On November 10^th, the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) announced the release of its stage 1 Final Report from its Inquiry into the Regulation of Municipal Energy Utilities. UBCM, along with a number of local governments, advocated that local government legislation empowers municipalities and regional districts to provide energy services, most notably through their own Local Government Corporations (LGCs), and as such should be excluded from BCUC regulatory oversight.

The Province of BC has announced a new Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to support BC communities. UBCM President Jen Ford indicated her support for the program noting that “UBCM has long advocated for additional funding assistance to help local governments transition and diversify their local economies.”

The provincial government has released an intentions paper that explores options to mitigate the effects of flooding. Stakeholders, including local governments, have until January 6, 2023, to provide feedback. Input will help inform the BC Flood Strategy, which the Province of B.C. intends to release later in 2023.

The Electoral Area Directors’ Forum will not be held in Winter 2023, as many UBCM members will be attending the Local Government Leadership Academy’s Elected Official Seminars. These Seminars are designed for all elected officials and senior management staff. The next opportunity for Electoral Area Directors to meet as a group will be at the 2023 UBCM Convention.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans will be hosting a virtual engagement session for local governments to review the draft framework for the development of a Net Pen Transition Plan for salmon aquaculture. A virtual engagement session will take place Friday, November 25, 2022, from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and will include the topics of collaborative governance, policy and regulation, and licensing. Mayors /Chairs or their designates are invited to attend.

The Community Energy Association (CEA) and the BC Municipal Climate Leadership Council will host a webinar for new and returning locally elected officials on November 24. This session will help elected officials who are looking to integrate climate action in their communities over the next term. Registration for this event is now open.