2023

Extreme Weather Response

Whereas the Province, through BC Housing and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness EMCR, supports year round emergency shelters and temporary winter shelters operational from November 1st to March 31st; And whereas since 2022 extreme weather response warmingcooling centres to support vulnerable populations which often tend to be for those with acute mental health and substance use disorders: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that BC Housing, EMCR and health authorities ensure that they support local governments with commitments to provide resourcing for ded

Protection of Old Growth Forests

Whereas climate change and the planetary biodiversity crisis are real and, old-growth forests have significant economic, social and environmental value as wildlife habitat, tourism resources, carbon sinks and are vital sites for biodiversity in British Columbia and becoming increasingly rare in the province; And whereas the Provinces independent panel on old growth forests called on government to Declare conservation of ecosystem health and biodiversity of British Columbias forests as an overarching priority and enact legislation that legally establishes this priority for all sectors.

Reducing Anchorages Outside the Port of Vancouver

Whereas the Salish Sea is a sensitive marine ecosystem and critical habitat for many species including endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, and the use of freighter anchorages outside the Port of Vancouver for ships waiting to be loaded in the Port of Vancouver is extremely detrimental to the marine ecosystem; And whereas ports in other parts of the world have reduced or eliminated the need for freighter anchorages by upgrading infrastructure, increasing efficiencies, and implementing port call optimization systems: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM request the federal govern

New Legislation for Protection of Biodiversity, Ecosystem Health and Species at Risk

Whereas in 2022 UBCM endorsed resolutions calling on the Province of BC to work in cooperation with First Nations to enact species at risk legislation and to work towards new legislation to protect and restore biological diversity and ecosystem health; And whereas in November 2022 the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council released the Wild Species 2020: The General Status of Species in Canada Report which documents an increased risk of extinction for 700 species in British Columbia in the last five years; And whereas in December 2022, Canada joined 195 countries in the Kunmi

Managed Forest Council Representation

Whereas local governments are required to provide drinking water services to their communities; And whereas many community watersheds are included in or affected by forest management activities occurring on private managed forests: Therefore be it resolved that the Private Managed Forest Land Act be amended such that the Managed Forest Council must include one member that is knowledgeable in matters relating to source protection of drinking water systems.

Public Safety and Speed Limits

Whereas rural community roads are managed by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, who oversee the maintenance, service and safety standards, including the setting and adjustment of speed limits; And whereas rural areas are experiencing traffic management issues including increasing speeding as development and populations increase in areas shared by vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians; this requires a greater attention to community public safety concerns and necessary safety improvements: Therefore it be resolved that UBCM request that the Ministry of Transportation review ru

Removal of Racist and Discriminatory Clauses from BC Land Titles

Whereas there are documents and covenants attached to parcels of land throughout the province that are rooted in racism and discrimination; And whereas the cost to remove racist documents and covenants from land titles is born by the property owners: Therefore be it resolved be it resolved that the UBCM request that the Province instruct the Land Titles Office to eliminate any charges to landowners wishing to remove these offensive clauses and restrictions from their titles, and further request the Land Titles Office conduct an audit of land titles and systematically remove racist and d

Moving the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program Forward

Whereas in 2021, 37 local governments from across BC, as well as UBCM, passed resolutions supporting Help Cities Lead, a campaign advocating for the implementation of a Property Assessed Clean Energy PACE program for residential and commercial buildings; And whereas the Province has not met its commitment to move forward with next steps on a PACE program in the RoadMap to 2030 climate strategy, which is a form of financing for energy retrofits designed to help building owners save on energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has yet to advance the program: Therefore be it reso

Enhanced Access to Extended Producer Responsibility Programs

Whereas reasonable and free consumer access to recycling collection facilities or collection services is the cornerstone of British Columbias recycling framework; And whereas the 2021 Accessibility Framework within the Stewardship Agencies of British Columbias Guidance on Accessibility of Stewardship Programs will not provide for the service levels expected within many remote communities in British Columbia, as Extended Producer Responsibility programs are only provided where practical: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the provincial government for improved access to recycl

New Contribution Model to Finance Local Governments in the Climate Transition

Whereas significant costs for climate mitigation and adaptation are and increasingly will be shouldered by local governments; And whereas local governments are severely limited to property taxes and grants to fund climate-related costs: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Minister of Municipal Affairs and BC Cabinet to establish a new contribution model similar in size and structure to the Canada Community Building Fund in order to accelerate local government climate-related investments.