Messages from the UBCM President, general advocacy communications, and information about Local Government Week.
Vancouver, B.C. (September 17, 2026) – Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cori Ramsay defended the concept of distinct election periods for local and provincial elections earlier today.
Tuesday’s plenary session drew together perspectives from local leaders, legal experts, provincial representatives and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip to discuss the current context and pathway forward of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in BC. The full session is available in six segments on our YouTube channel.
Understanding DRIPA: Opportunities, Challenges and Implications for BC Communities
Online harassment, personal attacks, threats and more hostile public debate are adding to the pressures that already come with serving in local government. Yet elected officials often don’t have access to mental health supports through their workplace.
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities has appointed Kim Grout to serve as its Executive Director effective September 8, 2026. Ms. Grout served most recently as the Chief Executive Officer with the Agricultural Land Commission. Prior to that, she was the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Pitt Meadows. Her appointment concludes a nation-wide talent search to replace outgoing Executive Director Gary MacIsaac as he retires.
The Province has issued letters patent to formally incorporate Okanagan Falls as a new municipality, to be known as the District of Okanagan Falls. Incorporation is expected to take effect on November 6, 2026, following the community’s majority vote in favour of incorporation in March 2025. This marks the first municipal incorporation in BC in 13 years, and is the first letters patent to be issued since the enactment of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Nominations are now open for the next UBCM Executive. The deadline for advance nominations is July 31, 2026 at 4pm. Interested candidates should review the Call for Nominations for details on what positions are available, responsibilities of Executive members, and election procedures.
Funding will be unchanged for BC local governments, but the name of this regular allocation has been changed to the Build Communities Strong Fund–Community Stream.
What was the Canada Community-Building Fund has been integrated into the federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund which has three national streams: Community Stream; Direct Delivery Stream; and Provincial/Territorial Stream.
We’re pleased to announce that the UBCM Group Benefits Plan for Elected Officials now includes coverage for mental health supports. Pricing and plan details for 2026 are now available for local governments, well in advance of the 2026 election, allowing for informed decision-making and early review. Learn more about how these benefits can support your elected officials and strengthen your local government’s commitment to wellness.
Organizations representing local government and business in British Columbia are refusing to sign non-disclosure agreements related to the Province’s proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA).
UBCM held its quarterly Executive and Committee meetings on April 22-24, 2026 in Victoria. In addition to these meetings, UBCM hosted a reception with Members of the Legislature, Ministers and the Premier on April 21, 2026. Executive members also attended meetings with Ministers during Advocacy Days to advance UBCM policy priorities.