2023 UBCM Resolutions book

The 2023 UBCM Resolutions book is now available. In total, 205 resolutions are being conveyed for consideration by the membership, including one Extraordinary Resolution (ER) and two Special Resolutions (SR).   

RCMP retroactive costs for small communities

The Province has informed UBCM that there may be retroactive cost impacts for property owners in municipalities with populations under 5,000 and in unincorporated areas as a result of the first RCMP Collective Agreement. Once the Police Tax rate has been determined, more information will be shared by the Province with affected communities. This information follows a UBCM update, delivered earlier this year, regarding the first RCMP Collective Agreement and retroactive costs for municipalities over 5,000 in population.

Convention housing session update

The Convention session Building Homes, Building Communities has been relocated to a larger room to accommodate a high level of demand. This session, scheduled for 2:15 to 4:15 on Monday, September 18, will explore what it takes to deliver housing while balancing broader community objectives in a rapidly evolving policy context. Please visit our webpage to register or to update an existing registration (see ‘Modify Your Registration’ for the latter option).

Masks for communities impacted by wildfire

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC), on behalf of the federal government, is offering free N95 masks to communities, notably those impacted by poor air quality associated with this year’s wildfire season. The target group is individuals living and working in affected communities, and who may not have access to these supplies. The CRC’s N95 Mask Distribution Program is open until early September.

Input sought on cannabis store license limit

The Province is seeking local government feedback to inform its review of the B.C. licence cap policy, which pertains to the number of private cannabis store licences that any one company, person or group of persons can have an interest in. Local governments interested in providing input are asked to do so by September 15, 2023.

Deadline for Convention child care

Child minding services will be available to elected officials of the membership during daytime programming at the UBCM Convention. To register, please complete the Childminding Registration Package from the Child Care Program page and return it to Raisa Jose by Friday, August 18, 2023.

RCMP Contract Management Committee update

On July 4, 2023, the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee (LGCMC) met with provincial government and RCMP representatives to discuss issues related to the Municipal Police Unit Agreement, and policing more broadly in British Columbia. Key issues discussed at the meeting are summarized in this article.

Temporary relocation of liquor stores

The Province is currently conducting stakeholder engagement regarding the temporary relocation of liquor stores in B.C., and whether there is support for providing this option to liquor retailers. Interested local governments have until September 29, 2023, to submit feedback in response to the Province’s engagement paper.