Registration is open for 2023 Convention in Vancouver, September 18 – 22. We expect a full house, so make sure to register early for Convention, the Monday study sessions, and the tours throughout the week.

Input sought for convention forums

Tuesday, September 19 is Forum Day at UBCM Convention. Whether you are an electoral area director, urban mayor, councillor from a small community, or from somewhere in- between, UBCM has the right forum for you. Help shape the agendas for this year's forums by emailing your topic requests by Monday, July 17.

Housing Accelerator Fund

is open for applications

The Federal Government has officially launched the application portal for the Housing Accelerator Fund. The fund, focused on expediting development approvals, has a stream for large or urban communities, and a stream for small, rural, northern, or Indigenous communities. Two webinars are scheduled—July 13 and 18, 1-2pm EST—to help with applications. Local governments can submit applications until August 18, 2023.

Assessment of RCMP Contract Policing

Last week, members of the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee met with Public Safety Canada to provide input towards the ongoing federal assessment of contract policing. The following article is a summary of issues raised by the Committee to Public Safety Canada, which included input provided by UBCM members during a March 2023 webinar.

New Intake: 2024 FireSmart

Community Funding & Supports

The 2024 intake of the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program has been announced. FireSmart will continue to support local governments and First Nations build wildfire resiliency in their communities, with some program design changes for 2024. Two webinars are scheduled to help applicants understand the changes.

Decriminalization: Upcoming Consultation

The BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is undertaking policy work to support possible Fall 2023 legislation to regulate the use of drugs in certain public spaces. Local government elected officials and senior leadership staff are invited to participate in one of two virtual engagement sessions on:

• Thursday, July 13, 9:00 – 10:30 am PST
• Wednesday, July 19, 1:00 – 2:30 pm PST

To register for a video call link for either of these sessions, please email Ministry staff with your name(s), contact information, the name of your local government, and which session you want to attend. Alternatively, submit written comments to Ministry staff by July 31.

Call for Proposals:

Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program

The Province is calling for proposals for the 2023/2024 Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program, which incentivizes and assists homeowners in replacing higher-emission wood stoves with cleaner heating options, such as heat pumps, pellet stoves, and cleaner-burning wood stoves. The program also funds education to help people operate their wood-burning appliances efficiently. Deadline to apply is September 1, 2023.

Renewed Emergency Preparedness Funding

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is a suite of funding streams intended to enhance the resiliency of local governments, First Nations, and communities in preparing for and responding to emergencies and climate-related risks. Fall 2023 to Spring 2024 intake deadlines and program materials are available now.

Funding & resources update: July 2023

Each month we provide an update on UBCM funding programs and information on other programs, events, and resources that may be of interest to local governments and First Nations.