Local governments are here as partners to address the pressing issues that face communities across BC. In this spirit, we look forward to continued engagement with the Province on improving housing, public safety, and long-term sustainability of services.
UBCM is pleased with the Province’s decision to rescind Bill M216, the Professional Reliance Act. We are also grateful to all of the local governments and professional organizations that took the time to share comments on the potential impacts of this Bill.
BC has updated proposed Heritage Conservation Act changes. We are glad to see feedback incorporated from local governments, First Nations and others. We'll review the proposed changes when available to determine if they fully address member concerns. www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
UBCM's ED Gary MacIsaac has announced plans to retire following the Convention in Sept. “Gary has provided exceptional advice and guidance to a generation of local government leaders who have served on UBCM’s Executive,” said UBCM President Cori Ramsay.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
The Heritage Conservation Act webinar has been moved to April 2. UBCM member communities are invited to hear from Ministry of Forests staff on how feedback from local governments has been incorporated in some of the proposed policy changes for the Act.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Community Excellence Awards applications are open!
Has your local government worked on an exemplary program or project this year? Consider nominating it for UBCM’s 2026 Community Excellence Awards. Apply before May 29, 2026 buff.ly/NNO9XSh
“Having a gov member bring housing legislation without the input of the Minister responsible for housing is a sign of a distracted government that has lost its focus on the public interest”–UBCM President “It's time for Min. Boyle to tell BC whether she supports M216." www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Bill M216 Professional Reliance Act continues to move forward despite significant risks it would pose for public safety and liability issues. This week the NDP committee chair cast a deciding vote to keep the bill in motion, defeating a Conservative motion to set the bill aside.
UBCM has directed our solicitor to apply to act as an intervenor in the Cowichan Tribes v Canada appeal. Our goal is to ensure the Court understands the implications this ruling will have on local government ability to regulate, tax and service within its jurisdiction. www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Douglas Todd: Lots of housing has been approved in Metro Vancouver, despite NDP charges of too much red tape vancouversun.com/opinion/colu...
In Budget 2026, the Province said that it would slow delivery of its housing commitments, and reallocate $1.4B from its housing strategy. On further inquiry UBCM learned that some of that the reallocation will come from closing the Community Housing Fund. www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Our province is so proud of our Canada men’s hockey team!
Also happy to say you can celebrate at one of our local B.C. hospitality locations with a licensed beverage starting at 5:00 am on Sunday, where local governments allow.
Go Canada Go!
Given the short time frame, the Province has advised that a public statement in support of the change will suffice.
The Province has announced that licensed premises will be allowed to open at 5am on Sunday, February 22 coinciding with the Olympic gold medal mens hockey game. Local governments need to issue approval for the change to take effect for establishments within their boundaries.
@rparmarbc.bsky.social
The FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program will close its open first come, first served format on January 30 due to a lack of funding. To fairly administer the remaining funds, it will reopen with an adjudicated grant process on February 2.
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The Province has postponed proposed amendments to the Heritage Conservation Act, originally expected this spring. In November, UBCM conveyed members’ overwhelming support to pause legislative development to hold face-to-face consultation.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
@kamloops.ca received $5.7million from the Canada Community-Building Fund in 2024: in funded everything from the Tranquille Rd upgrades, to the Pioneer Park pathway, to the Parkcrest Gym reconstruction. Thx @ubcm.bsky.social & @fcm.ca for making this happen
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Storms are once again placing significant strain on BC communities and compounding the long-term impacts of past flood events. As local govs respond, we're calling for sustained funding and support to recover & invest in long-term flood risk mitigation. www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
UBCM delivered our formal submission about the Professional Reliance Act to the committee tasked with reviewing the proposed bill. Our submission urges the committee to recommend against proceeding with the bill. #bcpoli
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Local govs are encouraged to give feedback on private member bill M216 as it moves into committee. The bill limits local government due diligence on development proposals, instead letting professionals hired by developers to certify their own projects.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Members support the Province’s intent to speed up permitting, provide flexibility during disaster recovery and provide a stronger role for First Nations – but they also indicated significant concerns with the potential risks of the proposed changes.
UBCM has shared a report with the Province indicating that proposed changes will require more engagement with local governments, First Nations, and other stakeholders to effectively renew the current legislation.
UBCM members overwhelmingly support a pause to legislative development on the Heritage Conservation Act to allow for face-to-face consultation.
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
Did you attend UBCM's 2025 Convention? We'd love to hear your feedback. Fill out a 5-minute survey – you will be entered to win an Apple Watch! Survey closes October 15. #UBCM25 q.surveypal.com/2025-UBCM-Co...
What we hear will be reported to BC before legislative amendments are introduced.
Key dates: Survey open Oct 9-23 • Webinar for UBCM members Nov 7 • Final report published Nov 14.
ATTN CAOs and elected officials: UBCM is leading an engagement process regarding the proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act. Calling for local governments to review the proposed changes & share feedback. #bcpoli
www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/l...
UBCM membership adopted the 2025 Annual Report and Financial Reports at the 2025 Convention. Executive Director Gary MacIsaac presented a summary of the past year at UBCM. #UBCM25
www.youtube.com/watch?v=13QZ...
So he wants to create a Crown corporation to get rid of governance expenses. But here are Metro's expenses. Government stuff = <1% of all costs. You miiiiiiight get 2% of cost savings, once you get rid of all the planning stuff. Maybe.
Julian Daly, CEO of Our Place shelter society in Victoria, discusses a strategic shift in addressing street disorder by prioritizing healthcare as the first response. Julian was a panelist on the Disordered Downtown session earlier in the week. #UBCM25
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