Housing Summit will focus on surging population and new legislation

UBCM is gathering local governments February 13-14 to take stock of the significant challenges and changes facing BC’s housing development system. Recent data shows that the province’s population is surging as a result of changes to Canada's immigration objectives. Local governments are also analyzing multiple pieces of legislation introduced by the Province in 2023 that aim at increasing the supply of new homes. The Summit will have a forward-looking constructive approach to the housing challenges facing BC communities. A draft agenda for the event, which is offered virtually as well as in person, is now available.

The Housing Summit will give UBCM members the opportunity to unpack the myriad implications of housing legislation introduced in the fall sitting, in particular at the Recent Housing Legislation and the Law session on Wednesday.

Advisors needed for Harm Reduction Community Guide update

The BC Health Effects of Anomalous Temperatures Coordinating Committee (BC Heat Committee) has released public health recommendations to reduce the impact of exposure to winter weather on people experiencing homelessness in British Columbia.

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UBCM’s primary and official mode of communication with members is through this email newsletter, The Compass. Thanks for being a regular reader! Nothing’s changing here, but we are making it easier to stay in the loop with UBCM news by expanding our presence on social media. You probably already see us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter); now you can now follow and like us on Facebook.

Follow and share our page with any colleagues who might benefit from extra reminders of things like funding intake dates, opportunities to give feedback on policy proposals, and analysis from our policy analysts.

Webinar on Short Term Rentals for local government staff

The Province is holding a webinar on January 31, 10-11am to present an overview of the objectives and execution of the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, with a focus on key considerations and implications for local governments. Find more webinars for local government staff from the Province.

UBCM in the News

UBCM President Trish Mandewo spoke with Radio NL in Kamloops about why UBCM is hosting a second Housing Summit. “BC remains in the grips of a housing crisis, and there is a need for local governments to meet and take stock of our collective efforts with other orders of government to address this issue,” she said.

“Our members are also grappling with understanding all the legislation that came in [in the fall]. We want to talk about the practical issues that arise now that the province has pre-zoned multiple homes on single family lots in most communities, and the practical challenges that arise when we densify housing around public transit, for example. Everyone agrees that doing so is a great idea, but there are important issues here to consider, like how to we protect housing that is already in place near these hubs.”