2024

Whereas the contaminated site remediation process is required when an application is made for many types of redevelopment; And whereas the environmental remediation process is so onerous and costly for small scale commercial development that it can delay development: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to reassess the contaminated sites provincial legislation to alleviate the negative economic impacts for small scale commercial redevelopment and provide more options for economic development opportunities on these properties.

Whereasmany local governments in BC have set Greenhouse Gas GHG emission reduction targets; And whereas like other local governments, the District of Central Saanich has made progress in reducing emissions, yet has findings to indicate that heavy-duty truck emissions have increased, while there are few available local government legislative or financial powers to change this trajectory: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Province to use its financial and legislative powers to take further action to reduce the emissions from the heavy-duty trucks, which may include requiring a

Whereas local governments recognize the urgent need to address climate change and the impact that climate change is having on communities through extreme weather such as wildfires, floods, extreme heat, which is causing major infrastructure damage and loss of life to residents; And whereas there is a need to engage young people by local governments, and train the next generation of low carbon sector workers and leaders: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Province of British Columbia for an expanded Youth Climate Corps that will provide green living wage jobs and training t

Whereas the Government of Canada, Province of BC, and 17 regional districts, municipalities and local First Nations have together invested up to 30 million through the Organics Infrastructure Program OIP to keep organic waste out of landfills and to increase organic composting capacity in BC; And whereas the organic composting process is hindered by the difficulty of screening out non compostable plastic Price Look-Up PLU stickers applied to fruit and vegetable items that inevitably end up in curbside collection bins: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the governments of British

Whereas increasing environmental standards for solid waste management are placing considerable financial strain on local governments and their taxpayers; And whereas the provincial government should consider the financial implications of such regulatory changes on local governments and provide corresponding and accessible opportunities for local governments to receive financial support: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Province of British Columbia for the establishment of an annual funding model to assist local governments in adequately preparing for and responding to ne

Whereas the Province is responsible for preventing and responding to natural resource law enforcement infractions and human-wildlife conflicts through the BC Conservation Officer Service; And whereas the Province created the Wildlife Safety Response Officer program, funded by communities, to support BC Conservation Officers and communities in proactively managing human-wildlife interactions: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to fully fund the Wildlife Safety Response Officer program to ensure that all communities have access to the tools they need to pro

Whereas bodies of water in British Columbia are at very high risk for infestation of invasive mussels, particularly following the discovery of quagga mussels in a tributary of the Columbia River in Idaho; And whereas an infestation of invasive mussels would cause significant economic and environmental losses, with economic losses alone estimated at 64 million to 129 million annually across the Province: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of BC take action based on the Okanagan Basin Water Boards recommendations to the Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship

Whereas many BC local governments continue to experience an ongoing significant proliferation of non-compliant and illegal buoys on our lakes, which has led to an untenable enforcement and public safety situation as well as diminished environmental and fisheries values; And whereas both the Province of BC and Government of Canada have a shared jurisdictional authority and responsibility regarding enforcement and removal of these structures because: - the buoys are placed on Crown lands being anchored to the lake bottom, - the landowners are using Crown lands for exclusive ongoing use with

Whereas in response to persistent drought conditions and other climate change effects that are placing considerable stress on supplies of safe, reliable water, the Province of British Columbia has launched new regulatory and enforcement tools as well as funding programs targeting the agricultural sector; And whereas efforts by the agricultural sector to develop more efficient water infrastructure, management, supply and storage to maximize available water is being impeded by lengthy, costly, and complex grant application and water licencing processes as well as conflicting guidance from di

Whereas the Province of British Columbia provides powers to local governments to regulate protection of the environment and levy maximum fines for offences: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to provide urgent protection to watercourses from dumping and discharge, including by providing authority to local governments to impose higher fines.