2025

Whereas the Lobbyists Transparency Act formerly the Lobbyists Registration Act requires individuals and organizations who lobby public office holders, and meet specific criteria, to register their lobbying activities in an online public registry; And whereas the goal of the BC Lobbyists Transparency Act is to promote transparency in lobbying and government decision-making: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the provincial government establish and administer an opt-in lobbyist registration and regulation system for municipal governments, similar to the provincial mechanism und

Whereas the current Provincial default speed limit on local roads is 50 kmh, and empirical evidence shows that both the likelihood and severity of collisions - particularly involving vulnerable road users - rise sharply as vehicle speeds increase from 30 kmh to 50 kmh, and as a result reducing vehicle speeds on local roads is a proven strategy to improve safety, enhance livability, reduce social costs, and support increased active transportation mode share; And whereas default speed limits are established by the province, existing legislation obliges municipalities to reduce speed limits v

Whereas European elevator codes and standards permit elevators with smaller cabin sizes, and the European standard for elevator parts have become the global standard, creating a large market for affordable, standardized elevators and replacement parts; And whereas a recent report from the Centre for Building has found that the US and Canada have some of the most expensive elevator costs in the world, and that adopting European elevator codes standards would reduce costs and improve accessibility, particularly in low- and mid-rise buildings: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to t

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 increasing adoption of electric vehicle EV ownership has increased the need for accessible public EV charging stations to ensure equitable access for all residents: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to establish and implement province-wide standards for accessible public EV charging stations.

Whereas farms in British Columbia are facing increasing pressure from rising costs, climate disruptions, workforce shortages, and global market volatilityincluding tariffsmaking it harder to remain viable and threatening the provinces food security and rural economies; And whereas Agricultural Land Commission ALC regulations currently permit food and beverage service lounges for alcohol-producing farms if 50 of the primary product is grown on-site, but farms focused on food production face a more complex, uncertain, and inequitable approval process: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM adv

Whereas a disproportionate amount of crime is perpetuated by a small number of repeat offenders in British Columbia local governments; And whereas jurisdiction for crime is shared between the Province and the federal government; And whereas catch and release is the Provinces entrenched practice of handling criminal cases, particularly in instances where individuals are released without charges after being caught, and the system allows for violent offenders to recommit crimes, which has resulted in a 75 increase in no-charge assessments under the current provincial government; And whereas

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 approximately 3,200 single-family homes are demolished each year across British Columbia to make way for higher-density development, according to the Building Relocation and Deconstruction Association of British Columbia; And whereas the average 1,500 square foot wood-framed home is constructed from 40 to 60 mature trees, contains approximately 100 tons of material, and represents an estimated 23 tons of embodied carbon; And whereas the rate of residential demolitions is projected to increase by 35 over the next decade as local governments implement policies that encourage urban

Whereas the Province of British Columbia amended the British Columbia Building Code BCBC, effective August 27, 2024, to permit the construction of residential multi-family buildings up to six storeys with a single exit stairway under certain conditions, raising significant concerns among local governments, emergency responders, and public safety associations; And whereas this amendment presents elevated risks to occupant and first responder safety due to limited egress during emergencies, reduced evacuation efficiencyparticularly for people with disabilitiesand compounded safety hazards su