The 193 member communities of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) will gather September 26 - 30 for its 108th Convention. With elections set for November across the province, the meeting comes as the final opportunity for current local government leaders to meet and discuss issues that broadly impact B.C. communities.
Formed in 1905 to provide a common voice for local government, the UBCM continues to follow that mandate today. Through its resolution sessions, the annual convention provides a platform for local government leaders to establish policy directions for UBCM’s activities over the coming year.
The 2011 convention theme of Rethink, Replace and Rejuvenate: The three New R’s, tackles changing demographics in B.C.’s communities. This year, more than 1,500 delegates will participate in nearly 50 workshops, clinics and forums. Topics to be considered include Creating Age-Friendly Communities, the Forest Economy, Government-First Nations Relations, RCMP contract negotiations, and the proposed Office of the Municipal Auditor General.
UBCM President Barbara Steele (Councillor, City of Surrey) will preside over the convention as her one-year term comes to an end. Highlighting the conference will be addresses by Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia; Adrian Dix, the Leader of the Official Opposition; and Berry Vrbanovic, the President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
-Union of BC Municipalities