2026

Whereas since 2016 the number of people waiting to be admitted to long-term care has increased by 200 and the provincial average wait time to access such care has grown by 98 over the past eight years; And whereas a lack of, or prolonged waiting times to access, long-term care can have significant negative impacts on patients, their families and health care professionalscaregivers: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of BC to increase the number of long-term care beds in the province.

Whereas the expansion of the 10day child care program has provided meaningful financial relief to families across British Columbia while increasing workforce participation, particularly for women and young families struggling with the rising cost of living; And whereas municipalities are increasingly being called upon to support growing communities through investments in housing, infrastructure, recreation, and family services, and affordable child care remains a foundational component of healthy and economically resilient communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Prov

Whereas the Community Charter and the Local Government Act establish a legislated commitment for the Province to consult with local governments on matters that directly affect communities and local government responsibilities; And whereas local governments are essential partners in delivering services, implementing provincial priorities, and ensuring policies are informed by local knowledge and community needs; And whereas early, open, and meaningful engagement with local governments improves policy development, strengthens implementation, and reduces the risk of unintended consequences;

Whereas the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports FCFS program is administered by UBCM to provide critical funding to First Nations and local governments for FireSmart planning and mitigation activities that reduce community wildfire risk; And whereas, due to a lack of funding, the FCFS program transitioned to a competitive, adjudicated intake which creates uncertainty and reduces local governments ability to sustain ongoing wildfire risk reduction capacity; And whereas communities throughout British Columbia rely on FCFS funding to deliver local wildfire risk reduction initiatives, an

Whereas the Province of British Columbia has imposed housing targets on municipalities, including expectations for affordable below-market units; And whereas the Province has indefinitely paused new intakes to the Community Housing Fund, its primary capital program for non-market and affordable rental housing, thereby stalling shovel-ready projects, stranding pre-development investments by non-profit societies and local governments, and worsening housing pressures for renters, working families, seniors, and employers: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbi

Whereas there is an ongoing desire to ensure that the UBCM Executive represents the organizations membership, and elected representatives from some members have expressed concerns about challenges faced in achieving election to positions on the Executive; And whereas an independent governance review commissioned by UBCM identified options for creating or amending Executive positions to improve member inclusion, representation by population size, as well as continuity of representation; And whereas amendments to the UBCM Bylaws are required to modify the composition of the Executive; with