2025 Resolutions

WHEREAS addiction and mental illness impact individuals across all sectors of society, and stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help, sustaining long-term recovery, and maintaining employment, a key determinant of well-being that provides financial stability, purpose, and social connection;

AND WHEREAS local governments, as employers and community leaders, have the ability to implement Recovery-Informed Workplace Practices that foster inclusive and supportive work environments, reduce workplace conditions that contribute to substance misuse, and promote policies that recognize and celebrate recovery;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM encourage members to adopt Recovery-Informed Workplace Practices by integrating education, support programs, and policies that create stigma-free workplaces, while also advocating for provincial funding and resources to assist in the development and expansion of these initiatives to support employment retention as a critical component of recovery.

WHEREAS plasma is a critical component in life-saving treatments for individuals with immune deficiencies, cancer, kidney disease, and other serious medical conditions;

AND WHEREAS Canada collects less than 20% of the plasma required to meet domestic patient needs, relying heavily on international supply chains despite growing demand for plasma-based treatments;

AND WHEREAS Canadian Blood Services closed its whole blood donation centre in Prince George in 2015, leaving Northern BC residents with no local option to donate plasma, while new plasma donor centres have been established in other remote regions such as Thunder Bay, Ontario;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government, through the Ministry of Health, and Canadian Blood Services to establish a Blood Plasma Donor Centre in Northern BC, to improve access for donors, and strengthen Canada’s domestic plasma supply.

WHEREAS the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, introduced by the Province of British Columbia in October 2023, mandates local governments to regulate short-term rentals to increase the supply of long-term housing but applies a rigid exemption threshold based solely on rental vacancy rates;

AND WHEREAS smaller communities, such as Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, experience temporary fluctuations in vacancy rates due to major projects and economic cycles, which do not reflect a long-term housing shortage, yet remain ineligible for exemptions under the current criteria;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government, specifically the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, to amend the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act to allow greater exemption flexibility for small and resource-based communities by: 

•       Expanding exemption criteria beyond rental vacancy rates to include economic conditions, municipal housing needs assessments, and local government input; and

•       Allowing municipalities under 25,000 population to apply for exemptions based on demonstrated local housing market conditions rather than rigid vacancy thresholds.

WHEREAS wild mushroom harvesting supports local economies, food security, tourism, and cultural traditions, particularly for Indigenous communities and small-scale harvesters;

AND WHEREAS the lack of regulatory oversight has led to unsustainable harvesting, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and conflicts over access to resources;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government, through the Ministry of Forests, to develop and implement a regulatory framework for wild mushroom harvesting that establishes science-based harvesting limits, seasonal restrictions, and designated zones; ensures compliance through monitoring and enforcement; protects Indigenous harvesting rights and traditional practices; and supports small-scale harvesters through training, licensing, and market access.

WHEREAS regional districts have not undergone a comprehensive legislative reform since their inception in 1965, resulting in outdated provisions in the Local Government Act that impede effective governance, particularly in rural and unincorporated areas;

AND WHEREAS regional districts lack parity with municipalities in terms of recognition, regulatory authority, revenue tools, and decision-making powers, and are not currently recognized in legislation as an equal order of government;

AND WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has committed through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) to advancing inclusive governance, including Indigenous participation in regional district decision-making structures:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM request the Province of British Columbia undertake a comprehensive modernization of regional district legislation, guided by the principles and recommendations of the Regional District Legislation Roadmap (February 2025), to ensure equitable governance structures, enhanced authority, inclusive representation, and flexible revenue tools that reflect the current and future needs of all regional districts in British Columbia.

WHEREAS resource development projects significantly impact rural and unincorporated communities, including electoral areas, where regional directors are elected to represent local interests;

AND WHEREAS there is currently no standardized protocol for provincial ministries or resource development proponents to engage regional directors in consultation processes, limiting their ability to provide informed input on behalf of their communities;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government, specifically the  Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, the Ministry of Forests, and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, to establish formal engagement protocols that require provincial ministries and resource development proponents to consult with regional directors in electoral areas on projects within their jurisdictions, ensuring local perspectives are considered in decision-making.

WHEREAS local governments play a critical role in local economic development and can strengthen Canadian industries by prioritizing domestic procurement of goods and services;

AND WHEREAS reviewing and adapting local government procurement policies to prioritize Canadian products and services can support local businesses, enhance economic resilience, and mitigate the risks associated with international trade disruptions;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial and federal governments to support a Canada-first local government procurement strategy by facilitating local and domestic sourcing opportunities, encouraging local governments to review their procurement practices, and providing policy and financial support to strengthen Canadian supply chains.

WHEREAS interprovincial trade barriers restrict market access for businesses and limit opportunities for local governments to source competitively within Canada;

AND WHEREAS eliminating these barriers would facilitate economic growth, encourage interprovincial commerce, and provide local governments with greater flexibility in procurement decisions;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial and federal governments to take immediate action to reduce and eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, improving market access for Canadian businesses, and enabling local governments to procure goods and services from across the country more efficiently.

WHEREAS effective and sustainable housing policies require advance consultation with local governments, Indigenous organizations, non-profit providers, private sector experts, and academic institutions to ensure workable, coordinated solutions, and recent provincial housing legislation has often been developed without sufficient input from sector stakeholders, leading to unintended consequences, implementation challenges for local governments, and impacts on housing supply and affordability;

AND WHEREAS a Permanent Provincial Housing Policy Roundtable, modeled on advisory bodies such as the Energy Step Code Council, would strengthen collaboration, improve the development and implementation of housing policy, and ensure ongoing engagement with key stakeholders;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) advocate for the Government of British Columbia to establish a Permanent Provincial Housing Policy Roundtable with representation from local governments, Indigenous housing organizations, non-profit and private housing sectors, academic experts, and both provincial and federal housing ministries, to strengthen housing policy development, monitor impacts, and support coordinated solutions to British Columbia’s housing challenges.

WHEREAS there is a significant shortage of healthcare professionals in the province, which impacts the availability and quality of healthcare services;

AND WHEREAS the current process for licensing out-of-province and internationally-trained healthcare professionals is lengthy and inefficient, resulting in delays filling critical positions and exacerbating the workforce shortage;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to streamline the licensing process for out-of-province and internationally-trained healthcare professionals, ensuring a more efficient pathway for these professionals to practice and contribute to addressing the healthcare workforce shortage in the province.

WHEREAS rural and remote communities face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining primary care physicians, leading to chronic understaffing and healthcare access issues;

AND WHEREAS the expansion of the Practice Ready Assessment-British Columbia (PRA-BC) program’s eligible communities and the implementation of the Longitudinal Family Physician (LFP) Payment Model has contributed to increased physician shortages, excessive workloads, and frequent emergency room diversions in rural areas;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to reassess the recent changes to the PRA-British Columbia program and LFP Payment Model, ensuring that these initiatives prioritize the recruitment and retention of physicians in rural and remote communities to address ongoing healthcare disparities.

WHEREAS the stresses faced by local elected officials are increasing due to a degradation in the tone of civil discourse;

AND WHEREAS additional mental health supports for local elected officials would be beneficial beyond what is provided by the Medical Services Plan and extended health plans;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM call upon the provincial government to implement initiatives that offer mental health supports tailored to the needs of local elected leaders in British Columbia.

WHEREAS youth in rural and remote British Columbia are facing mental health and wellness challenges just like their peers in urban centers;

AND WHEREAS Foundry BC in-person Centers are largely located in urban British Columbia and not accessible for youth in rural and remote BC communities;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to commit to establishing in-person Foundry Centres that meet the needs of rural and remote youth in their home communities, recognizing the unique challenges of youth living in rural and remote communities.

WHEREAS in the face of the drug use epidemic, the rise in homelessness, and increases in related crime and the influence on mental health, Northern British Columbia communities are experiencing a critical lack of access to long-term secure psychiatric care. The closure of Riverview Hospital in 2012, the province’s only psychiatric hospital, has created an unnecessary strain on the residents of our communities, families, local police services, and hospitals;

AND WHEREAS psychiatric patients are either released prematurely or forced to be admitted to acute care hospital beds causing cancelled surgeries, emergency department overcrowding, long emergency room waits, violence in emergency rooms, and staff attrition:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM endorse and advocate for the provincial government to work with the Northern Health Authority to recognize this urgent need and open a psychiatric hospital in northern British Columbia to contribute to the overall health and stability of our communities.

WHEREAS the provincial government has stated an interest in establishing, throughout the province, beds under the Mental Health Act at highly secure regional facilities, where people will receive long-term care and housing that is secure, safe and dignified, and as the City of Prince George recognizes its role as a regional service hub for these types of facilities;

AND WHEREAS the provincial government has stated it is working on legislation, supported by expert consultation, that would support involuntary admittance to these specialized, compassionate care facilities with a coordinated plan for both treatment and post care;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the provincial government for the construction of a standalone secure psychiatric care facility, to serve the region, in Prince George.

WHEREAS individuals returning to communities after completing addiction treatment often face significant barriers, including lack of stable housing, employment opportunities, mental health support, and community reintegration services;

AND WHEREAS the absence of comprehensive wraparound supports, including second-stage housing, case management, peer support, and access to mental health and substance use services, increases the risk of relapse and reduces the long-term success of recovery efforts;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to develop and fund a provincial strategy that expands access to: 

1.     Second-stage and transitional housing for individuals completing treatment to provide stability as they reintegrate into their communities particularly in rural Northern regions.

2.     Integrated case management services, including mental health, employment, and life skills programs, to support sustained recovery.

3.     Community-based wraparound supports, including Indigenous-led healing programs, peer support networks, and long-term addiction recovery services;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to work in collaboration with municipalities, Indigenous communities, health authorities, and non-profit organizations to ensure equitable access to these supports in rural and northern communities, where services are often limited or unavailable.​  

WHEREAS communities across the province are actively seeking solutions to support people experiencing homelessness, as permanent housing is a fundamental need for stability and well-being;

AND WHEREAS local governments require additional funding streams to address housing insecurity, and the province collects revenue from civil forfeiture, cannabis and liquor taxes, and provincial gambling revenues;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to provide local governments with additional funding streams, including proceeds from civil forfeiture, cannabis and liquor taxes, and provincial gambling revenues, to support community-led co-op housing models, which have proven successful in other provinces, as a solution to homelessness.   

WHEREAS BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund (CHF) provides critical funding to support the development of affordable housing projects across British Columbia, enabling municipalities, non-profits, and housing providers to address the urgent need for affordable housing;

AND WHEREAS the significant upfront costs required to submit an application to BC Housing, such as feasibility studies, architectural designs, and other pre-development expenses create financial barriers for small municipalities and non-profit organizations, limiting their ability to deliver housing;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate to BC Housing and the provincial government for changes to the Community Housing Fund application process to reduce or subsidize upfront pre-development costs, ensuring equitable access for all municipalities and non-profits across the province. 

WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has made significant investments in housing initiatives to address homelessness and housing affordability, including programs such as the Community Housing Fund, Rapid Response to Homelessness, and the Supportive Housing Fund, which aim to provide immediate and long-term housing solutions for vulnerable populations, yet sometimes underfund the cost to deliver the required infrastructure upgrades;

AND WHEREAS local governments and non-profit organizations face substantial financial barriers when undertaking affordable housing projects, including off-site works such as infrastructure upgrades, which are critical to the long-term sustainability of supportive housing projects but often fall outside the scope of existing funding programs;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government and BC Housing to complete all housing project off-site works to municipal standards or provide direct funding to municipalities to undertake the works required to ensure the sustainability of municipal infrastructure and the long-term viability of affordable housing projects.

WHEREAS the Government of British Columbia introduced the Speculation and Vacancy Tax (SVT) to address housing availability by incentivizing the utilization of vacant properties for the benefit of BC residents;

AND WHEREAS the provincial government continues to expand the Speculation and Vacancy Tax program to include additional communities, promoting increased affordable housing stock across the province;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate for the provincial government to grant BC municipalities the option to opt into the Speculation and Vacancy Tax program, specifically targeting properties that have been vacant for two or more years. 

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 provide the necessary funding to return and maintain all Initial Fire Attack Crew Bases in their current locations and not relocate them without significant local stakeholder consultation.

WHEREAS the Emergency Social Services (ESS) program provides critical support during emergencies and disasters, enabling communities to deliver essential services including reception centers, food, shelter, and basic needs to impacted individuals;

AND WHEREAS many local governments have facilities or infrastructure in need of upgrades or renovations to improve their capacity for delivering ESS services in emergencies and disasters including the creation of small-scale reception centers, secure storage for equipment, and training spaces for volunteers to enhance preparedness;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to amend existing ESS Grant programs to include capital or renovation costs as eligible expenses, supporting the improvement of facilities used for the delivery of ESS in communities across British Columbia.

WHEREAS communities across British Columbia are facing unprecedented costs and public safety impacts caused by the revolving door of prolific offenders being released into communities;

AND WHEREAS senior levels of government have not taken adequate steps to protect communities from prolific offenders that have been released or are out on bail;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the Attorneys General for Canada and British Columbia to address the severe impacts that local governments across British Columbia are experiencing with prolific offenders being frequently released and re-released into local communities, including: 

•       supporting the widespread use of GPS monitoring of prolific offenders out on bail;

•       seeking guidance from senior levels of government on how local governments can effectively communicate the community’s concerns to courts considering bail and sentencing of prolific offenders;

•       communicating to senior levels of government that local jurisdictions cannot afford to allocate taxpayer dollars to fund the increased policing and community costs resulting from the revolving door of repeat prolific offenders being released into communities; and

•       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that federal and provincial governments work with UBCM and BC local governments to review and support options to exempt local governments for the full public safety costs resulting from and associated with Crown Counsel’s decisions to continually release repeat prolific offenders into BC communities. 

WHEREAS crime prevention and community safety are essential to the well-being of all residents, and urban centers have dedicated crime prevention resources, including specialized officers;

AND WHEREAS rural communities in British Columbia face unique challenges related to limited law enforcement resources and the absence of specialized crime prevention officers;

AND WHEREAS the establishment of regional crime prevention officer positions would enhance community safety, improve coordination of crime prevention efforts, and support local law enforcement in rural areas:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the provincial government for the funding and creation of regional crime prevention officer positions in rural British Columbia to enhance community safety, improve coordination of crime prevention efforts, and support local law enforcement in addressing crime in rural areas.

WHEREAS under the BC Police Act, municipalities with a population of over 5,000 are responsible for providing and bearing the necessary expenses of policing and law enforcement within their municipal boundaries;

AND WHEREAS under the Municipal Police Service Agreement, the provincial government may subcontract the RCMP to municipalities to achieve this requirement (an agreement that the vast majority of municipalities over 5,000 in population in BC utilize);

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that in an effort to manage contract costs to municipalities, NCLGA and UBCM lobby the federal government to meaningfully engage with provinces and territories during RCMP collective bargaining processes.

WHEREAS RCMP contracted costs represent a significant portion of local government's annual budgets;

AND WHEREAS all contracts contain a method to independently verify their accuracy;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to develop a method for local governments to independently verify RCMP invoices.

WHEREAS the provincial government is responsible for managing the conservation service, with few officers covering a geographically vast region, which has a negative impact on the ability of the BC Conservation Officer Service to meet the needs of the communities served;

AND WHEREAS the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service needs additional resources to adequately address public safety, focus on natural resource law enforcement, off road vehicle enforcement, illegal dumping, human wildlife conflicts prevention, and respond to wildlife human conflict;  

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate for the provincial government to provide adequate funding, offices and staffing to fully support the BC Conservation Officer Service to be more active and proactive in effectively managing conservation services.

WHEREAS British Columbia’s (BC) forests and protected lands are vital to its natural heritage, supporting diverse wildlife and ecosystems that require sustainable management and conservation effort;

AND WHEREAS licensed hunters and trappers contribute significantly to BC’s economy, generating over $600 million in spending annually and paying approximately $12 million in fees, which currently go into general provincial revenue rather than directly supporting wildlife conservation;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to dedicate all revenues from hunting and trapping licenses, fines, and penalties to wildlife conservation and habitat preservation.

WHEREAS provincial moose management decisions are guided by the Provincial Moose Management Framework;

AND WHEREAS moose serve a significant role as a food source and, further, have cultural importance for Indigenous residents;

AND WHEREAS provincial moose research has identified the need for intensive landscape-scale management to stem moose population declines;

AND WHEREAS provincial moose research has identified the need to consider vegetation composition and re-growth during forestry planning and to identify region-specific forestry thresholds for moose:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to add moose habitat as a value to all future forestry landscape planning and resource development projects where moose habituate.

WHEREAS community based ecological knowledge, combined with scientific data and understanding is the best way to plan for climate adaptation;

AND WHEREAS future forest and water management must protect and restore ecosystem services to ensure a resilient and biodiverse landscape: 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM request that the provincial government establish and empower collaborative landscape level planning tables with the goal to restore biodiverse climate resilient ecosystems.

WHEREAS British Columbia’s natural gas sector has taken significant actions to address emissions, including a 47% reduction in methane emissions from 2014 to 2021, while continuing to grow production and economic contributions; 

AND WHEREAS a sectoral emissions cap would restrict upstream natural gas production, discourage investment, and shift development to jurisdictions with weaker environmental regulations, resulting in job losses and no meaningful net reduction in global emissions;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to not implement a sectoral emissions cap and instead collaborate with industry to develop balanced, competitive emissions policies that support investment while maintaining environmental progress.

WHEREAS local governments across the Province of BC have declared climate emergencies and nuclear energy is a greenhouse gas free source of electricity;

AND WHEREAS BC Hydro has put out a call for electricity production, the first time it has done so in over a decade;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to review the Clean Energy Act, specifically to study the feasibility of a reversal on the current prohibition on nuclear energy in support of electricity production and reduction of greenhouse gas production in British Columbia.

WHEREAS through the Environmental Assessment Act, the Province of British Columbia aims to ensure that any potential environmental, economic, social, cultural, and health effects that may occur during the lifetime of a major project are thoroughly assessed; 
  
AND WHEREAS the impacts of rail traffic and the transportation of dangerous goods can have an impact on communities outside of the immediate vicinity of major projects undergoing environmental assessment; 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to include  rail servicing, transportation of dangerous goods, and other materials to and from facilities by rail, and any other rail-related components of reviewable projects as 'related activities' when determining the scope of required assessments for reviewable projects under the Environmental Assessment Act.   
  

WHEREAS the small water systems in rural British Columbia, which are administered by local governments, provide essential services to rural residents and communities, yet they face unsustainable financial burdens due to the high costs of water treatment systems, ongoing maintenance, and replacing aging infrastructure, which can amount to millions of dollars; 
  
AND WHEREAS it is not possible for rural residents and communities to finance these systems through local taxation alone, threatening the viability of these water systems and the communities they serve, while also posing a significant risk to local food security; 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM request the provincial and federal governments to establish long-term sustainable funding programs specifically for small water systems to address high cost and regulatory compliance requirements and to safeguard local food security, and for a collaborative approach to funding and support, including cost-sharing models, grant programs, and capacity-building initiatives, to enable small rural water systems to remain viable and resilient amidst growing environmental and economic pressures. 
   

WHEREAS core funding for public libraries in British Columbia has remained unchanged since 2009, despite BC’s population growing 29%, limiting their ability to expand and evolve their programming as demand for their services increases; 
 
AND WHEREAS the operational requirements of public libraries increasingly require significant and diverse resources to provide front-line community services, including supporting patrons with mental health and addiction issues as well as barriers to housing, providing critical locations of refuge during extreme weather events, providing services to new Canadians, and supporting the process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM call on the provincial government to increase core funding for public libraries on a yearly basis in line with inflation and immediately increase annual core funding for libraries to $30 million as requested by the BC Public Library Partners and recommended by the province’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. 

WHEREAS public libraries serve as vital community hubs that provide welcoming, inclusive spaces where individuals of all ages—including children, students, job seekers, seniors, and marginalized populations—can gather, study, work, and engage in cultural and educational activities while benefiting from free access to books, literacy programs, digital resources, and essential services;  
  
AND WHEREAS funding for public libraries has remained stagnant since 2010, despite increasing financial pressures due to rising operational costs, the need for technological advancements, and growing community demand for expanded services;  
  
AND WHEREAS stable and increased funding would enable public libraries to enhance critical programs, expand collections, improve infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to resources across all communities;  
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to increase stable, long-term funding for public libraries, ensuring they remain accessible, inclusive, and innovative centers for learning and community engagement. 
 

WHEREAS public libraries in British Columbia lack adequate, stable, and dedicated capital funding for local government-owned library facilities, hindering their ability to provide essential educational, cultural, and social services that support community well-being; 
 
AND WHEREAS public libraries face increasing demand for services, technology, and infrastructure improvements, yet many struggle with aging facilities and insufficient resources to meet these growing needs; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to establish a dedicated capital funding program to assist local governments in upgrading, expanding, and constructing library facilities to meet community needs. 

WHEREAS BC Hydro, a crown corporation of the Province of British Columbia, offers programs and incentives to support small and medium sized businesses and large industry in improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption; 
  
AND WHEREAS these programs include business energy-saving incentives, industrial and commercial strategic energy management programs, energy studies and audits, project incentives for business and industry, demand response for business, among other programs and incentives; 
  
AND WHEREAS many BC businesses and industries are ineligible to apply for these BC Hydro programs and incentives as this program is only available for municipalities with populations of more than 75,000: 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM petition the provincial government to extend eligibility of these BC Hydro programs and incentives to businesses and industries in municipalities, and where applicable, regional districts regardless of population.  

WHEREAS the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) boundaries were established in the early 1970’s, and no province-wide reviews have been conducted since that time in spite of technological progression and data maturity about the suitability of those boundaries; 
 
AND WHEREAS it is well known, particularly in rural areas of the province, that large areas of the ALR are unviable for agriculture, and conversely, some areas of high agricultural value were left out in the initial rush to delineate protected agricultural areas in BC, negatively impacting British Columbian’s confidence in the value and importance of the ALR; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM encourage the provincial government to mandate, appropriately staff, and fund both the ALC and regional districts to conduct a comprehensive, collaborative, data-driven, expeditious, province-wide review of the ALR boundaries to ensure the highest quality agricultural lands are protected for the next 50 years and that appropriate lands unsuitable for agriculture be identified in collaboration with regional districts and member municipalities to allow for 20 years of growth, in alignment with provincial housing and land use mandates for local governments.

WHEREAS manufactured homes are recognized as a common, affordable, and readily available form of housing across the province, particularly in rural areas, having limited long term impact to underlying soil conditions due to their surface mounted design; 
  
And whereas on December 31, 2021, in an effort to provide housing flexibility in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), the province permitted a second dwelling unit to be constructed within the ALR to a maximum of 90 sq. m. on parcels of 40 hectares or less in size, which represents a non-standard, custom-sized manufactured home, often preventing the construction of flexible additional housing within the ALR; 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM call on the provincial government to amend the Agricultural Land Reserve Act and associated regulations accordingly to permit the construction of either a 90 sq. m. accessory dwelling unit or a standard-sized manufactured home up to a maximum 148 sq. m. total floor area on parcels under 40 ha within the ALR. 

WHEREAS recent legislation supporting watershed governance, and the 2024 NDP-Green Party Accord recognize the importance of local knowledge around water management; 
  
AND WHEREAS well established multi-interest watershed health organizations are working throughout BC to restore watershed ecosystems from past excessive resource exploitation, and future proof them to adapt to climate impacts: 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM request the provincial government share a portion of natural resource royalty income to provide financial support to local watershed governance organizations. 

WHEREAS local governments face challenges in acquiring land for essential projects such as local housing initiatives, including affordable housing developments, community infrastructure, and vital public services; 
 
AND WHEREAS the provincial government holds significant amounts of underutilized Crown Land inside or adjacent to local governments that could be leveraged to support these municipal initiatives, which would directly benefit residents and enhance local community resilience; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to expedite the transfer of underutilized Crown Lands, within or adjacent to municipalities, to municipalities for development, infrastructure, and community services purposes. 
   

WHEREAS land-use uncertainty, cumulative effects policies, and lengthy permitting timelines delay resource projects, discourage investment, and limit economic opportunities for communities across British Columbia;  
  
AND WHEREAS an efficient and predictable permitting process is necessary to support responsible resource development while ensuring certainty for communities and industry; 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to streamline land-use and permitting processes by ensuring timely decision-making, aligning cumulative effects policies with economic priorities, and providing long-term regulatory certainty. 

WHEREAS a number of communities in BC host federal port facilities within their jurisdiction; 
 
AND WHEREAS many of these communities struggle with raising taxation revenue to support infrastructure deficits and service provision; 
 
AND WHEREAS the BC government has restricted municipal taxation on ports under the Ports Property Tax Act; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the provincial government to remove or increase the port tax cap thereby ensuring that port industries pay a fair share of taxes in the local communities in which they operate. 

WHEREAS inland ferries provide historically critical infrastructure to the communities served, equivalent to roads, highways and bridges; 
 
AND WHEREAS inland ferry services are essential services whose costs are funded by a portion of the taxes on sales of gasoline and diesel; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the provincial government that all inland ferries are entitled to the same legal status as roads, highways and bridges, that all remain toll-free, and that the regular schedule of each inland ferry (whether on-demand or set schedule) be deemed the minimum necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the communities served. 

 
WHEREAS Ferry Advisory Committees provide route-specific input and advocacy and exist as part of BC Ferries’ strategic goal to be customer and community centred; 
 
AND WHEREAS BC Ferries has dissolved the Ferry Advisory Committees; 
 
AND WHEREAS the BC Government’s Coastal Ferry Services Contract, last amended on March 31, 2024, states that it is committed to “ongoing engagement in support of provincial reconciliation efforts”: 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the provincial government to amend the Coastal Ferry Services Contract and include a provision for BC Ferries to develop an engagement framework that meaningfully considers input from local governments and Indigenous communities that rely on the BC Ferry system. 

WHEREAS Highway 16 serves as a critical transportation corridor for Northern British Columbia, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and residents across the region; 
 
AND WHEREAS traffic volumes on Highway 16 have significantly increased due to the expansion of the Port of Prince Rupert, major infrastructure projects such as LNG and transmission line construction, and increased industrial and commercial activities; 
 
AND WHEREAS the existing highway infrastructure presents safety concerns, particularly in areas of high traffic congestion and adverse weather conditions, leading to increased risks for motorists, with limited opportunities for safe passing along significant stretches of the highway, further exacerbating traffic congestion and safety risks; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to undertake a feasibility study and develop a long-term plan for the twinning of Highway 16 to enhance safety, improve transportation efficiency, and support tourism and economic growth in the region. 

WHEREAS Highway 97 is a very significant provincial highway that is critical to the continued economic prosperity of Northern and Central BC and all British Columbia; 
  
AND WHEREAS Highway 97 is at a considerable and growing risk level for extended delays due to aged-out highway infrastructure in Quesnel, and unacceptable construction delays in the future based on the current plans by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure; 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to commit capital financing to complete the Quesnel North-South Interconnector project.  

   
WHEREAS access to back country is an essential part of maintaining a healthy active community, particularly for rural and remote communities; 
 
AND WHEREAS the decline of forest harvesting activities throughout the province has resulted in the closure of forest service roads and decommissioning of bridges, limiting access to back country areas; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to ensure local government is afforded the opportunity to participate in discussions prior to any provincial ministry decisions regarding the closure of forest service roads. 

WHEREAS the lack of Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) active transportation infrastructure on rural highways adversely affects provincially declared climate initiatives, and encouragement of active transportation commitment in smaller local governments; 
 
AND WHEREAS these highways are located in the central key parts of rural communities, often as main streets, and are in dire need of safe, affordable transportation options which can also facilitate local governments to tie their own active transportation plans into to improve community health, economic opportunities and social interactions; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to expand budgetary funding so they can be proactive in the development and installation of active transportation options on all existing MOTT infrastructure within rural municipal boundaries.   

WHEREAS local government elected officials are required to attend meetings, conventions, and conferences to perform their official duties, often requiring absences from their place of employment to do so; 
 
AND WHEREAS there are no provisions in provincial or federal employment legislation for local elected officials to allow them to take such absences as required to perform their official duties; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government for amendments to the Employment Standards Act to include unpaid leave of absence provisions to protect the employment of elected officials and allow them to attend Board / Council meetings, conventions, and conferences in the performance of their official duties; 
 
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NCLGA, UBCM, and FCM lobby the federal government for amendments to the Canada Labour Code to include unpaid leave of absence provisions to protect the employment of elected officials and allow them to attend Board / Council meetings, conventions, and conferences in the performance of their official duties.​  

 WHEREAS it has been identified that there are inaccuracies in the assessed values of properties which may have a negative effect on the tax revenue generated on the property values, and staff of municipalities and regional districts are potentially in the best position to assist BC Assessment with identifying the need for a review and revision of assessed property values; 
  
AND WHEREAS BC Assessment is responsible for assessing over 2 million properties in British Columbia as of July 1 each year, with only three offices in Northern BC, which may limit the capacity for thorough and timely assessments in this region; 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to support the development of a coordinated effort between BC Assessment and local municipalities and regional districts to improve the accuracy of assessed property values, particularly in areas of BC with few to no BC Assessment offices, to ensure fair and equitable property taxation throughout BC. 

WHEREAS many communities across British Columbia are directly dependent on natural resource industries like fishing, agriculture, forestry, mineral exploration and mining, and natural gas to provide significant economic opportunities through employment, taxation, and peripheral economic activity. Each job in the natural resource sectors adds more to the provincial economy than any other sector; 
 
AND WHEREAS all levels of government must balance policy and legislation that impact resource-based industries with climate and sustainability goals. Communities required to plan for their future growth, or decline, cannot do so without clear understanding of the economic impacts of provincial policy: 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to:  
ensure that all significant land based, and natural resource related legislation includes a publicly available economic impacts brief to identify the likely impact on jobs and economic development; and 
share an appropriate portion of revenue and benefits of development through funding unencumbered by project-specific granting streams to affected local governments to maintain and grow community infrastructure and services.  

  WHEREAS electrification of industrial operations presents an opportunity to help meet British Columbia’s climate objectives and grow British Columbia’s resource sectors;  
  
AND WHEREAS inadequate grid capacity, slow interconnection processes, and high industrial power rates are major barriers to electrification, delaying projects and increasing costs; 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to expand grid capacity, streamline interconnection processes, and ensure competitive industrial power rates to support industrial electrification. 

WHEREAS electrification of industrial operations presents an opportunity to help meet the provincial climate objectives and grow British Columbia’s resource sectors: 
 
AND WHEREAS inadequate grid capacity, slow interconnection processes, and high industrial power rates are major barriers to electrification, delaying projects and increasing costs; 
  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to expand grid capacity, streamline interconnection processes, and ensure competitive industrial power rates to support industrial electrification. 

WHEREAS the global energy landscape is rapidly evolving due to geopolitical shifts that are redefining energy security, trade, and competitiveness for decades to come; 
 
AND WHEREAS British Columbia must position itself as a leader in responsible natural gas development to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen its role as a secure supplier of low emission Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), recognizing that the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy cannot occur overnight; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to develop an integrated natural gas value-chain and export strategy to strengthen infrastructure and policies that support the entire value chain - from upstream production to processing and export. 

WHEREAS effective communication and engagement between local government and the Province of BC is essential in facilitating collaborative discussion and resolutions that support local economies; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to ensure provincial decisions regarding the removal of crown land from current and potential resource extraction activity, impacting the local economy, must first include consultation from local government prior to decisions being made. 

WHEREAS workers who assist with the administration of municipal and provincial elections perform vital roles in ensuring the integrity and smooth operation of the democratic process;   
 
AND WHEREAS compensation for workers in municipal elections differs from that provided in provincial elections, creating disparities in pay for similar roles across different levels of government; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to establish equal compensation for workers in both provincial and municipal elections, ensuring that all election workers are paid fairly for their contributions to the democratic process. 

WHEREAS there is an immediate and ongoing concern in rural British Columbia communities regarding abused, abandoned, and neglected animals, which also pose significant public health and safety concerns; 
 
AND WHEREAS the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is the only animal welfare organization in BC with the authority under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to investigate complaints of animal abuse or neglect, enforce animal welfare laws, and recommend criminal charges to the Crown Council; 
 
AND WHEREAS the BC SPCA does not receive any provincial funding to assist with animal protection services and is the only BC entity responsible for law enforcement whose investigative responsibilities are funded by donation; 
 
AND WHEREAS there is a lack of BC SPCA representation in rural BC communities resulting in public health and safety issues and a lack of animal welfare enforcement; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government for funding to support the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the purpose of appointing authorized agents as granted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, for representation in all rural communities to ensure public health, safety and welfare of animals. 

WHEREAS the standardized structure of highway maintenance contracts in British Columbia does not adequately account for the diverse geographic, climatic, and infrastructure needs of the interior and northern regions; 

AND WHEREAS the existing contract specifications, including aggregate supply, response times, and maintenance standards, fail to address regional challenges such as extreme winter conditions and local material availability; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM urge the Provincial Government to revise the structure of Highway Road Maintenance Contracts to incorporate regional specifications, flexible contract standards, and consultation with local governments to ensure that highway maintenance better meets the needs of diverse regions across British Columbia. 

WHEREAS the current Library Act presents challenges for small rural municipal Councils to meet the obligations of the Library Act; 

AND WHEREAS rural municipal libraries generally service areas beyond municipal boundaries, should have the opportunity to apply for an exemption within the Library Act; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM petition the Province of British Columbia to review the current Library Act and amend as required to reflect current challenges for small rural and remote communities. 
 

WHEREAS regional districts have not undergone a comprehensive legislative reform since their inception in 1965, resulting in outdated provisions in the Local Government Act that impede effective governance, particularly in rural and unincorporated areas;

AND WHEREAS regional districts lack parity with municipalities in terms of recognition, regulatory authority, revenue tools, and decision-making powers, and are not currently recognized in legislation as an equal order of government;

AND WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia has committed through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) to advancing inclusive governance, including Indigenous participation in regional district decision-making structures:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM request the Province of British Columbia undertake a comprehensive modernization of regional district legislation, guided by the principles and recommendations of the Regional District Legislation Roadmap (February 2025), to ensure equitable governance structures, enhanced authority, inclusive representation, and flexible revenue tools that reflect the current and future needs of all regional districts in British Columbia.

WHEREAS UBCM receives provincial support for program development that enhances local government capacity, provides direct funding opportunities, and delivers programs tailored to local government needs at a province-wide level;

AND WHEREAS the Area Associations, including the North Central Local Government Association, also play a vital role in supporting local governments, yet lack direct provincial funding mechanisms to develop and deliver regionally relevant programs;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM urge the  provincial government, specifically the Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities and the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, to develop funding mechanisms to support Area Associations in delivering regional programs that align with provincial priorities, enhance local government capacity, and provide an additional source of revenue to sustain and expand services for their members.

WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia decriminalized the possession of small amounts of controlled substances in an effort to address the opioid crisis and reduce the harms of criminalization;

AND WHEREAS despite this policy, the decriminalization of controlled substances has not achieved the desired outcomes, communities continue to face significant challenges related to substance abuse and public safety, and the BC Association of Chiefs of Police has withdrawn their support for decriminalization;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to revisit the policy of decriminalizing controlled substances, to assess its effectiveness, and to consider alternative approaches that better address substance abuse and enhance community safety.