Messages from the UBCM President, general advocacy communications, and information about Local Government Week.
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.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) has provided approval for its solicitor to apply to the Court of Appeal to intervene in the pending proceedings related to Cowichan Tribes v. Canada.
UBCM’s board members extend their deepest condolences to the residents of Tumbler Ridge in the wake of the shootings at its high school yesterday. We join all British Columbians today in sorrow for those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and for the trauma experienced by survivors, first responders and the community.
BC’s decriminalization pilot will come to an end on January 31, 2026. The aim of this initiative was to address the overdose crisis by removing stigma that prevents individuals from seeking life-saving support and treatment.
UBCM has released the 2024 Outcomes Report, covering results of Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) investments in BC from January 1 to December 31, 2024. This is the first outcomes report under the renewed agreement, which will transfer $3.6 billion to BC communities over 10 years. New this year, the report demonstrates how regular investment in infrastructure is helping to address housing pressures across British Columbia.
UBCM is sad to note the passing of Keith Thom, councillor and deputy mayor of Peachland.
“Keith was far more than a colleague – he was a dear friend, a steady presence, and a passionate ambassador for our town of Peachland. Over years of service – both on Council and in the community – he touched countless lives through his warmth, his music, his generous spirit, and his dedication,” wrote the mayor and councillors in a statement.