UBCM News

MLA George Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary for Transit, has brought forward a private member’s bill that would apply a professional reliance model to local approvals. If passed, this legislation would require that, with limited exceptions, local governments accept submissions certified by registered professionals including engineers and architects as meeting permit or bylaw requirements. UBCM was not consulted on this legislation before its introduction and has significant concerns with the proposed approach that would erode local approval authorities. 

We are sad to note the passing of Mary Sjostrom, a longstanding local elected official and former UBCM President. Mary was a councillor in Quesnel before becoming the City’s first female mayor. She went on to serve as an Electoral Area Director for the Cariboo Regional District.

Mary served in various positions on the UBCM Executive from 2004 to 2014, including a term as President in the 2012-2013 year.

With thanks to all the nominees, UBCM is pleased to present your 2025-2026 Executive team:

UBCM membership adopted the 2025 Annual Report and Financial Reports at the 2025 Convention. Executive Director Gary MacIsaac presented a summary of the past year at UBCM.

Read the Annual Report in full.

Victoria, BC – The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) is calling on the Province to pause progress on changes to the Heritage Conservation Act until meaningful consultation can be conducted with local governments.

Audrey Moore, a longtime mayor and former UBCM President passed away on June 20, 2025, just months before her 98th birthday. 

Moore served as Mayor of Castlegar from 1977 to 1993, the longest tenure in the city’s history. She was previously a city councillor from 1973 to 1977 and held key regional roles, including with the hospital board and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.