UBCM has directed our solicitor to apply to act as an intervenor in the Cowichan Tribes v Canada appeal. Our goal is to ensure the Court understands the implications this ruling will have on local government ability to regulate, tax and service within its jurisdiction. www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Douglas Todd: Lots of housing has been approved in Metro Vancouver, despite NDP charges of too much red tape vancouversun.com/opinion/colu...
In Budget 2026, the Province said that it would slow delivery of its housing commitments, and reallocate $1.4B from its housing strategy. On further inquiry UBCM learned that some of that the reallocation will come from closing the Community Housing Fund. www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Our province is so proud of our Canada men’s hockey team!
Also happy to say you can celebrate at one of our local B.C. hospitality locations with a licensed beverage starting at 5:00 am on Sunday, where local governments allow.
Go Canada Go!
Given the short time frame, the Province has advised that a public statement in support of the change will suffice.
The Province has announced that licensed premises will be allowed to open at 5am on Sunday, February 22 coinciding with the Olympic gold medal mens hockey game. Local governments need to issue approval for the change to take effect for establishments within their boundaries.
@rparmarbc.bsky.social
The FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program will close its open first come, first served format on January 30 due to a lack of funding. To fairly administer the remaining funds, it will reopen with an adjudicated grant process on February 2.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
The Province has postponed proposed amendments to the Heritage Conservation Act, originally expected this spring. In November, UBCM conveyed members’ overwhelming support to pause legislative development to hold face-to-face consultation.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
@kamloops.ca received $5.7million from the Canada Community-Building Fund in 2024: in funded everything from the Tranquille Rd upgrades, to the Pioneer Park pathway, to the Parkcrest Gym reconstruction. Thx @ubcm.bsky.social & @fcm.ca for making this happen
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Storms are once again placing significant strain on BC communities and compounding the long-term impacts of past flood events. As local govs respond, we're calling for sustained funding and support to recover & invest in long-term flood risk mitigation. www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
UBCM delivered our formal submission about the Professional Reliance Act to the committee tasked with reviewing the proposed bill. Our submission urges the committee to recommend against proceeding with the bill. #bcpoli
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Local govs are encouraged to give feedback on private member bill M216 as it moves into committee. The bill limits local government due diligence on development proposals, instead letting professionals hired by developers to certify their own projects.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Members support the Province’s intent to speed up permitting, provide flexibility during disaster recovery and provide a stronger role for First Nations – but they also indicated significant concerns with the potential risks of the proposed changes.
UBCM has shared a report with the Province indicating that proposed changes will require more engagement with local governments, First Nations, and other stakeholders to effectively renew the current legislation.
UBCM members overwhelmingly support a pause to legislative development on the Heritage Conservation Act to allow for face-to-face consultation.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Did you attend UBCM's 2025 Convention? We'd love to hear your feedback. Fill out a 5-minute survey – you will be entered to win an Apple Watch! Survey closes October 15. #UBCM25 q.surveypal.com/2025-UBCM-Co...
What we hear will be reported to BC before legislative amendments are introduced.
Key dates: Survey open Oct 9-23 • Webinar for UBCM members Nov 7 • Final report published Nov 14.
ATTN CAOs and elected officials: UBCM is leading an engagement process regarding the proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act. Calling for local governments to review the proposed changes & share feedback. #bcpoli
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
UBCM membership adopted the 2025 Annual Report and Financial Reports at the 2025 Convention. Executive Director Gary MacIsaac presented a summary of the past year at UBCM. #UBCM25
www.youtube.com/watch?v=13QZ...
So he wants to create a Crown corporation to get rid of governance expenses. But here are Metro's expenses. Government stuff = <1% of all costs. You miiiiiiight get 2% of cost savings, once you get rid of all the planning stuff. Maybe.
Julian Daly, CEO of Our Place shelter society in Victoria, discusses a strategic shift in addressing street disorder by prioritizing healthcare as the first response. Julian was a panelist on the Disordered Downtown session earlier in the week. #UBCM25
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
In a recent landmark ruling, the BC Supreme Court granted Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title to about 800 acres in the City of Richmond. Our panel of lawyers reviewed the case and discussed the implications for local governments across BC. #UBCM25
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vxn...
Newly elected leader of the Green Party of BC, Emily Lowan, addressed UBCM delegates at 2025 Convention, speaking of her vision for the province. #UBCM25
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qd_...
John Rustad, Leader of the BC Conservatives, spoke to delegates yesterday at the 2025 UBCM Convention about his priority issues for the province. #UBCM25
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0sS...
UBCM is calling on the Province to pause progress on changes to the Heritage Conservation Act until meaningful consultation can be conducted with local governments.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Panelists at the plenary session convened around the state of BC economics. The bottom line was that there is no quick way out of this structural financial situation. "This didn’t happen in the last six months, and it didn’t happen because of Donald Trump." #UBCM25
buff.ly/T92uNiE
EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY: @metrovancouverorg.bsky.social won for its Repair Cafes that help divert waste while creating a sense of community and adding social value.
EXCELLENCE IN ASSET MANAGEMENT: The City of Greenwood won for its asset management plan to move the community away from reactive infrastructure maintenance towards a proactive data-led practice.
EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE DELIVERY: The @esquimaltbc.bsky.social won for its Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program that leveraged existing resources to fill a need for more lifeguards. An honourable mention went to the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako for its Cycle 16 Trail Project.
