UBCM News

Messages from the UBCM President, general advocacy communications, and information about Local Government Week.

In memoriam: Mary Sjostrom

We are sad to note the passing of Mary Sjostrom, a longstanding local elected official and former UBCM President. Mary was a councillor in Quesnel before becoming the City’s first female mayor. She went on to serve as an Electoral Area Director for the Cariboo Regional District.

Mary served in various positions on the UBCM Executive from 2004 to 2014, including a term as President in the 2012-2013 year.

UBCM to lead Heritage Conservation Act consultation

The provincial government’s consultation period for over 50 proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) has been extended until November 14. UBCM has developed a process for local government engagement and will contract with Randy Diehl (Diehl Management Services) to support its delivery. The engagement with local governments will include a survey of CAOs, follow up interviews with select staff, and webinars with elected officials to share preliminary findings.

In Memoriam: Audrey Moore

Audrey Moore, a longtime mayor and former UBCM President passed away on June 20, 2025, just months before her 98th birthday. 

Moore served as Mayor of Castlegar from 1977 to 1993, the longest tenure in the city’s history. She was previously a city councillor from 1973 to 1977 and held key regional roles, including with the hospital board and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

First Nations Leadership Council & Union of BC Municipalities call for withdrawal of Bill 15

((xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.)) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and its member organizations joined with the Union of BC Municipalities today to call on the Province to withdraw Bill 15 – the Infrastructure Projects Act.