Changes to 2025 Next Generation 911 funding

UBCM and the Province have reviewed the program design for the 2025 Next Generation 911 program and have agreed to amend some aspects of the program. The application deadline has been extended to April 11, 2025. Eligible applicants may submit applications at any time before this date.

Webinar: Post-Pandemic Stress

The UBCM Group Benefits Plan is excited to announce our first webinar of 2025, led by Dr. Julie Clayton in partnership with Pacific Blue Cross. The webinar, scheduled for February 19, 2025, will explore Post-Pandemic Stress: what is the fallout of mental health as a result of a global pandemic, and what are the current trends in mental health and how can we respond to someone demonstrating challenges with mental health in the workplace? Register now to secure your spot.

Minister Anderson confirmed for Electoral Area Directors Forum

Attendees at the 2025 Electoral Area Directors’ Forum will have the opportunity to hear from the newly appointed Minister of State for Local Government and Rural Communities, Honourable Brittny Anderson. The Forum will take place February 6 – 7 in Richmond at the Radisson Vancouver Airport Hotel.

In Memoriam: Mayor Al Raine

Mayor Al Raine has died just a day after formally resigning as mayor due to ALS. Al has been the only elected mayor of the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality since it was incorporated in 2010. Al with his wife Nancy Greene Raine – a former Olympian and Canadian senator – were passionate about the community of Sun Peaks, dedicating energy and time to developing the municipality into a great home and destination. 

Bylaw Adjudication Program website testing

The Ministry of Attorney General seeks local government senior staff to user test the BC Bylaw Adjudication Program website. The user testing would take 30 minutes or less. To participate, or for further information, contact the Tribunals and Agency Support Division. Expressions of interest in participating are welcomed until February 1, 2025.

For local governments enrolled in the Bylaw Adjudication Program (BAP), the Ministry of Attorney General convenes a Bylaw Adjudication Working Group. The group meets 3-4 times per year and provides local government staff with access to technical expertise and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Local government staff interested in joining the Bylaw Adjudication Working Group may contact Reiko Tagami, Policy Analyst, UBCM.

Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee update

On October 15, the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee met with provincial government and B.C. RCMP representatives to discuss issues related to the Municipal Police Unit Agreements, and policing more broadly in British Columbia. Key issues discussed at the meeting are summarized in this article.