Policy Areas
New Options for Residential Flexibility in the ALR
In January 2020, the Minister of Agriculture announced that the Province is considering a new direction for residential flexibility for ALR land owners. The allowance for both a principal residence and a small secondary…
Cannabis Taxation Revenue Sharing
The two-year Federal-Provincial-Territorial Agreement on Cannabis Taxation sees the federal government retain 25% of excise tax revenue (up to $100 million per year), with the remaining 75% or more going to provinces and territories. This…
The Union of BC Municipalities is pleased to offer the guide, Stepping Stones: Child Care Planning Guides for BC’s Local Governments, which was developed with funding from the Government of BC and written by project consultants, Sarah Huebert from SPARC BC and consultant Sandra…
UBCM has released its recommendations on how British Columbia's local governments can move towards a low-carbon future.
Special Committee on Climate Action Recommendations (Nov 2020)
The British Columbia Court of Appeal (BCCA) decision on conflict of interest in Schlenker v. Torgrimson has introduced a number of considerations for staff and elected officials when determining when elected officials may be in a conflict of interest contrary to provisions of…
UBCM has developed a best practice guide to assist local governments in the development of fair and equitable remuneration polices for elected officials. The guide responds to a resolution (B148) endorsed at the 2018 UBCM convention. In recognition of local government autonomy…
Intergovernmental Negotiations & Consultation
UBCM monitors and responds to legislative changes, proposals, and other initiatives regarding First Nations that are relevant to local governments. UBCM also tracks key First Nation court decisions, particularly relating to…
Economic Development & Local Governments
Download the report:
Evaluating the Economic Development Role of BC Local Governments [PDF - 1.4 MB]Summary Report: UBCM Economic Development Survey of Local Governments [PDF - 1.7 MB]
In a 2004 survey on local government priorities,…
Emergency Program Act Review
The Emergency Program Act (EPA) forms the legislative framework for the management of disasters and emergencies in British Columbia. It outlines the responsibilities of local governments, provincial authorities and crown corporations and the Province…
UBCM was invited to participate in a provincial working group on energy efficiency requirements for large and complex buildings ("Part 3" buildings in the BC Building Code). This working group brings together local governments, industry and the Province to explore energy…