Convention program; DRIPA action plan; National Infrastructure Assessment; Funding & Resources

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Convention sessions & workshops coming into focus

UBCM’s Executive and staff look forward to welcoming delegates from across the province to the 2021 UBCM Convention. This year’s event is just over a month away, and over the coming weeks we will be detailing the workshops, keynotes and policy discussions that will feature at this year’s meeting. If you haven’t already, be sure to save your seat and register today.

National Infrastructure Assessment

In response to the federal government’s call for comments, UBCM has made a submission on Canada’s proposed National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA). UBCM recommended several elements for assessing, co-ordinating and financing a national infrastructure strategy that would create and maintain the infrastructure BC’s communities need.

UBCM Submission on DRIPA Draft Action Plan

As the provincial government continues to accept input on its draft action plan to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), UBCM has prepared a submission emphasizing its strong support for ongoing work towards reconciliation and relationship building, and requesting that the Province engage with local governments as DRIPA is implemented.

Truth and Reconciliation Day

The Province has declared September 30 as a day of commemoration of the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools. This follows a Federal announcement in June marking the date as a day of commemoration that would be observed by federal employees and workers in federally regulated workplaces.

Funding & resources update

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

Webinar on accessory dwellings

BC Housing is offering a free 2-hour webinar on Sept 15, 2021 from 10 am – 12 noon PDT entitled ‘Building Knowledge – Best Practices for Accessory Dwelling Units’. This webinar will cover leading practices and initiatives to address successful implementation of accessory dwelling units in communities across B.C. Advance registration is required.

Canada Community-Building Fund launched

The Canada Community-Building Fund, the new designation for the longstanding federal Gas Tax Fund, will deliver over $573 million for local government infrastructure during the 2021-22 fiscal year. The renamed program will also include expanded eligibility as Fire halls and fire station infrastructure have been added as an investment category. Allocations for each community are highlighted in the backgrounder provided in the federal news release.