Monday Study Sessions

Meet in the Sechelt Room Foyer of the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.

Join the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food on a tour of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge to showcase a broad and diverse range of farm operations that help support the resiliency of the agricultural industry in the Lower Mainland. By visiting several agricultural operations, you’ll discover a number of opportunities and challenges related to planning for agriculture, where increased development, limited space, and high land prices have put pressure on farmers and farm operations. You’ll hear from the next generation of agricultural producers and learn more about the future of farming in the Lower Mainland north of the Fraser River.

The tour will showcase traditional forms of agriculture, such as soil-based vegetable production and raising livestock, as well as contemporary types of farming operations. Stops at each farm will include an opportunity to tour the operation, connect with the farmers, and gain more general knowledge about the industry. Tour stops could include:

• One of North America's largest blueberry growers, buyers and distributors;
• A second-generation floriculture operation that produces premium flowers; and
• A family-run farm-to-table livestock operation with an on-site butcher shop and cranberry operation.

Lunch featuring products grown in the Lower Mainland will be provided. There may also be an opportunity to purchase local farm products. Please dress for the weather and wear farm-appropriate footwear. Partners/spouses are welcome but must formally register for the tour as there is a fixed limit to the number of people that can attend. Breakfast is not included.

Agricultural Tour brochure.

Presenters:

Celeste Haldene, Chief Commissioner, BC Treaty Commission

Coral MacKay, Councillor, K'omoks First Nation — Presentation

Wilfred Cootes, Executive Member of Lands and Natural Resources, Uchucklesaht Tribe

Tom McCarthy, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Wilfred Cootes, Councillor, Uchucklesaht Tribe

Modern treaties, and treaty and tripartite reconciliation negotiations are providing pathways to building resilient communities in partnership between First Nations, Canada, BC, and local and regional governments. There has been significant progress and positive policy changes since the achievement of the Tla’amin Treaty in 2016, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples legislations, and the Rights Recognition Policy. Currently, there are four First Nations working to conclude negotiations and preparing for ratification of modern treaties. In this session, the BC Treaty Commission will bring together speakers to provide valuable insight on: negotiations status updates, policy changes, operationalizing UNDRIP through modern treaties, and ways for local governments to learn more and prepare for post-treaty opportunities for shared reconciliation.  

Presenters:

Katisha Paul, Youth Representative, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs

Marilyn Slett, Chief, Halzaq Nation

Jessica Wood, Deputy Minister, Declaration Act Secretariat

Lenora Joe, hiwus (Chief), shíshálh Nation

Elisa Penn, Associate, Mandell Pinder LLP — Presentation

Charlene Aleck, Councillor, Tsleil-Waututh Nation

Following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, both Canada and BC have committed to fully adopt and apply the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, taking steps to acknowledge and recognize its legally binding nature through the enactment of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and the federal United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. In this session, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs will convene a discussion exploring local government obligations under UNDRIP and highlighting how local governments can work towards implementation, addressing roles and responsibilities, good practices, and more.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer

Ally Butler, ADM, Treatment and Recovery, Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions — Presentation

Christine Massey, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions

Mary Shaw, ADM, Cannabis, Consumer Protection and Corporate Policy, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General — Presentation

Mark Fassina, Executive Director, Corporate Policy and Planning Office, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Local Government Panel:

Elle Brovold, CAO, City of Campbell River

Gladys Atrill, Mayor, Town of Smithers

Kevin Cormack, CAO, City of Nelson

Nadine Nakagawa, Councillor, City of New Westminster

Marianne Alto, Mayor, City of Victoria

Session agenda

Earlier this year, the BC government received a three-year exemption by Health Canada from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to decriminalize the possession of certain illegal drugs. While local governments endorsed resolution 2021-NR44, in support of decriminalization as one of the tools to address the overdose crisis, local governments are also raising concerns about the use of these drugs in parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces. This session will explore the complex issues of the drug toxicity crisis, decriminalization, stigma, and public substance use.

Presenters:

Dale Wheeldon, President and CEO, BC Economic Development Association

Jessie Olsen, Director of Economic and Community Development, District of Tumbler Ridge — Presentation

Barclay Pitkethly, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, City of Mission — Presentation

Jikke Gyorki, Executive Officer, Tourism Fernie

Maureen Pinkney, Mayor District of 100 Mile House — Presentation

Spencer Coyne, Mayor, Town of Princeton — Presentation

Anthony Haddad, General Manager of Community Services & Economic Development, City of Penticton — Presentation

COVID, industry restructuring and transition, changing global markets, as well as floods and fires, have all severely impacted BC communities over the past few years. While some local governments have weathered the economic storm better than others, many are still looking for solutions. As local leaders continue to pivot and adjust to the ever-changing economic landscape, there are opportunities to be discovered and success stories to be shared. 

This session will focus on those opportunities and success stories – examples of resilient communities that have implemented innovative initiatives and programs to re-invigorate local economic development.  Come, learn from your peers and take home a few ideas for kickstarting your local economy.

Attending your first UBCM Convention?  This session is a must for you.  As a first-time delegate, this session will help you understand:

• How the resolutions process works;
• When online voting is used and how to use the voting system;
• How to use the pro-con microphones;
• How the UBCM Executive is elected;
• Where to find delegate services, and,
• General tips on how to survive your first UBCM Convention.

Our seasoned Executive members will provide sage advice to ensure you get the most out of your first UBCM experience.

This session will provide opportunities for delegates to meet with representatives from more than 25 agencies that provide tools, resources, funding or other supports that help local governments to increase capacity, improve service delivery, and undertake local planning, projects and development.

Presenters:

Craig Hodge, Metro Vancouver / GVRD Representative, UBCM

Cori Ramsay, Councillor, City of Prince George

Karen Hoese, Director, Sustainable Planning and Community Development, City of Victoria

Chris Barlow, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Castlegar

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, Province of B.C.

• Presentation from Local Government Finance Review working group
• Presentation of Housing policy points

Details: With a renewed interest in tackling the affordability crisis and the rollout of wide-ranging initiatives under the Province’s “Homes for People” plan, local governments are forging ahead with diverse approaches to increase the housing supply. In doing so, local leaders also recognize the importance of ensuring that communities are resilient, complete, and well-serviced with critical social infrastructure including schools, healthcare, and transit. Through policy updates and best practices, this session will explore what it will take to deliver housing while balancing broader community objectives in a rapidly evolving policy context.

Presenter:

Patricia Galaczy, Director, The Art of Dialogue — Presentation

Serving our communities as a local government elected official is a rewarding experience, but the role can also bring stress and challenges. As members of the community, council members and EA representatives are well-known and accessible more than any other government representatives. Members know what it’s like to be stopped at the grocery store with questions about local projects, or unfortunately to be personally criticized in local social media. UBCM wants to offer our members tools to help handle these stressors and to improve resilience and well-being to thrive in their roles. This two-hour workshop will cover methods to manage the demands of being an elected official through techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion with the goal of strengthening mental wellness.

Presenter:

Brian Godlonton, Fire Commissioner, Office of the Fire Commissioner — Presentation

This session will provide delegates with a review of work underway by the Office of the Fire Commissioner to reduce the fire risk in BC communities and an update on the status of the Fire Safety Act.  

In 2016, the Fire Safety Act received royal assent but has yet to be brought into force to replace the current Fire Services Act.  When implemented the new Act will require regional districts to designate fire inspectors and investigators within the unincorporated areas of the province.  At this session the OFC will provide a status report on Act implementation, its engagement process to date, and how implementation could impact local governments, specifically BC’s regional districts.

The OFC is aware of the challenges community fire services face in terms of balancing resources for fire prevention and response in the context of an evolving environment. The OFC will share current data and trends from its 2022 Annual Report and profile new efforts designed to support community fire services fire prevention and response efforts. These efforts include this fall’s smoke alarm social marketing campaign, access to live-fire training, fire services funding, and the volunteer firefighter survey.

Presenter:

Tracey Lorenson, Facilitator, CivicExcellence

BC has a rich history of successful women* elected leaders. In this facilitated interactive session we will discuss what’s unique about the experience of women in local government, successes in the sector, and systemic and structural changes to continue this momentum. 

We will build on the work that others have done and explore options for “made in BC” solutions to support women in elected office and encourage the next generation of women leaders. 

Whether you are a first-term councillor, long-serving mayor or returning electoral area director, we encourage you to attend and join the conversation.  Come share your experiences and best practices, and build your network of mentors and contacts that can support you as you continue on your journey in elected office.