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.
UBCM Awards
Long Service Awards – These awards are presented local elected officials who have served for 20, 25 or 35 years of service. Nominations should be submitted through the new UBCM Awards Online Tool from May 1 to August 31. Nominations must be submitted by the CAO, CFO, Manager or designate of the local government or member First Nation where the nominee is currently elected or was last elected. Certificates are presented at the annual UBCM Convention.
Regional Community to Community (C2C) Program – This program continues to fund C2C forums and events. Funding also supports the advancement of First Nation/local government reconciliation and relationship building through the development of agreements (such as protocols, MOUs, and service agreements), joint plans, and/or strategies and the joint review of bylaws and/or policies in order to develop recommendations for amendments or new bylaws and/or policies. Applications can be submitted at any time however applications will only be reviewed two times in 2026. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application within 60 days of the following application deadline: October 9, 2026.
Other Funding
Grants and Funding from the Government of Canada
Community Economic Development and Diversification – The federal CEDD program aims to create economic benefits by investing in projects that: attract investment and talent; increase productivity and economic growth; grow new, existing and transitioning sectors; increase the economic participation of British Columbians; and respond to changing economic circumstances. To qualify for funding, a project being delivered by Indigenous or local governments in BC must focus on community economic research, analysis, and planning and/or community economic development, diversification, and resilience. Funding is delivered in the form of non-repayable contributions. At least 50% of project funding should come from private or other public organizations and be confirmed at the time of application. Expressions of Interest are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Regional Innovation Ecosystems – The federal RIE program aims to create, grow and nurture inclusive regional innovation by making targeted investments in projects that support business growth – typically undertaken by industry associations, ecosystem organizations or other not-for-profits. Open to local governments and Indigenous organizations. Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis, but potential applicants are encouraged to contact Pacific Economic Development Canada. The application deadline is September 11, 2026.
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund – Funding Update: As outlined in the 2025 federal budget, the funding envelope of the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) has been reduced and reoriented over the next two fiscal years to focus solely on funding specialized equipment in the cultural sector. Projects for the renovation of an arts or heritage space with expenses that occur between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028 will be accepted while funds remain available. As of April 1, 2026, projects for completion of infrastructure planning and design documents, feasibility studies, and facility assessments are no longer accepted. Due to limited funding, construction projects are no longer accepted. However, exceptional circumstances may apply. Applications accepted until funds are exhausted.
Build Canada Homes – Build Canada Homes is accepting proposals to work with eligible applicants (including First Nations and local governments) to build and deliver affordable housing at scale. Initial investments will prioritize “shovel-ready” projects that can begin within 12 months.
Legacy Fund: Building Communities through Arts and Heritage – This Department of Canadian Heritage program provides funding for community-initiated capital projects, intended for community use. Recipients may receive up to 50% of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $500,000. Community-initiated capital projects should: commemorate a significant local historical event or pay tribute to a significant local historical personality; mark a 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125th, 150th); involve the restoration, renovation, or transformation of existing buildings or exterior spaces with local community significance that are intended for community use; or encourage arts and heritage activities in the local community that are intended for and accessible to the general public. Applications accepted on continuous basis.
Grants and Funding from the BC Government
Disability Management Improvement Funding – 2026 is the final year for this provincially funded opportunity, which fully funds a confidential disability management assessment. The assessment provides recommendations to help an organization implement best practices in Disability Management/Return-to-Work. These assessments are at no cost to public, non-profit, and private sector organizations in BC. Participating organizations may also apply for a subsidy of up to $7,500 to implement improvements. Applications are accepted first-come, first-served, until the remaining funding is committed.
Work BC: BC Employer Training Grant – The BC Employer Training Grant is a cost-sharing grant program that provides employers throughout BC with skills training funding for their workforces, including prospective new hires. Employers can apply as often as they need and receive 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000.
Active Communities Grants – Supported by the Province of British Columbia, this fund provides grants of up to $20,000 to Indigenous and local governments to create or expand physical activity opportunities. We are now accepting applications from July 7, 2026 until September 18, 2026. Funding is available for up to 25 communities, and projects should benefit people who face barriers to regular physical activity from equity-owed groups.
For Indigenous Recipients
Asset Management Program – Part of Indigenous Services Canada's Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program, this program helps First Nations communities to proactively manage their infrastructure in a more sustainable way and to take preventative measures with improved operations and maintenance. The focus for this call for proposals is asset management. The deadline for proposals is October 2, 2026. Funding for approved proposals will be allocated in that same order, until the available funds are exhausted.
Emergency Management Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness program – The program goal is to assist First Nations communities on reserve to increase their preparedness and mitigation capacity through initiatives such risk assessments and mitigation plans, development and updating of emergency management and evacuation plans, 911 mapping, emergency support services training, etc. Project proposals for the fiscal year 2026 to 2027 will be considered on an ongoing basis until the funds are spent or until March 31, 2027.
Emergency Management FireSmart Program – This federally funded program supports First Nations communities with wildland fire non-structural mitigation and preparedness initiatives for initiatives such as wildfire pre-suppression planning, wildfire risk assessments, fuel reduction, forest thinning, prescribed burning, fire breaks, wildland fire crew training, vegetation management, fire mapping, FireSmart training, workshops, conferences and community and youth engagement. Project proposals will be considered on an ongoing basis until the funds are exhausted or until March 31, 2027.
First Nation Adapt Program – Provides financial support for projects led by First Nation communities and organizations located south of the 60th parallel. The FNA funds projects that assess the impacts of climate change and increase climate resilience in support of self-determined priorities. The program accepts project proposals year-round and applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Community Healing Fund – Offered through the Na-mi-quai-ni-mak (I Remember Them) Fund at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), the fund can provide a one-time grant of up to $10,000 towards community healing gatherings or workshops connected to the Indian Residential School System. Eligible recipients include non-profit organizations, Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, and Inuit) communities, Survivor organizations, schools, band offices, etc.
Indigenous Labour Market Fund – Funded by the New Relationship Trust, the fund supports Indigenous communities across BC to identify and address employment gaps, training opportunities, and barriers to participation in the workforce. This funding is designed to enhance Indigenous-led initiatives that improve employment outcomes and build long-term capacity in ways that complement, but do not duplicate, existing WorkBC and ISET services. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2027 or funds are exhausted.
Nation Building Grant – Funded by the New Relationship Trust, this grant provides multi-year funding to BC First Nations and Tribal Councils, supporting self-determined priorities that enhance governance structures, institutional capacity, and community resilience, advancing self-determination and sovereignty.
Strategic Partnerships Initiative – Funding Update: Until 2027, this initiative has an additional $12 million annually to support regional clean energy initiatives that advance economic development opportunities within Indigenous communities across Canada. ISC also partners with Natural Resources Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada through Wah-ila-toos to help Indigenous, rural, and remote communities access federal clean energy funding and resources that support reducing diesel use.
New Relationship Trust: Declaration Act Engagement Fund – This fund (DAEF) provides non-repayable funding to support First Nations’ capacity to engage with the Province on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and alignment of Provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The total funding cap over four years per Nation is $1,040,000. One application per Nation. The DAEF will accept new applications between May and December each year.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities: Green Municipality Fund
Construction of new sustainable municipal buildings – Supports new building construction projects for sustainable municipally-owned buildings through a combined grant and loan for up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $10 million. Applications are accepted year-round until all funding has been allocated.
Retrofit of existing municipal buildings – Combined loan and grant funding to a maximum of $10 million helps municipalities implement one or more phases of a selected GHG reduction pathway. Eligible projects may focus on a single building or a portfolio of municipal buildings. Applications are accepted year-round until all funding has been allocated.
New construction of municipal and community buildings – Funding for small (less than 10,000 people) or Northern communities to conduct feasibility studies that assess in detail the approaches needed to implement the new construction of an energy efficient community or municipal building. The fund will cover up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $200,000.. Applications are accepted year-round until all funding has been allocated.
Retrofit pathway for municipal buildings – Funding for feasibility studies that assess in detail the approaches needed to retrofit existing municipal buildings for an impactful multi-year pathway toward zero-operational GHGs. Studies should identify a sequence of retrofit measures to reduce emissions from municipal buildings by at least 50% within 10 years and achieve best practice energy targets within 20 years. Grants are for up to 50% of eligible costs. Up to a maximum of $65,000 for a single building, up to $200,000 for multiple buildings. Applications are accepted year-round until all funding has been allocated.
Municipal Fleet Electrification – Combined loan and grant funding to achieve a partial or complete transition of municipal or transit fleet to zero-emission vehicles. Applications are accepted year-round until all funding has been allocated.
Other:
Rapid Adaptation Projects: Adaptation in Action – This FCM program provides small communities (less than 50,000 people) up to $75,000 to implement proven, replicable, on-the-ground activities that directly address climate risks. Projects must be completed within two years. Applications are accepted from October 6 to November 10, 2026.
Implementation projects: Adaptation in Action – This FCM program funds adaptation projects where the total eligible costs are $1 million or less. Specific funded activities must deliver immediate risk reduction to the community once complete, without requiring the completion of a larger, separate project. Emergency response and/or disaster recovery projects are ineligible. Projects can involve measures such as improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, installing new measures to reduce impacts on the community, modifying the landscape to reduce wildfire risks, or bolstering municipal services to better support vulnerable community members. The application deadline is November 24, 2026.
Feasibility Study: Adaptation in Action – Funding up to $70,000 is available from FCM for local governments and Indigenous communities to produce a feasibility study of a climate adaptation project that improves municipal readiness for climate events. Applications are accepted between October 6 – December 15, 2026.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Soccer Mini-Pitches– To build on the legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Province of BC, viaSport and Vancouver Whitecaps FC are supporting the installation of professional soccer mini-pitches to as many as 20 communities in BC. These mini-pitches will be long-term, community-owned soccer facilities. Applications are being accepted until all mini-pitches have been allocated.
Wildfire Risk Reduction Funding – Supports projects on BC provincial crown land to reduce wildfire risk. Eligible applicants include First Nations, companies owned by First Nation governments or Indigenous entrepreneurs, small area-based tenures including community Forest Agreement holders and woodlot licensees, local governments, Irrigation and Improvement Districts, all-season resorts on crown land, BC Heritage Properties, unincorporated community or rural fire departments and not-for-profit organizations. Projects must be capable of completion by March 31, 2027.
Fibre Utilization Funding – Supports the delivery of uneconomic fibre to non-sawlog facilities within an economic radius from BC crown land locations. Uneconomic fibre can originate from: cutting that was harvested primarily for sawlog; activities associated with wildfire risk reduction projects; overstorey removal; and fire- or insect-damaged stands. Eligible applicants include First Nations, Indigenous-owned companies, small area tenures including Community Forest Agreement holders and woodlot licensees, forest tenure holders, and local governments. Projects must be capable of completion by March 31, 2027.
Island Coastal Economic Trust: Capital and Innovation Program – Supports the development of a wide range of strategic economic development, diversification and innovation initiatives. Funding streams include business and industry support, downtown revitalization, strategic tourism infrastructure, destination trails, innovation infrastructure and innovation support. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
Events and Resources
Accessibility and Inclusion Toolkit – Free, practical resource to help organizations develop their own resources in response to the Accessible BC Act. The Toolkit is designed for day-to-day work supporting staff in creating accessible and inclusive content, documents, videos and digital services. It also includes step by step guidance, examples and tools that do not require technical expertise.
BC Pay Transparency Act – The new BC Pay Transparency Act requires provincially regulated employers with 50 or more employees to complete a pay transparency report by November 1, 2026. To prepare employers, there are bi-monthly 45-minute webinars with demonstrations of the Pay Transparency Reporting Tool:
MISA BC 2026 Conference - The Municipal Information Systems Association BC Conference (September 21-24), is being hosted in person in Kelowna, BC. This annual event provides access to senior local government decision-makers using a balanced format of speaking sessions, exhibit hall, and social networking events.
CAMEA 2026 National Conference – The Canadian Association of Municipal Executive Assistants is hosting its annual conference in Calgary, AB from October 4-6, 2026. The CAMEA National Conference is exclusively designed for executive assistants and administrative professionals working in local government to build community, strengthen skills and celebrate the essential role of administrative professionals in local government.
BC Municipal Safety Association 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show –Hosted in Penticton, BC from October 5-7, 2026, this year’s program is categorized into three focused streams: Public Works, Occupational Health & Safety and Leadership. The conference’s goal is to provide delegates with a diverse range of topics to optimize their learning experience, take advantage of emerging technologies, understand and prepare for challenges that lie ahead, and provide better services to their organizations and communities.
CAGFO 2026 National Conference – The Canadian Association of Government Finance Officers’ 2026 Symposium is designed for public sector finance professionals, finance staff, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in information to transform accounting practices in the public sector. This virtual conference is being held from October 20-21, 2026.
National Water & Wastewater Conference 2026 – This annual conference offers a wide-ranging technical program covering almost all aspects of the municipal water sector, while offering the best networking environment for Canada’s water leaders. This year’s event is being held in Halifax, NS from November 1-4, 2026.
Asset Management BC 2026 Conference - The annual Asset Management BC Conference is AMBC's largest on-site signature event of the year, comprised of presentations, plenaries, social functions, and a mini trade show of exhibitors. This will be an opportunity to network and share ideas with asset management champions, sustainability experts, CAOs, Local Government delegates, and front line operators, and join the conversation about sustainable service delivery. The 2026 Conference is hosted in Richmond, BC from November 4-5, 2026.
Administrative Professionals 2026 Conference – Offered by the Local Government Management Association of BC, this conference is specially designed for the administrative professional working in the BC local and First Nations government organizations who support senior level staff. The conference will take place in Victoria, BC from November 4-6, 2026.
Corporate Officer 2026 Forum - This LGMA educational forum has focused on emerging trends and legal and legislative changes of relevance to BC local government Corporate Officers. This forum has been designed specifically for Corporate Officers and Deputy Corporate Officers working in local government with training led by experts in their field. Through practical and engaging sessions, participants will strengthen their ability to navigate complex governance challenges, including closed meetings, presenting effectively to Council or Board, and managing the redaction of high-risk records while maintaining transparency, accountability, and public trust. The forum will take place November 25-27, 2026, in Richmond, BC.
Elected Official Seminar Series - The Local Government Leadership Academy’s Elected Officials Series is held every four years following the local government general election to deepen elected officials’ understanding of the local government system and best practices for civic leadership.
The agenda includes presentations, keynotes, mentorship panels, and networking opportunities that build upon local and regional orientation sessions for councils and boards. Elected officials taking part in the event receive 15 credit hours towards their LGLA Leadership Certification. The seminars will take place in different regions across BC between December 2026 and February 2027.
External Resources for Local Government – This database is maintained by the Working Group on Responsible Conduct and lists consultants who provide a range of services that support responsible conduct by elected officials.
BC Rural Centre – The Centre provides a wealth of links to assets, news, videos, services, and resources of value to rural British Columbians.
CivicInfo BC – British Columbia's local government information hub offers comprehensive organizational and grant directories, events listings, tools for training, research and career development, bids & tenders, and other resources.
Indigenous Services Canada – ISC works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high quality services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. They provide information on social programs, emergency management, health, infrastructure, governance, education, economic development, funding programs, and other resources
FireSmart – This website introduces the FireSmart program and its seven disciplines and is intended as a one-stop shop for all things FireSmart. The site includes links to training, education, an events calendar, resource library, and downloadable content. It also features a short video inviting everyone to become involved in prevention and to learn about the benefits of the program.