Advocacy for property tax deferral, transit funding & stimulus framework

UBCM seeks expanded property tax deferral, transit funding, stimulus framework

The Union of B.C. Municipalities has written to Minister Selina Robinson to seek the expansion of the existing Property Tax Deferral Program. An expanded program would ease the financial pressure on residential homeowners facing loss of income during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide greater certainty to local governments as they seek to maintain current levels of service. UBCM has also asked for additional provincial funding for public transit and the development of an infrastructure stimulus framework to support economic recovery.

2020 Community Excellence Awards

Applications are now being accepted for UBCM's 2020 Community Excellence Awards. The application deadline is July 10, 2020. The awards recognize and celebrate UBCM members that have implemented projects or programs that demonstrate excellence in meeting the purposes of local government in B.C. Read more

Federal infrastructure funding stream for pandemic response

Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna announced yesterday that the federal government will allocate more than $3 billion for projects that make provincial and local government facilities more pandemic resistant as well as encourage outdoor activities. The Minister made the comments during an interview with the Canadian Press. Read more

Gas Tax report deadline extended

The 2019 Gas Tax Annual Expenditure Report deadline has been extended to July 1, 2020. The AER report covers Federal Gas Tax Fund spending between January 1 and December 31, 2019. Reports can be submitted through UBCM's online Program Information Management System (PIMS). Information on how to submit this year's report is available on our website.

UBCM Cannabis Policy Technical Working Group

UBCM is seeking to appoint up to seven local government staff members to its Cannabis Policy Technical Working Group. The Working Group was recently established by the UBCM Executive to consult with the provincial government on an as-needed basis regarding new and ongoing policy issues. Read more

COVID-19 Community Response Fund

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Canadian Medical Association Foundation have introduced a new program to directly fund cities and communities to support vulnerable populations during COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Community Response Fund for Vulnerable Populations program will empower municipalities to better reach, protect and assist the most vulnerable among us-including those experiencing homelessness or grappling with mental health and substance use challenges.

May 13, 2020