Latest News

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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. Local Government Program Services Applications are currently being accepted for the following funding…
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Results of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC’s third annual poll, conducted by Ipsos, 56% of BC residents say access to trails and outdoor recreational amenities influenced their current choice of residence. UBCM members, through resolutions, have long advocated for increased…
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New regulations came into force on June 3, 2024 that require drivers to take proper precautions, including new minimum distances, when interacting with vulnerable road users. Vulnerable road users are now defined in BC as: a pedestrian or person on a cycle, motorcycle, animal or…
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The Ministry of Housing’s Engagement and Encampment Response Branch (EERB) is seeking feedback on their Encampment Response Partner Resource Guide. Local governments and partners are invited to review the draft and share feedback with the Ministry by June 17.  The guide is…
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In their most recent Service Plan, the Ministry of Housing has indicated that cumulative targets for “specified municipalities assigned housing targets” will increase to 68-80 municipalities by 2026/27. When the Housing Supply Act was originally enacted, the Province indicated…
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UBCM is working with the provincial government to monitor the impacts of BC’s evolving economy on local government finance. The initiative is part of the work being undertaken by the Local Government Finance Review Working Group, which has been tasked with studying the cost…
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Sustainability is a mindset relevant in several core local government operations. In Metro Vancouver, one award-winning example is the Lulu Island Renewable Natural Gas Facility. The facility captures and cleans excess biogas from wastewater treatment and sells the scrubbed gas…
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The Province in collaboration with the Provincial Accessibility Committee is inviting British Columbians to comment on how the government can best address barriers that restrict people with disabilities from participating in the workforce and accessing community services. The…
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The Province has developed new guidance for emergency management partners, including local governments, related to engagement responsibilities included in the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA). The guidance will be updated annually, and as new tools and regulations…
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UBCM is currently seeking nominations to the Local Government Policing Modernization Roundtable (LGPMR), a forum for local government input into the ongoing Police Act and public safety review. Local government elected officials and staff members interested in participating have…