2024

Whereas BC faces real threats to a sustainable water supply, droughts flood and fire to name a few; And whereas increased water supply will be necessary to accommodate the housing growth that the BC Government is mandating, and maintaining and growing the agricultural sector to feed this new population; And whereas UBCM is the voice of the local governments: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM strike a water panel to advocate to the provincial government on water issues pertaining to their local government members.

Whereas there currently is no provincial legislation to address the need for strategic foresight by requiring public bodies to plan and take action in pursuit of economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing in their areas and for interconnected objectives; And whereas short-term thinking, fragmented decision-making, siloed approaches, and a lack of emphasis on the long-term consequences of these decisions have led to the persistence of social, environmental, and economic issues and inequities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to develop a Wellb

Whereas the BC Governments fare-free transit program for youth aged 12 and under grade 6 saves families money while offering youth low-carbon transportation that helps the province and municipalities reach carbon neutrality targets; And whereas expanding eligibility to those in grade 12 and under would promote equitable access to transit despite economic disparity amongst youth and families in BC: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province to expand the fare-free transit program for youth in grade 12 and under and provide permanent sustainable funding to do so.

Whereas the rapid increase in the use of zero-emission vehicles and corresponding decrease in the use of gas- and diesel-powered vehicles will significantly reduce revenue from taxes collected at the gas pump within only a few years; And whereas gas tax revenue collected through federal and provincial excise taxes, carbon taxes, and, in some cities, transit taxes, funds public services and infrastructure: Therefore be it resolved UBCM ask the Province to work with the federal government to develop a fair, creative, and financially viable solution to replace declining gas tax revenue to

Whereas remote coastal communities in BC are struggling with the accumulation of numerous derelict vehicles; And whereas disposal facilities in coastal communities have limited capacity and a lack of infrastructure to internally manage derelict vehicles or ship to end-markets: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Province of BC for grant funding to be made available for remote communities to undertake cleanup of derelict vehicles.

Whereas the Emergency and Disaster Management Act seeks to set out a comprehensive framework for the management of wildfires, floods, and other disasters in a manner consistent with the SENDAI Framework; And whereas the statutory responsibilities, geographic disparity, and legal powers of regional districts are not recognized by the Emergency and Disaster Management Act: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Province of BC to develop regulations under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act in collaboration with representatives of each regional district, to ensure that emergenc

Whereas British Columbia is facing a housing crisis and part of the reason for the housing crisis is lack of developable land; And whereas additional land for housing could be available but for the requirement of a minimum of one hectare of land for the installation of a septic field; And whereas this one hectare minimum is an arbitrary rule which is in no way related to the ability of a location to support a septic system: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the government of British Columbia to review and implement a new policy concerning where septic fields may be located.

Whereas climate change is worsening conditions and increasing vulnerabilities in the built environment, especially for low-income renters, and the majority of 2021 heat dome deaths were in low-income and multi-unit residential buildings that lacked access to cooling, and poor building maintenance contributes to poor occupant health; And whereas the Residential Tenancy Act RTA states in general terms that landlords must comply with health, safety, and housing standards required by law, including heat but not cooling; And whereas the Province of BC enables local government to enact standard

Whereas housing availability and affordability challenges all municipalities in British Columbia; And whereas these housing challenges impact the health, social and economic well-being of all British Columbia communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the Province to amend the Speculation and Vacancy Tax Act to have all British Columbia municipalities included in the applicable areas where the tax applies.

Whereas communities across the province are unable to find desperately needed workers in the trades, healthcare, education, and childcare because of the unaffordability of housing; And whereas the loss of affordable rental housing is inextricably linked to the dire social and public health concerns that municipalities across the province are struggling to adequately address; And whereas the unaffordability of housing limits the ability of renters to contribute to local economies, as noted by Leilani Farha the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on housing and current Global Director