2024

Whereas local governments across BC are facing infrastructure funding shortfalls to maintain current infrastructure and as a result are implementing significant municipal tax increases; And whereas continued population growth and housing demand is resulting in the need for local governments to expand their recreation, fire, police, parks, and administration services at a level greater than can be accomplished through the use of the newly introduced Amenity Cost Contribution authority: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the Province of British Columbia to provide increased funding

Whereas the recent enactment of Bills 44, 46, and 47 Housing Statutes Amendments related to residential development, development financing and transit-oriented areas have mandated increased housing density across the province, thereby accelerating the need for substantial infrastructure investments to support this new housing; And whereas the current provisions of Bills 44, 46, and 47 do not adequately address the full spectrum of infrastructure needs and costs that accompany increased housing density, such as, but not limited to, sewer and water systems, transportation, roads, and active

Whereas invasive mussels represent one of the biggest national and regional transboundary threats to our waterways; And whereas the threat of invasive mussels has dramatically increased with Idaho announcing quagga mussels were detected in the Snake River, a tributary of the Columbia River and less than a days drive to the BC and Alberta borders; And whereas none of the 750 million allocated to the Canada Water Agency addresses this threat or supports existing gaps in BCs Invasive Mussel Defence Program, including the need for additional watercraft inspection stations; And whereas the Pr

Whereas the presence and proliferation of invasive species, specifically zebra and quagga mussels, pose a significant threat to our provinces aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and infrastructure; And whereas the negative impacts of zebra and quagga mussels include the disruption of native ecosystems, damage to water supply infrastructure, and economic implications for industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism; And whereas effective prevention measures require substantial financial resources for research, monitoring, and implementation of strategies to prevent the introduction

Whereas it is widely acknowledged that the infiltration of invasive mussels in British Columbia waterways would have catastrophic environmental and economic impacts on local governments; And whereas the primary mechanism for invasive mussels entering the province is on or in watercraft: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of British Columbia to increase funding for the Invasive Mussel Defense Program, introduce supportive legislation and update the Early Detection, Rapid Response Plan; And be it further resolved that UBCM request the Province of British Columbia to wo

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, and extreme heat, which is causing major infrastructure damage and loss of life to residents; And whereas there is a need to engage young people in local governments, and train the next generation of low carbon sector workers and leaders: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urges the provincial government of British Columbia to expand and scale a Youth Climate Corps that will provide good green jobs and

Whereas local governments across British Columbia are increasingly being impacted by severe weather events that are creating complex emergency situations; And whereas local governments are legislated to plan for, respond to, and assist their communities in recovering from these emergencies: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM encourage the Province of British Columbia to create an annual funding model for local governments to more adequately prepare for each phase of emergency management.

Whereas fireworks are a known fire hazard which can start wildfires when conditions are dry with sufficient forest fuels: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of BC to prohibit the sale of fireworks in any area for which an open burning ban has been issued.

Whereas local governments have the ability to regulate the sale and use of fireworks within their local government boundaries; And whereas there exists discrepancies among local bylaws regulating the sale and use of fireworks across the province and fireworks are also readily available from sources outside of British Columbia and Canada through online purchase; And whereas fireworks are often obtained and used by individuals in an irresponsible manner leading to personal injuries, damage to property, harm to the environment and risk to pets and wildlife; Therefore be it resolved that UB

Whereas the process for local governments to request installation of new intersection safety cameras is not well known and there is no clear process regarding decision-making and timelines about future intersection safety cameras, and as a result, municipalities are not able to identify new locations andor secure additional intersection safety cameras; And whereas intersection safety cameras have proven to be an efficient and effective deterrent to ensure compliance with speed and traffic regulations, which exist to ensure road safety and help achieve Vision Zero: Therefore be it resolved