2024

Whereas the Province of British Columbia regulates annual allowable residential rent increases through the Residential Tenancy Regulation, BC Reg.

Whereas the purpose of the Agricultural Land Reserve ALR is to preserve much-needed land for farming to ensure local food security, and not real estate speculation; And whereas speculation in the ALR can lead to increased land values and the underutilization of ALR land for farming: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of BC to establish a targeted unfarmed land tax, to discourage speculation and encourage farming in the ALR.

Whereas the School Act exempts 50 of the assessed value of a parcel of land in the Agricultural Land Reserve ALRfrom school taxation if the land is vacant and unused, or used only for a residential purpose; And whereas to encourage farming in the ALR to ensure local food security, school tax exemptions should only apply to ALR land that is being used for a farm purpose: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of BC to amend the School Act to remove the 50 school tax exemption for vacant and unused land, and residential purpose land in the ALR.

Whereas there does not readily appear to be a mechanism by which local governments can recover the equivalent of property tax for childcare centers operating on school property, a placement that is encouraged by provincial policy; And whereas local governments need every opportunity to collect the appropriate revenue for providing our wide range of services considering inflationary pressures and the challenges posed by asset management: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Minister of Education and Child Care that a mechanism by which local governments can recover the equiva

Whereas the BC Government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 16 below 2007 levels by 2025, 40 by 2030, and 80 by 2050; And whereas the Land Title Act, RSBC 1996, c 250, permits the registration of a building scheme that imposes restrictions consistent with a general scheme of development; And whereas these building schemes have been used to prohibit or restrict the installation of roof top solar panels; And whereas such prohibitions or restrictions are a barrier to the generation of renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: Therefore be it resolve

Whereas provincial and municipal stormwater management guidelines were developed and implemented prior to the introduction of Bill 44 and Bill 47, the subsequent rapid increase in density will be accompanied by a dramatic rise in impermeable surfaces on a wide array of landscapes throughout the province; And whereas urban stream health is directly impacted by stormwater runoff that is both increased in volume and reduced in quality by impermeable surfaces associated with development; And whereas public education, outreach and environmental protection legislation, bylaws and regulations ha

Whereas BC regional districts, at the direction of the Province, have assumed responsibility for many small community utility systems water and wastewater; And whereas small community utility systems are not sustainable if funded by user fees alone: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to establish an annual funding mechanism for small community utility systems less than 500 connections which matches the revenue from user fees charged by the regional district; And be it further resolved that the Province consider using funding from Property Transfer Tax of the homes connec

Whereas local governments are required to provide drinking water services and most supply irrigation for agriculture to their communities and BC faces real threats to the health, security and supply of water to our rapidly growing communities over the next decade and beyond, and all BC municipalities have high growth targets to achieve; And whereas the 100 million announced in the BC 2023 budget to kickstart support for watershed security is insufficient to ensure adequate restoration and long-term security for drinking water, cultural heritage values, and agriculture needs: Therefore be

Whereas events can support the feasibility of farming in BC; And whereas current Agricultural Land Reserve ALR Use Regulations are permitting events that hinder farming, and further local regulation is hindered by large geographic areas and limited resources, especially in Regional Districts: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Agricultural Land Commission ALC to work with local governments to update event rules to ensure that farming is the primary use of ALR Lands, and that events avoid disruption of farming activities on nearby parcels, considering changes including but not limi

Whereas the Agricultural Land Commission ALC has unilaterally changed their interpretation of the ALC regulation, requiring a notice of intent for the import of soil or fill onto properties and its subsequent approval prior to construction of any detached ancillary residential structure; And whereas local governments are prohibited from issuing building permits prior to receipt of such approvals, creating an unnecessary regulatory burden on both land owners, local governments, and ALC staff for structures which are regulated through size restrictions in local government zoning bylaws: The