Provincial Survey on Building Code Updates

Changes to the B.C. Building Code based on the 2020 National Model Codes with some B.C.-specific variations is anticipated to be enacted in December 2023. The changes will address a range of issues, including accessibility, cooling requirements, mass timber construction, earthquake design, radon safety and ventilation. The Province is seeking feedback on the proposed changes via a survey that will be open until June 16, 2023. 

Underused Housing Tax Webinar

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is an annual 1% tax on the ownership of vacant or underused housing in Canada that took effect on January 1, 2022. The Canada Revenue Agency is offering an educational webinar on the UHT on Monday, June 26 from 12:30 to 1:30 PDT. Advance registration is not required. Interested members may attend the webinar via Microsoft Teams at the scheduled time.

Local Government Climate Action program

Year two of the Local Government Climate Action Program launched on May 15, 2023. The program provides local governments and Modern Treaty Nations with predictable and stable funding to support the planning and implementation of local climate action. Through annual reporting, the Climate Action Secretariat collects information from participants on equity, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation and resilience, buildings, transportation, land use and more. To learn more, please contact the secretariat.

Discussion on leadership & mental health

Local Leaders for Mental Health (LLMH) – a new forum for local government elected officials to convene on mental health issues and share resources to support their own mental health – is pleased to host Dr. Bonnie Henry for its first online event. Local elected officials across British Columbia are invited to learn more about the initiative and participate in the conversation. LLMH was founded by Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart, with the support of Lt. Gov. Janet Austin and the Canadian Mental Health Association – BC. The event will be held on June 6, 12:00 pm via Zoom. Please RSVP to attend.

Convention session proposals due June 2

Clinic and workshop applications for the 2023 UBCM Convention in Vancouver are welcome until Friday, June 2. Interested parties are asked to review the criteria and deadlines in the Session Proposal Process, and submit a proposal online.

June 30 deadline for resolutions

The deadline for UBCM members to submit a resolution directly to UBCM for consideration at the 2023 Convention by Friday, June 30. Please ensure the resolution has been endorsed by a Council or Board and submit it, along with any background information, to Jamee Justason, Resolutions & Policy Analyst.