2024 Resolutions

WHEREAS farmers across British Columbia face escalating challenges due to climate change, including increasingly frequent and severe droughts, highlighting the urgent need for regionally relevant agricultural research to address these issues effectively; and

WHEREAS the government of British Columbia has demonstrated commendable leadership by allocating substantial funding, including an additional $80 million, to expand the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program, aimed at enhancing water management practices and resilience in the agricultural sector; and

WHEREAS while investments in infrastructure are crucial, there is also a critical need for targeted funding for regionally relevant agricultural research to develop innovative solutions tailored to the specific challenges faced by farmers in different regions of British Columbia; and

WHEREAS regionally relevant research is essential for identifying sustainable agricultural practices, crop varieties, and water management strategies that are best suited to the unique climatic conditions and agricultural landscapes of each region;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM urge the Federal and Provincial Governments to prioritize funding for regionally tailored agricultural research to develop sustainable solutions for diverse farming challenges across British Columbia.

WHEREAS the economic landscape of forestry communities is constantly evolving, requiring proactive measures to ensure their continued growth and prosperity; and

WHEREAS it is imperative to invest in the people and opportunities of the future to foster resilience and sustainability in these communities; and

WHEREAS discussions with provincial counterparts in Victoria have highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges faced by forestry communities, including the need for transitioning local economies towards sustainability; and

WHEREAS the Ministry of Forests has recognized the potential of a decentralized model to revitalize forestry communities, leveraging their expertise and resources to become hubs of value-added products and services;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM urge the Provincial Government to provide additional economic assistance and support to forestry communities to facilitate the transition towards a diversified and sustainable economy.

WHEREAS stumpage rates play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the timber industry and local economies; and

WHEREAS while increases in stumpage rates may generate additional revenue for the Provincial Government, there is a risk of unintended consequences, including economic hardship and reduced revenue for local businesses and governments;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the provincial government for equitable stumpage rates that balance the need for Provincial Government revenue generation with the economic sustainability of forestry-dependent communities.

WHEREAS local governments are crucial stakeholders in ensuring the provision of essential healthcare infrastructure within their communities; and

WHEREAS transparent and accurate cost estimates for healthcare infrastructure projects are essential to enable effective budget planning and financial management by local governments; and

WHEREAS recent experiences with escalating costs for hospital projects highlight the importance of transparent cost estimates and equitable funding arrangements to mitigate potential financial strain on taxpayers; and

WHEREAS equitable funding arrangements are necessary to ensure that the financial burden of healthcare infrastructure projects is distributed fairly among communities, taking into account factors such as population density and tax base;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM advocate the Provincial Government for transparent and accurate cost estimates for healthcare infrastructure projects, enabling accountability and effective financial planning by local governments.

WHEREAS local governments are crucial stakeholders in ensuring the provision of essential healthcare infrastructure within their communities; and

WHEREAS transparent and accurate cost estimates for healthcare infrastructure projects are essential to enable effective budget planning and financial management by local governments; and

WHEREAS recent experiences with escalating costs for hospital projects highlight the importance of transparent cost estimates and equitable funding arrangements to mitigate potential financial strain on taxpayers; and

WHEREAS equitable funding arrangements are necessary to ensure that the financial burden of healthcare infrastructure projects is distributed fairly among communities, taking into account factors such as population density and tax base;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM call for equitable funding arrangements for healthcare infrastructure projects, ensuring that the financial burden is distributed fairly among communities based on their capacity to contribute.

WHEREAS reports indicate an increase in patients possessing or using drugs while in hospitals, posing risks to the safety and well-being of healthcare staff; and

WHEREAS the safety of nurses and other healthcare workers is paramount, and measures must be taken to protect them from exposure to illicit substances and potentially dangerous situations;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM call upon the Provincial Government to prioritize the safety of healthcare workers by providing clear guidelines and resources to address the risks associated with drug use in hospitals;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM urge the Provincial Government to work collaboratively with healthcare organizations, including the BC Nurses' Union, to develop comprehensive safety protocols and training programs to safeguard healthcare workers and patients alike.

WHEREAS Local Governments across British Columbia continue to collaborate with Provincial authorities in addressing homelessness and housing challenges, recognizing the Province's responsibility for housing, healthcare, and encampments; and

WHEREAS initiatives led by the Province through various programs aim to provide housing solutions and support services for unhoused individuals, requiring close coordination between Provincial and Local Government agencies; and

WHEREAS Local Governments acknowledge the complexities of responding to homelessness and the critical role of the Province in providing resources and expertise, with a commitment to supporting these efforts and advocating for effective collaboration between all stakeholders;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM emphasize to the provincial government the importance of expediting proposed transitional shelter facilities and supportive housing projects in partnership with relevant Provincial agencies to address immediate and long-term housing needs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM oppose legislative measures that may hinder local responses to homelessness and support efforts to ensure that any new legislation aligns with the needs and priorities of local communities.   

WHEREAS rural and remote areas across British Columbia continue to face challenges in accessing adequate cell coverage, hindering connectivity and safety for residents; and

WHEREAS initiatives to extend cell coverage, such as the proposed Telus tower near Puntzi Lake, present opportunities to address these challenges and improve connectivity in underserved communities; and

WHEREAS community engagement and environmental considerations are crucial in the development of such projects to ensure they meet the needs of local residents and mitigate potential impacts;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM extend their full support to initiatives aimed at expanding cell coverage in rural and remote areas to enhance connectivity and safety for residents;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM encourage telecommunications providers, such as Telus, to engage in ongoing consultation with local communities and stakeholders throughout all stages of project development to ensure transparency, address concerns, and maximize benefits for residents.

WHEREAS a recent report by the Office of the Seniors Advocate highlights the significant challenges faced by seniors aged 65 or older living in rural regions of British Columbia (BC), including limited access to healthcare, lower incomes, and inadequate options for long-term care and affordable housing; and

WHEREAS rural seniors constitute a significant portion of BC's population, with projections indicating a further increase in their proportion by 2032; and

WHEREAS the resilience of rural seniors is admirable, but it is evident that they face substantial barriers due to the lack of resources and supports available in their communities;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM acknowledge the findings of the Seniors Advocate's report and recognize the urgent need to address the inequities faced by rural seniors in British Columbia;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM call upon the Provincial Government to take immediate action by implementing the following recommendations put forth by the Seniors Advocate:

1. Develop and implement strategies on rural seniors housing, rural health, rural seniors home and community care, and rural transportation.

2. Create and implement a long-term care and assisted living plan and community care based on equity.

3. Improve upon and better promote the Travel Assistance Program and Hope Air to facilitate access to healthcare services for rural seniors.

WHEREAS a recent report by the Office of the Seniors Advocate highlights the significant challenges faced by seniors aged 65 or older living in rural regions of British Columbia (BC), including limited access to healthcare, lower incomes, and inadequate options for long-term care and affordable housing; and

WHEREAS rural seniors constitute a significant portion of BC's population, with projections indicating a further increase in their proportion by 2032; and

WHEREAS the resilience of rural seniors is admirable, but it is evident that they face substantial barriers due to the lack of resources and supports available in their communities;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM acknowledge the findings of the Seniors Advocate's report and recognize the urgent need to address the inequities faced by rural seniors in British Columbia;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM call upon the Provincial Government to take immediate action by implementing the following recommendations put forth by the Seniors Advocate:

1. Establish a ministry or minister devoted to addressing the unique needs of rural communities in BC.

WHEREAS healthcare facilities in Central and Northern British Columbia (BC) are confronting a myriad of pressing challenges, including but not limited to limited emergency room capacity, insufficient operating room hours, inadequate capital upgrades, and critical staffing shortages; and

WHEREAS the residents of Central and Northern BC endure significant hardships as they are compelled to undertake extensive journeys to access essential medical procedures, owing to the dearth of specialized healthcare facilities in the region, thereby leading to considerable delays in receiving vital healthcare services;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM vehemently call upon the Provincial Government to undertake a comprehensive audit of healthcare services throughout Central and Northern BC, with the explicit aim of identifying areas for enhancement and utilizing the findings to inform future healthcare planning initiatives.        

WHEREAS there has been a noticeable increase in delays in treatment and testing for all British Columbians, with a particularly significant impact on residents in rural areas; and

WHEREAS there is an expectation of a standard of practice that every individual should be able to rely on, ensuring that test results are promptly reviewed; however, delays in testing and review processes are causing undue stress and potential health risks, especially in rural communities; and

WHEREAS the discrepancy in wait times for test result reviews, such as heart halter monitors, between urban and rural locations can lead to adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality rates;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM jointly lobby the Provincial Government to compel the Health Authorities to review and address the discrepancies in the standard of care, particularly in wait times for test result reviews, across the province, with a specific focus on addressing the disparities between rural and urban areas; 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate for shared patient records between health authorities.

WHEREAS the timber harvest levels across British Columbia have declined to the projected low levels in the mid-term timber supply; and

WHEREAS the need to diversify rural economies and enhance the attractiveness and livability of our communities is more crucial than ever;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the NCLGA and UBCM call on the Province to significantly increase the funding and mandates for BC Tourism, BC Parks, and Rec Sites and Trails BC to support communities across the province in accelerating economic diversification.

WHEREAS there is a shortfall of qualified staff to provide healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote communities, across the province; and

WHEREAS some of the training requirements for healthcare workers pose significant barriers in terms of time, cost, and accessibility, thereby hindering the potential influx of qualified individuals into the healthcare workforce; and

WHEREAS reducing unnecessary barriers and streamlining training opportunities for healthcare workers would promote professional growth, enhance healthcare delivery, and ultimately benefit the residents of our communities.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM and NCLGA advocate to the Province and relevant authorities to put in place the necessary framework, tools and incentives to address the shortfall of qualified healthcare workers and reduce the barriers for healthcare training opportunities.

WHEREAS capital infrastructure project costs for healthcare facilities in North and Central British Columbia have been shared between the provincial government and Regional Hospital Districts with 60 percent contributed by the Province and 40 percent contributed by Regional Hospital Districts; and

WHEREAS since 2004 local governments in British Columbia have raised concern that the 60:40 cost-sharing split is financially unsustainable because it necessitates continuous increases in local property taxation being the primary source of revenue available to local governments; this revenue already stretched to meet the diverse and growing demands facing local governments further impacted by escalating construction costs and inflation:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM continue to lobby the provincial government to consult with Regional Hospital Districts to reconsider the existing capital infrastructure project funding split as the 60:40 percentages are not legislated in the Hospital District Act.                          

WHEREAS the wait time for diagnostic assessment for children and youth who are suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neurodevelopment conditions is unacceptable at 2 years; and

WHEREAS these extended wait times puts delays on youth getting the support they need and deserve and puts pressure on other institutions to fill the gaps while families wait:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to reduce the wait time for diagnostic assessment for children and youth who are suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other neurodevelopment conditions.

WHEREAS local governments are facing increased pressures to address immediate, emerging, and persistent social issues in their local communities that impact the safety, security, and well-being of residents; and

WHEREAS the provincial government does not respond as quickly as needs arise, forcing local governments to take increased action to address community mental health and substance misuse/toxicity challenges with limited and often inadequate resources:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM and NCLGA lobby the Province of British Columbia to commit to provide adequate, ongoing, and direct funding in order to support local government needs for community safety.                

WHEREAS British Columbia is one of the last remaining provinces in Canada requiring a vaccine mandate for healthcare professionals; and

WHEREAS British Columbia’s healthcare system is under severe stress:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM ask the Province for the provincial criteria that must be in place in order to remove the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.

WHEREAS British Columbia continues to have a healthcare worker shortage from a growing and aging patient population, impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing need to recruit, retain and train more healthcare workers at a rapidly growing pace to mitigate the healthcare crisis for the Province’s population; and

WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has taken steps to expand the healthcare workforce and increase patient access through its BC’s Health and Human Resources Strategy:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA lobby the provincial government to expand the healthcare workforce by lifting the COVID-19 vaccination requirement and allow for unvaccinated healthcare workers to return to work immediately lessening the strain on the healthcare system and providing better access and healthcare for everyone in the province.

WHEREAS there is a housing crisis throughout BC requiring a range of solutions that address housing affordability issues in large and small communities; and

WHEREAS the Province's Homes for People's plan focuses on addressing housing supply issues in larger communities in high growth areas of the province:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM ask the Province to engage with small and northern communities to identify housing solutions outside of high growth areas.

WHEREAS the BC Building Code contains a definition for floor area, and floor area measures the total inside space of a building; and

WHEREAS the Agricultural Land Commission has resolved on a definition of “total floor area for principal residences” and “total floor area of an additional 90m² or 186m² residence” that is not consistent with the BC Building Code;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the Agricultural Land Commission to adopt the definition of floor area within the BC Building Code Regulations for buildings in the Agriculture Land Reserve.

WHEREAS housing availability and affordability challenges all municipalities in British Columbia; and

WHEREAS these housing challenges impact the health, social and economic well-being of all British Columbia communities;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM petition the Province to amend the Speculation and Vacancy Tax Act to have all British Columbia municipalities included in the applicable areas where the tax applies.

WHEREAS due to the high frequency of crashes at intersections in British Columbia, the province implemented an Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) program to save lives and reduce injuries; and

WHEREAS the ISC program consists of 140 red light and speed cameras at high-risk intersections in British Columbia, with only one of the locations being in North Central British Columbia thus limiting the opportunity for remote municipalities to use red-light or speed cameras as a traffic safety feature;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA lobby the provincial government to expand the Intersection Safety Camera program.

WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has enacted legislation known as the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) that constitutes a significant download of responsibilities and addition of new legislative and regulatory requirements that will significantly and permanently add to the workload of municipalities and regional districts; and

WHEREAS the opportunities for local governments to raise funds required to support these legislative changes are limited, and where the provincial government has provided some proactive capacity funding in specific areas, such as First Nations consultation, but has not provided any guarantee of ongoing capacity funding to support the legacy of these legislative changes;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the Province of British Columbia to commit to providing long-term sustainable capacity funding to municipalities and regional districts to fulfill their emergency management duties, including responsibilities under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act.

WHEREAS the current response capability approval process for individual ground search and rescue (SAR) teams is hindering the ability of teams to respond to known hazards and utilize local capabilities and innovative technology; and

WHEREAS while the Province is responsible for administration of the SAR Program, local SAR expertise, community needs, and local authorities and agencies input must be a greater part of the capability approval process; and

WHEREAS capability decisions must not include call volume, as saving one life makes the investment of time and money worthwhile, and strengthens the overall SAR capacity to assist our counterparts across the region and province when called upon;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to change the search and rescue capability approval process from the Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Search and Rescue (EMCR SAR) Unit, to a collaborative process involving the ground search and rescue team, local authorities, and the EMCR SAR Unit.

WHEREAS the current search and rescue director of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) imposed a moratorium on all of the Province’s search and rescue teams, prohibiting those groups from expanding their capabilities until the Province has conducted a needs assessment study; and

WHEREAS Search and Rescue groups provide invaluable services crucial to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, tourist safety, and overall community well-being;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to promptly lift this moratorium and allow Search and Rescue groups to add to their list of capabilities.

WHEREAS the BC Wildfire Initial Attack Crews are a critical component of the wildfire response and rapid wildfire suppression in the Province of British Columbia; and

WHEREAS Initial Fire Attack Crew Base locations are key to providing timely wildfire suppression efforts; especially in remote and rural areas;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the Provincial Government to maintain the Initial Fire Attack Crew Bases in their current locations, and not relocate them without significant local stakeholder consultation. 

WHEREAS the contaminated site remediation process is required when an application is made for many types of redevelopment; and

WHEREAS the environmental remediation process is so onerous and costly for small scale commercial development that it can delay development;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM ask the Province to reassess the contaminated sites provincial legislation to alleviate the negative economic impacts for small scale commercial redevelopment and provide more options for economic development opportunities on these properties.

WHEREAS there does not readily appear to be a mechanism by which local governments can recover the equivalent of property tax for childcare centers operating on school property, a placement that is encouraged by provincial policy; and

WHEREAS local governments need every opportunity to collect the appropriate revenue for providing our wide range of services considering inflationary pressures and the challenges posed by asset management;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM and NCLGA advocates to the Minister of Education and Child Care that a mechanism by which local governments can recover the equivalent of property tax for childcare centers operating on school property be established.

WHEREAS all commercial truck traffic that passes through the East gate of Jasper National Park also uses the West gate of the park; and

WHEREAS Highways 16 and 5, the Yellowhead Highway, are the primary transportation corridors for critical supply chain transportation, tourism and local traffic and the designated over-size route for industrial movements for British Columbia;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the Province to communicate with the Government of Canada and Parks Canada requesting that the Jasper National Park West gate be upgraded to a standard consistent with the East gate improvements that have been completed to improve the efficiency of moving goods and travelers through this critical corridor to the rest of British Columbia.

WHEREAS the lack of cellular service along many highways throughout British Columbia poses significant safety concerns, impeding the ability of motorists to communicate in emergencies, access navigation services, or contact roadside assistance; and hampers economic development by limiting opportunities for businesses and travelers to stay connected and conduct transactions while on the move; and

WHEREAS advancements in cellular and satellite technology have made it increasingly feasible to extend coverage to previously underserved areas, including highways, through the deployment of new cell towers and signal booster infrastructure;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the Province of BC to advance the installation of new cellular infrastructure along sections of Highway 16 East from Prince George to the Alberta border, and other British Columbia highways, without adequate cell service, prioritizing the safety, connectivity, and economic well-being of our citizens and travelers, and to work collaboratively with telecommunications companies, government agencies, rail transportation sectors and other stakeholders to identify optimal locations for new cellular infrastructure, ensuring efficient deployment and minimal disruption to surrounding communities.

WHEREAS the provincial government does not currently have the obligation to meaningfully consult with municipalities and/or regional districts regarding provincial policy changes or decisions that impact employment for people that live in those municipalities and/or regional districts; and

WHEREAS the recent provincial policy changes and decisions have and will continue to negatively impact resource sector-based employment that disproportionately impacts rural, northern, and remote communities; and

WHEREAS rural, remote and northern communities local tax bases are dependent on a strong resource sector in order to provide services to those that live there;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to engage in meaningful consultation with the municipalities and/or regional districts whose people’s employment in the resource sector may be negatively impacted by those provincial policy changes.

WHEREAS the closure of all timber processing facilities that cause significant economic hardship within the affected community and its surrounding area; and

WHEREAS the sustainability and vitality of local economies are intricately linked to the health and prosperity of timber processing facilities;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM and NCLGA request the Ministry of Forests to review the Timber Allocation quota upon the closing of a facility, prioritizing the mitigation of adverse impacts on the economics of the affected community.

WHEREAS the closure of sawmills in the region has caused significant economic distress within local communities that has led to a decline in local employment opportunities which negatively impacts the livelihoods of residents and local businesses; and

WHEREAS recent shutdowns provide a concern that wood harvested in one area will be transported to another for processing, thus jeopardizing the local economic value for communities most impacted;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA requests that the Province considers policy to ensure that timber rights that can reasonably be considered “attached” to a sawmill that is being closed, or that were originally provided to the company (or companies) that owned that sawmill, be transferred to local and/or Indigenous governments upon closure in order to foster economic diversification and community resilience.

WHEREAS Statistics Canada reported that there were 750 police-reported hate crimes targeting religious minorities during 2022, of which 502 or 66.9% were aimed at Jews; and

WHEREAS Ontario recently became the first province to introduce mandatory Holocaust education into the elementary school curriculum; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM and NCLGA recognizes the dangers of Holocaust denial and distortion, which so often targets our young people, and urges the Ministry of Education and Child Care to introduce mandatory Holocaust education to elementary schools.

WHEREAS the Local Government Act provides that an Electoral Area Director must appoint an Alternate Electoral Area Director and the council of a municipality may appoint a council member as an alternate director who may take the place of, vote and generally act in all matters for the absent Director; and

WHEREAS the Alternate Electoral Area Director is appointed, not elected; therefore, they are accountable to the elected officials, not the constituents; and

WHEREAS Alternate Electoral Area Directors do not have full authority or rights in the stead of the Elected Official such as in the provision of the NCLGA and UBCM bylaws which prohibit Alternate Electoral Area Directors from participating and voting at the annual and special conventions as NCLGA and UBCM bylaws require voting delegates to be elected officials; and

WHEREAS Alternate Electoral Area Directors and Alternate Municipal Directors do not always have depth of knowledge or understanding of Regional District Board matters resulting in decisions and actions taken by a Board that may not be in the best interests of the Regional District Board as a whole, or its residents;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM lobby the Province to remove the legislative requirement in the Local Government Act to appoint an Alternate Electoral Area Director and an Alternate Municipal Director.

WHEREAS the Local Government Act provides that an Electoral Area Director must appoint an Alternate Electoral Area Director who may take the place of, vote and generally act in all matters for the absent Electoral Area Director; and

WHEREAS Alternate Electoral Area Directors do not have full authority or rights in the stead of the elected official such as in the provision of the NCLGA and UBCM bylaws which prohibit Alternate Electoral Area Directors from participating and voting at the annual and special conventions as NCLGA and UBCM bylaws require voting delegates to be elected officials:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM change its bylaws to enable an Alternate Electoral Area Director, in their elected officials stead, to participate in debate and vote at annual and special conventions of NCLGA and UBCM; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NCLGA lobby the Province to change the Local Government Act to give Alternate Directors full authority and rights as their elected officials in their stead.

WHEREAS the City of Prince George is proud, well positioned, and routinely provides host community support to the region as community’s grapple with more frequent emergencies; and

WHEREAS no dedicated facilities have been constructed in the region to appropriately manage this response, leading to frequent reception center relocations which add unnecessary strain on all involved:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA requests the Province fund a permanent Host Community Reception Centre in the City of Prince George for the North Central Local Government Area.

WHEREAS effective communication, collaboration, and engagement between provincial ministries and local governments are essential to ensure that decisions made at the provincial level are well-informed and considerate of the unique needs and perspectives of local governments; and

WHEREAS a lack of meaningful consultation and collaboration between provincial ministries and local governments may lead to unintended consequences, challenges, and dissatisfaction within local communities;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge all provincial ministries to seek input from local governments during the early stages of decision-making processes to identify potential impacts and explore collaborative solutions that benefit both provincial and local interests, and to provide timely and relevant information to local governments regarding proposed changes.

WHEREAS, ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities is of utmost importance, and recent events in the Province highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to tackle emerging social and criminal challenges; and

WHEREAS, the Province of BC previously created and did not enact the Community Safety Act and Community Safety Amendment Act, providing authorities with effective tools to respond to chronic and illegal behaviour from problematic properties; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM actively lobby the Provincial Government to bring into force the Community Safety Act and Community Safety Amendment Act to address challenges related to crime and illegal activity and associated threats to public safety.

WHEREAS the 2023 wildfire season was the most destructive in British Columbia’s recorded history, with more than 2.84 million hectares of forest and land burned, and there is limited time to recover value from fire-impacted standing timber before the wood quality deteriorates, and the forest industry in British Columbia is facing significant timber shortage challenges leading to mill closures across the province; and

WHEREAS the fire-impacted standing timber poses a significant threat to public safety through the potential for future wildfires;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT NCLGA and UBCM urge the Provincial Government to work with the forest industry and relevant agencies to enhance access and utilization of fire-impacted standing timber across the province.

WHEREAS, current fire management practices do not adequately address the unique challenges posed by holdover fires, necessitating a comprehensive and year-round approach to forest fire management; and

WHEREAS a comprehensive and year-round forest fire management program can help reduce the risks associated with holdover fires, protect ecosystems, and enhance the safety and well-being of communities; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the Provincial government to allocate the appropriate resources and adopt a comprehensive and sustainable year-round forest fire management program to address the threat of holdover fires.

WHEREAS the ALC has unilaterally changed their interpretation of the ALC regulation, requiring a notice of intent for the import of soil or fill onto properties and its subsequent approval prior to construction of any detached ancillary residential structure; and

WHEREAS local governments are prohibited from issuing building permits prior to receipt of such approvals, creating an unnecessary regulatory burden on both land owners, local governments, and ALC staff for structures which are regulated through size restrictions in local government zoning bylaws;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association and Union of BC Municipalities call on the Agricultural Land Commission to cease requiring notices of intent to be made under section 20.3 of the Agricultural Land Commission Act for residential ancillary buildings and structures on lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any future requirements conform clearly with the Agricultural Land Commission Act and enabling Regulations, and changes to requirements be done through legislative and regulatory amendments, not interpretive judgement

WHEREAS Alkaline Hydrolysis Process funeral services present an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of preparing and interring human remains by significantly reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from burials and land use requirements for storing human remains; and

WHEREAS the Cremation, Interment, and Funeral Services Act does not permit Alkaline Hydrolysis as an acceptable process for preparing a deceased person’s remains;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association and Union of BC Municipalities call on the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Deputy Premier to prepare and introduce a bill in the Legislative Assembly of BC to amend the Cemetery, Interment, and Funeral Services Act to allow the alkaline hydrolysis process as a permitted funeral service.

WHEREAS rural BC has a proportionately larger and faster growing seniors’ population than urban BC, yet has less infrastructure and resources to support its aging population; and

WHEREAS a greater and more focused provincial response to ongoing concerns about inequities in services and supports for seniors in rural BC is required to address the inadequacies of current approaches to such issues;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association and Union of BC Municipalities endorse the recommendations of the Office of the Seniors Advocate’s report titled “Challenges Facing BC’s Rural Seniors” and dated February 2024, and calls on the Provincial Government to implement said recommendations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM call on the Province of BC to begin doing so first by establishing a Ministry or Minister of State for rural BC in recognition of the geographic imbalance of regional representation in the Legislative Assembly

WHEREAS Health Canada issues certificates to persons permitting individuals to grow marijuana plants at designated locations for the purpose of producing cannabis for personal medical use; and

WHEREAS the number of plants which may be possessed under a medical certificate can permit a person to possess a number of plants similar to an industrial marijuana grow facility;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, and Federation of Canadian Municipalities call on Health Canada to refer and consult with local governments prior to issuing medical certificates authorizing individuals to possess a number of marijuana plants at any location within a given local government’s jurisdictional boundaries which, by Health Canada’s calculation, could produce more than 150 grams per day of dried cannabis, effectively running a marijuana grow facility with resulting issues involving nuisance in neighbourhoods not zoned for such land use.

WHEREAS the Government of Canada, through Health Canada, is responsible for establishing the standards for drinking water quality as codified by the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality; and

WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has adopted the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality as the standard for drinking water quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which community water systems are required to meet;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association and Union of BC Municipalities call on the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia to provide ongoing, long-term, and stable funding for local governments to upgrade community water distribution and treatment systems to enable compliance with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and all subsequent amendments thereto.

WHEREAS fireworks are a known fire hazard which can start wildfires when conditions are dry with sufficient forest fuels;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association and Union of BC Municipalities urge the Province of BC to prohibit the sale of fireworks in any area for which an open burning ban has been issued.

WHEREAS the Emergency and Disaster Management Act seeks to set out a comprehensive framework for the management of wildfires, floods, and other disasters in a manner consistent with the SENDAI Framework; and

WHEREAS the statutory responsibilities, geographic disparity, and legal powers of regional districts are not recognized by the Emergencies and Disaster Management Act; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association and Union of BC Municipalities call on the Province of BC to develop regulations under the Emergencies and Disaster Management Act in collaboration with representatives of each regional district, to ensure that emergency powers and responsibilities impacting regional districts are designed in consideration of their powers, jurisdiction, and areas of responsibility.

WHEREAS the Union of BC Municipalities (“UBCM”) was established to provide a common voice for local governments across BC and has done so since 1905; and

WHEREAS the membership of UBCM consists of more than just municipalities, including regional districts, Indigenous governments, and improvement districts, for which the name of UBCM does not adequately represent;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that North Central Local Government Association and Union of BC Municipalities call on the Union of BC Municipalities Executive, as empowered by the bylaws of the Union of BC Municipalities, to initiate the process of formally requesting an amendment to the Union of BC Municipalities Act to change its statutorily established name to be reflective of the diversity of local governments in BC by means of an Extraordinary Resolution to be considered at Convention 2025.

WHEREAS Local Governments are dealing with the results of homelessness without financial supports due to new legislative changes by the Province of BC and funding mechanisms are insufficient to meet the growing demand for services in our communities; and

WHEREAS not enough supports have been put in place by the Province of BC for Mental Wellness, increased appropriate healthcare workers in communities, and Addiction Recovery Services & Supports; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of BC pay for costs incurred by Local Governments to address the lack of homelessness support, mental health and wellness issues, and addictions recovery services and supports; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM mandate their Executives to engage in discussions with the Province of BC to negotiate a fair and equitable reimbursement framework for downloading services related to homelessness and Mental Health and Addictions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Premier of BC, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, and all relevant stakeholders to advocate for immediate action.