2015 SILGA RESOLUTIONS
Provincial/Federal Funding Resolutions
1. CSRD
Funding for Nurse Practitioners
2. Kamloops
Registered Disability Savings Plan
3. Barriere
Road Rescue Responder Costs
4. Lumby
Funding Allocation to Small Communities
Financial Resolutions
5. RDOS
6. Chase
7. Barriere
FortisBC – two tiered rates
Recreational Facility Costs
Railway Crossing Charges
Safety and Environmental Resolutions
8. West Kelowna
9. Merritt/TNRD
10. SLRD
11. CSRD
12. RDCO
13. Lake Country
14. Princeton
Interface Wildfire Proofing
Bio Solid Review Process
Road Safety Review and Assessment - Specific
Upgrading of Critical Accident Zones
Highway Speed Limit Increases
Quagga Mussels
BC Conservation Service Capacity - specific
Miscellaneous Resolutions
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Lake Country
RDNO
Lake Country
Kelowna
Osoyoos
RDOS
Health Care Provider Crisis
Ownership of Abandoned Transportation Corridors
Residency Qualification for Local Government Candidates
Expand Options of Statutory Public Notification
Local Government Elections – Internet Voting
Rural Business License
(1) TITLE: Funding for Nurse Practitioners’ Overhead and Operating Costs
SPONSOR: CSRD
WHEREAS nurse practitioners are utilized as primary care providers in the delivery of health care
services in rural communities across the Province of British Columbia;
AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Health does not currently provide funding to support the overhead and
operating costs for nurse practitioners to be effectively utilized on a long-term, sustainable basis;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to immediately support the
funding of overhead and operating costs for nurse practitioners throughout the province in order to
effectively utilize this form of primary health care provider delivery service.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution requesting that the provincial
government provide funding support for the overhead and operating costs of nurse practitioners.
However, UBCM recognizes that the issue of health care service in BC, particularly in rural areas, has
been significant for the UBCM membership. Members have consistently endorsed resolutions
supporting improved physician recruitment and retention, and the need for more health care
professionals in rural areas (including but not limited to 2014-B132, 2013-B47, 2012-B91, 2012-B103,
2011-B60, 2010-B43, 2009-B148, 2008-B49, 2006-B154, 2005-B41, 2003-B104).
(2) TITLE: Registered Disability Savings Plan
SPONSOR: Kamloops
WHEREAS the Federal Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) requires Persons With Disabilities (PWD)
to be eligible for the Federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) in order to open a RDSP;
WHEREAS the Province of BC has a rigorous application and review process to grant individuals the PWD
designation;
AND WHEREAS the DTC application process is extremely difficult and expensive for PWD requiring
significant paperwork and often multiple physician appointments;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal and Provincial governments work together to simplify the
Disability Tax Credit application process or allow individuals with the Persons With Disabilities
designation to apply directly for a Registered Disability Savings Plan.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution calling on the federal and provincial
governments to simplify the application process for the Disability Tax Credit, or allow designated
Persons With Disabilities to apply directly for a Registered Disability Savings Plan.
UBCM is aware that members endorsed a resolution with similar intent, 2000-B113, which sought to
simplify the application process for the provincial additional home owner grant for persons with
disabilities. The resolution proposed that the Province issue a certificate that established the claimant’s
eligibility for the additional home owner grant for persons with disabilities.
(3) TITLE: Road Rescue Responder Costs
SPONSOR: Barriere
WHEREAS Road Rescue responders are not compensated by Emergency Management BC for responses
to highway accidents within their jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS Road Rescue organizations receive no provincial funding toward general operations, and
WHEREAS ICBC does not currently contribute funding towards any vehicle accident response costs
whatsoever;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that local governments lobby the Provincial Government to reconsider their
stance on financing Road Rescue responders throughout the province.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling on the provincial government to
provide funding for road rescue and vehicle extrication (2014-B15, 2013-B8, 2011-B4, 2010-B6, 2009B28, 2009-B69, 2009-B88, 2007-B10, 2006-B64, 2005-B4, 2004-B6, 2003-B49, 2001-B6, 2001-B8, 2000B15, 2000-B16, 1998-B42, 1994-B20, 1993-B40, 1992-B29, 1992-B32, 1988-B20).
UBCM understands that presently, the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) provides some
reimbursement for road rescue services outside a community’s jurisdiction. ICBC, on the other hand,
does not accept billings for emergency services from jurisdictions within British Columbia; though ICBC
may accept such billings from jurisdictions outside BC. ICBC’s policy in this regard differs from private
insurance providers in some other provinces.
Further, UBCM understands that ICBC has pointed out that there is no legal obligation for motorists to
pay for fire department charges within BC, and ICBC does not collect premiums, either through Basic or
Optional insurance, to cover these charges. If the legislation were changed to make BC motorists
responsible for fire department charges under Basic insurance, ICBC has stated that an increase to the
Basic insurance rate might be necessary. Basic insurance rates are regulated by the British Columbia
Utilities Commission and any change requires Commission approval.
(4) TITLE: Funding Allocation to Small Communities
SPONSOR: Lumby
WHEREAS the Province of B.C. and Government of Canada offer a range of local government funding
programs to stimulate the economy and address infrastructure requirements;
AND WHEREAS the definition of small communities under the New Building Canada Fund – Small
Communities Fund (NBCF) is defined as communities with a population of less than 100,000 people;
AND WHEREAS Villages, Towns and Districts with a population under 5,000 people, make up for more
than half of the 162 municipalities in British Columbia;
AND WHEREAS Villages, Towns and Districts with a population under 5,000 often don’t have the
financial resources to afford their portion of the funding required under the government grant programs
such as the NBCF;
THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED THAT a new category referred to as “micro-community” be introduced
when the Province or Federal Governments are establishing grant programs tailored to unique needs
and financial positions of micro-communities;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the municipal portion of projects being funded by government
grants be lessened for micro-communities to recognize their more limited financial capabilities and
financial readiness in comparison to their more populous counterparts.
SILGA Endorsement: No recommendation
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution calling on the provincial and federal
governments to identify local governments with population under 5,000 specifically as “microcommunities.”
UBCM notes, however, that members have consistently endorsed resolutions requesting the provincial
and federal governments to build more flexibility into new grant programs in recognition of the limited
financial capabilities and financial readiness of small local governments (2014-B19, 2013-B19, 2012-B13,
2009-B29, 2004-A7).
(5) TITLE: FortisBC – Two Tiered Rates
SPONSOR: RDOS
WHEREAS FortisBC rate increases are causing significant hardship to people in areas where
there is no access to natural gas as they are seeing huge increases in power bills.
AND WHEREAS the two tier billing system of tier one up to 1,600 kilowatt hours (9.093 cents)
and tier two over 1,600 kilowatt hours (13.543 cents) is unrealistic for consumers;
AND WHEREAS due to the challenge customers face with rising energy costs, heating and
electricity have become a luxury for some British Columbia residents, especially in the
Okanagan-Similkameen;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Union of BC Municipalities request the Provincial Government and the
British Columbia Utilities Commission eliminate the two tiered rate structure and charge customers at
the lower rate, until a remedy can be found for users of electric heat who have no affordable alternative
to their current inefficient home heating system.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership endorsed resolution 2013-B85, which called on the provincial government to
review the impact of a tiered electricity rate structure on low-income British Columbians, and in the case
of a negative impact, amend the rate structure for those less fortunate or with limited options to reduce
their electricity usage (i.e. no access to natural gas).
In response to the resolution the provincial government indicated that it was monitoring the impact of
the conservation rate structure, but emphasized that FortisBC is a privately-owned utility and its rates
are regulated by the BC Utilities Commission.
(6) TITLE: Recreational Facility Costs
SPONSOR: Chase
WHEREAS many communities across British Columbia provide for or help fund many different types of
recreational facilities both indoor and outdoor;
AND WHEREAS the provision of a variety of recreational facilities adds a very important element to any
small rural community by enhancing the physical and mental health of the citizens, while attracting and
retaining a diverse population that helps to maintain a vibrant economy;
AND WHEREAS small communities in BC struggle with limited funds available for the provision of ice
arenas, swimming pools and curling rinks to name a few;
AND WHEREAS costs associated with electricity to heat, light and run the necessary equipment for
recreational facilities are ever increasing, seriously limiting the funding resources of small and rural
communities to continue to provide for the important recreational facilities that keep the communities
strong;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be asked to require that BC Hydro and
Fortis BC (electricity) provide lower electricity service rates for recreational facilities in small rural
communities (under 100,000 population) to assist in preventing the loss of such facilities which will have
serious negative impacts on small rural communities.”
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership endorsed resolution 2009-B86, which urged the Province to eliminate the tiered
system of utility rates for local government recreation facilities, given that such facilities promote
healthy living and reduce provincial health costs.
In response to the resolution the provincial government pointed out that energy utility rates are
governed by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC), and that BCUC’s public reviews of utility
applications included opportunities for stakeholders and interested parties to participate and make their
views and concerns known. The Province also indicated that at the time, BC Hydro had applied to the
BCUC for a new tiered rate for its general service customers, under which recreational facilities would
likely fall.
UBCM would observe that both smaller and larger local governments face the challenge of meeting the
operating costs of civic recreational facilities. The closure of such a facility could impact any community
acutely, regardless of population size. SILGA members may wish to consider an amendment to reflect
this commonality.
(7) TITLE: Rail Crossing Maintenance Charges
SPONSOR: Barriere
WHEREAS rail lines in Canada provide a service almost exclusively to large corporate entities, and
WHEREAS the costs of maintaining safe crossings for the general public throughout Canada should be
the responsibility of the corporate land owner as trains have increased in frequency and speeds since
they originally divided the lands they cross;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that local governments across Canada band together as a unified voice, by
forwarding this resolution to FCM, to lobby for discontinuance of the monthly charges for rail crossing
maintenance throughout Canada.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has endorsed a number of resolutions regarding the costs associated with rail
crossing upgrades and how those costs should be apportioned (2011-B82, 2007-B107, 2005-LR2, 2003B17, 2002-B39).
(8) TITLE: Interface Wildfire Proofing
SPONSOR: West Kelowna
WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia continues to experience large, aggressive wildfires and in
2014 experienced the third highest fire season (in hectares of land) in the Province’s history, costing an
estimated $300 million in response;
AND WHEREAS despite the continuing fire threat, in 2014, the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative –
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Program restricted the funding program stream to the
development or update of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan and will no longer fund operational
fuel treatment activities:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM lobby the Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource
Operations to establish, fund and conduct a province-wide wildfire proofing program on public and
private interface lands to protect British Columbia’s residents and infrastructure.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions seeking provincial funding for carrying
out wildfire proofing activities on public and private interface lands (2013-B116, 2012-B114, 2011-B80,
2008-B59, 2007-B75, 2005-B125).
Resolution 2012-B114 specifically called on the provincial government to establish a province-wide
comprehensive wildfire protection and works program, “funded, executed and enforced for both private
and public lands beginning with those lands at highest risk and immediately adjacent to residential
areas.” In response to the resolution the Province highlighted its intent to implement the FireSmart
Canada program to support “community and landowner participation in wildfire risk mitigation on
private lands.” The Province further stated: “FireSmart activities on private lands are best fulfilled at the
local government level as a majority of these lands fall under the mandate of local authority. Local
governments understand the risk and are best positioned to identify which areas need to be managed
within the context of their broader Community Wildfire Protection Plan.” The Province emphasized that
the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative is for fuel management on public and municipal lands.
UBCM understands that in July 2014, as available funding had been fully allocated, the Strategic Wildfire
Prevention Initiative stopped accepting applications for fuel management prescriptions and operational
treatment projects until further notice. UBCM would observe, however, that in March 2015, the
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations announced an additional $5 million for
these projects, and applications are again being accepted.
(9) TITLE: Bio Solid Review Process
SPONSOR: Merritt/TNRD
WHEREAS the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health are responsible for reviewing and
approving bio solid composting facility permits and land application notifications under the Organic
Matter Recycling Regulation; and the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for administration of the
Agricultural Land Commission Act;
AND WHEREAS, due to these activities being carried out within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the interjurisdictional importation of bio solid waste materials is being authorized and land application and
composting facilities are being permitted without a public consultation process in locations where
residents and the environment may be adversely affected by the potential health risks, noise and odor
nuisances, property value reductions and community well-being:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province form a committee including local government
representatives to examine and make recommendations for changes to the Provincial bio solid review
process and changes to the content in the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation and Agricultural Land
Commission Act that govern the bio solid regulatory process in the Province of British Columbia.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution calling on the Province to establish
and include local government in a committee to review and update provincial bio solid regulations and
the bio solid review process, with potential changes to the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation and
Agricultural Land Commission Act.
(10) TITLE: Road Safety Review and Assessment
SPONSOR: SLRD
WHEREAS, the British Columbia Road Safety Strategy 2015 and Beyond (2013) states a provincial goal to
make roads in BC the safest in North America by “designing a system that is more forgiving of human
error… “so that, even if crashes occur, they will not cause fatal or serious injury”;
AND WHEREAS the roads in the Lillooet area were constructed well before the development of modern
engineering and safety standards that have been proven to reduce injury and death in the event of a
collision and have many sections with steep embankments – unprotected by barrier – as well as
extremely narrow unpaved shoulders;
AND WHEREAS the British Columbia Road Safety Strategy 2015 and Beyond (2013) identifies the
Southern Interior as “by far the most deadly region of the province with about one-third of all motor
vehicle related fatalities” and statistics indicate the Lillooet area has a fatality rate of 19% - more than 6
times the average for our region;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, in keeping with our Provincial Government’s identified priority to improve
road safety and reduce fatalities and injury, we continue to ask for a thorough review and assessment of
roadside safety (including road design and evaluation of roadside hazards) to reduce deaths and injury
on BC roads.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling on the provincial government to
undertake thorough review and assessment of roadside safety, including road design and evaluation of
roadside hazards (2014-B53, 2014-B81, 2011-B84, 2009-B16, 2009-B161, 2008-B114, 2003-B7, 2001LR1, 2000-B11, 1994-B65, 1992-B20).
UBCM understands that the provincial Safe Roads and Communities Working Group is preparing to
conduct a survey of BC communities regarding road safety. The working group will be conducting the
survey in the coming months.
(11) TITLE: Upgrading of Critical Accident Zones on Highways
SPONSOR: CSRD
WHEREAS many section of highways throughout British Columbia are considered critical accident zones;
AND WHEREAS these critical accident zones have serious impacts on the health and safety of the
travelling public, enormous economic impacts to the Province, and a significant financial burden on our
health care system;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial and federal governments come up with a long term
commitment to increase the level of safety on our highway system by improving proven accident zones
as well as highway upgrading to a four (4) lane highway, wherever possible and warranted.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling on the federal and provincial
governments to undertake upgrades to highways in BC, especially in areas where accidents or other
incidents have raised safety concerns (2013-B13, 2009-B16, 2003-B11, 2000-B63, 1998-A1).
In response to resolution 2013-B13, which jointly requested the provincial and federal governments to
provide resources to upgrade the Trans Canada Highway to four lanes throughout BC within the next ten
years, the provincial government referenced funding that it had already committed towards four-laning
the Trans Canada Highway between Kamloops and the Alberta border.
UBCM is aware that in March 2015 the provincial government announced BC on the Move, a ten-year,
$2.5 billion transportation plan that will include improvements to existing infrastructure and expansion
of major highways. Of the twelve priorities identified in BC on the Move, number two is “improving
highway safety” and number three is “improving highway capacity and reliability.”
(12) TITLE: Highway Speed Limit Increases
SPONSOR: RDCO
WHEREAS the safety of rural highways in British Columbia is being questioned by many residents living
in rural BC since the ministry of Transportation and infrastructure increased the speed limit on many of
these highways to 100 km/hr in 2014;
AND WHEREAS speed limits in rural British Columbia do vary from region to region;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure be requested to
formalize a process to allow for the lowering of the speed limit on certain highways that pass through
rural communities and neighbourhoods upon receipt of a Regional Board resolution to that effect.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership endorsed resolution 2007-B101, which called on the provincial government to
abide by any local government request to reduce the highway speed limit from 50 km per hour to 30 km
per hour in downtown areas. UBCM also notes that members endorsed a related resolution, 2011-B18,
requesting that the Province authorize a local government to enact bylaws regulating speed, pedestrian
crossings, and installation of signs on arterial highways within local government boundaries.
In response to resolution 2007-B101 the Province indicated that it considers speed limit change requests
on a case-by-case basis, evaluating each request in the context of “provincial policy, local traffic
conditions and engineering studies.” The Province pointed out that the minimum speed limit on
numbered highways is 50 km/h. The Province also suggested that if speeding was a concern, then the
issue should be directed to the RCMP, citing research findings that “lowering the speed limit by posting
a sign does not affect the actual operating speed of motorists unless it is backed up by continuous and
intense enforcement.”
In response to resolution 2011-B18 the provincial government stated that it aims to provide “a
consistent application of speed zones” throughout the highway system in BC, and that it considers a
number of factors such as “highway alignment, design, adjacent land use, pedestrian movements.” The
Province expressed doubt that local government would be able to “maintain consistent driver
expectation of speed limits across the highway system” and indicated that for this reason it would
“retain the sole authority of setting speed limits and pedestrian crossings.”
(13) TITLE: Quagga and Zebra Mussels
SPONSOR: Lake Country
WHEREAS quagga and zebra mussels pose a serious threat to B.C.’s aquatic ecosystems, agricultural
irrigation systems, salmon and other fisheries, hydro power stations, in-lake infrastructure facilities and
individual farm businesses relying on intake pipe infrastructure, by clogging pipes, increasing
maintenance costs for hydroelectric, industrial, agricultural and recreational facilities, causing ecological
and economic damage, displacing native aquatic plants and wildlife, degrade the environment and affect
drinking water quality;
AND WHEREAS the funding for annual watercraft inspection and decontamination in British Columbia
significantly reduces the success rates against the invasive species threat allowing for only 132
inspections in British Columbia compared to 3,747 in the province of Alberta and 49,380 in the State of
Idaho;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province establish permanent inspection stations at key points of
entry, coordinated with the Pacific Northwest Regional Defence Strategy for invasive species, with a
minimum annual budget of $530,000, consistent with Alberta’s funding and also develop a provincial
control and containment strategy for regions that become infested, funded by the province.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution calling on the Province to establish
permanent inspection stations at key points of entry, specifically coordinated with the Pacific Northwest
Regional Defence Strategy for invasive species, and with a minimum annual budget of $530,000.
UBCM notes, however, that members have consistently endorsed resolutions seeking to prevent
introduction of aquatic invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels into British Columbia waters,
and to control and manage these species if introduced (2014-B21, 2013-B76, 2012-LR2).
In response to resolution 2013-B76 the provincial government highlighted several ongoing initiatives
aimed at reducing the risk of introduction of Quagga and Zebra mussels into BC:
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addition of Zebra and Quagga mussels to the Controlled Alien Species Regulation under the
Wildlife Act, which in part authorizes law enforcement officials to stop, inspect and impound
mussel fouled boats; with possible fines for contravention of the regulation up to $100,000;
advocacy for the addition of Zebra and Quagga mussels to the Federal Aquatic Species
Regulation, in order to prohibit importation of live mussels and enable the Canada Border
Services Agency to stop mussel fouled boats from entering the country;
support for the ‘Clean, Drain, and Dry’ initiative by the Invasive Species Council of BC, providing
training and decontamination equipment and services to recreational boaters;
the provincial Conservation Service Hotline, or RAPP line, has the capacity to deal with calls
regarding mussel infested boats; and
BC is a partner in the Columbia Basin Rapid Response Plan, a system that provides for early
detection and rapid response to invasive species threats in the Columbia River basin - including
Zebra or Quagga mussels.
(14) TITLE: BC Conservation Service Capacity
SPONSOR: Princeton
WHEREAS the Provincial Government is responsible for managing wildlife through its Conservation
Service, and the British Columbia Conservation Service has not been able to adequately address wildlifehuman conflict in the town of Princeton due to lack of facility;
AND WHEREAS the Town of Princeton is unable to appropriately respond to wildlife-human conflict, as
their role is to educate residents on how to deter wildlife and limit wildlife attractants;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Provincial Government be requested to provide adequate funding
and staffing in order for the BC Conservation Service to be more active and proactive in effectively
managing wildlife-human conflicts.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling on the provincial government to
increase numbers of conservation officers and resources to support wildlife management (2013-B27;
2012-B21; 2012-B72; 2010-B25; 2003-B32; 1996-B27; 1996-B64; 1992-B35).
In response to resolution 2012-B21, which specifically requested increased provincial funding and
staffing of the BC Conservation Service, the provincial government indicated that it would “maintain its
current level of service delivery through officers working in the larger geographic area, as well as
collaborative initiatives with other law enforcement agencies.”
(15) TITLE: Health Care Provider Crisis
SPONSOR: Lake Country
WHEREAS there is a severe shortage of general practitioners and family physicians in small British
Columbia communities causing an imminent health care provider crisis and the inevitable closure of
clinics. The current crisis jeopardizes the beneficial health outcomes of patients having a primary care
practitioner; eliminates the basic health care needs that every British Columbian has a right to; and
places an unfair burden on physicians trying to meet the demands;
AND WHEREAS the criteria used under the Rural Retention Program for ranking eligible communities
and determining incentive levels for physicians only considers remote and rural areas and does not
value unique circumstances in small urban communities which is a huge disadvantage for attracting new
physicians;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the criteria and classification system used under the rural
Retention Program be expanded to include incentives for physicians in smaller urban communities
facing an imminent health care provider crises.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution specifically requesting expansion of
the criteria and classification system used under the Rural Retention Program, to include incentives for
physicians in smaller urban communities.
(16) TITLE: Ownership of Abandoned Transportation Corridors
SPONSOR: RDNO
WHEREAS transportation corridors are vital to the transportation of goods and people throughout the
province;
AND WHEREAS some corridors are being abandoned, especially some rail corridors;
AND WHEREAS these abandoned transportation corridors can become vital and valuable corridors for
recreational uses such as hiking, cycling, skiing and snowshoeing;
AND WHEREAS these corridors should be open to all residents of BC;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government facilitate public acquisition and ownership
of abandoned transportation corridors;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the province work with UBCM to develop a funding mechanism – for
example, a province-wide parcel tax similar to the Municipal Finance Authority tax – to assist
governments or community groups to purchase and maintain abandoned transportation corridors for
public recreational use.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership endorsed resolution 2014-B117, which made the same requests of the
provincial government.
(17) TITLE: Residency Qualifications for Local Government Candidates
SPONSOR: Lake Country
WHEREAS the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and
Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia require candidates for local government elections to be
qualified electors of the jurisdiction in which they are running and British Columbia has no residency
requirements for local government elections;
AND WHEREAS residency requirements enhance the accountability of elected officials when making
decisions impacting the jurisdiction for which they are elected to represent;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Local Government Act be amended requiring that a person
be a qualified elector of the jurisdiction for at least 30 days prior to the date of nomination in order to
be eligible to be nominated as a candidate and elected to office.
SILGA Endorsement: No recommendation
While there is no requirement for a candidate to reside within the jurisdiction that they are seeking
their nomination, candidates must have been a resident of BC for at least 6 months prior to that
nomination.
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership considered but did not endorse resolution 2002-B32, which made the same
request of the provincial government: to amend section 66 of the Local Government Act to require a
candidate for local government elected office to be an eligible elector within the local government
jurisdiction for a least 30 days prior to the date of nomination.
(18) TITLE: Expand Options for Statutory Public Notification
SPONSOR: Kelowna
WHEREAS all local governments are obligated to provide public notification of certain issues it is
considering through posting in a public place, and publishing in a newspaper;
AND WHEREAS local governments are being called upon by their residents to engage and provide
information in a variety of new ways, and who also hold their local governments accountable for
improved transparency, accessibility, sustainability and strong fiscal management;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Provincial Government amend section 94 of the Community
Charter and Section 892 of the Local Government Act to expand the available legislated options for local
governments to provide public notice that may include not only public posting and publication in a
newspaper, but also local online news service, direct home delivery, email, internet or other electronic
means; and add a requirement that a local government must determine, by bylaw, their chosen
combination of options for public notice to ensure that all local governments maintain the integrity of
the public process, while also delivering on the engagement needs of their community and representing
the best financial value for all their residents.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership considered but did not endorse resolution 2011-B124, which requested
amendments the Local Government Act and the Community Charter to permit local governments to
determine, by bylaw, requirements for public notice for their communities.
UBCM also notes that members considered but did not endorse resolution 2007-B62, which requested
that the provincial government amend the Community Charter to permit a local government to
advertise in a “recognized local online news service” to satisfy the notice provisions of the Charter.
(19) TITLE: Local Government Elections - Internet Voting
SPONSOR: Osoyoos
WHEREAS Local Government Act Part 3, Division 9 – Voting Opportunities – does not allow the ability to
offer online voting to electors in local government elections;
AND WHEREAS this additional service provision would assist the general population, especially the
elderly, disabled, snowbirds, and those working in camp, to participate in the democratic process;
AND WHEREAS the Province of B. C. has the recommendations from the Independent Panel on Internet
Voting from the report produced in February, 2014;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM requests the Province of BC to initiate the policy analysis and
legislative changes required to implement online voting for the 2018 local government election.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
The UBCM membership endorsed a similar resolution, 2011-A2, which also requested the provincial
government to initiate policy analysis and legislative changes required to implement online voting for
the next local government election.
UBCM understands that as part of its Recommendations Report to the Legislative Assembly of British
Columbia released in February 2014, the Independent Panel on Internet Voting made four
recommendations:
1. Do not implement universal Internet voting for either local government or provincial
government elections at this time. However if Internet voting is implemented, it should be
limited to those voters with specific accessibility challenges. If Internet voting is implemented on
a limited basis, jurisdictions need to recognize that the risks to the accuracy of the voting results
remain substantial.
2. Take a province-wide coordinated approach to Internet voting.
3. Establish an independent technical committee to evaluate Internet voting systems and support
jurisdictions that wish to implement approved systems.
4. Evaluate any Internet voting system against the principles established by the panel.
(20)TITLE: Rural Business License
SPONSOR: RDOS
WHEREAS municipalities have the statutory authority under Section 8 (6) of the Community
Charter to enact “regulations in relation to business”;
WHEREAS this power to regulate business is not extended to Regional Districts, including the power to
develop a rural business license program;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Regional Districts be provided the same statutory authority as councils
to regulate businesses under the Community Charter.
SILGA Endorsement: Endorse
UBCM comments:
UBCM would observe that the option for regional districts to obtain the authority to regulate businesses
is already available under section 799 of the Local Government Act.
According to Local Government Act s. 799, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may enact regulations
regarding a specified regional district or a described class of regional districts, to achieve the following:
“(a) provide a power, including a power to regulate, prohibit and impose requirements;
(b) provide that a power conferred under paragraph (a) may be exercised only as a regulatory service;
(c) provide an exception to or a modification of a requirement or condition established by an
enactment;
(d) establish any terms and conditions the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers appropriate
regarding a power, modification or exception under this section;
(e) authorize a minister to establish any terms and conditions the minister considers appropriate
regarding a power, modification or exception under this section.”
As an example of authority conferred under s. 799 of the Local Government Act, the provincial
government has authorized the Central Okanagan Regional District to regulate businesses through a
Single Business License program. The Province suggests that any regional district or regional districts
interested in acquiring such authority should contact staff at the Ministry of Community, Sport and
Cultural Development.