UBCM asks the Province to withdraw Bill 45

UBCM has received legal counsel that Bill 45, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, is intended to, and may in fact, limit the ability of local governments to manage homeless encampments. Bill 45 will apply to local governments seeking court injunctions to remove or regulate homeless encampments. Councillor Trish Mandewo, UBCM’s president, conveyed her concerns to Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon, in a meeting this Tuesday, and requested that the legislation be withdrawn.

UBCM is hosting a webinar on November 28 for local government elected officials and staff to discuss the potential impacts to communities.

Federal economic update includes new funding for housing initiatives

The federal government released its 2023 Fall Economic Statement with an emphasis on housing announcements that include: $50 million in funding to support municipal enforcement of short-term rentals; new financing for rental construction; new funding for non-profit, co-op, and public housing; and tax changes to support rental housing and to support jurisdictions restricting short-term rentals.

Round 5 of CMHC Housing Supply Challenge Open 

The CMHC is receiving applications for Round 5 of the Housing Supply Challenge, with options focused on reducing development timelines for housing generally, or speeding up of community housing projects. Eligible applicants, including governments, may submit applications by December 18, 2023. Further details are available on the CMHC webpage.

Reminder of NG911 GIS data standards webinar

Local government staff and elected officials are invited to a webinar examining the GIS data standards local governments will need to meet for the transition to Next Generation 911 services. The webinar is Monday, November 27, 10 – 11:30 am PST.