The Province has released additional regulations as part of its framework for legalized cannabis. The new regulations focus on the retail sale of non-medical cannabis, and outline policies to address public consumption, personal cultivation and drug-impaired driving. The new rules align with UBCM's advocacy and recommendations provided by the Joint Provincial-Local Government Committee on Cannabis Regulation (JCCR). Read more 

 

The Ministry of Agriculture has formed an independent committee to lead a public engagement process and provide recommendations regarding opportunities to revitalize the Agricultural Land Reserve and the Agricultural Land Commission. A discussion paper and online survey are now available. The deadline to submit is April 30, 2018. Read more 

 

The provincial government has announced its intention to develop a second set of regulations to protect BC's environment from spills. The regulations will focus on five areas: response times; geographic response plans; compensation for loss of public or cultural use of land; maximizing application of regulations to marine spills; and restrictions on the increase in diluted bitumen. Read more 

 

Each month we provide an update on UBCM funding programs and information on other programs or resources that may be of interest to local governments and First Nations. Read more 

 

The B.C. Government has committed to developing a comprehensive Rural Development Strategy in 2018. The new strategy will help rural communities build capacity to create resilient, sustainable futures. Join the online discussion before February 28 at 4 p.m. and help shape B.C's new Rural Development Strategy. Read more 

 

On January 23rd, the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) announced the establishment of an independent inquiry into the regulation of electric vehicle (EV) charging service. With BC's EV charging services currently in an early stage of development, the inquiry will explore potential regulatory issues. Read more 

 

The Community Energy Association (CEA) has updated a funding guide highlighting programs to support energy planning, energy efficiency, clean energy, and sustainable transportation. The CEA is also partnering with BCIT to offer a course in community energy management from February 14 to March 23, 2018. Learn how various renewable energy sources fit into the community energy and emissions planning process.