www.ubcm.ca | April 1, 2026 | View in browser

Province shares new plans for Heritage Conservation Act amendments

The Ministry of Forests has released a Technical Policy Paper on the evolution of proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act. This paper reflects the next phase of engagement on proposed changes to the Act as the Province moves towards legislative amendments in fall 2026. Upon review of the paper, UBCM notes that the proposed changes incorporate local government, First Nations and other stakeholder feedback, and that several areas of concerns raised by UBCM members have been addressed. The Province intends to move forward with a request for legislation following a 30-day comment period on the technical policy paper. UBCM will be given an opportunity to review the proposed legislative changes following the paper’s comment period, and will determine if the final changes fully address member concerns.

A webinar is scheduled for this Thursday, April 2, 9-10:30am, for UBCM members to hear from Ministry of Forests staff about updates to the proposed changes, and specifically how feedback from local governments has been incorporated. Webinar registration remains open. Read more.

UBCM tells legislative committee Bill M216 should be scrapped

UBCM President Cori Ramsay and Vice President Jenna Stoner appeared today before the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills to stress that Bill M 216 Professional Reliance Act is fundamentally flawed and should not proceed further. UBCM’s statement highlighted the significant risks for public safety and liability posed by the Bill, as well as the deeply flawed process of policy development behind it. Read more.

Funding and resources update: April 2026

Each month, we provide an update on funding programs administered by UBCM along with information on other programs, events, and resources of interest to local governments and First Nations. Most of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund 2025-26 intakes are now open. Read more.

Housing sector leaders call for restored housing funding

Representatives from the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association are calling on the Provincial Government to change course after it cancelled the July 2025 Community Housing Fund intake and slowed the Indigenous Housing Fund. These decisions are impacting thousands of new homes for British Columbians. 

UBCM drew attention to the reallocation of funds earmarked for Community Housing Fund in our analysis of Budget 2026, and UBCM president Cori Ramsay spoke with reporters on the impacts the pullback will have on BC communities.

• Webinar update on Heritage Conservation Act: April 2.
• Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit: April 8-12.
• Treaty 101 webinar for local governments: April 9.
• UBCM Community Excellence Awards 2026: Apply by May 29.