Convention 2024: Wednesday, September 18

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Funding needed for infrastructure

Over $24 billion in community infrastructure will need to be replaced in British Columbia over the next 10 years. Local government leaders shared comments on the challenges facing communities and UBCM’s call for a $650 million annual transfer program to address the infrastructure deficit.

UBCM President Trish Mandewo speaks to the need for additional infrastructure funding

Climate change is a game changer for local infrastructure. Massive improvements are needed to ensure our communities are resilient and able to cope with our changing weather. And provincial legislation aimed at housing supply has cost local governments the ability to direct growth into areas where necessary services are already in place.

Considering all the issues facing local government, the ability to pay for needed infrastructure upgrades and expansion is the most significant. Which is why UBCM is calling on all provincial parties to commit to an annual transfer of $650 million for local infrastructure renewal. This reliable funding will help transform BC communities, supporting growth, speed our adaption to climate change and accelerate the replacement of aging assets.

5 Minutes With: George Stroumboulopoulos

As someone who listens for a living, we wanted to talk with the 2024 Convention keynote speaker George Stroumboulopoulos about how to hold helpful public discourse in a divided world.

Minister of Municipal Affairs Anne Kang

Minister Anne Kang addressed delegates and spoke to the priorities of the provincial government.

Vote for the 2024-25 UBCM Executive

Earlier this month Director Art Kaehn made the difficult decision to withdraw his nomination for UBCM President due to health reasons. UBCM’s current President, Councillor Trish Mandewo (Coquitlam), was nominated to renew her role as President, and will be acclaimed as no other candidates were nominated.

·     Two candidates are running for 1^st Vice President: Councillor Wes Graham (Cranbrook) and Councillor Cori Ramsay (Prince George).

·     Councillor Jenna Stoner (Squamish) will be acclaimed as 2^nd Vice President.

·     Three candidates are nominated for 3^rd Vice President: Councillor Lori Mindich (Lumby), Councillor Patricia Ross (Abbotsford) and Mayor Sarrah Storey (Fraser Lake).

Delegates are invited to vote online for these positions until 9:00 am on Thursday, September 19. Elections for the remaining executive positions of the UBCM Executive will begin Thursday.

109 resolutions endorsed so far

UBCM delegates voted to endorse 109 resolutions on Wednesday, including the three Special Resolutions related to regional hospital district funding, infrastructure funding to support provincially-mandated housing growth, and temporary shelters for asylum seekers. The 104 resolutions in the Endorse Block (those that are consistent with existing UBCM policy) were endorsed with one amendment. One resolution from the Not Endorse Block (those with no precedent or contrary to existing UBCM policy) about vacancy control was endorsed. Resolutions will continue at 8:00 am on Thursday, September 19. Refer to the 2024 Resolutions Book for the full list of resolutions, plus one late resolution in Policy Book 1.

2024 Community Excellence Awards winners

UBCM presented the 2024 Community Excellence Awards on Tuesday evening. These awards have been offered since 2004 with a goal of celebrating excellence in local governments and providing a forum for our members to learn from one another’s successes. We would like to congratulate all winners who are leading the way with vision, creativity and innovation.

Coming up on Thursday, September 19

Premier David Eby will sit down with UBCM President Trish Mandewo (11:15 am in the main hall) for a conversation about issues facing local governments. Resolutions debate will continue, and a full slate of workshops and clinics finish out the day.