponsors will be formally invited to submit background materials to support committee review. The Committee also recommended hosting a post‑election webinar to educate new and returning elected officials on the resolutions process, effective drafting, and the application of the four criteria established under Extraordinary Resolution 2025‑ER1.
Executive Director Hiring Committee
The Committee reported that following a competitive bid process, it had retained Boyden to conduct the recruitment process.
Other Issues
The Executive received and considered the following for information:
- Financial Statements for the period ending March 15, 2026;
- Local Government Program Services (LGPS) and Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) Update; and
- Correspondence between UBCM and the Province.