This version of The Compass contains correct details on the climate-ready infrastructure tool.

2025 Leadership Forum registration now open

The 2025 Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA) Forum will be held March 12-14 at the Radisson Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, BC. Registration is now open.

The annual LGLA Forum brings together senior staff and elected officials from local governments and First Nations to explore innovative ways to collaborate and drive positive transformation. The 2025 conference theme is Effective Engagement for Inclusive and Transparent Governance and will explore managing relationships with a new provincial government, communicating effectively, and engaging inclusively with various stakeholders.

In memoriam: John Horgan

John Horgan, the 36th Premier of British Columbia passed away yesterday at the age 65 in Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital. Mr. Horgan led the provincial government from 2017 to 2022, at which time he stepped down due to a recurring incidence of cancer.

“I am very saddened by the passing of John Horgan,” said Councillor Trish Mandewo, UBCM president. “John’s door was always open to our board, and he cared deeply about the issues facing all of BC’s communities. He was an exemplary leader of our province, and he will be missed.”

Community Emergency Preparedness

Fund webinar

A webinar on November 20, 2024 (1:30 – 3:00 PM) will review the program criteria for 2025 funding intakes within the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. The funds explored during the webinar support Emergency Operation Centres, Emergency Support Services and Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning.

Disability management basics for leaders

The UBCM Group Benefits Plan invites you to attend a webinar on disability management basics for leaders next Wednesday, November 20, hosted in partnership with Pacific Blue Cross. Leaders play a major role in supporting employees to return to work after a health issue. How a leader responds to the employee, especially when they are first informed about the health issue, is an important predictor of return-to-work success and the overall duration and costs of the leave. Join us for a 60-minute webinar to learn more, and dive into the fundamentals of disability management. Register today.

New climate-ready infrastructure tool

Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada, in collaboration with ICLEI Canada, recently launched Climate Insight, a new online platform to support local governments in addressing climate-related challenges. The resource offers high-level information on key areas like risk assessment, emissions reduction, and infrastructure standards, complemented by a “climate help desk” hotline that provides expert advice for municipal staff. Registration is open for an online training session on November 21, 10 am.