Monday Study Sessions

Please join the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food on a scenic and educational tour of the Saanich Peninsula to showcase a broad and diverse range of farm operations that help support the resiliency of the agricultural industry on Southern Vancouver Island. By visiting several agricultural operations, you’ll discover the opportunities and challenges related to planning for agriculture where increased development, limited space and high land prices have put pressure on farmers and farm operations. You’ll hear from a sixth-generation farm family as well as the next generation of agricultural producers to learn more about both the successes and challenges of farming in the southernmost region of British Columbia. 

The tour will showcase various forms of agriculture such as soil-based vegetable production, livestock farming, as well as highlighting the region’s Food Hub; a commercial kitchen that offers support to farmers and local food entrepreneurs to create value added goods from farm products. Stops at each farm and the Food Hub will include a tour of the operation and provide an opportunity to connect with the farmers to gain a better understanding about their operation and the challenges they face farming in the region. 

Lunch is provided and will highlight products grown on Vancouver Island. Some stops may provide an opportunity to purchase local farm products. Please dress for the weather and wear farm-appropriate footwear. Partners/spouses are welcome but must formally register for the tour as there is a fixed limit to the number of people that can attend. Breakfast is not included although snacks and water will be available on the bus. 

Presenters:

• Josie Osborne, Minister, Ministry of Health
• Henry Wiebe, Mayor, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako
• Debbie Haggard, Councillor, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
• Aimee Grice, Councillor, Town of Oliver
• Ciro Panessa, President and Chief Executive Officer, Northern Health Authority
• Kathryn MacNeil, President and Chief Executive Officer, Island Health Authority

No matter where we live in BC, we all rely on a strong healthcare system to ensure the well-being of our communities. This includes access to ambulance services, emergency rooms, family doctors, and a wide range of other healthcare professionals. In this session, we will explore the challenges and opportunities for improving healthcare in the rural and remote areas of the province—so that every community has the support it needs to thrive.

Presenters:

• Margot Whittington, Manager, Climate Policy, Insurance Bureau of Canada
• Ian Mauro, Executive Director, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions
• Honourable Kelly Greene, Minister, Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
• Michael Goetz, Mayor, City of Merrit
• Jason Lum, Director, Fraser Valley Regional District

Over the coming years, all local governments will need to complete a risk assessment to comply with the Province’s Emergency and Disaster Management Act. These assessments are likely to confirm what many already know: some private properties and planned development areas face significant risk from floods, wildfire, and other climate hazards. Property owners in some of these areas are already facing difficulty accessing insurance or experiencing a decline in property values. At the same time, pressure to accelerate development and densify housing may increase pressure to build new housing in areas vulnerable to climate impacts. This session will examine the intersection of climate risk, land use, and the role of local governments, residents, the private sector, and the Province in future-proofing B.C.’s housing stock. 

This session will explore meaningful approaches for strengthening relationships between First Nations and local governments, highlighting successful practices for fostering dialogue, building partnerships, and advancing reconciliation in communities across BC.   Through the framework of the renewed Memorandum of Understanding between UBCM and the Province, the session will also examine how improved engagement with local governments during the negotiation of agreements with First Nations can promote reconciliation and open up new opportunities for partnership.

Public libraries are at the forefront of connecting communities and providing innovative, responsive front-line services where they are most keenly needed. Learn about public libraries at the forefront of reconciliation with First Nations; serving as shelters and community hubs for all community members; and providing support services to address homelessness, mental health, and addictions. In addition, they make sure their funding goes farther, using the consortium model of service delivery. Venture with us beyond the traditional core services of lending books, magazines, music, and movies, to collaborate with marginalized groups, while bringing new demographics in the door through bridging gaps in social services. UBCM members consistently support resolutions calling for increased provincial funding for public libraries, with little uptake from the Province—but advocacy efforts cannot be truly effective unless local governments understand the full range of initiatives and innovations that BC public libraries are delivering.

Presenters:

• Marianne Alto, Mayor, City of Victoria and Co-Chair, BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus
• Jen Ford, Councillor, Resort Municipality of Whistler and Chair of the board, Whistler Housing Authority
• Mike Moore, CAO, Town of Creston
• Doug Gilchrist, City Manager, City of Kelowna
• Lynn Roxburgh, Manager, Housing and Land Use Planning, City of New Westminster
• Geoff Garbutt, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Courtenay
• Noha Sedky, Principal, CitySpaces Consulting

This session will explore approaches that local governments are adopting to fill gaps in the delivery of affordable housing within their communities. It will highlight specific initiatives such as the incorporation of municipal housing authorities, and examples of collaborative approaches to affordable housing delivery, emphasizing practical takeaways that may be applied in wide-ranging community contexts.

Presenters:

• Julian Daly, Executive Director, Our Place Society
• Alex McMillan, Interim CEO, B.C. Chamber of Commerce
• Adam Dalrymple, President, B.C. Crown Counsel Association
• Dr. Daniel Vigo, Chief Scientific Advisor for Psychiatry, Toxic Drugs and Concurrent Disorders, Province of B.C.
• Darcy Dober, Mayor, City of Dawnson Creek
• Leonard Krog, Mayor, City of Nanaimo
• Janice Morrison, Mayor, City of Nelson

Join communities across British Columbia for a presentation of the 2025 Climate & Energy Action Awards. Hosted by the Community Energy Association, these awards honour municipalities, regional districts, and Indigenous communities for their outstanding initiatives that have made significant, measurable impacts. In 2025 there was a record of 29 nominations! 

Be inspired by a diverse array of community climate action initiatives, ranging from innovative policies to groundbreaking projects. Get some ideas for your community and celebrate local climate leadership across BC.

Over the past decade, communities across BC have seen a dramatic increase in the number of unhoused residents with significant mental health and addiction issues. In addition to the personal suffering of those who struggle with these challenges, downtown businesses and residents also struggle with a corresponding increase in vandalism, random acts of violence and theft. As local governments respond to this complex social issue, they find themselves on the front lines trying to fix a problem that is multi-faceted and in many cases beyond their capacity and mandate. This session will explore the factors that have contributed to growth of street disorder in our communities as well as viable response options, incorporating perspectives from impacted agencies, leading authorities and other key stakeholders.

Local elected leaders are increasingly called upon to deliver complex, high-demand services while navigating a climate of growing public frustration. At times, that frustration has escalated into abuse or threats - both online and in person.

As this environment starts to take a toll, many leaders are experiencing mental health challenges, and the public nature of their roles can make seeking help especially difficult. In response to this, over the past year, a small group of elected officials has been meeting to share experiences and build a peer-support network aimed at strengthening and sustaining each another.