Messages from the UBCM President, general advocacy communications, and information about Local Government Week.
UBCM is saddened to mark the passing of Alice Maitland, BC’s longest-serving mayor. Alice served as the Mayor of Hazelton for 42 years, and was well known for her advocacy for rural communities, environmental causes, and women's participation in politics. Alice served on the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine board since its creation in 1967 until she retired from politics in 2018.
With a trade war now underway, the BC Government introduced a budget earlier today that continues to invest in provincial services while attempting to shore up the provincial economy. Incremental new spending has been targeted for local government priorities, including homelessness response, addiction treatment, street disorder and affordable housing. Longer-term challenges lay ahead, however, with a growing debt and still unknown impacts from tariffs to the provincial economy and government revenue.
Premier David Eby’s new cabinet includes two designated roles relating to local government. Ravi Kahlon has been appointed Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and Brittny Anderson has been tapped for Minister of State for Local Government and Rural Communities in the Office of the Premier.
UBCM has prioritized addressing local government cost pressures and securing new annual revenue streams for local governments in the 2024 provincial election. In Stretched to the Limit, we highlighted the need to address cost pressures linked to provincial service gaps and new legislative requirements in the areas of housing, infrastructure, community safety and climate action.
Sonia Furstenau, leader of the BC Green Party, outlined her vision for B.C.’s next government. Furstenau highlighted the need for long-term, stable infrastructure funding for communities. She also called for an approach to provincial policy aimed at inspiring hope in young people.
UBCM signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation (MIRR) during the 2024 Convention. Prior to signing, UBCM asked the Province for a strengthened commitment in the form of an implementation plan, and proposed a draft workplan to be collaborated on by MIRR and UBCM.
The Village of Lytton was nearly completely destroyed in the 2021 Lytton Creek Fire, and residents are still struggling to rebuild. The high cost and slow pace of archaeological work required before rebuilding can begin is prohibitive to the village’s recovery. Individual quotes for archaeological work range from $26,000 to $48,000, with at least one as high as $86,000. The costs, not covered by insurance, are causing some to choose not to rebuild.
Lytton has asked the Province for help to streamline the work and cover these costs, but have had no response.
Gaps in provincial services, increasing regulatory requirements and emergency management costs are stretching local budgets. The Union of B.C. Municipalities is calling on all parties in the provincial election to consider the growing financial pressures on local governments.