2023

Whereas a comprehensive review of the legislation governing regional districts has not been done; however, the social, political and economic environments in which local governments operate has dramatically evolved in areas including increased populations living in unincorporated areas, response to climate change, and First Nations participation in regional governance; And whereas the accountabilities of regional districts continue to increase, most recently with updates to emergency management legislation, but regional districts lack the tools and authority needed to meet these expanded r

Whereas local governments, with limited and competing resources, must address traffic safety challenges to ensure the well-being of our residents; And whereas the enforcement of traffic regulations, such as speed regulations in residential areas, playgrounds, and school zones, is labour intensive and the ability to use traffic enforcement cameras as a deterrent has proven to be effective and efficient in the management of speed and other traffic regulations: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to permit local governments to independently implement traffic e

Whereas climate change brings us longer periods of drought and hotter temperatures in which Scotch Broom Cytisus Scoparious, a highly flammable invasive species with high oil content and dry branches, will thrive and act as a volatile flash fuel, increasing the risk of wildfires and specifically Urban Interface Fires; And whereas Scotch Broom spreads densely and rapidly, inhibiting forests regrowth, and negatively impacting agricultural production and native species, with a 2021 study for the Invasive Species Council of BC ISCBC designating Scotch broom as the Top Worse Offender - the inv

Whereas libraries in British Columbia are largely financed by levies paid by local governments, and where provincial library funding has remained stagnant for the past 10 years; And whereas public libraries are central to communities, providing equitable access to vital resources including Internet, computers, digital tools and in-person services from expert staff; And whereas public libraries provide British Columbians with low-barrier services that support job seekers and small businesses, that increase literacy in communities, that advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and th

Whereas the Homeowner Protection Act requires that testing requirements be met as part of the application process for building contractors to obtain continuing education units annually to maintain their license, and communities are seeing a reduction in capacity to provide for housing development in rural and remote communities; And whereas many rural BC communities provide construction oversight through building inspection services to ensure that Owner Builders and Building Contractors are meeting the minimum BC Building Code Part 9 requirements: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobb

Whereas the Province of British Columbia has historically administered a downtown revitalization program that generated incredible long-term benefits and returns to those communities who participated in the program and to the Province through increased commerce, tourism, and tax revenues; And whereas forestry, fishing, and mining-oriented rural communities have been significantly economically impacted in relation to the economic vitality of these industry sectors: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the Province of British Columbia to re-establish a downtown revitalization grant prog

Whereas medical first responder call volume data taken locally and provincially reflects an upward trajectory year over year; And whereas this increased trajectory of medical first responder call volume is disproportionately higher for municipal emergency responders than those reported by British Columbia Emergency Health Services BCEHS; And whereas BCEHS is responsible for the delivery, co-ordination and governance of emergency health services and can and does consent to other organizations, primarily fire departments, providing these services as part of a co-ordinated response; And whe

Whereas Vancouver Island communities are facing loss of irreplaceable natural habitat that is crucial to the survival of delicate coastal and land ecosystems, including wildlife and plant life; And whereas in December 2022, the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework GBF, including four goals and 23 targets for achievement by 2030: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the provincial government establish a working committee, with local government representation to establish a comprehensive set

Whereas in the face of climate change and a rapidly increasing population; fresh water for human consumption, agriculture, industry, and ecological needs has become a precious commodity on Vancouver Island and across British Columbia; And whereas there are many different purveyors involved in the supply of drinking water including governments and private companies, as well as many agencies responsible for development planning for the growing population: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship to provide leadership and functio

Whereas regional districts have not been granted the authority to regulate vehicle parking on roadways in rural areas; And whereas the Province and the RCMP have limited resources to regulate and enforce the increased volume of vehicles parked illegally on roads and rights-of-way that cause congestion and unsafe conditions for other vehicles, pedestrians and emergency first responders: Therefore be it resolved that the Province of British Columbia grant regional districts the authority under the BC Motor Vehicle Act to regulate and enforce vehicle parking on provincial roads and rights