Messages from the UBCM President, general advocacy communications, and information about Local Government Week.
UBCM News
Renewed MOU with Ministry of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation
UBCM signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation (MIRR) during the 2024 Convention. Prior to signing, UBCM asked the Province for a strengthened commitment in the form of an implementation plan, and proposed a draft workplan to be collaborated on by MIRR and UBCM.
Lytton calling on Province for rebuilding support
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.
UBCM releases provincial election priorities
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.
2024 UBCM Annual Report
UBCM's 2024 Annual Report is now available, with highlights of UBCM’s work on behalf of our members over the last fiscal year.
In Memoriam: Linda McPhail
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 withdraws intervenor application from decriminalization litigation
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.
Province steps back from enacting shelter criteria legislation
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.
Federal government approves decriminalization changes
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.
Local government priorities at the foreground in Provincial meetings
UBCM’s Executive Board met with provincial leaders in Victoria to talk about common challenges local governments are dealing with across the province, with a focus on housing and homelessness, community safety, and infrastructure. Meetings with Premier Eby, Ministers Kahlon, Farnworth, Whiteside, Conroy and more, were an opportunity to discuss the ways these issues are affecting communities across the province, and what action is needed from the Province.