UBCM has been invited to participate on the provincial government’s Decriminalization Core Planning Table which will support the development of a policy framework and model for the decriminalization of simple possession of drugs in BC. UBCM is seeking a knowledgeable local government representative to participate on the Table on behalf of UBCM and our membership. Please contact UBCM staff for more details or to indicate interest and qualifications, by July 31, 2021.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries is making changes to the Meat Inspection Regulation to create new licence categories, and to allow more modernized inspection approaches. The changes come into force on October 1, 2021. Read more

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development will host regional policy-specific discussions to gather local government input following the release of the recent intentions paper Modernizing Forest Policy in British Columbia. These sessions are designed for Mayors, Chairs or their delegates to share insights on behalf of their communities. Registration is open for the sessions beginning the week of July 26. Read more

Wood Stove Exchange Program 

The Province and BC Lung Association are currently soliciting applications from communities that want to participate in The Provincial Wood Stove Exchange Program.  The program helps improve air quality by changing out old, smoky wood stoves for cleaner heating options including heat pumps, gas or pellet stoves and cleaner-burning wood stoves. Read more

BC rodenticide webinar 

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is hosting a webinar on August 3, 2021 at 1:00pm in response to many stakeholders, including local governments, raising the issue of rodenticides use and wildlife conflict. Interested local governments may register online by emailing the province.