Housing Summit underscores the need for local government finance reform

Delegates at UBCM’s Housing Summit last week heard how changes to the framework for housing development and a surging provincial population will require rapid upgrading of community infrastructure throughout the province. How communities will pay for infrastructure renewal while also taking on an increasing role in financially supporting attainable housing are key themes in a joint effort by UBCM and the Province to review the local government finance system.

Applications for extension to SSMUH bylaw requirements now open

The Province has opened its extension application process for the Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) bylaw requirements for Bill 44. Because local governments need to know the results of their extension application before June 30, the Province recommends that applications be submitted 45 days prior to anticipated council hearings for SSMUH-related amendments.

Seeking Feedback

Decriminalization Evaluation

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is conducting an evaluation of implementation of the decriminalization policy. Elected officials and senior local government staff who can speak on behalf of their local government are invited to provide feedback about the implementation of the decriminalization policy from the local government's perspective.

Belonging in BC Homelessness Plan

The Ministry of Housing has contracted external evaluators to conduct an initial evaluation of the Belonging in BC Homelessness Plan introduced in spring 2023. The evaluation seeks to assess progress on coordination, collaboration, and alignment between partners. Elected officials and senior local government staff are invited to provide feedback from the local government's perspective by March 6, 2024.

Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee Update

On November 23, 2023 the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee met with provincial government and BC RCMP representatives to discuss issues related to the Municipal Police Unit Agreements, including items raised at the national Contract Management Committee. Key issues discussed at the meeting are summarized in this article.

2024 Community Excellence Awards

Applications are now being accepted for UBCM’s 2024 Community Excellence Awards. The application deadline is May 17, 2024.

Hundreds of grants distributed in 2023 through Local Government Program Services

Each year UBCM’s Local Government Program Services team—in collaboration with, and funded by the Province of BC—approves and distributes funding for hundreds of projects a year to more than 300 local governments First Nations, and other eligible community organizations. The annual funding report, organized by recipient, is now available for all active grants administered by Local Government Program Services in 2023.

Hotel Deadline for Regional District Forum

A room block has been set aside for Regional District Forum and the Municipal Finance Authority AGM attendees at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria, from March 25 to 26. The deadline to book your hotel at the special group rate is this Friday, February 23. For further hotel details and to make your reservation please visit the event page.

Mayors convey the range of challenges to be worked out with new housing legislation

Six mayors from across the province opened the Housing Summit 2024: Local Vision. Local Action. with a wide-ranging discussion on the housing legislation passed last fall. Journalists in attendance reported on mayors’ calls for the Province to better understand the infrastru cture demands that will come with the increase in housing supply funding, and noted the scramble that’s underway among local government staff to integrate the changes into local land use plans.”