UBCM Executive addresses referred resolutions from 2024, meets with provincial delegation

The UBCM Executive held its quarterly Executive meeting in Richmond February 20-21, 2025. It was the first opportunity for the full UBCM Executive to meet with provincial Ministers newly responsible for local government affairs. We look forward to productive collaboration with the Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and the Honourable Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities on priority issues including housing, local government finance, addressing impacts of tariff on BC communities and more.

In Memoriam: Alice Maitland

UBCM is saddened to mark the passing of Alice Maitland, BC’s longest-serving mayor. Alice served as the Mayor of Hazelton for 42 years, and was well known for her advocacy for rural communities, environmental causes, and women's participation in politics. Alice served on the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine board since its creation in 1967 until she retired from politics in 2018.

Funding and resources update: March 2025

Each month, we provide an update on funding programs administered by UBCM along with and information on other programs, events, and resources of interest to local governments and First Nations.

Province to strengthen invasive species legislation

The Province is proposing key amendments to the Wildlife Act in this Spring’s legislative session to address the spread of aquatic invasive species. UBCM’s membership has long advocated for stronger Provincial action on aquatic invasive species.

Opportunity to participate: Health Canada’s wastewater drug surveillance initiative

Health Canada is asking local governments to participate in their National Wastewater Drug Surveillance initiative. This project analyzes wastewater samples nationwide for the presence of over 500 drugs and drug metabolites.

Cyber security threat issued for local governments

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has issued a warning about cyber espionage activities by the People's Republic of China targeting Canadian provincial, territorial, Indigenous, and municipal governments. Threats aim to acquire information for economic and diplomatic advantages, often exploiting vulnerabilities in managed service providers and software vendors. The Cyber Centre advises governments to implement measures such as multi-factor authentication, robust vulnerability management, and comprehensive logging to mitigate these threats.

Apply for the Asset Management Planning Program

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Asset Management Planning program. Receive up to $25K towards asset management planning. The application deadline is May 23, 2025.