Latest News

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To limit the risk of wildfires and address public safety concerns during fire season, the BC Wildfire Service often makes various orders to prohibit open fire (commonly known as “fire bans” or “prohibitions”). In 2025, BC Wildfire Service prohibitions will include more specific…
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The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has extended the deadline for implementing Next-Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) across Canada, to March 31, 2027. Although telecommunications service providers have completed their upgrading, provincial, territorial…
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Local governments are invited to provide input on the development of regulations for local authorities under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) at one of three online engagement sessions this April. These webinars, administered by the Ministry of Emergency…
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On December 3rd, the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee (LGCMC) met with provincial government and B.C. RCMP representatives to discuss issues related to the Municipal Police Unit Agreements, and policing more broadly in British Columbia. Key issues discussed at…
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Asset Management Planning program. Receive up to $25K towards asset management planning. The application deadline is May 23, 2025. The intent of the Asset Management Planning program is to assist local governments in delivering…
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Each month, we provide an update on funding programs administered by UBCM along with and information on other programs, events, and resources of interest to local governments and First Nations. Local Government Program Services Applications are currently being accepted for the…
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UBCM is saddened to mark the passing of Alice Maitland, BC’s longest-serving mayor. Alice served as the Mayor of Hazelton for 42 years, and was well known for her advocacy for rural communities, environmental causes, and women's participation in politics. Alice served on the…
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Health Canada is asking local governments to participate in their National Wastewater Drug Surveillance (NWDS) initiative. This project analyzes wastewater samples nationwide for the presence of over 500 drugs and drug metabolites.  As part of the Government of Canada’s…
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The Province is proposing key amendments to the Wildlife Act in this Spring’s legislative session to address the spread of aquatic invasive species. Once enacted, the proposed amendments will enable the Province to create regulations under the Wildlife Act to: …
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The UBCM Executive held its quarterly Executive meeting in Richmond February 20-21, 2025. It was the first opportunity for the full UBCM Executive to meet with provincial Ministers newly responsible for local government affairs. We look forward to productive collaboration with…