2025

Whereas recognizing housing as a human right fundamentally shifts government motivations by adding critical urgency and responsibility to ensure access to affordable housing meaning housing costs are aligned with income through policies that prevent homelessness, address the escalating housing and homelessness crisis, eliminate discrimination, and prioritize the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations; And whereas the Government of Canada affirmed the right to housing as a matter of international law and enshrined it domestically through the National Housing Strategy Act 2019, rec

Whereas the affordable housing and addiction crises have created an untenable situation with street disorder in BC communities; And whereas the provincial government has assigned supportive housing targets across BC without the inclusion of the proportionate number of detox and treatment facilities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs to urgently pursue the delivery of supportive rental units within the housing target guidelines given to municipalities; And be it further resolved that that the Minister of Health ensure that these units ar

Whereas communities across BC are in a housing crisis characterized by insufficient housing supply and escalating costs, and a particularly urgent need for more homes in the affordable end of the housing spectrum; And whereas the National Housing Strategy Act has stated that there is a human right to housing, and housing is a key determinant of individual health and well-being and is essential for businesses and communities to thrive: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the BC Government to take urgent action in partnership with all levels of government to dramatically increase the sup

Whereas recognizing housing as a human right fundamentally shifts government motivations by adding critical urgency and responsibility to ensure access to affordable housing meaning housing costs are aligned with income through policies that prevent homelessness, address the escalating housing and homelessness crisis, eliminate discrimination, and prioritize the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations; And whereas the Government of Canada affirmed the right to housing as a matter of international law and enshrined it domestically through the National Housing Strategy Act 2019, rec

Whereas the current economic instability is applying financial pressure on small businesses defined as 49 or fewer employees across our communities; And whereas the Province has greater jurisdictional power to decrease the economic pressures on small businesses through a variety of policy changes related to rental rates: Therefore be it resolved the UBCM membership directs UBCM staff to research and investigate the costs and benefits of Commercial Rent Control and report back to the UBCM membership before any future conference deadlines.

Whereas the Province created new legislation that defines the uses to which local governments can apply Amenity Cost Charges ACCs levied from development; And whereas the legislation prevents local governments from applying ACCs to affordable housing; And whereas many local governments rely on amenity contributions, beyond bonus density, to capitalize housing reserve funds or comparable finance tools: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to expand the eligible uses of Amenity Cost Charges to include affordable housing; And be it further resolved the Province create an al

Whereas cigarette butts are non-biodegradable, toxic and have a significant negative impact on the aquatic and terrestrial environment; And whereas UBCM passed a resolution in 2016 about creation of a Cigarette Butt Deposit Return Program which has not resulted in progress; And whereas cigarette butts continue to be a significant source of contamination via litter across British Columbia: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Minister of Environment to require a province wide cigarette butt return program or prohibit the sale of non bio-degradable cigarette butts.

Whereas Provincial funding to public libraries has been frozen at 14 million for over ten years, limiting the ability to expand and evolve programming; And whereas public libraries provide equitable access to vital resources including internet, computers, digital tools and in-person services from expert staff and provide low-barrier services that support job seekers and small businesses, advance reconciliation and promote equity and inclusion; And whereas public libraries significantly contribute to the governments goals for building a stronger economy and society as well as enabling a st

Whereas the April 2025 BC Council of Forest Industries COFI report, Competitiveness and Sustainability in the BC Forest Sector, identifies BC as falling behind in all areas, except environmental policy; And whereas BC has significant undercuts year after year that significantly contribute to industry uncertainty of fiber supply leading to lack of business sustainability and investment in the wood products sector with dire results such as mill closures; And whereas the undercuts are a result of factors such as a time consuming, cumbersome, unpredictable permitting processes, rapid and unpr

Whereas healthcare staffing shortages in rural communities across British Columbia have led to primary care providers assuming broader scopes of responsibilities, often performing multiple roles to ensure comprehensive patient care; And whereas existing monetary incentives for primary care providers in British Columbia do not adequately reflect the expanded scope of responsibilities required in rural settings, contributing to recruitment and retention challenges: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate for the provincial government to implement a pay structure and incentive model that