Electronic meetings guidance; PRIMECorp; Funding & Resources update

Housing Needs Report funding

The application deadline for the Fall 2020 intake of the Housing Needs Report funding program has been extended until November 13, 2020. Applicant eligibility has been expanded to include Treaty First Nations (as defined by the Interpretation Act). Prospective applicants should be advised that based on available funding, this will likely be the final intake of this funding program. Please see our website for program materials or contact Local Government Program Services for more information.

Guidance for electronic meetings & public hearings

Local governments and the Province have had to consider how to adapt to physical distancing guidelines while continuing to meet the legal and public expectation for transparency in local government decision-making. To assist local governments, the Local Government Management Association and the Province have developed a resource that outlines best practices for holding electronic meetings (e-meetings) and electronic public hearings (e-hearings).

PRIMECorp Board seeks representative

Nominations are being sought for two UBCM representatives on the PRIMECorp BC Board of Directors. Successful applicants shall be subject to approval by the Board. Nominations will be accepted by UBCM until 4:30 p.m. on November 4, 2020. Read more

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. Read more

Research support for innovation

Achieving innovation goals, whether you are a major city, a smaller town, or a rural community, requires time, talent, and budget. Mitacs, a national, not-for-profit organization that has designed and delivered research and training programs in Canada for 20 years, is now accepting research/innovation project proposals from Canadian local governments of all sizes. Read more

Electoral Area Directors' forum evaluation

Delegates who attended the October 5 Electoral Area Directors' Forum are asked to complete an evaluation for the event by October 30, 2020. The survey will also ask for topic suggestions for the February 2021 Forum. Materials shared from the event are available on the UBCM website.

2021 UBCM Convention Hotel Block

The 2021 UBCM Convention is scheduled to be held the week of September 13-17 in Vancouver. The Government of British Columbia has extended the Provincial State of Emergency until the end of day October 13th, 2020 and BC is in Phase 3 of the BC Restart Plan, which prohibits large gatherings. Due to these protocols UBCM will be delaying the open of the hotel blocks for the 2021 Convention at this time. Future updates will be shared with members on the website and compass newsletters.

October 7, 2020