2026

Whereas the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions 202627202829 Service Plan does not include renewed funding for the Local Government Climate Action Program, despite increasing climate-related impacts such as wildfire, flooding and extreme weather affecting communities across British Columbia; And whereas stable, ongoing, and non-competitive funding since 2009 through the Local Government Climate Action Program and its predecessor, the Climate Action Rebate Incentive Program, has enabled communities such as the City of New Westminster to directly advance emissions-reduction infrastruct

Whereas volunteer and composite fire departments across British Columbia provide essential emergency services to local, often rural and remote communities and often rely on local government budgets to meet provincially required training standards; And whereas members of volunteer departments frequently pursue paid full time firefighting positions elsewhere in the province, creating a mobility dynamic that benefits the provincial emergency system but places training costs on local taxpayers: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM respectfully request that the Government of British Columbia: i

Whereas BC Crown Counsel plays a critical role in ensuring the fair, timely, and effective administration of justice across the province; And whereas insufficient staffing levels, workload pressures, and resource limitations within BC Crown Counsel services have resulted in delays, increased adjournments, burnout risk among prosecutors, and challenges ensuring timely access to justice for victims, accused persons, and communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Province to allocate additional and sustained funding, staffing, and operational resources to the BC Crown Co

Whereas local governments policing costs are rapidly increasing and their ability to generate revenue remains limited and creates challenges funding other mandated local government responsibilities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the provincial and federal governments arrange a meeting with local government representatives to examine a more sustainable shared policing model.

Whereas existing bail, sentencing, and justice system responses have not deterred repeat property crime and public disorder offences, leading to ongoing negative impacts to residents, businesses, and perceptions of safety and business stability; And whereas cross-sector intervention programs that combine accountability with timely access to health, housing, and social supports that address the underlying drivers including mental health, substance use, trauma, and housing insecurity, may be more effective in reducing recidivism and improving community safety: Therefore be it resolved that

Whereas extreme weather events are increasing across British Columbia, creating an urgent need for temporary emergency warming centres and shelters to protect vulnerable individuals; and emergency warming centres are temporary, short-term but urgent responses typically operated in existing community buildings and rely heavily on non-profit organizations, staff, and volunteers to operate safely during emergency conditions; And whereas the British Columbia Building Code and British Columbia Fire Code are intended to operate as coordinated companion documents, and provincial guidance confirms

Whereas supportive housing plays a critical role in providing safe and stable housing and supports for vulnerable people; And whereas supportive housing currently falls under the Residential Tenancy Act, amendments are required for clarity on the role and enforceability of Good Neighbour Agreements to ensure supportive housing providers have the appropriate tools to address urgent safety concerns while continuing to uphold tenant rights, procedural fairness, and human-rights obligations: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to amend the Residential Tena

Whereas BC Housings planning, operation, and management of affordable and supportive housing directly influence local governments ability to plan for housing supply, infrastructure, and community services; And whereas limited access to timely, community level data, including vacancy rates, operational pressures, and annual priorities, impedes effective local planning and coordinated responses to housing needs and future developments: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government and BC Housing to improve transparency by regularly providing local governments with commu

Whereas the Government of British Columbia has revised its capital budget, resulting in the pausing, deferral, or cancellation of previously approved capital projects; And whereas the cancellation or delay of these projects will worsen pressures on the healthcare system and housing availability across communities in British Columbia; Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Government of British Columbia to restore funding and timelines for healthcare and BC Housing projects that have been paused, deferred, or cancelled; And be it further resolved that the Province provide a clear

Whereas Regional Hospital District taxation is intended to support the long-term sustainability of health care facilities and major medical equipment; And whereas the absence of standardized asset management planning by health authorities creates uncertainty about the condition, replacement timelines, and funding priorities for major health care infrastructure: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of British Columbia require health authorities to prepare and maintain asset management plans for major facilities and equipment as a condition of receiving funding from Regio