2024

Whereas the economic landscape of forestry communities is constantly evolving, requiring proactive measures to ensure their continued growth and prosperity; And whereas it is imperative to invest in the people and opportunities of the future to foster resilience and sustainability in these communities; And whereas discussions with provincial counterparts in Victoria have highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges faced by forestry communities, including the need for transitioning local economies towards sustainability; And whereas the Ministry of Forests has recognized the p

Whereas the provincial government does not currently have the obligation to meaningfully consult with municipalities andor regional districts regarding provincial policy changes or decisions that impact employment for people that live in those municipalities andor regional districts; And whereas the recent provincial policy changes and decisions have and will continue to negatively impact resource sector-based employment that disproportionately impacts rural, northern, and remote communities; And whereas rural, remote and northern communities local tax bases are dependent on a strong reso

Whereas community forests play a vital role in supporting local economies, fostering community resilience, and promoting sustainable forest management practices; And whereas mill closures, curtailing operations, and significant job losses have devastated rural communities, resulting in severe economic decline, decreased community stability, and limited opportunities for economic recovery; And whereas there is an urgent need to expand the size of community forests and increase access to land and fiber around communities to enhance economic opportunities, promote resilience, and support su

Whereas the closure of sawmills in the region has caused significant economic distress within local communities that has led to a decline in local employment opportunities which negatively impacts the livelihoods of residents and local businesses; And whereas recent shutdowns provide a concern that wood harvested in one area will be transported to another for processing, thus jeopardizing the local economic value for communities most impacted: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM requests that the Province considers policy to ensure that timber rights that can reasonably be considered attac

Whereas the closure of all timber processing facilities that cause significant economic hardship within the affected community and its surrounding area; And whereas the sustainability and vitality of local economies are intricately linked to the health and prosperity of timber processing facilities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Ministry of Forests to review the Timber Allocation quota upon the closing of a facility, prioritizing the mitigation of adverse impacts on the economics of the affected community.

Whereasthe timber harvest levels across British Columbia have declined to the projected low levels in the mid-term timber supply; And whereasthe need to diversify rural economies and enhance the attractiveness and livability of our communities is more crucial than ever: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Province to significantly increase the funding and mandates for BC Tourism, BC Parks, and Rec Sites and Trails BC to support communities across the province in accelerating economic diversification.

Whereas tourism is the primary industry for many rural communities in BC and these communities rely on peak travel periods during the summer months to support their local economies; And whereas natural disasters such as wildfires and resulting smoke have an impact on travel, and enforced travel restrictions further discourage visitors from traveling to regions with active wildfires; And whereas tourism is supported by small businesses that breathe life into local economies by creating jobs and employment opportunities, supporting local supply chains, and generating tax revenue for local g

Whereas tourism provides great value to the provincial economy as it is one of the largest employers and largest small business generators; And whereas the impacts of climate change have created hardship in numerous tourism destinations throughout the province; And whereas the hardship is prolonged in rural destinations as the economy is slower to renew than in urban destinations: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the provincial government provide financial investments to local governments to identify how to diversify tourism in impacted communities throughout British Colum

Whereas a dwelling unit that meets the definition of a short-term rental within BCs Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act can be rented out, but places additional demands on local government infrastructure, such as water and sewer, and should pay extra tax commensurate with the additional demand; And whereas tourist overnight accommodation uses such as motels, hotels, and resorts are classed and taxed as businesses: Therefore be it resolved that a dwelling unit offered and used for short term rentals be assigned a tax class created specific to that use, or alternatively that a dwelling uni

Whereas there is a housing crisis in British Columbia that affects all local governments in varying degrees; And whereas there are limited tools to discourage speculation and encourage development of undeveloped property: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of British Columbia to create a new assessment classification for undeveloped residential properties to allow local governments to establish a different tax rate for vacant residential land.