Convention plenary focus on Truth and Reconciliation
UBCM’s plenary session will address the urgent question of how Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities might walk further along the path towards truth and reconciliation. The panel will feature the Honourable Murray Sinclair, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and will provide guidance for local governments seeking direction on how to meaningfully and effectively act on the TRC Calls to Action. Read more
Increased residential flexibility in ALR
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries has announced changes that will allow expanded residential flexibility in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The ALR Use Regulation has been amended and will come into force on December 31, 2021. The amendment includes options for ALR land owners for an additional small secondary home in additional to a principal residence. Read more
Draft DRIPA action plan
The Province has released a draft Action Plan to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). The document identifies a high-level list of actions that the Province plans to take in collaboration with Indigenous peoples from 2021 to 2026, and is intended to provide a province-wide, whole-of-government plan for implementing DRIPA. Read more
Modernizing Forest Policy virtual engagement
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. There will be eight sessions starting the week of July 19. Read more
Changes proposed for railway crossing upgrades
Transport Canada is proposing a new risk assessment system to prioritize which railway grade crossings should be upgraded. In concert with this risk assessment, the federal government would extend the compliance deadline for existing public grade crossings to meet the requirements of the Rail Safety Grade Crossings Regulations. Read more
