2023 Convention registrations steaming ahead

Registration for the 2023 UBCM Convention to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre September 18 – 22 is proceeding at a record pace, with close to 1,800 delegates now registered. This year’s agenda will feature sessions on the key issues facing B.C.’s communities, including housing attainability; the 2023 wildfire season; decriminalization; UNDRIP implementation and more. To secure your spot for this year’s event, be advised that advance registration will close on September 8, after which registrations will be accepted on-site at the event.

Update on federal decision on RCMP body worn camera costs

Despite continued advocacy from contract partners, including local governments, the federal government has confirmed it will not be revising the RCMP body worn camera (BWC) funding framework. This will result in B.C. local governments with populations over 5,000 assuming financial responsibility for BWC at the cost-share rate (i.e., 70% or 90%) in April 2024, or whenever BWCs are implemented in B.C.

Request for Proposals:

Community Housing Fund

The Province of BC has opened a request for proposals for the Community Housing Fund to support the development of approximately 3,500 units of mixed-income, affordable rental housing for independent families, seniors and individuals. Project aims may include addressing the needs of women and women with children who have experienced or are at risk of violence; individuals leaving transitional or supportive housing; youth, including those transitioning out of care; and equity and/or rights-seeking community members. Interested parties including local government housing providers may make submissions via the BC Housing webpage up until November 17, 2023.

Community to Community program intake

UBCM has added an additional intake to the 2023/24 Community to Community program. This program supports forums aimed at increasing understanding and improving overall relations between First Nations and local governments and provides up to $10,000 for such events. The program has been expanded to also support the advancement of First Nation/local government reconciliation and relationship building through the development of agreements, joint plans or strategies and the joint review of bylaws and policies. Up to $10,000 is available for these new activities. The application deadline will be December 1, 2023.

Long Service Awards deadline tomorrow

The Union of B.C. Municipalities’ Long Service Awards. Awards are presented each year to local government leaders with 25 years of elected service. Local elected leaders with 35+ years of elected leadership are also eligible for a Special Long Service Award. To celebrate and recognize eligible local government colleagues at the 2023 UBCM Convention, please submit your nomination to Raisa Jose by August 31st. If you are curious whether an individual has already received recognition, a roster of past recipients is provided on UBCM’s website.