2025

Whereas rural communities rely heavily on public transit for access to essential services, employment, education, and social activities; And whereas the current rural transit system is insufficient to meet the growing needs of rural riders, leading to challenges in accessibility and mobility for residents: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate for increased funding and resources from provincial and federal governments to expand and improve rural transit services; And be it further resolved that UBCM call on the provincial and federal governments for initiatives aimed at enhancing t

Whereas communities across British Columbia are experiencing significant infrastructure funding deficits for replacements and improvements as they reach the end of their useful lifespan at a cost solely burdened to the property owners, even though the infrastructure provides benefits to residents and tourists alike; And whereas the ever-increasing downloading of requirements on each local government with no associated changes on how local governments can generate funds has adverse effects on the ability of local governments to raise adequate revenue; And whereas downloading also places in

Whereas the usage of Crown Land for overnight camping and other recreational uses is increasing, in part due to the provincial housing shortage; And whereas increased backcountry use results in the additional need for compliance resources to mitigate aesthetic and environmental impacts, human wildlife conflicts, and improve public safety: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the Province to provide appropriate conservation service resources staffing and funding for increased enforcement and education for use of Crown Land.

Whereas local governments are not compensated by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia ICBC for responses to motor vehicle incidents inside or outside of their jurisdiction; And whereas provincial reimbursement rates for out-of-jurisdiction responses are insufficient and do not cover all of the costs associated with out-of-jurisdiction responses: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the provincial government consider a compensation model to assist local governments with the actual costs for all motor vehicle incident responses.

Whereas inconsistent grant-based programs favour communities that already have the resources and capacity to apply for grants to pursue and complete projects simultaneously, creating inequities for smaller communities where an inordinate amount of time is spent on pursuing grants instead of doing the work of community development; And whereas federal programs like the Community Works Fund provide local governments with stable, predictable and dedicated funding equitably for all local governments: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urges the provincial government to implement consistent an

Whereas a significant portion of Canadians lack basic civic knowledge, which negatively impacts voter participation, democratic engagement, and public discourse, contributing to issues such as social polarization and the spread of disinformation; And whereas informed and engaged citizens are essential to a functioning democracy, and stronger civics education in schools is necessary to equip students with a fundamental understanding of democracy, government, and citizenship: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM petition the Province of British Columbia to increase funding for civics educ

Whereas a significant portion of childcare spaces in many communities are provided by small, private childcare operators, which play a critical role in ensuring accessible and diverse childcare options, particularly in rural and underserved areas; And whereas current government childcare programs, such as the New Spaces Fund, primarily prioritize non-profit, public, and Indigenous providers, limiting access for small private providers and creating financial barriers that may reduce overall childcare availability: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the provincial government to: 1.

Whereas in the past 15 years, BCs population has grown 29 while public libraries have continued to rely on stagnant funding to provide services in increasingly challenging circumstances, including addressing the provinces important goals of enhancing economic growth, reducing costs for families, and making communities safer; And whereas public libraries continue to meet these goals by supporting the economic and social health of their communities, providing information and services for consumers, individuals seeking employment and career enhancement, entrepreneurs and small businesses, pro

Whereas small communities face ongoing challenges relating to rising infrastructure costs and increased provincial permitting requirements for providing essential services such as drinking water; And whereas the additional funds to upgrade infrastructure to meet current infrastructure regulations is too great to be passed onto residents by taxation and is far above borrowing capacity or funding by small local governments: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM engage in discussions with relevant provincial authorities to develop funding opportunities for infrastructure projects and to provid

Whereas BC Hydro has a 2024 Call for Power indicating the need for an additional 3,000 GWhyear as early as fall 2028; And whereas CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 advocates for low-carbon energy production: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urges the provincial government to incentivize BC citizens to invest in individual low-carbon power generation, such as solar panels for residential and commercial property owners, to alleviate the burden on the electrical grid and provide self-sufficiency for more rural and remote communities, aiding in the provincial goals through CleanBC.