Summit Session: Development Finance

Bill 46: Housing Statutes (Development Financing) Amendment provides a new regime for development finance in British Columbia. To better understand the legislation and its implications for financing community development, UBCM is convening a panel of local government leaders at our 2024 Housing Summit. The panelists will explore how the new framework will shape development in their communities, and share their thoughts on the legislation’s potential to fund sustainable growth, and on where we go from here.

Hotel reservations: The deadline to make hotel reservations is this Friday, February 2. After that, the group rate will not be guaranteed. It is recommended to book as soon as possible, because the hotel block may sell out before the deadline.

Decriminalization Pilot Project: One Year Mark

As the three-year decriminalization pilot project reaches the end of its first year, BC local governments continue to support this initiative as one tool to address the toxic drug crisis. However, recent developments in BC courts leave local governments unclear where public use of illicit drugs will be allowed.

While the provincial legislation is being addressed in the courts, the place-based exceptions from Health Canada will remain. This means the possession of illegal drugs is currently prohibited in BC in airports, schools, childcare premises, playgrounds, spray pools, wading pools and skate parks.

Engagement session for local governments on proposed Land Act amendments

The provincial government is proposing amendments to the Land Act to enable shared decision making with Indigenous Governing Bodies, in keeping with Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) agreements. UBCM met with provincial staff last week and requested the Province hold an engagement session for local governments to learn more about these amendments. This is being held February 21, and written feedback can be submitted to the Province until March 31.

FireSmart Summit 2024:

Recover, Rebuild, Prepare.

On April 20 – 24, more than 600 firefighting professionals, FireSmart experts and Indigenous, municipal, and community leaders will gather for the 2024 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit. Presentations will focus on how to recover from an unprecedented wildfire season, rebuild and prepare for future wildfires, and lead discussions in research, technologies, and best practices.