Whereas the Province of British Columbia provides a variety of funding and grants to local governments for programs that are not otherwise within the local government funding scope; And whereas grants usually provide initial financial support, however local governments are often left with the burden of carrying future operational costs at the expense of the taxpayer; And whereas a phased approach would decrease the financial burden to local governments and would allow local governments more time to determine the effectiveness of programs and if they should be continued: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia provide ongoing operational support, post initial grant funding, for activities and programs within the traditional provincial jurisdiction for a minimum of five years.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs There are multiple demands upon both local and provincial government to support residents, particularly with emergent challenges around climate change and its effects, the recent pandemic, and transitioning economies. The Ministry encourages ongoing discussion of the pressures facing communities, and how they are best met in terms of governmental supports and responsibilities. The province has a Memorandum of Understanding with UBCM to review the local government finance system and discuss matters of mutual interest. The province supports operating costs for many local governments broadly through the Small Communities Grant. Local governments have a variety of tools to finance capital and operating costs including development cost charges, taxes, and fees.