2020 Resolutions

Whereas there is a chronic shortage of Early Childhood Educators (ECE’s) across the province that impedes the ability of qualified workers to return to the workforce after a parental leave;
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to implement a standard fair wage that reflects the current cost of living for ECE’s in British Columbia to address the challenge of a lagging labour force in the child care sector;
And therefore be it further resolved that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training to address the gender-biased systems that place an unequal requirement on entrants into the ECE profession in comparison to other sectors, particularly when compared with trades education.

Whereas the availability of post-secondary education is a critical piece in strengthening the fabric of small, rural communities as it allows residents to acquire further education and skills, without having to relocate and increases the community capacity for economic resilience and growth;
And whereas, local government, in partnership with local First Nations, is most aware of local needs and is in the best position to determine the most appropriate post-secondary provider:
Therefore be it resolved that, NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to allow local government, in partnership with local First Nations, to have increased autonomy over the choice of their post-secondary education provider.

Whereas effective stewardship of watersheds is critical for the sustenance, health and wellbeing of current and future generations of British Columbians;
And whereas the lack of water-use plans hinders the feasibility of maintaining healthy aquifers, stable river banks and the prevention of ice dams for the safety and security of neighbouring communities:
Therefore it be resolved that NCLGA and UBCM request that the Province of BC fund the cost of hydrologists to determine an accurate measurement of beds in major rivers across BC as well as provide stable funding to groups with projects relating to advancing watershed sustainability.

Whereas there is no current provincial legislation that specifically addresses the negative impacts that invasive species cause for the economic well-being of municipalities and regional districts;
Therefore be it resolved that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to develop a comprehensive Invasive Species Act that addresses all taxa, prohibits the sale of invasive species, and includes appropriate enforcement clauses.

Whereas the spread of invasive species on provincial public lands results is the adverse effect on the economic wellbeing of municipalities and regional districts;
And whereas effective management of invasive species requires long-term stable funding before the invasion is irreversible;
Therefore be it resolved that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to budget for long-term, stable funding for invasive species management.

Whereas the government placed a moratorium on the issuance of new Licensee Retail Stores (private liquor stores) until July 1, 2022, the negative impacts of this moratorium have economic and social implications for smaller communities;
Therefore be it resolved that NCLGA lobby the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to consider the ramifications of their ministry’s policies on small communities before implementation.  Their decisions can have long-lasting impacts on smaller towns that far exceed that of larger centres.

Whereas the Fire Underwriters Survey requires that in order to receive credit for fire insurance grading purposes, all first line fire apparatus in small and rural communities should be replaced after 20 years of service and may only be extended up to 25 years when fire apparatus is tested and proven to be in excellent mechanical condition;
And whereas small and rural local governments often are financially challenged to replace high cost and minimally used fire apparatus on a 20-25 year rotational basis;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities petition the Province to advocate to the Fire Underwriters Survey to consider providing credit for fire apparatus that is 25 years or older and in sound working condition in order reduce costs to taxpayers.

Whereas northern and rural communities need to be included in meaningful consultation when provincial greenhouse gas reduction programs are developed, in order to maximize success of the programs in those communities and prevent barriers to implementation;

And whereas program requirements can create barriers for community participation when resources are not available at a local or regional level (such as Energy Step Code requiring certified Energy Advisors to ensure compliance), and if programs are not scaled to suit small communities (such as offering fuel-switching incentives only for very large commercial and multi-family residential buildings);

And whereas when provincial programs are implemented without an adequate allocation of resources to northern and rural communities, the responsibility to overcome barriers is shifted to local government and contractors, each already facing challenges of limited organizational capacity;

Therefore be it resolved that the NCLGA lobbies the Provincial Government to ensure that it consults with residents and local governments regarding the unique culture, remoteness and low density of northern and remote communities when designing and implementing new provincial greenhouse gas reduction programs, including grants, and to ensure that such programs are designed in a way that allows them to succeed in our communities.

Whereas BC Hydro is responsible for connecting newly constructed infrastructure to its power lines,
Whereas there are lengthy wait times for BC Hydro to install services for projects that result in an excessive delay in service provision, additional expenses and/or a loss of revenue for local governments,
Therefore be it resolved that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the Provincial Government to address lengthy wait times for BC Hydro connections so that projects can be connected in a timely fashion.

Whereas the Building Code is being changed to include higher energy standards in accordance with the Energy Step Code, and successful implementation of the Energy Step Code requires:
1. Preparedness of the building community;
2. Energy advisors that are readily accessible;
3. Availability and affordability of required materials;
4. Staff capacity within local governments;
And whereas discussion with local governments and the building community in rural, remote and northern regions have identified the following barriers to successful implementation:
1. Lack of local training opportunities for the building community;.
2. Lack of qualified Energy Advisors, and the possibility that some small and remote communities will not have an adequate workload to entice an Energy Advisor to do business in the area;
3. Lower availability of materials and higher material costs in rural communities leading to concerns of affordability among residents;
4. Lower capacity within small local governments;
And whereas local governments want to be a part of the solution in implementing the Energy Step Code, but often lack required resources, leading some jurisdictions to consider seeking exemptions from the Step Code;
Therefore be it resolved that the North Central Local Government Association and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the Province of British Columbia to assist communities with Energy Step Code implementation in an equitable way by working with communities to address barriers.

Whereas mentally vulnerable children, youth and adults in BC rural communities are left to face many life threatening obstacles during a mental health crisis as they wait to obtain services in larger communities due to its absence in their localities;
And whereas very few communities were declared eligible for Community Action Team through the recently disbursed $3.5million provincially received by the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction:
Therefore it be resolved that NCLGA and UBCM request the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction to provide funding for additional beds and facility expansion in major mental health and addiction service centres throughout rural BC.

Whereas under the Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act (the “Act”) the provincial government may sue a manufacturer or wholesaler of an opioid product to recover the costs of health care benefits on an aggregate basis, for a population of persons who have suffered damage caused or contributed to by the use of or exposure to an opioid product;
And whereas pursuant to the Act and other legislation, the provincial government has launched a class action lawsuit on behalf of all federal, provincial and territorial governments to recover the costs of health care benefits from manufacturers and wholesalers of opioid products, whose marketing practices have had devastating impacts on the lives of thousands of British Columbians;
And whereas the definition of “health care benefits” under the Act includes “other expenditures by the government, made directly or through one or more agents or other intermediate bodies, for programs, services, benefits or similar matters associated with disease, injury or illness” and local governments have faced substantial “health care benefits” costs due to the opioid crisis;
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the provincial government to share any recovery of damages from the class action lawsuit with local governments, to further support local governments and continue offering services and support programs that aim to reduce harm and stigma, address the root causes of the opioid crisis, and support people struggling with mental health and addiction.

Whereas ongoing labour shortages are prevalent in most small rural communities in ambulance halls throughout British Columbia, leading to increased response times and reducing patients’ access to possibly lifesaving treatment;
And whereas B.C. Emergency Health Service (BCEHS)’s ambulance service is a vital component of life safety and access to healthcare for those who live and work in small rural communities, which are often a significant distance from fully-equipped hospitals:
Therefore be it resolved that the NCLGA and UBCM ask the Province to provide more resources along with a commitment to finding a long-term solution to staff shortages for small rural community ambulance services.

Whereas harm reduction best practices include needle distribution rather than needle exchange;
And whereas local governments are left to clean up discarded drug paraphernalia such as needles found within their jurisdiction;
Therefore be it resolved that the NCLGA lobby the Provincial Government to develop an effective retrieval and safe disposal program for used needles and that they involve local governments in the development of this program. 

Whereas in 2017 service providers were mandated by BC Housing to operate all shelters as minimal barrier (aka low barrier);
And whereas this is a deterrent to accessing shelters for those individuals who are trying to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle, or for women and children fleeing violence, as they are forced to share shelter space with individuals dealing with active addictions under this policy;
Therefore be it resolved that the NCLGA lobby the Provincial Government to direct BC Housing to ensure that its policies support adequate shelter space throughout the province for those individuals needing to be sheltered in a safe, clean and sober environment.

Whereas a significant proportion of the Province’s homeless population have mental illnesses;
And whereas being homeless presents a threat to their well-being and safety;
Therefore be it resolved that the NCLGA lobby the Provincial Government to re-evaluate the current outpatient model of mental health care.

Whereas curtailments of local sawmills in BC have exhibited the potential of creating a significant economic downturn to the residents of BC, the local government’s tax base, and extending to the province;
And whereas limited access of local forestry industries to timber continues to incite more aggravated downturn on the wellbeing of BC rural communities:
Therefore it be resolved that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial and federal Government to provide significant support to rural British Columbians by reviewing the selling of Timber Licenses and requiring that timbers be kept within the designated Timber Supply Area in order to maintain economic stability and forestry longevity in BC rural communities.

Whereas many grants and public sector planning activities look largely at the population of an area as a determining factor in the grant amount, grant eligibility, and public service availability and levels;
And whereas many communities in rural British Columbia experience a great increase in seasonal population, which puts a strain on existing public services:
Therefore be it resolved that the NCLGA lobby the Province of British Columbia to begin enumerating the seasonal populations of rural communities to better understand and address the impact on infrastructure and the delivery of services during seasonal increases in population of rural communities.

Whereas municipalities continue to use their outdated infrastructures and tools to maintain and enhance community services since the user demand is ever increasing to renew or add new municipal infrastructure to support community quality of life;
And whereas, the 2019 doubled Federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) transfer paid directly to each local government empowers them to deliver thousands of infrastructural projects, from roads and bridges to transit, water, waste and energy systems thereby proving to be the most efficient, reliable and cost effective way to empower municipalities and ensure that the correct tools and infrastructure is secured by local leaders who understand their local needs best:
Therefore it be resolved that UBCM and FCM respectfully lobby the Federal Government to continue to support grass root community quality of life by permanently doubling the Gas Tax Fund transfer to support local infrastructures.

Whereas brownfields littered in prime locations create loss of economic value in affected communities and draw unattractive attention to visitors and prospective investors;
And whereas brownfields’ owners settle with paying the cheap cost of annual property taxes rather than remediation of the property for the economic development and revitalization of the community:
Therefore it be resolved that UBCM lobby the Province of BC to empower local governments by amending the BC Assessment Act to tax brownfields in a separate property class in order to encourage revitalization of brownfields for the economic benefits and commercial development of the community.

Whereas senior governments are exempt from property taxation under s. 125 of the Constitution Act;
And whereas provincial grant-in-lieu amounts are determined under the Municipal Aid Act and federal payment-in-lieu amounts are determined under the Payment In Lieu of Taxes Act;
And whereas grant-in-lieu revenues from exempted provincial and federal government properties are significantly lower than those revenues that would be collected through property taxation:
Therefore be it resolved that the North Central Local Government Association support lobbying the provincial and federal governments to review, support and implement changes to the determination of grant-in-lieu and payment-in lieu of property tax amounts under the Municipal Aid Act and Payment In Lieu of Taxes Act.

Whereas the Province has, through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, established an initiative to build out an EV fast charging station network that includes expanding the network north of Prince George along the Highway 97 Corridor and into the Peace Region and directed BC Hydro to build out this network;
And whereas communities along the Highway 97 Corridor, including the District of Mackenzie, into the Peace Region and across the province will benefit from increased tourism in providing travelers with electric vehicles the knowledge that there is an established Level 3 EV fast charging stations network:
Therefore be it resolved that NCLGA and UBCM request that the Province continue to work with BC Hydro and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure that Level 3 EV Charging Stations be established across the province.

Whereas the Ministry of Agriculture made legislative changes in regards to Bill 15 and Bill 52 which implemented restrictions that affect residences in Agricultural Land Reserve;

And whereas the changes that limit land parameters and inhibit construction of additional residences does not fit the agricultural need of most BC rural communities as it removes the possibility of multi-generational homes on family farmland thus discouraging young farmers from taking over their family farm and impeding sustainable agricultural businesses through lack of agricultural succession planning, farmland housing for families, and farm workers:

Therefore be it resolved that NCLGA and UBCM petition the Agricultural Land Commission that the January 28, 2020 signed amendment to section 32 (3) (c) and (d) of the Agricultural Land Reserve Use Regulation, B.C. Reg. 30/2019 remain permanently in effect and not expire on December 31, 2020.

Whereas for years the provincial government has approved the establishment of private land parcels that
are only accessed by way of forest service roads, which are maintained by and at the discretion of the
forest companies that use them;
And whereas the current and expected to worsen downturn in logging activities in BC is resulting in forest
companies withdrawing their activities from the bush and ceasing maintenance of those forest service
roads, which leaves residents stranded with no access to their properties:
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to undertake a review of the province’s
many forest service roads to determine which ones are critical for the public’s access/egress and develop
a plan to maintain them as public roads.

Whereas there is limited to no public or non-emergency medical transportation services provided to many
small, rural and remote communities in BC;
And whereas there exists a need for a socially-mandated intercity bus transportation program to provide
essential transportation services for these small, rural and remote communities:
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure work with BC Transit, local hospital boards, citizen and local government transit committees
and private businesses to provide access to transportation hubs located in small, rural and remote
communities in BC.

Whereas local government and regional district emergency first responders have no central interagency
communication system to verify the validity of call outs between all emergency agencies;

And whereas this places smaller local governments at risk with unnecessary call outs given the shortage
of emergency first responder resources and personnel:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial and federal governments to provide access to the
RCMP Central Emergency Communication System for all Provincial Emergency Services to improve field
communications and prevent un-necessary call outs.

Whereas the RCMP are overworked and understaffed when it comes to rural and remote areas of the
Province:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government and the Solicitor General provide
more resources to allow the RCMP to increase staffing resources in rural British Columbia.

Whereas the RCMP are overworked and understaffed when it comes to rural and remote communities;

And whereas, many rural BC residents are frustrated with the level of services that the RCMP is currently
able to offer:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government provide regular, ongoing and
sustainable funding to support the development and growth of rural safety and crime reduction/prevention
groups

Whereas the RCMP are overworked and understaffed when it comes to rural and remote
communities;

And whereas due to risk analysis, insurance and potential liability the RCMP Auxiliary Program
has been severely restricted to the point of limited utility;

Therefore be it resolved that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the Provincial Government and the
Attorney General provide the necessary legal, risk and insurance protections to allow the RCMP
Auxiliary Program to ride on calls with members to provide valuable assistance, support and
safety to our overworked and understaffed RCMP Detachments.

Whereas all of our communities rely on a safe, stable, and reliable electrical power grid;

And whereas we are seeing and experiencing an increase in violent storms that bring down trees and
branches on power lines, interrupting power supply and frequently travel:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to ensure that utility companies have
the mandate and resources to effectively manage vegetation along power lines to ensure a safe, stable
and reliable electrical power supply.

Whereas the Local Government Act establishes that a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) may be
issued for a term up to three years, and may be renewed only one time for a term up to three
additional years;

And whereas there is nothing prohibiting an applicant from applying for a new Temporary Use
Permit to get around the prohibition of a second renewal, after the initial permit and one
renewal have expired:

Therefore be it resolved that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to amend
the Local Government Act to specify that an applicant is not permitted to apply for a new
Temporary Use Permit after their initial TUP and one renewal have expired.

Whereas most handicap accessible parking spots are designed for standard sized vehicles without a side
entry conversion to accommodate ramps or lifts for drivers or passengers with disabilities;

And whereas drivers or passengers with disabilities riding in a vehicle equipped with a side entry
conversion require extra room to safely enter and exit the vehicle through the use of a ramp or lift:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the provincial government to enact legislation in British
Columbia that requires the provision of wheelchair accessible parking spaces, where are no less than 5.5
metres long, 2.5 metres wide, and have a clear pedestrian aisle of no less than 2.5 metres with a
designated "no parking" sign.

Whereas in alignment with section 2 of British Columbia’s Clean Energy Act, geothermal energy is capable
of providing British Columbian municipalities, Indigenous Peoples, residents, and businesses with
emissions-free, renewable, and baseload heat and electricity, for the health and socio-economic benefit of
the Province;

And whereas shallow exploratory drilling to determine temperature, stratigraphic, or hydrologic information
– a fundamental tool in the exploration for geothermal resources, is now regulated by the Oil and Gas
Commission under the Oil and Gas Activities Act as per the 2017 amendment of the Geothermal
Resources Act, which unnecessarily increases shallow exploratory drilling costs by as much as ten (10)
times as compared to the previous versions of the Geothermal Resources Act:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government and its relevant ministry – the Ministry
of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources, to amend the Geothermal Resources Act and/or direct the Oil
and Gas Commission to allow for the cost-effective use of shallow exploratory drilling for geothermal
energy development in British Columbia.

Whereas communities under 10,000 in British Columbia have limited opportunities to access funding for programs
and services related to arts and culture, sport, public safety, environment and social services;
And whereas larger communities are able to access gaming revenue from gambling facilities;
And whereas residents of smaller communities utilize and participate in the British Columbia Lottery Corporation
without benefit to their communities:
Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Provincial Government to make available gaming grant funding for
those communities under 10,000 for programs and services related to arts and culture, sport, public safety,
environment and social services.

Whereas the Province has laudably committed to a living wage for BC residents by increasing the minimum wage to $14.60, however in doing so has inadvertently caused fiscal challenges for many libraries that rely on minimum wage workers;
And whereas the Province has stated that "Public libraries are at the heart of B.C.’s diverse and unique communities",  recognizing the profound impact libraries have on British Columbians from all walks of life; yet funding for libraries across the Province has remained stagnant since the 25% funding cut in 2009, when minimum wage was $8.00;
Therefore be it resolved that the NCLGA and UBCM request the Province increase funding to libraries that will allow libraries to meet minimum wage requirements, and maintain both services and operational hours that community residents rely on.

Whereas British Columbians across all age-groups demand that public libraries offer crucial information and resource services while providing programs that enhance connections, learnings, and skill-building for a stronger community;
And whereas rural local governments continue to face increasing cost barrier and pressure of providing these services without significant provincial contribution:
Therefore it be resolved that UBCM request the Provincial Government to re-enact successful continuance of public libraries and their critical contribution to BC communities by restoring library funding to a level that reflects both the inflationary cost increase since 2009 and the value of this system to the province.

Whereas the Province has set the target for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) of 350 kg per person by 2020/2021, and many local governments have a current average MSW that is much higher;
And whereas many communities, specifically rural and remote communities, do not have access to Recycle BC services;
And whereas ICI recyclable material makes up approximately 50-60% of the MSW stream, and there are minimal to no private businesses that collect ICI material in many rural and remote communities, culminating in the impracticality of meeting Provincial targets;
Therefore be it resolved that NCLGA and UBCM urge the Province to announce by October 2020 that the planned implementation of an ICI EPR Program inclusive of province wide consultation with commencement of the program no later than October 2021.