Messages from the UBCM President, general advocacy communications, and information about Local Government Week.
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities has appointed Kim Grout to serve as its Executive Director effective September 8, 2026. Ms. Grout served most recently as the Chief Executive Officer with the Agricultural Land Commission. Prior to that, she was the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Pitt Meadows. Her appointment concludes a nation-wide talent search to replace outgoing Executive Director Gary MacIsaac as he retires.
The Province has issued letters patent to formally incorporate Okanagan Falls as a new municipality, to be known as the District of Okanagan Falls. Incorporation is expected to take effect on November 6, 2026, following the community’s majority vote in favour of incorporation in March 2025. This marks the first municipal incorporation in BC in 13 years, and is the first letters patent to be issued since the enactment of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Nominations are now open for the next UBCM Executive. The deadline for advance nominations is July 31, 2026 at 4pm. Interested candidates should review the Call for Nominations for details on what positions are available, responsibilities of Executive members, and election procedures.
Funding will be unchanged for BC local governments, but the name of this regular allocation has been changed to the Build Communities Strong Fund–Community Stream.
What was the Canada Community-Building Fund has been integrated into the federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund which has three national streams: Community Stream; Direct Delivery Stream; and Provincial/Territorial Stream.
We’re pleased to announce that the UBCM Group Benefits Plan for Elected Officials now includes coverage for mental health supports. Pricing and plan details for 2026 are now available for local governments, well in advance of the 2026 election, allowing for informed decision-making and early review. Learn more about how these benefits can support your elected officials and strengthen your local government’s commitment to wellness.
Organizations representing local government and business in British Columbia are refusing to sign non-disclosure agreements related to the Province’s proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA).
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.
UBCM recommends pilot projects to tap expertise of local governments, archaeologists, industry and First Nations
UBCM is undertaking a governance review focused on the composition of the Executive board, in response to recent questions raised from members about representation on the Executive board, and to address a 2024 resolution (NEB14-2024) which proposes changing UBCM's name to be more inclusive of the diversity of local government types in British Columbia.
There will be several opportunities for engagement and feedback. The first is an online survey for local elected officials. The survey seeks member feedback on:
Executive Director Gary MacIsaac has notified the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Executive Board of his intention to retire following the UBCM Convention in September.
Mr. MacIsaac has served as UBCM’s Executive Director since 2007. During his tenure, he has worked with 18 presidents and successive Executive Boards, providing trusted leadership and counsel through a period of significant change and growth for local governments across British Columbia.