On February 6 & 7 UBCM attended the Multi-Sectoral Old Growth Forum to learn about work underway by the Province of B.C., in partnership with First Nations, to implement the 14 recommendations identified in the Old Growth Strategic Review (OGSR), which will include the co-development of a Declaration on Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity by April 2023.

Pat Wallace, an 11-term Councillor with the City of Kamloops and a past president of UBCM, passed away at her home on February 11. In addition to her 31 years in service to the City, Wallace was the first woman to chair the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and was the vice-chair of FCM’s Green Municipal Fund. The City of Kamloops awarded Wallace with the Freedom of the City in 2019. She was 90 years of age.

The Province of B.C. and RCMP E Division have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the initiation of a new RCMP Auxiliary Program at the most comprehensive (Tier 3) level, applicable province-wide where the RCMP is the police service of jurisdiction. A start date for the new Program is still to be determined.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), on behalf of the Government of Canada and in collaboration with Indigenous partners, is launching an engagement for the co-development of an Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. Input is being sought from Indigenous peoples, governments and organizations through to March 31, 2023.