Week in Review
- UBCM President Trish Madewo speech highlights (Sept. 24)
- Premier David Eby speech and Q&A in full (Sept. 26)
- Opposition leader John Rustead speech excerpt (Sept. 25)
- Green Party BC leader Emily Lowen speech in full (Sept. 24)
- OneBC leader Dallas Brodie (no clips available) (Sept. 24) <her opening words: "The BC we once knew is gone and the condition is dire" ... OneBC will end "mass enabling," "defund the addictions industry" and "re-stigmatize the use of illicit drugs."
- Replay of panel discussion on the BC Supreme Court's Aug. 2025 decision viz. Cowichan Tribes vs. Canada (Attorney General) decision. Featured speakers are David Rosenberg (Rosenberg Law and the Cowichan Tribes legal representative), Robin Junger (McMillan Law) and Reece Harding (Young, Anderson). <clip> 1:26:31 Harding: "I don't think we should be candy coating this circumstance. We should be straight up with people on how important this case is ... people need to be told that there there are systems and a lot of smart people in place that are going to deal with this, but that the outcome is uncertain. There's very likely to be some jurisdictional change in the province of British Columbia as a result of this decision. And exactly where that's going to land, I don't think anybody up here or in this room can predict at this point ... It only has direct application on the ground to a small area and there's probably several years till we have the final word."
* Young/Anderson explainer
* Cowichan Tribes - 2023 press release
* CBC News - Oct. 21, 2025
"In her ruling, Justice Barbara Young emphasized several times that the granting of Aboriginal title does not “displace private owners on the land.” “The Cowichan do not seek recovery of the private fee simple lands but rather a mechanism for negotiating the reconciliation of their Aboriginal title,” she wrote.
It's a point underscored by David Rosenberg, lead counsel for the Cowichan Nation in their case. "This case was never about challenging the fee simple with respect to privately owned lands. The case was brought against the Crown for return of public lands that were wrongfully taken from the Cowichan,” Rosenberg said at the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention last month. “We have a decision that now recognizes that Aboriginal title and fee simple interest can and do coexist.”
At the same time, Young said it’s up to governments to determine what that means going forward. “These interests may be resolved through negotiation, challenged in subsequent litigation, purchased, or remain on the Cowichan Title Lands. That is not a matter for this Court to address. B.C. and the Cowichan should be afforded space to reconcile these competing interests,” she wrote.
News Clippings
- "BC Premier: 'A Tough Time to Govern'" - Vancouver Sun, Sept. 26
- "Premier David Eby Announces New Involuntary Care Beds, North Island Power Line" - Times Colonist, Sept. 26
- UBCM 2025 Coverage by Island Social Trends - Archive
- "Housing Minister Gregor Robertson Announces Development Charge Reform" - Castanet, Sept. 26
- "Opposition Leaders Offer Very Different Visions for BC" - CBC, Sept. 25
- "BC Pushes Heritage Act Reform Amid Concerns of Development Slowdowns" - Globe & Mail, Sept. 26
- "UBCM Blasts Province for Lack of Consultation on Heritage Conservation Act" - Vaughan Palmer, Vancouver Sun, Sept. 24
- "BC Local Leaders Call for Bail Reform, Involuntary Care" - Times Colonist, Sept. 24
- "Crime Destroying BC Downtowns, Municipal Leaders Warn" - Vancouver Sun, Sept. 22
- "BC NDP Avoids Timelines as Deficit Crisis Deepens" - Times Colonist, Sept. 24
- "Codes of Conduct and Transit" - CBC, Sept. 24
- "UBCM Resolutions Show Downtown Distress is BC Wide" - Les Leyne, Times Colonist, Sept. 23
- "UBCM Leaders Call On BC To Fill Housing Gaps That Lead to Homelessness" - Times Colonist, Sept. 22
- "Pressurized BC Communities Want Province to Bring Them Along" - Victoria News, Sept. 19
- "Ferry System Overstressed, Under-Funded" - Times Colonist, Sept. 26
- "OneBC Will Re-Stigmatize Drug Use If Elected" - Times Colonist, Sept. 25
- "UBCM Accepting Oil and Gas Sponsorships Called 'Unethical" - Times Colonist, Sept. 22
- "Street Disorder, Homelessness Key Issues As BC Civic Leaders Meet" - Globe and Mail, Sept. 20
- Global TV UBCM coverage: Richard Zussman Wrap-Up + Conservatives In Chaos
- "Drift from Compassion Fatigue to Concerns Over Crime and Disorder" - Justin McElroy, CBC, Sept. 23
<clip> "In our desire to be compassionate, we have sometimes lost the balance with accountability. And when anything goes, it really does," said Julien Daly, CEO of Our Place, a prominent Victoria shelter and outreach centre. He said it to a packed ballroom of hundreds of delegates, at the start of the most anticipated session of the first day, entitled "Disordered Downtown" ...Increasingly, the overlapping crises of homelessness, mental health supports, crime, safety and housing affordability have dominated the discussion at this conference, reflecting the fact that in B.C., they increasingly show no geographic boundary." + Julian Daley's remarks in full
- Sooke Council Attends UBCM 2025 - District of Sooke press release, Sept. 22
Resolutions Summary
* Listing of the 176 resolutions that reached the floor and were voted upon
* Sooke's EB31 (911 services) and EB61 (taxation on utility companies) were passed along with all others in the Endorsed Block
* Sooke's NR 120 re: funding for the Human Rights Tribunal (which I was to speak to) was among 55 other resolutions that were not heard due to time constraints; all of these will be forwarded to the UBCM Executive and its relevant committees for decisions.
Pre-Convention Preparation
This year's Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual convention will be in Victoria the week of Sept. 22. Mayor Tait, CAO Gray and all of us on council will be attending in continuing a busy month highlighted by the Official Community Plan public re-engagement.
* Convention home page
- Schedule of workshops and events
* UBCM 2025 Annual Report
- 2024/25 Highlights
i) Provincial Election - advocacy with all parties via the Stretched to the Limit report, which focused on housing and homelessness; infrastructure needs; and climate action in the context of emergency management.
ii) Trade war implications documented in Macroeconomic Impacts of the Canada-US Trade War
iii) Pushback on centralization of powers by the Province of BC and Government of Canada (i.e., BC Bill 15 - Infrastructure Projects Act)
iv) Relationship protocol signed with First Nations Leadership Council, fall 2024
v) Launch of the Strategic Priorities Fund + program guidelines
Ministerial and Other Meeting Requests from Sooke Council
(Note: Local governments have requested more than 1,000 meetings with Provincial ministries and senior staff over four days, so no guarantees these will requests will be accepted.)
1. Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth to discuss ...
i) future phased improvements to Highway 14 (i.e. westbound right-turn lanes off Sooke Road at Phillips, Charters and Church; the Idlemore intersection project; crosswalk upgrades; and sidewalks west of Ed Macgregor Park to Whiffin Spit Rd.)
ii) request letters of support for the District's federal grant applications re: the Throup/Phillips connector route (pending a successful referendum vote in October 2026.) (no confirmation)
2. Ministry of Health staff re: status report on operational funding for the Lot A Community Health Centre. (See Aug. 11 Sooke press release detailing plans for the five-storey building with 80 units of middle-income rental housing above the ground-floor health centre -- a project that partners the District with the BC Builds program and the non-profit Catalyst Community Development.) (confirmed: Tue. 1:20 PM) Result: Patience! The Ministry remains fully committed and a funding announcement is to be expected in due course. (no promised timeline.)
3. Island Health staff re: the expansion of vitally needed long-term independent living and complex care rooms via funding for a new wing at Ayre Manor as supported by BC's Seniors' Advocate Dan Levitt following his Sooke visit in March, 2025. (confirmed: Mon. 2 PM) Result: Ayre Manor expansion is on Island Health's "radar," said VP of Community Clinical Operations & Support Programs James Hanson, and discussions will focus on business-case development. The three most recent (2023) approvals for long-term care facilities in Royal Bay, Lantzville and Campbell River were based on the low number of per-capita care beds available in these communities, and Sooke is among the next wave of priorities for this same reason.
4. Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham re: the progress and further development of the Sooke-initiated "farm hamlet" model and its evolution into a "farm complex/food hub" model. (See pp. 91-210 of the March 28, 2022 council agenda, featuring staff report, slide deck and the Sooke Region Communities Health Network report Putting Healthy Food On Our Tables.) (confirmed: Tues. 8 AM)
5. Agricultural Land Commission Chairperson Jennifer Dyson re: how Sooke's "farm complex/food hub" model aligns with the ALC's mandate + support for SEAPARC's new skatepark on ALR land (confirmed: Thurs. 11:10 AM)
What I Plan to Attend ...
M - 9:30 AM - Heath Care - The Heart of Community (study session led by Health Minister Josie Osborne)
M - 2 PM - Island Health CEO Kathy MacNeil - Sooke request re: Ayre Manor expansion (Fairmont, Lwr Lvl. Shaunessy)
M - 2:30 PM - Delivering Affordable Housing: Challenges and Opportunities (study session)
M - 4:30 PM - Resilient Local Leaders workshop with keynote speaker Corey Hirsch
M - 5:30 PM - Truck Loggers Association film presentation (BC Is Burning) + Ravi Parmar keynote - Laurel Point Inn
T- 7:30 AM - Tiny Homes For Rural Housing (options for regulating tiny homes on wheels via islands Trust)
Alternate: Compassionate Municipal Actions Amidst Community Crisis (Walk With Me, Comox Valley)
T - 8 AM - Minister of Agriculture & Food Lana Popham - Sooke meeting request (Birch - Rm. 339, Parliament Building)
T - 9:30 AM - Smart Governance: Leveraging AI To Serve Communities Better
T - 10:30 AM - Manufacturing Jobs and Prosperous Communities. Alternate: Filling Gaps: Transportation Options for Local Governments (w/s - BC Transit, Mobility Foresight, Modo)
T - Noon - Mid-Sized Communities Forum Lunch
T - 1:20 PM - Ministry of Health Deputy Minister Ally Butler re: Sooke Urgent Primary Care Centre update
T -1:45 PM - The Road Ahead for BC's Economy (w. Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey + BC deficit explainer)
T - 3:15 PM - Address by FCM President Rebecca Bligh
T - 5:30 PM - Community Excellence Awards - no list of finalists yet made public; Sooke nominations in two categories
W - 7:30 AM - Province of BC "Ease of Doing Business Review" update + overview
Alternate: Acting Early For Stronger Communities - BC Rep for Children and Youth Jennifer Charlesworth
W - 8:30 AM - Convention Opening Session
W - 9:25 AM - Keynote Address: Marcy Grossman, former Cdn. Ambassador to UAE, Invest In Canada website
W - 10:30 AM - Policy Session: Resolutions #1
W - 11:50 AM - Address by Dallas Brodie, Interim Leader, One BC + Conservative BC caucus + update
Noon - AVICC Luncheon
W - 2 PM - Minister of State for Local Governments & Rural Communities Brittny Anderson
W - 3 PM - Cabinet Town Hall: Strong Communities (Boyle, Osborne, Farnworth)
W - 3 PM - Cabinet Town Hall: Tariffs & Growing BC's Economy (Kahlon, Bailey, Popham, Dix)
W - 4:15 PM - Climate & Energy Action Awards 2025
T - 7:30 AM - Building Social Consensus Through Community Assemblies + Victoria Saanich + Burnaby + Elect Reform
Alternate: Local Watershed Boards - BC Watershed Security Coalition's Coree Tull
T - 8:25 AM - Address by Jeremy Valeriote, Interim Leader, Green Party BC + leadership race (details TBA on Wed.)
T - 8:50 AM - Policy Session: Resolutions #2 (to 11:10 AM)
T - 11:10 AM - Agricultural Land Commission Chair Jennifer Dyson - Sooke meeting request (Fairmont)
T - 11:10 AM - Address by John Rustad, Leader of the Opposition
T - 2:30 PM - Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal Title Decision - The Conversation + Young, Anderson + overview
T - 7:30 PM - UBCM Annual Banquet
F - 8 AM - Policy Session: Resolutions #3
F - 9 AM - Address by Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing & Infrastructure + PacifiCan + Build Canada Homes
F - 9:30 AM - Resolutions continue until 10:30
F - 11 AM close
* 2025 Resolutions Book
- 276 resolutions in total from BC local governments
- 1 Extraordinary Resolution (UBCM Executive)
- 5 Special Resolutions (UBCM Executive)
- 95 resolutions in the Endorsed Block
- 3 resolutions in the Non-Endorsed Block
- 122 resolutions given No Recommendation (to be considered individually during the convention)
- 50 "Referred Resolutions" (which echo others and hence not admitted)
- Three Sooke resolutions this year
Endorsed EB 31 - Funding for 911 Services
"Whereas the existing funding structure of the 911 emergency communications system does not account for internet and cellular revenues flowing to telecommunications companies, meaning that cellular users do not pay for the 911 services available primarily through cell phones:Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of BC to work with local governments and telecommunications service providers to implement a 911 levy on cellular devices, to address current and future financial challenges associated with the delivery of 911 services."
"The Resolutions Committee notes that the UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions seeking the creation of a call answer levy on cellular devices to fund 911 emergency services (2023-SR2, 2021-EB7, 2012-LR1, 2011-B13, 2009-B10).
The membership also endorsed a more wide-ranging resolution 2022-EB42 which asked the Province to work with UBCM to develop a new provincial mandate and structure for 911 service delivery, with a focus on improving the governance, funding and operations. As well, the membership endorsed 2024-EB40, which asked for a governance review “...with a goal to assure reliable, affordable, and sustainable services for all communities.”
Endorsed EB 61 - Taxation of Utility Companies
"Whereas the Local Government Act, Section 644 2(a), specifies that a utility company (defined as “an electric light, electric power, telephone, water, gas or closed-circuit television company”) is to be taxed annually by municipalities (not including Regional Districts or First Nations) at the rate of 1 percent of its revenue from subscribers;And whereas the legislation does not account for internet and cellular revenues flowing to telecommunications companies:
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province that this outdated section of the Local Government Act be updated to better reflect contemporary consumer choices by adding internet and cellular services to the definition of utility companies, and reverse the trend of declining municipal revenues from the 1 percent in-lieu-of utilities tax."
"The Resolutions Committee notes that the UBCM membership endorsed resolution 2019-B122 calling on the Province to update section 644(2) of the Local Government Act to add internet and cellular services to utility companies to be taxed at 1 percent.
The Province responded they have examined this issue on a case-by-case basis and, in most cases, determined that the revenue generated from the 1percent Utility Tax was NOT greater than the potential revenue generated from a property tax on a utility’s linear assets located within the municipality. As such, the Province was not considering legislative changes to taxation of linear assets in response to the 2019 resolution."
No Recommendation NR 120 - BC Human Rights Tribunal
"Whereas the BC Human Rights Tribunal plays a critical role in upholding and addressing human rights by delivering the “just and timely resolution of discrimination complaints under the British Columbia Human Rights Code” (Tribunal Annual Report, 2023/24, pg. 3);
And whereas a large backlog of complaints and a growing volume of new submissions has led to extensive adjudication delays that exacerbate the harm experienced by complainants, leaving British Columbians without timely support or closure;
And whereas additional provincial funding committed in 2023 has improved timelines but is nonetheless proving insufficient in effectively processing existing and new case files;
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask that the Province of British Columbia act immediately on Recommendation #12a of the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner’s From Hate to Hope report, namely that “The Attorney General should take steps to enable the BC Human Rights Tribunal to be more responsive to hate, including by: a. Ensuring adequate funding to the Tribunal to effectively process complaints.”
"The Resolutions Committee advises that the UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution
calling on the Province to implement recommendation #12a of the report “From Hate to Hope”, by ensuring
'adequate funding to the [BC Human Rights] Tribunal to effectively process complaints.'"
2024 - 258 resolutions + Provincial Responses
2023 - 202 resolutions + Provincial Responses
Archive - 2019 to date
Resolution Highlights
ER1 - Streamline the Resolution Process
As the numbers above indicate, UBCM is swamped annually with entirely meaningful and needed resolutions from local governments, so much so that it is always a drama to get them all heard as allocated time dwindles (Sooke's NR 120 may well be left on the table given its late position in the queue.) The aim here is to remove from consideration any resolutions that align with existing UBCM policy (i.e., most of those in the Endorsed Block, effectively), are regionally focused or fall outside the scope of BC local government and First Nations. Any LG that wishes to renew UBCM attention to an already aligned policy matter can formally request consideration for a floor vote. (The entire Endorsed Block is traditionally passed with a single vote.)
Special Resolutions
SR1 Regional Approach to Homelessness
"Whereas homelessness is a complex and multifaceted challenge that affects communities across BC, rural and urban, and there is a lack of a coordinated regional strategy and insufficient resources worsen this issue, leaving many vulnerable populations without adequate housing, and shelter;
And whereas concentration of shelter beds and supportive housing can create unsustainable pressure on local resources and services in some communities while leaving other communities underserviced;
Therefore, be it resolved that UBCM advocate that the provincial government coordinate a regional approach to homelessness by increasing funding and resources for supportive housing and shelter initiatives across the province, and foster collaboration and coordination among local governments, provincial agencies, First Nation governments, Indigenous organizations, nonprofits, housing authorities, and community members."
The Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region, RIP, was a model of what I imagine is intended, perhaps with the addition of direct Provincial involvement through BC Housing (which, logically in our regional case, would ensure establishment of a shelter at some place between Sooke and downtown Victoria).
SR2 Negotiation of New RCMP Police Services Agreement
"Whereas BC local governments over 5,000 in population that receive RCMP policing services are bound by the 20-year Municipal Police Unit Agreement, which expires in 2032;And whereas the process to negotiate new RCMP police services agreements is expected to begin soon, at a time when local governments are struggling to absorb rapidly increasing policing costs, placing significant pressure on local budgets:
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of BC and federal government directly involve UBCM and BC local governments as part of the process to negotiate new RCMP police services agreements, including the Municipal Police Unit Agreement;
And be it further resolved that as part of this process, local government priorities are thoroughly considered and incorporated into a new Municipal Police Unit Agreement for BC local governments."
"BC local governments over 5,000 in population that wish to receive RCMP policing services must sign the 20- year Municipal Police Unit Agreement (MPUA) with the Province of BC ... The MPUA outlines the terms and conditions under which the RCMP will provide policing services in a community, including the cost-share rate to be paid by the local government ... Policing is the most financially significant budget item for many local governments. It is crucial that BC local governments, who are part of the largest RCMP contract jurisdiction in Canada, be directly involved in discussions that could lead to significant financial impacts. The federal government has recently shown a reluctance to consider local governments as equal RCMP policing partners, demonstrated by the lack of direct engagement during RCMP collective bargaining and the 2022 Federal Assessment of RCMP Contract Policing.
The Province of BC is also considering recommendations made by the all-party Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act, including whether to implement a new provincial police service to replace the RCMP. UBCM continues to oppose this option, citing a lack of evidence to support such a significant change"
SR3 Increased Library Funding from the Province is Overdue
"Whereas libraries in BC are primarily (more than 90 percent) funded by local governments, and the provincial government’s share of library funding has been decreasing – from 21 percent of total revenue collected by libraries in 1986 to 6 percent in 2022;
And whereas the $14 million of core funding from the Province that covers all 71 library systems in BC has not increased since 2010 while the population of BC grew by 29 percent and overall inflation went up 36 percent;
Therefore ... increase the annual core provincial funding for libraries to $30 million in keeping with the long-standing request made by the BC Public Library Partners and the recommendation of the Province’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services."
"The Province did not support any increased funding for public libraries as requested in the 2024 resolutions. They also did not support resolution 2024-NR67’s call to establish an Advisory Body under the Library Act to review core sustainable funding. The ministry indicated they value the contributions of local governments and library partners, and are willing to continue to engage in dialogue ... In 2023 the Province replied that they had heard the need for increased funding to supplement core local library funding from communities across the province and provided additional one-off funding of 45 million for public libraries, service partners and library federations in March 2023 in addition to the regular annual grants of 14 million. The funding was not repeated in 2024 or 2025."
SR4 Support for UN Declaration on the Rights of Tla’amin First Nation
"Therefore be it resolved that UBCM requests that the Province support local governments to transform their approach to reconciliation with the development of a distinctions-based toolkit for UNDRIP implementation and associated funding."
All three member organizations of the First Nations Leadership Council – BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs – have passed resolutions calling on the provincial and federal governments to explicitly legislate requirements for municipalities to implement UNDRIP.
Specifically, UBCM is exploring ways that the Province can improve engagement with local governments during the negotiation of agreements with First Nations in a way that promotes reconciliation at the local level, support positive relationships, and advance collaboration. The outcome of this work will be an engagement guide for Ministry of Indigenous Relations negotiators to support strengthening local government engagement as an organizational practice."
SR5 Infrastructure Funding
"Whereas BC local governments are facing increasing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs including:
legislated housing growth and densification, existing and emerging environmental regulatory requirements, and
addressing the existing infrastructure deficit;
And whereas local governments do not have financial tools linked to population and economic growth that could
fund the capital renewal, expansion, and ongoing maintenance required;
And whereas delays in provincial permitting processes have significant consequences to the viability and ultimate
costs of infrastructure projects;
And whereas local governments are increasingly taking on tasks that have historically been the responsibility of
the provincial and federal government including providing lands and other financial supports for non-market and
supportive housing, while also bearing costs related to medical emergency response, and managing
encampments for growing numbers of unhoused British Columbians:
Therefore be it resolved that the Province invest in a long-term, predictable, allocation-based funding program to
support local government infrastructure servicing needs and stimulate growth of the provincial economy;
And be it further resolved that the Province invest in its own areas of responsibility including provincial
infrastructure investments and provincial permitting processes required to support housing-related population
growth."
"The UBCM Executive is bringing forward this Special Resolution as a means to consolidate recent UBCM resolutions and advocacy on the need for funding to support the infrastructure and services required for provincially-mandated housing growth, meeting existing and emerging environmental regulations, addressing climate resiliency, as well as seeking the provincial government to adequately fund services they are responsible for and improve provincial permitting processes.
Asset Management: UBCM estimates that $24 billion in core infrastructure has to be replaced within the next 10 years. This includes things like water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation systems, parks and recreation – services that are essential for supporting housing growth. Further, public investment in local infrastructure is a proven tool for economic growth. Every dollar spent on infrastructure results in $1.14 in gross domestic product growth; generates new business spin-offs; and creates well-paying jobs across multiple sectors.
Downloads: On top of these challenges, local governments increasingly provide services that have historically been the responsibility of the provincial and federal government. Members care deeply about their communities and have felt the need to step up and help address service deficiencies in areas ranging from emergency medical response to subsidized housing to community health centres. This support has significant financial costs that take property tax dollars away from the core local government services they were intended to pay for. The provincially mandated housing growth further increases costs for local governments without providing the necessary financial support.
Services that are provincial responsibilities need to catch up and keep up with the population increases that will go along with the housing growth the Province has legislated. The membership has previously supported resolutions calling on the Province to respond to the health care crisis service-deficiencies that exist at current population levels. Specifically, resolution 2022-SR1 cited the critical need for additional family physicians, emergency room doctors, specialists, paramedics, and nurses across the province so that all residents of British Columbia can access an appropriate and necessary level of care. Local governments do not have the financial means to take on these responsibilities."
Lobbying
Letters from Sooke Citizens
NR69 Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy
"A key challenge to coastal management is the absence of a legal framework specifically designed to govern and manage coastal marine areas in British Columbia. This strategy must be backed by law, not left to change."
NR75 Mobile Live Animal Programs + Port Moody report backing this resolution
In favour: "Mobile petting zoos and exotic pet expos subject animals to stress and compromise their welfare ... protecting animal welfare, public health and the environment requires coordinated provincial action, and your endorsement is a key step." + Vancouver Humane Society
Against: NR75 Mobile Live Animal Programs - "This would remove long established categories of pet ownership, disrupt lawful trade and damage small businesses." + Pets Canada
Rick Hanson Foundation and Access West Shore Society
Resolution NR41, sponsored by the District of Saanich, calls on the Province of British Columbia to strengthen the BC Building Code by incorporating the latest CSA accessibility standards, and to commit to RHFAC Gold certification on all new provincial buildings. Accessibility embedded into design costs very little, but makes a lifetime of difference to people with disabilities. BC will spend $248b on new buildings in the next three years."
BC SPCA
"We strongly encourage you to support the following resolutions that would significantly improve animal welfare in BC:
- NR39 Advocating for Pet-Friendly Housing
- NR75 Mobile Live Animal Programs
- NR76 Hybrid Wolfdogs
- NR77 Provincial Support for Addressing Feral Rabbits
- NR104 Priority Ferry Boarding for Livestock and Agricultural Products
- EB04 BC SPCA Representation in Rural BC Communities
Rationale on each of above from SPCA here.
South Island Climate Action Network
"We are reaching out to you to request your support for a set of resolutions that climate allies and progressives have selected from this year’s UBCM Resolutions Book.
Sustainable - more government funding for cleaner cheaper renewable energy from wind and solar, solar batteries, distributed district energy systems
Vote YES:
EB47 Incentives to Invest in Low-Carbon Power Generation
Affordable - lower energy bills using high efficiency electric heat pump which are 300 - 400 % more efficient than gas furnaces and boilers, much cheaper to install, great rebates; double as air conditioners so no need to install a separate expensive cooling system; save on health care costs
Vote YES:
EB46 Tackling Energy Poverty and Increasing Workforce Capacity by Working with Youth Climate Corps
EB50 Supporting Rural Contractors for Effective Home Retrofits
Fossil Fuel Free - much better for personal and planetary health, cut down on deadly methane pollution; cut down on deadly heatwaves, fire weather, drought, floods, atmospheric rivers, wind storms
Vote NO:
NR66 Balanced Emissions Policies
NR68 BC Building Code Amendment to Include Natural Gas
NR106 Balanced Approach to Building Code Updates
NR111 Natural Gas and Liquified Natural Gas Strategy
Environmentally protected land, air, and water - we need nature in order to survive and thrive, need biodiversity for birds and pollinators for our food security, need 40% urban tree canopy to protect us from heat islands, need Natural Asset Management to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change
Vote YES:
EB45 Biodiverse Climate Resilient Ecosystems
EB54 Provincial Oversight of Water, Streams, Wetlands and Riparian Areas
NR69 Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy
NR74 Support for Natural Asset Inventory Development
ER Defend the North Coast Tanker Ban
Resilient - need adaptations to cope with climate impact ie heat pumps for cooling, cooling centres and warming shelters for emergency weather response; no building in high risk areas like flood plains, support for water and food security
Vote YES:
NR30 Supporting Climate-Resilient and Infrastructure-Ready Housing Targets
NR31 Preventing Deaths from Extreme Heat by Amending Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Legislation
NR32 Response to Extreme Heat Events
NR52 Interim Diking Policy Updates
From this blog:
* AVICC 2025 Convention
* UBCM 2024 Convention
* UBCM 2023 Convention
- UBCM President Trish Madewo speech highlights (Sept. 24)
- Premier David Eby speech and Q&A in full (Sept. 26)
- Opposition leader John Rustead speech excerpt (Sept. 25)
- Green Party BC leader Emily Lowen speech in full (Sept. 24)
- OneBC leader Dallas Brodie (no clips available) (Sept. 24) <her opening words: "The BC we once knew is gone and the condition is dire" ... OneBC will end "mass enabling," "defund the addictions industry" and "re-stigmatize the use of illicit drugs."
- Replay of panel discussion on the BC Supreme Court's Aug. 2025 decision viz. Cowichan Tribes vs. Canada (Attorney General) decision. Featured speakers are David Rosenberg (Rosenberg Law and the Cowichan Tribes legal representative), Robin Junger (McMillan Law) and Reece Harding (Young, Anderson). <clip> 1:26:31 Harding: "I don't think we should be candy coating this circumstance. We should be straight up with people on how important this case is ... people need to be told that there there are systems and a lot of smart people in place that are going to deal with this, but that the outcome is uncertain. There's very likely to be some jurisdictional change in the province of British Columbia as a result of this decision. And exactly where that's going to land, I don't think anybody up here or in this room can predict at this point ... It only has direct application on the ground to a small area and there's probably several years till we have the final word."
* Young/Anderson explainer
* Cowichan Tribes - 2023 press release
* CBC News - Oct. 21, 2025
"In her ruling, Justice Barbara Young emphasized several times that the granting of Aboriginal title does not “displace private owners on the land.” “The Cowichan do not seek recovery of the private fee simple lands but rather a mechanism for negotiating the reconciliation of their Aboriginal title,” she wrote.
It's a point underscored by David Rosenberg, lead counsel for the Cowichan Nation in their case. "This case was never about challenging the fee simple with respect to privately owned lands. The case was brought against the Crown for return of public lands that were wrongfully taken from the Cowichan,” Rosenberg said at the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention last month. “We have a decision that now recognizes that Aboriginal title and fee simple interest can and do coexist.”
At the same time, Young said it’s up to governments to determine what that means going forward. “These interests may be resolved through negotiation, challenged in subsequent litigation, purchased, or remain on the Cowichan Title Lands. That is not a matter for this Court to address. B.C. and the Cowichan should be afforded space to reconcile these competing interests,” she wrote.
News Clippings
- "BC Premier: 'A Tough Time to Govern'" - Vancouver Sun, Sept. 26
- "Premier David Eby Announces New Involuntary Care Beds, North Island Power Line" - Times Colonist, Sept. 26
- UBCM 2025 Coverage by Island Social Trends - Archive
- "Housing Minister Gregor Robertson Announces Development Charge Reform" - Castanet, Sept. 26
- "Opposition Leaders Offer Very Different Visions for BC" - CBC, Sept. 25
- "BC Pushes Heritage Act Reform Amid Concerns of Development Slowdowns" - Globe & Mail, Sept. 26
- "UBCM Blasts Province for Lack of Consultation on Heritage Conservation Act" - Vaughan Palmer, Vancouver Sun, Sept. 24
- "BC Local Leaders Call for Bail Reform, Involuntary Care" - Times Colonist, Sept. 24
- "Crime Destroying BC Downtowns, Municipal Leaders Warn" - Vancouver Sun, Sept. 22
- "BC NDP Avoids Timelines as Deficit Crisis Deepens" - Times Colonist, Sept. 24
- "Codes of Conduct and Transit" - CBC, Sept. 24
- "UBCM Resolutions Show Downtown Distress is BC Wide" - Les Leyne, Times Colonist, Sept. 23
- "UBCM Leaders Call On BC To Fill Housing Gaps That Lead to Homelessness" - Times Colonist, Sept. 22
- "Pressurized BC Communities Want Province to Bring Them Along" - Victoria News, Sept. 19
- "Ferry System Overstressed, Under-Funded" - Times Colonist, Sept. 26
- "OneBC Will Re-Stigmatize Drug Use If Elected" - Times Colonist, Sept. 25
- "UBCM Accepting Oil and Gas Sponsorships Called 'Unethical" - Times Colonist, Sept. 22
- "Street Disorder, Homelessness Key Issues As BC Civic Leaders Meet" - Globe and Mail, Sept. 20
- Global TV UBCM coverage: Richard Zussman Wrap-Up + Conservatives In Chaos
- "Drift from Compassion Fatigue to Concerns Over Crime and Disorder" - Justin McElroy, CBC, Sept. 23
<clip> "In our desire to be compassionate, we have sometimes lost the balance with accountability. And when anything goes, it really does," said Julien Daly, CEO of Our Place, a prominent Victoria shelter and outreach centre. He said it to a packed ballroom of hundreds of delegates, at the start of the most anticipated session of the first day, entitled "Disordered Downtown" ...Increasingly, the overlapping crises of homelessness, mental health supports, crime, safety and housing affordability have dominated the discussion at this conference, reflecting the fact that in B.C., they increasingly show no geographic boundary." + Julian Daley's remarks in full
- Sooke Council Attends UBCM 2025 - District of Sooke press release, Sept. 22
Resolutions Summary
* Listing of the 176 resolutions that reached the floor and were voted upon
* Sooke's EB31 (911 services) and EB61 (taxation on utility companies) were passed along with all others in the Endorsed Block
* Sooke's NR 120 re: funding for the Human Rights Tribunal (which I was to speak to) was among 55 other resolutions that were not heard due to time constraints; all of these will be forwarded to the UBCM Executive and its relevant committees for decisions.
Pre-Convention Preparation
This year's Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual convention will be in Victoria the week of Sept. 22. Mayor Tait, CAO Gray and all of us on council will be attending in continuing a busy month highlighted by the Official Community Plan public re-engagement.
* Convention home page
- Schedule of workshops and events
* UBCM 2025 Annual Report
- 2024/25 Highlights
i) Provincial Election - advocacy with all parties via the Stretched to the Limit report, which focused on housing and homelessness; infrastructure needs; and climate action in the context of emergency management.
ii) Trade war implications documented in Macroeconomic Impacts of the Canada-US Trade War
iii) Pushback on centralization of powers by the Province of BC and Government of Canada (i.e., BC Bill 15 - Infrastructure Projects Act)
iv) Relationship protocol signed with First Nations Leadership Council, fall 2024
v) Launch of the Strategic Priorities Fund + program guidelines
Ministerial and Other Meeting Requests from Sooke Council
(Note: Local governments have requested more than 1,000 meetings with Provincial ministries and senior staff over four days, so no guarantees these will requests will be accepted.)
1. Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth to discuss ...
i) future phased improvements to Highway 14 (i.e. westbound right-turn lanes off Sooke Road at Phillips, Charters and Church; the Idlemore intersection project; crosswalk upgrades; and sidewalks west of Ed Macgregor Park to Whiffin Spit Rd.)
ii) request letters of support for the District's federal grant applications re: the Throup/Phillips connector route (pending a successful referendum vote in October 2026.) (no confirmation)
2. Ministry of Health staff re: status report on operational funding for the Lot A Community Health Centre. (See Aug. 11 Sooke press release detailing plans for the five-storey building with 80 units of middle-income rental housing above the ground-floor health centre -- a project that partners the District with the BC Builds program and the non-profit Catalyst Community Development.) (confirmed: Tue. 1:20 PM) Result: Patience! The Ministry remains fully committed and a funding announcement is to be expected in due course. (no promised timeline.)
3. Island Health staff re: the expansion of vitally needed long-term independent living and complex care rooms via funding for a new wing at Ayre Manor as supported by BC's Seniors' Advocate Dan Levitt following his Sooke visit in March, 2025. (confirmed: Mon. 2 PM) Result: Ayre Manor expansion is on Island Health's "radar," said VP of Community Clinical Operations & Support Programs James Hanson, and discussions will focus on business-case development. The three most recent (2023) approvals for long-term care facilities in Royal Bay, Lantzville and Campbell River were based on the low number of per-capita care beds available in these communities, and Sooke is among the next wave of priorities for this same reason.
4. Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham re: the progress and further development of the Sooke-initiated "farm hamlet" model and its evolution into a "farm complex/food hub" model. (See pp. 91-210 of the March 28, 2022 council agenda, featuring staff report, slide deck and the Sooke Region Communities Health Network report Putting Healthy Food On Our Tables.) (confirmed: Tues. 8 AM)
5. Agricultural Land Commission Chairperson Jennifer Dyson re: how Sooke's "farm complex/food hub" model aligns with the ALC's mandate + support for SEAPARC's new skatepark on ALR land (confirmed: Thurs. 11:10 AM)
What I Plan to Attend ...
M - 9:30 AM - Heath Care - The Heart of Community (study session led by Health Minister Josie Osborne)
M - 2 PM - Island Health CEO Kathy MacNeil - Sooke request re: Ayre Manor expansion (Fairmont, Lwr Lvl. Shaunessy)
M - 2:30 PM - Delivering Affordable Housing: Challenges and Opportunities (study session)
M - 4:30 PM - Resilient Local Leaders workshop with keynote speaker Corey Hirsch
M - 5:30 PM - Truck Loggers Association film presentation (BC Is Burning) + Ravi Parmar keynote - Laurel Point Inn
T- 7:30 AM - Tiny Homes For Rural Housing (options for regulating tiny homes on wheels via islands Trust)
Alternate: Compassionate Municipal Actions Amidst Community Crisis (Walk With Me, Comox Valley)
T - 8 AM - Minister of Agriculture & Food Lana Popham - Sooke meeting request (Birch - Rm. 339, Parliament Building)
T - 9:30 AM - Smart Governance: Leveraging AI To Serve Communities Better
T - 10:30 AM - Manufacturing Jobs and Prosperous Communities. Alternate: Filling Gaps: Transportation Options for Local Governments (w/s - BC Transit, Mobility Foresight, Modo)
T - Noon - Mid-Sized Communities Forum Lunch
T - 1:20 PM - Ministry of Health Deputy Minister Ally Butler re: Sooke Urgent Primary Care Centre update
T -1:45 PM - The Road Ahead for BC's Economy (w. Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey + BC deficit explainer)
T - 3:15 PM - Address by FCM President Rebecca Bligh
T - 5:30 PM - Community Excellence Awards - no list of finalists yet made public; Sooke nominations in two categories
W - 7:30 AM - Province of BC "Ease of Doing Business Review" update + overview
Alternate: Acting Early For Stronger Communities - BC Rep for Children and Youth Jennifer Charlesworth
W - 8:30 AM - Convention Opening Session
W - 9:25 AM - Keynote Address: Marcy Grossman, former Cdn. Ambassador to UAE, Invest In Canada website
W - 10:30 AM - Policy Session: Resolutions #1
W - 11:50 AM - Address by Dallas Brodie, Interim Leader, One BC + Conservative BC caucus + update
Noon - AVICC Luncheon
W - 2 PM - Minister of State for Local Governments & Rural Communities Brittny Anderson
W - 3 PM - Cabinet Town Hall: Strong Communities (Boyle, Osborne, Farnworth)
W - 3 PM - Cabinet Town Hall: Tariffs & Growing BC's Economy (Kahlon, Bailey, Popham, Dix)
W - 4:15 PM - Climate & Energy Action Awards 2025
T - 7:30 AM - Building Social Consensus Through Community Assemblies + Victoria Saanich + Burnaby + Elect Reform
Alternate: Local Watershed Boards - BC Watershed Security Coalition's Coree Tull
T - 8:25 AM - Address by Jeremy Valeriote, Interim Leader, Green Party BC + leadership race (details TBA on Wed.)
T - 8:50 AM - Policy Session: Resolutions #2 (to 11:10 AM)
T - 11:10 AM - Agricultural Land Commission Chair Jennifer Dyson - Sooke meeting request (Fairmont)
T - 11:10 AM - Address by John Rustad, Leader of the Opposition
T - 2:30 PM - Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal Title Decision - The Conversation + Young, Anderson + overview
T - 7:30 PM - UBCM Annual Banquet
F - 8 AM - Policy Session: Resolutions #3
F - 9 AM - Address by Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing & Infrastructure + PacifiCan + Build Canada Homes
F - 9:30 AM - Resolutions continue until 10:30
F - 11 AM close
* 2025 Resolutions Book
- 276 resolutions in total from BC local governments
- 1 Extraordinary Resolution (UBCM Executive)
- 5 Special Resolutions (UBCM Executive)
- 95 resolutions in the Endorsed Block
- 3 resolutions in the Non-Endorsed Block
- 122 resolutions given No Recommendation (to be considered individually during the convention)
- 50 "Referred Resolutions" (which echo others and hence not admitted)
- Three Sooke resolutions this year
Endorsed EB 31 - Funding for 911 Services
"Whereas the existing funding structure of the 911 emergency communications system does not account for internet and cellular revenues flowing to telecommunications companies, meaning that cellular users do not pay for the 911 services available primarily through cell phones:Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of BC to work with local governments and telecommunications service providers to implement a 911 levy on cellular devices, to address current and future financial challenges associated with the delivery of 911 services."
"The Resolutions Committee notes that the UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions seeking the creation of a call answer levy on cellular devices to fund 911 emergency services (2023-SR2, 2021-EB7, 2012-LR1, 2011-B13, 2009-B10).
The membership also endorsed a more wide-ranging resolution 2022-EB42 which asked the Province to work with UBCM to develop a new provincial mandate and structure for 911 service delivery, with a focus on improving the governance, funding and operations. As well, the membership endorsed 2024-EB40, which asked for a governance review “...with a goal to assure reliable, affordable, and sustainable services for all communities.”
Endorsed EB 61 - Taxation of Utility Companies
"Whereas the Local Government Act, Section 644 2(a), specifies that a utility company (defined as “an electric light, electric power, telephone, water, gas or closed-circuit television company”) is to be taxed annually by municipalities (not including Regional Districts or First Nations) at the rate of 1 percent of its revenue from subscribers;And whereas the legislation does not account for internet and cellular revenues flowing to telecommunications companies:
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province that this outdated section of the Local Government Act be updated to better reflect contemporary consumer choices by adding internet and cellular services to the definition of utility companies, and reverse the trend of declining municipal revenues from the 1 percent in-lieu-of utilities tax."
"The Resolutions Committee notes that the UBCM membership endorsed resolution 2019-B122 calling on the Province to update section 644(2) of the Local Government Act to add internet and cellular services to utility companies to be taxed at 1 percent.
The Province responded they have examined this issue on a case-by-case basis and, in most cases, determined that the revenue generated from the 1percent Utility Tax was NOT greater than the potential revenue generated from a property tax on a utility’s linear assets located within the municipality. As such, the Province was not considering legislative changes to taxation of linear assets in response to the 2019 resolution."
No Recommendation NR 120 - BC Human Rights Tribunal
"Whereas the BC Human Rights Tribunal plays a critical role in upholding and addressing human rights by delivering the “just and timely resolution of discrimination complaints under the British Columbia Human Rights Code” (Tribunal Annual Report, 2023/24, pg. 3);
And whereas a large backlog of complaints and a growing volume of new submissions has led to extensive adjudication delays that exacerbate the harm experienced by complainants, leaving British Columbians without timely support or closure;
And whereas additional provincial funding committed in 2023 has improved timelines but is nonetheless proving insufficient in effectively processing existing and new case files;
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask that the Province of British Columbia act immediately on Recommendation #12a of the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner’s From Hate to Hope report, namely that “The Attorney General should take steps to enable the BC Human Rights Tribunal to be more responsive to hate, including by: a. Ensuring adequate funding to the Tribunal to effectively process complaints.”
"The Resolutions Committee advises that the UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution
calling on the Province to implement recommendation #12a of the report “From Hate to Hope”, by ensuring
'adequate funding to the [BC Human Rights] Tribunal to effectively process complaints.'"
2024 - 258 resolutions + Provincial Responses
2023 - 202 resolutions + Provincial Responses
Archive - 2019 to date
Resolution Highlights
ER1 - Streamline the Resolution Process
As the numbers above indicate, UBCM is swamped annually with entirely meaningful and needed resolutions from local governments, so much so that it is always a drama to get them all heard as allocated time dwindles (Sooke's NR 120 may well be left on the table given its late position in the queue.) The aim here is to remove from consideration any resolutions that align with existing UBCM policy (i.e., most of those in the Endorsed Block, effectively), are regionally focused or fall outside the scope of BC local government and First Nations. Any LG that wishes to renew UBCM attention to an already aligned policy matter can formally request consideration for a floor vote. (The entire Endorsed Block is traditionally passed with a single vote.)
Special Resolutions
SR1 Regional Approach to Homelessness
"Whereas homelessness is a complex and multifaceted challenge that affects communities across BC, rural and urban, and there is a lack of a coordinated regional strategy and insufficient resources worsen this issue, leaving many vulnerable populations without adequate housing, and shelter;
And whereas concentration of shelter beds and supportive housing can create unsustainable pressure on local resources and services in some communities while leaving other communities underserviced;
Therefore, be it resolved that UBCM advocate that the provincial government coordinate a regional approach to homelessness by increasing funding and resources for supportive housing and shelter initiatives across the province, and foster collaboration and coordination among local governments, provincial agencies, First Nation governments, Indigenous organizations, nonprofits, housing authorities, and community members."
The Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region, RIP, was a model of what I imagine is intended, perhaps with the addition of direct Provincial involvement through BC Housing (which, logically in our regional case, would ensure establishment of a shelter at some place between Sooke and downtown Victoria).
SR2 Negotiation of New RCMP Police Services Agreement
"Whereas BC local governments over 5,000 in population that receive RCMP policing services are bound by the 20-year Municipal Police Unit Agreement, which expires in 2032;And whereas the process to negotiate new RCMP police services agreements is expected to begin soon, at a time when local governments are struggling to absorb rapidly increasing policing costs, placing significant pressure on local budgets:
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of BC and federal government directly involve UBCM and BC local governments as part of the process to negotiate new RCMP police services agreements, including the Municipal Police Unit Agreement;
And be it further resolved that as part of this process, local government priorities are thoroughly considered and incorporated into a new Municipal Police Unit Agreement for BC local governments."
"BC local governments over 5,000 in population that wish to receive RCMP policing services must sign the 20- year Municipal Police Unit Agreement (MPUA) with the Province of BC ... The MPUA outlines the terms and conditions under which the RCMP will provide policing services in a community, including the cost-share rate to be paid by the local government ... Policing is the most financially significant budget item for many local governments. It is crucial that BC local governments, who are part of the largest RCMP contract jurisdiction in Canada, be directly involved in discussions that could lead to significant financial impacts. The federal government has recently shown a reluctance to consider local governments as equal RCMP policing partners, demonstrated by the lack of direct engagement during RCMP collective bargaining and the 2022 Federal Assessment of RCMP Contract Policing.
The Province of BC is also considering recommendations made by the all-party Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act, including whether to implement a new provincial police service to replace the RCMP. UBCM continues to oppose this option, citing a lack of evidence to support such a significant change"
SR3 Increased Library Funding from the Province is Overdue
"Whereas libraries in BC are primarily (more than 90 percent) funded by local governments, and the provincial government’s share of library funding has been decreasing – from 21 percent of total revenue collected by libraries in 1986 to 6 percent in 2022;
And whereas the $14 million of core funding from the Province that covers all 71 library systems in BC has not increased since 2010 while the population of BC grew by 29 percent and overall inflation went up 36 percent;
Therefore ... increase the annual core provincial funding for libraries to $30 million in keeping with the long-standing request made by the BC Public Library Partners and the recommendation of the Province’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services."
"The Province did not support any increased funding for public libraries as requested in the 2024 resolutions. They also did not support resolution 2024-NR67’s call to establish an Advisory Body under the Library Act to review core sustainable funding. The ministry indicated they value the contributions of local governments and library partners, and are willing to continue to engage in dialogue ... In 2023 the Province replied that they had heard the need for increased funding to supplement core local library funding from communities across the province and provided additional one-off funding of 45 million for public libraries, service partners and library federations in March 2023 in addition to the regular annual grants of 14 million. The funding was not repeated in 2024 or 2025."
SR4 Support for UN Declaration on the Rights of Tla’amin First Nation
"Therefore be it resolved that UBCM requests that the Province support local governments to transform their approach to reconciliation with the development of a distinctions-based toolkit for UNDRIP implementation and associated funding."
All three member organizations of the First Nations Leadership Council – BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs – have passed resolutions calling on the provincial and federal governments to explicitly legislate requirements for municipalities to implement UNDRIP.
Specifically, UBCM is exploring ways that the Province can improve engagement with local governments during the negotiation of agreements with First Nations in a way that promotes reconciliation at the local level, support positive relationships, and advance collaboration. The outcome of this work will be an engagement guide for Ministry of Indigenous Relations negotiators to support strengthening local government engagement as an organizational practice."
SR5 Infrastructure Funding
"Whereas BC local governments are facing increasing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs including:
legislated housing growth and densification, existing and emerging environmental regulatory requirements, and
addressing the existing infrastructure deficit;
And whereas local governments do not have financial tools linked to population and economic growth that could
fund the capital renewal, expansion, and ongoing maintenance required;
And whereas delays in provincial permitting processes have significant consequences to the viability and ultimate
costs of infrastructure projects;
And whereas local governments are increasingly taking on tasks that have historically been the responsibility of
the provincial and federal government including providing lands and other financial supports for non-market and
supportive housing, while also bearing costs related to medical emergency response, and managing
encampments for growing numbers of unhoused British Columbians:
Therefore be it resolved that the Province invest in a long-term, predictable, allocation-based funding program to
support local government infrastructure servicing needs and stimulate growth of the provincial economy;
And be it further resolved that the Province invest in its own areas of responsibility including provincial
infrastructure investments and provincial permitting processes required to support housing-related population
growth."
"The UBCM Executive is bringing forward this Special Resolution as a means to consolidate recent UBCM resolutions and advocacy on the need for funding to support the infrastructure and services required for provincially-mandated housing growth, meeting existing and emerging environmental regulations, addressing climate resiliency, as well as seeking the provincial government to adequately fund services they are responsible for and improve provincial permitting processes.
Asset Management: UBCM estimates that $24 billion in core infrastructure has to be replaced within the next 10 years. This includes things like water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation systems, parks and recreation – services that are essential for supporting housing growth. Further, public investment in local infrastructure is a proven tool for economic growth. Every dollar spent on infrastructure results in $1.14 in gross domestic product growth; generates new business spin-offs; and creates well-paying jobs across multiple sectors.
Downloads: On top of these challenges, local governments increasingly provide services that have historically been the responsibility of the provincial and federal government. Members care deeply about their communities and have felt the need to step up and help address service deficiencies in areas ranging from emergency medical response to subsidized housing to community health centres. This support has significant financial costs that take property tax dollars away from the core local government services they were intended to pay for. The provincially mandated housing growth further increases costs for local governments without providing the necessary financial support.
Services that are provincial responsibilities need to catch up and keep up with the population increases that will go along with the housing growth the Province has legislated. The membership has previously supported resolutions calling on the Province to respond to the health care crisis service-deficiencies that exist at current population levels. Specifically, resolution 2022-SR1 cited the critical need for additional family physicians, emergency room doctors, specialists, paramedics, and nurses across the province so that all residents of British Columbia can access an appropriate and necessary level of care. Local governments do not have the financial means to take on these responsibilities."
Lobbying
Letters from Sooke Citizens
NR69 Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy
"A key challenge to coastal management is the absence of a legal framework specifically designed to govern and manage coastal marine areas in British Columbia. This strategy must be backed by law, not left to change."
NR75 Mobile Live Animal Programs + Port Moody report backing this resolution
In favour: "Mobile petting zoos and exotic pet expos subject animals to stress and compromise their welfare ... protecting animal welfare, public health and the environment requires coordinated provincial action, and your endorsement is a key step." + Vancouver Humane Society
Against: NR75 Mobile Live Animal Programs - "This would remove long established categories of pet ownership, disrupt lawful trade and damage small businesses." + Pets Canada
Rick Hanson Foundation and Access West Shore Society
Resolution NR41, sponsored by the District of Saanich, calls on the Province of British Columbia to strengthen the BC Building Code by incorporating the latest CSA accessibility standards, and to commit to RHFAC Gold certification on all new provincial buildings. Accessibility embedded into design costs very little, but makes a lifetime of difference to people with disabilities. BC will spend $248b on new buildings in the next three years."
BC SPCA
"We strongly encourage you to support the following resolutions that would significantly improve animal welfare in BC:
- NR39 Advocating for Pet-Friendly Housing
- NR75 Mobile Live Animal Programs
- NR76 Hybrid Wolfdogs
- NR77 Provincial Support for Addressing Feral Rabbits
- NR104 Priority Ferry Boarding for Livestock and Agricultural Products
- EB04 BC SPCA Representation in Rural BC Communities
Rationale on each of above from SPCA here.
South Island Climate Action Network
"We are reaching out to you to request your support for a set of resolutions that climate allies and progressives have selected from this year’s UBCM Resolutions Book.
Sustainable - more government funding for cleaner cheaper renewable energy from wind and solar, solar batteries, distributed district energy systems
Vote YES:
EB47 Incentives to Invest in Low-Carbon Power Generation
Affordable - lower energy bills using high efficiency electric heat pump which are 300 - 400 % more efficient than gas furnaces and boilers, much cheaper to install, great rebates; double as air conditioners so no need to install a separate expensive cooling system; save on health care costs
Vote YES:
EB46 Tackling Energy Poverty and Increasing Workforce Capacity by Working with Youth Climate Corps
EB50 Supporting Rural Contractors for Effective Home Retrofits
Fossil Fuel Free - much better for personal and planetary health, cut down on deadly methane pollution; cut down on deadly heatwaves, fire weather, drought, floods, atmospheric rivers, wind storms
Vote NO:
NR66 Balanced Emissions Policies
NR68 BC Building Code Amendment to Include Natural Gas
NR106 Balanced Approach to Building Code Updates
NR111 Natural Gas and Liquified Natural Gas Strategy
Environmentally protected land, air, and water - we need nature in order to survive and thrive, need biodiversity for birds and pollinators for our food security, need 40% urban tree canopy to protect us from heat islands, need Natural Asset Management to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change
Vote YES:
EB45 Biodiverse Climate Resilient Ecosystems
EB54 Provincial Oversight of Water, Streams, Wetlands and Riparian Areas
NR69 Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy
NR74 Support for Natural Asset Inventory Development
ER Defend the North Coast Tanker Ban
Resilient - need adaptations to cope with climate impact ie heat pumps for cooling, cooling centres and warming shelters for emergency weather response; no building in high risk areas like flood plains, support for water and food security
Vote YES:
NR30 Supporting Climate-Resilient and Infrastructure-Ready Housing Targets
NR31 Preventing Deaths from Extreme Heat by Amending Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Legislation
NR32 Response to Extreme Heat Events
NR52 Interim Diking Policy Updates
From this blog:
* AVICC 2025 Convention
* UBCM 2024 Convention
* UBCM 2023 Convention
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