UBCM News

The Village of Lytton was nearly completely destroyed in the 2021 Lytton Creek Fire, and residents are still struggling to rebuild. The high cost and slow pace of archaeological work required before rebuilding can begin is prohibitive to the village’s recovery. Individual quotes for archaeological work range from $26,000 to $48,000, with at least one as high as $86,000. The costs, not covered by insurance, are causing some to choose not to rebuild.

Lytton has asked the Province for help to streamline the work and cover these costs, but have had no response.

Gaps in provincial services, increasing regulatory requirements and emergency management costs are stretching local budgets. The Union of B.C. Municipalities is calling on all parties in the provincial election to consider the growing financial pressures on local governments.

With sadness UBCM marks the passing of former UBCM Executive member and longtime councillor for the City of Richmond, Linda McPhail.

Linda served as a Richmond city councillor from 2011 to 2022, and was a school trustee for nine years before that. She served one term on the UBCM Executive Board from 2018-2019 where she contributed to the Health and Social Development Committee and Convention Committee.

UBCM will no longer seek intervenor status on a court case between the provincial government and the Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA) concerning Bill 34, Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act.

The Province of B.C. has decided that it will not bring into force legislation presently to establish shelter criteria when local governments seek injunctions for decampment.

The federal government has approved the Province of BC’s request to further control consumption of illicit drugs in public spaces. The change took place immediately as of May 7, 2024. Possession of small amounts of illicit drugs is still permitted.

Homelessness is a serious and growing issue in BC, and local governments are seeing firsthand the need for more shelter spaces, affiliated social services, and bolstered first responder capacity. The UBCM Executive is meeting with the Premier, Ministers, and opposition MLAs to discuss these issues, and look for constructive solutions.