New legislative changes aimed at supporting

pre-zoning implementation

The Province has introduced new legislation to address some issues created by pre-zoning large areas of BC communities for increased density. The new legislation addresses: inclusionary zoning; updates to the density bonus framework; providing local government with expanded authority to require site-specific works and services, and transportation demand management measures; and tenant protection bylaws.

Province introduces Police Act amendments

Last week, the Province introduced a series of amendments to the Police Act, including changes to police governance and oversight that will impact police boards and municipalities. The Province has advised that these amendments represent phase one of a multi-phase process to review and reform BC’s policing legislation. Phase one, incorporating provincial priorities, is highlighted in this article.

Funding and resources update: April 2024

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.

Example activities for Local Government Awareness Week: Infrastructure

Local Government Awareness Week is just over a month away: May 12-18, 2024. The theme this year is Infrastructure. UBCM members are invited to participate by identifying a key infrastructure story in their area and engaging with residents on the work being done to ensure sustainable service delivery for growing and changing communities.

Second electric scooter project launched

A new four-year electric kick scooter pilot project started on April 5, 2024. Over four years, residents and visitors in participating communities can try using this emerging form of personal transportation.

Injunction on changes to decriminalization legislation extended to June 30

In a lawsuit between the Province of BC and the Harm Reduction Nurses Association regarding decriminalization, the Supreme Court has extended a court injunction which prevents the legislation from coming into force. The injunction was set to end March 31, 2024, however, the Court has extended the injunction to June 30. UBCM is seeking intervenor status on the case in response to concerns raised by local governments on the public use of illicit drugs.

Webinars: Public Interest Bonding Strategy for decommissioning industrial projects

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is developing a new regulatory framework for decommissioning and closure of industrial projects in British Columbia. The framework aims to ensure that industrial projects, not British Columbians, plan and pay for decommissioning and closure of their sites, even if abandoned. Proposed policy options include requiring industrial projects to engage with local governments to inform decommissioning and closure plans.

Webinar for planners about new Metro Vancouver seismic hazard maps

New seismic hazard maps for Metro Vancouver have been developed, and local government planners from southwest BC are invited to attend a virtual engagement session on April 17. The session will be hosted by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness in partnership with the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction and Western University

Deadline to submit resolutions for 2024 Convention is June 15

The deadline to have resolutions submitted for the UBCM Convention is now June 15. This is two weeks earlier than the previous June 30 deadline. An Extraordinary Resolution (ER1) was passed at 2023 Convention to permanently move up the deadline by two weeks.

Any resolution submitted after June 15, and by noon on the Friday before Convention, is considered a Late Resolution. Late Resolutions are only recommended for debate if the topic is considered new, emergency, and not known as of the June 15 deadline. The full resolutions process is outlined on our website.

Mental well-being in children and youth: guides for communities

Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Healthy Communities have developed guides for local governments to help to strengthen awareness and action to promote the mental well-being of children and youth. The guides focus on four key protective factors: Play, Social Connections & Belonging, Participation and Safety. There are also sections on the importance of quality adults and the importance of addressing disparities. View guides and sign up for information sessions.