Funding and Resources / Heritage Conservation Act engagement

Funding and resources update: September 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.

Convention 2023:

Advanced registration closes Friday

This week is the last chance to register online for 2023 Convention in Vancouver, September 18-22. After Friday, September 8, new registrations and amendments will only be accepted in person at the Convention Delegate Services desk (located in Vancouver Convention Centre East). Phone calls and emails sent after September 8 regarding registration will not be accepted.

ATTN: Voting members at Convention

Online voting will be used for resolutions and Executive elections at 2023 Convention. All voting members will receive an email at the start of each election with their credentials. The email address that will be used is the “Delegate’s Email” entered when you registered for the Convention. Please check your registration confirmation email to ensure this email address is correct. Update the email address if necessary so you will have access to it from your device at Convention. A limited number of smartphones will be available to borrow for voting members who do not have a device capable of online voting.

Reviewing UBCM’s resolutions process

In anticipation of the resolutions sessions at Convention, members are encouraged to review the Report on UBCM Resolutions Process Review. The Report will be reviewed during the Thursday resolutions session and members will be surveyed on five questions in order to engage and gather their thoughts on the resolutions process.

Input requested for UBCM Convention

memorial wall

New at this year’s Convention will be a memorial wall, honouring UBCM members, colleagues, and friends who have passed away this year. If you know of an elected official in your area who passed away in the last 12 months, please get in touch with Zoë Ducklow by September 14 to ensure they are included in the memorial wall.

Heritage Conservation Act engagement sessions

The Joint Working Group on First Nations Heritage Conservation is inviting stakeholders to participate in virtual engagement sessions on the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project. These sessions will introduce a proposed suite of near-term legislative, regulatory, policy, and program changes being proposed for Cabinet consideration, and ultimately, legislative introduction in Spring 2024. Two sessions are being held from 1 – 4 pm on September 26 and September 28, 2023

UBCM in the News

UBCM President Jen Ford spoke with the Vancouver Sun about what local governments have been up against with this year’s wildfire season. “It’s not the time to … point fingers at local governments. Rather, say: ‘How can we help?’” she told the Sun. The interview was in response to comments made by the Province’s Forests Minister, suggesting local governments have been slow to take up funding to clear wildfire fuel.