Download the 2010 Endorsed Resolutions and Proposed Action Plan

A number of session presenters used Power Points.  The handouts for these presentations are available for download:

• Elections Task Force Update
• BC Hydro New Energy Technologies
• BC Ferries Update
• Municipal Insurance Association Claims Trends
• UBCM Resolutions Process Review Update
• HST and the Impact on Local Governments and Their Communities
• Carbon Neutral Local Government
• Comox Valley’s Agricultural Strategy and How It Was Implemented
• Conserving Natural Areas for Climate and Community Health

Download the UBCM discussion paper titled UBCM Resolutions Process: Discussion on Scope & Options This discussion paper was the basis of the Resolution Process Update Workshop.

WHEREAS municipalities lack the legislative tools to adequately deal with certain types of problem properties and the collection of outstanding municipal fines:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of British Columbia amend the Community Charter to provide local governments other methods of collecting outstanding Municipal Ticket Information (MTI) tickets including legislative changes.

Convention Decision: Endorsed as Amended

Provincial Response: MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Property taxes and unpaid fees or charges are directly related to the cost of services provided by a municipality.  Property taxes are not intended to be punitive in nature and as such are not a suitable method for collecting unpaid Municipal Ticket Information fines.

Municipalities currently have the ability to collect unpaid fines through either a collection agency or small claims court.  These methods are common to local governments across Canada and have proven to be effective.

B2 COMMUNITY JUSTICE Nanaimo RD

WHEREAS in response to requests for more police presence in our communities, local governments are frequently told that case preparation and court time for minor offences reduce the time available;

AND WHEREAS local governments are called on increasingly to provide funding for victim services and restorative justice programs which help reduce the case management and court attendance time for police staff;

AND WHEREAS despite these efforts by communities the court system requires increasing attendance by police staff:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government find more efficient and effective ways to address delays in the court system in order to reduce the administration impact on police services and thereby improve overall police services to our communities.

Convention Decision: Endorsed

Provincial Response: MINISTRY OF ATTORNEY GENERAL & MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY & SOLICITOR GENERAL

All provincial justice agencies and branches are working collaboratively to develop initiatives to make the criminal justice system more efficient and effective. To inform this process, we have commissioned a review of best practices by the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform. At this time, we are examining what practical pilot projects could be launched to test new approaches to improve the delivery of justice services in British Columbia. In the next year we will focus on addressing priority issues without financial resource impacts.

We are also engaged with the federal government and other Canadian jurisdictions at the Federal / Provincial / Territorial table to identify and implement reforms that will improve justice system efficiencies, including delays in the courts.

At the same time, we are piloting several initiatives that are testing new models for improved justice efficiency and effectiveness, including the Downtown Community Court in Vancouver, the Prolific Offender Management project in six BC communities and the Bail Reform Project in the Peace and Fraser regions. Lessons learned from these initiatives will be evaluated and those elements that work best may be implemented elsewhere in the province.

B19 ENABLING LEGISLATION TO ALLOW MUNICIPALITIES TO CREATE BLANKET SPEED ZONES  Central Saanich

WHEREAS the speed limit in municipalities in British Columbia is 50 km/hr unless otherwise posted, with no differentiation made between major municipal roads, arterial roads and local residential streets;

AND WHEREAS issues relating to vehicular speeding, pedestrian safety and traffic calming have become matters of significant and growing concern in many communities throughout the province, with municipal councils being requested to take substantive and potentially costly action to reduce speed limits on individual residential streets, institute lower “blanket” speed limits across residential neighbourhoods and/or throughout the municipality, and generally implement other pedestrian safety, speed control, public awareness and enforcement initiatives as deemed necessary to address the problems:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities reiterate its previous request to the Minister of Transportation that the necessary amendments be made to the Motor Vehicle Act to allow municipalities to implement blanket speed zones in residential areas, and on other municipal roadways as deemed appropriate.

Convention Decision: Endorsed

Provincial Response: MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

Within a municipality, the Motor Vehicle Act establishes a default speed limit of 50 km/h.  To vary this speed limit, the municipality must pass a bylaw and post signs on all affected streets so that a motorist can reasonably be expected to know the applicable speed limit.

For several years, various municipalities and UBCM have requested an amendment to the Act to provide authority to municipalities to establish, by bylaw, blanket speed zones that would apply to defined areas within a municipality.  Under this scheme, speed limit signs would be placed at entrances to the defined areas where the posted speed limit was different than 50 km/h.  For example, Vancouver wants to implement 40 km/h blanket speed zones in many residential areas as a means to better accommodate active transportation and improve pedestrian safety.  Vancouver is currently consulting with stakeholders, including other municipalities in the Lower Mainland, TransLink, and the BC Association of Chiefs of Police in respect of this concept.

Within a municipality or with many roads across adjacent municipalities providing access to a defined area, the possibility of a motorist not being aware of the applicable speed limit is an issue.  Criminal Justice Branch is concerned that the use of blanket speed zones in an urban environment may result in (1) a patchwork of speed limits, and (2) challenges to speeding tickets on the basis that motorists cannot reasonably know the applicable speed limits established by bylaws and posted only at entrances to defined areas.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure advises that UBCM and municipal proponents of blanket speed zones need to develop a solid case for the requested amendment, one that addresses the issues of enforcement. The Ministry is looking forward to the results of Vancouver’s stakeholder consultations regarding the use of blanket speed zones in the Lower Mainland.

B41 REGULATION OF NUISANCES ON PRIVATE MANAGED FOREST LAND  Sunshine Coast RD

WHEREAS local governments lack the authority to regulate nuisances such as noise on private managed forest lands;

AND WHEREAS local governments are the first point of contact for residents impacted by nuisances on private managed forest land within the urban interface:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the provincial government and the Private Managed Forest Land Council to provide local government the authority to regulate nuisances such as noise on private managed forest lands within the urban interface.

Convention Decision: Endorsed

Provincial Response: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & LANDS

Section 21 of the Private Managed Forest Land Act (PMFLA) constrains local governments from adopting a bylaw or issuing a permit that would have the effect of directly or indirectly restricting forest management activity. Private forest operators must adhere to local bylaws that came into force prior to land entering the managed forest program.

Forestry activities may potentially involve noisy equipment and machinery. Land owners may need to run the machinery long hours over limited days of duration in order to keep operations financially viable. Requiring private managed forest land owners to adhere to noise bylaws could significantly affect the economics of forestry activities.

Many of British Columbia’s private forest lands have been used for forestry for a very long time. It is important to recognize and respect this historic use of land, particularly as residential areas expand into proximity with lands used for industrial purposes. At the same time, it is important for owners of private managed forest land to be sensitive to community concerns about noise, and accommodate such concerns where feasible.

Other Response: PRIVATE MANAGED FOREST LAND COUNCIL

The Private Managed Forest Land Act (the Act) establishes forest management objectives for water quality, fish habitat, soil conservation, critical wildlife habitat, and reforestation on private managed forest land. Under the Act, the Council is empowered to make regulations respecting each of these forest management objectives except for critical wildlife habitat. The Council is not permitted to make regulations for matters not specifically set out in the Act. Accordingly the Council does not have any jurisdiction respecting the regulation of noise related issues on private managed forest land.

The Council understands that noise issues related to timber harvesting periodically occur on private managed forest land. When the Council has become aware of specific complaints respecting noise or other matters not within our jurisdiction, we have encouraged the complainant to contact the owner directly. We also encourage owners to discuss these types of issues with the complainant and to make best efforts to find a solution that is workable for each of the parties.

B42 COMPENSATION FOR LARGE SCALE MINING ACTIVITIES Sechelt

WHEREAS large scale mining activities on crown land have a negative effect on neighbouring local governments in that they decrease property values and impact overall quality of life of residents;

AND WHEREAS the Crown receives royalties from these mining activities:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of BC be requested to put in place a mechanism that would allow local government to receive financial compensation.

Convention Decision: Endorsed

Provincial Response: MINISTRY OF ENERGY, MINES & PETROLEUM RESOURCES

Mining creates over 10,000 direct jobs with an average annual wage of $112,000. In 2008, more than 28,000 people were employed in the minerals economy in over 50 BC communities.

Mining also contributes to local economies with: business opportunities, economic diversification, infrastructure development and skills development opportunities for local residents and First Nations peoples. Since 2005, the Province has contributed nearly $5 million in funding for mining education and skills training for individuals in rural and First Nations communities.

The British Columbia Mining Plan has continued to provide guidance to the mining industry by focusing on inclusiveness and supporting benefits such as employment and business opportunities for local communities. The mining approval processes (both Environmental Assessment and Mine Permitting) include opportunities for local communities to ensure appropriate mitigation of social and environmental impacts, protection of health and safety and enhancement of local benefits. Taxes and royalties paid by the mining industry go to provide health and education needs in every community in BC. Taxes and direct expenditures by the mining industry support infrastructure development such as roads, community centres and local sponsorships. Hundreds of mining supply businesses in local communities around the Province are sustained by mines.

B45 RESTORATION OF BC HYDRO MANDATE Highlands

WHEREAS the BC Energy Plan limits the mandate for BC Hydro to grow public green power assets and BC Hydro is instead directed to buy power from private power utilities;

AND WHEREAS there has not been a meaningful public debate on the Energy Plan or on the environmental, social and economic costs and benefits of different green power sources (such as run of river):

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that BC Hydro have its mandate restored to look for opportunities to develop sustainable alternative energy sources.

Convention Decision: Endorsed

Provincial Response: MINISTRY OF ENERGY, MINES & PETROLEUM RESOURCES

The BC Energy Plan clearly states government’s commitment to public ownership of BC Hydro and its assets, while broadening the supply of available energy. BC Hydro is investing more than $3.6 billion over the next two years to upgrade its dams and other public power infrastructure. The BC Energy Plan focuses on innovative, sustainable energy solutions for British Columbia.

Clean, renewable electricity accounts for over 90 per cent of total generation, and combined with aggressive conservation targets, places our province among the top jurisdictions in the world. A typical clean, renewable power project will require more than 50 permits, licences, approvals and reviews from 14 regulatory bodies, including federal and provincial agencies, local governments and First Nations. Clean, renewable power projects are just one part of B.C.’s energy mix.

The long-term transmission inquiry being conducted by the BC Utilities Commission is a public process and will identify areas in the province with high levels of clean and renewable generation potential, taking into account areas that may be inappropriate for development, and the most efficient transmission infrastructure to deliver that electricity to customers. The recent decision by BCUC does not shut the door on clean and renewable power projects. In fact, just a few weeks ago BCUC accepted electricity purchase agreements with four biomass projects.

Other Response: BC HYDRO

BC Hydro is the largest utility in British Columbia, operating 31 hydroelectric facilities and three thermal generating plants across the province. As a provincial Crown corporation, we receive guidance from the Province, our Shareholder, through several policy instruments, including a Shareholder’s Letter of Expectation and The BC Energy Plan: A Vision for Clean Energy Leadership.

The BC Energy Plan directs BC Hydro to look to all forms of clean and renewable energy options as well as demand side management measures to meet the future energy needs of British Columbians.

Included among these initiatives is a goal for BC Hydro to acquire 50 per cent of incremental resource needs through energy conservation and efficiency by 2020, while at the same time requiring that:

• All new electricity projects developed in BC will have zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
• Existing thermal generation power plants will reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2016.
• Clean or renewable electricity generation will continue to account for at least 90 per cent of total generation, placing the province’s standard among the top jurisdictions in the world.

The Energy Plan also commits that British Columbia will be electricity self-sufficient by 2016. To achieve this goal, BC Hydro has commenced a multi-billion dollar capital investment program to upgrade our heritage assets, launched a world leading demand side management program, acquired additional clean and renewable power from Independent Power Producers and is investigating a potential new generation site (Site C) on the Peace River.

All of the initiatives mentioned previously are being undertaken with an underlying goal of providing British Columbians with the benefits of clean, low-cost, reliable power for generations to come.

B66 SAFER COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBOURHOODS Courtenay

WHEREAS municipalities lack the legislative tools to adequately deal with certain types of problem properties:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of British Columbia work with UBCM to create or improve existing legislation in order to address the public disorder and neighbourhood deterioration caused by illicit drug houses, problem addresses, businesses and the issues associated with them.

Convention Decision: Endorsed as Amended

Provincial Response: MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL

Drug houses and the problems associated with them are a concern in many communities in British Columbia.

The Government has been examining ways to support local residents in their efforts to increase the security of their neighbourhoods. This includes looking to other jurisdictions and their responses to disruptive drug, party and crack houses, including the introduction of legislation to empower communities to address the problems associated with these properties.

There are a number of communities that have utilized provisions existing under the Community Charter to enact nuisance bylaws where public health and safety risks related to drug or party houses are an issue. These Controlled Substance Property bylaws, including those in Surrey, Port Coquitlam and the Town of Gibsons, can serve as a model for other municipalities experiencing similar problems with these houses.

Other existing supports for communities include information developed by the Criminal Justice Reform Secretariat. The Crime Prevention Guide (www.criminaljusticereform.gov.bc.ca) offers guidance to assist communities in responding safety concerns in their neighbourhoods.

B89 AGRICULTURE FUNDING Highlands

WHEREAS British Columbia spends 3.3% of the provincial budget to support agriculture compared to the national average of 16.4%;

AND WHEREAS the Agricultural Land Commission provides strong protection for farmlands but exclusions from populated areas mitigated by inclusions from lesser populated areas remove food production from population bases:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government increase financial support for agriculture consistent with the national average and cease approving any further Agricultural Land Reserve exclusions.

Convention Decision: Endorsed

Provincial Response: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LANDS, AGRICULTURE LAND COMMISSION

Agriculture in B.C. is very different from agriculture in other provinces such as Saskatchewan. Government support and program payments depend not only on crop/commodity differences, but weather events and disease outbreaks, as well as market challenges and market opportunities.

B.C. is unlike most other provinces in that a high proportion of agriculture is in supply managed sectors. These sectors typically do not receive direct government expenditures except in unusual circumstances, such as Avian Influenza.

The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a provincial land use zone in favour of agriculture administered by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC). The ALR is primarily intended to preserve BC’s limited agricultural land base and to provide land use certainty to encourage agricultural businesses. The purposes of the ALC are to preserve agricultural land, to encourage farming and to work with local governments and First Nations at a planning level to enable and accommodate farm use of agricultural land.

The ALC recognizes that the ALR should be based on agricultural land capability and suitability for a diverse range of agricultural products. The ALC works closely with local governments to encourage farming on agricultural land as well as in reviewing official community plans, bylaws and other planning documents. On occasion these reviews may prompt a review of the ALR boundaries. In addition, the ALC believes it would be a useful exercise to work with local governments in reviewing the ALR boundaries in certain areas of the province to ensure the boundaries reflect lands that are both capable and suitable for agriculture. Based on the findings of applications the ALC has a particular interest in working with several communities in the northern and eastern parts of the province.

B90 COSTS OF RESPONDING TO PROVINCIAL REFERRALS  Sunshine Coast RD

WHEREAS local governments expend significant staff resources in order to respond to referrals and requests for comments related to applications within their boundaries from various provincial ministries related to forest fertilization, mining, logging, foreshore leases, licenses of occupation, water licenses, etc.;

AND WHEREAS local governments face an ongoing struggle to balance budgets and respond to workload issues:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities lobby the provincial government to provide funding to offset the costs of responding to the large number of referrals.

Convention Decision: Endorsed

Provincial Response: INTEGRATED LAND MANAGEMENT BUREAU

All levels of government are experiencing similar resourcing challenges, particularly in urban areas. The Integrated Land Management Bureau (ILMB), like all natural resource agencies, lacks the resources to provide funding to local governments. Through programs like FrontCounter BC, the Resource Management Coordination Project, and Natural Resource Authorization Coordination, ILMB strives to streamline applications to reduce the financial burden associated with processing referrals for all parties.

There may be additional opportunities to reduce costs by developing common sources of information and data. Federal-provincial databases have been used in the past for coordinating referrals in the lower mainland. Broadening these systems to provide access to local governments could be mutually beneficial.

Any endorsed resolutions below have been conveyed to the relevant provincial or federal government department, or other organizations as appropriate. Sponsors will be notified of responses as they are received, and responses will be posted on the UBCM website.

B98 ELECTED OFFICIALS AS VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS Sayward

WHEREAS volunteer firefighters are essential for providing adequate emergency fire response services in many small / rural communities, and there is great difficulty in finding and retaining volunteer firefighters in these communities;

AND WHEREAS volunteer firefighters are deemed to be employees for election purposes requiring them to take a leave of absence to be nominated for elected office and then to resign from being a volunteer firefighter to hold office:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request the provincial government to amend the Local Government Act, Division 5, Section 67 to exempt volunteer firefighters from being designated as employees for election purposes.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Referred to Elections Task Force

B100 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION DATE Campbell River

WHEREAS local government elections are held every three years on the third Saturday of November and the first regular council meeting following a general local election must occur within the first ten days of December;

AND WHEREAS the current November general local election date does not permit sufficient time for newly elected councils and regional boards to complete orientation sessions, attend the Union of BC Municipalities Local Government Leadership Academy training sessions, conduct strategic planning or sufficient time for financial planning for the following year; and considering the majority of Canadian provinces conduct local government election in the month of October:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government amend the Local Government Act to move the local government election date from the third Saturday in November to the third Saturday in October.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Not Endorsed

B107 NEED FOR INTEGRATED SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PLANNING PROCESS  Strathcona RD

WHEREAS British Columbia is recognized as a significant potential provider of clean and renewable energy production and private energy developers may have a role in mitigating the effects of climate change due to fossil fuel use by generating clean power through access to and use of public resources including navigable waters, rivers, forest lands and associated roads;

AND WHEREAS without a comprehensive planning process, these resources may be developed in an inappropriate manner that fails to recognize potential significant adverse environmental, economic and social impacts:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request the government of British Columbia to immediately enact a province wide integrated sustainable energy planning process to determine the need for the best technology to be used and any new siting of sustainable energy production.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Endorsed

B111 CLIMATE ACTION SERVICES  View Royal

WHEREAS signatories to the Climate Action Charter are committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but do not necessarily have the resources to monitor opportunities and develop initiatives;

AND WHEREAS the Province and the Union of BC Municipalities are committed to supporting local governments in pursuing these goals, including developing options and actions for local governments to be carbon neutral in respect of their operations by 2012:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province establish a service for the purpose of advising local governments on matters related to carbon tax, quotas, and opportunities for carbon tax credit rebates and other allied matters.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Endorsed as Amended

B136 COMMUNITY WATERSHEDS  Port Alberni

WHEREAS dramatic changes in land use and property ownership are impacting private lands within the watersheds of our municipal water sources;

WHEREAS the provincial health authorities are increasing the requirements for clean water in municipal water systems and water quality is more difficult to manage on account of poor land use practices and changing ownership of land within our watersheds:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request the provincial government to develop, implement and fund a strategy whereby the appropriate mix of land use regulation and local ownership of community watersheds be applied for the security of our precious municipal water sources.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Referred to April 2010 Executive Meeting

B137 INDEPENDENT POWER PROJECTS Tofino

WHEREAS the public power strategy of creating a crown corporation (BC Hydro) which for over forty years produced great dividends for the people of BC, providing a secure, long-term supply of power as well as surplus electricity for export;

AND WHEREAS over 600 water license and land tenure applications have been submitted to the Integrated Land Management Bureau for river diversion projects on creeks and rivers across BC, with a typical project requiring river diversion, dams, logging, powerhouses, and many kilometres of roads and transmission lines, with no requirement for environmental assessment process for projects under 50 megawatts;

AND WHEREAS proposed run-of-the-river power projects do not take into consideration the various social, economic, recreational and environmental impacts that the construction and operation of a facility may have on the neighbouring areas and the region at large, and where each project is considered independently, not assessing the cumulative impact of multiple projects on the landscape;

AND WHEREAS the Union of BC Indian Chiefs has called for a moratorium on private hydro development until there is assurance of “transparent” consultation with First Nations and a review of the terms of existing water licenses:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province take a leadership role when granting environmental permits and land tenures within British Columbia relating to the development of independent power projects by:

• Developing, in consultation with local governments, First Nations, industry, the public and regulatory stakeholders, clear and measurable criteria by which to evaluate independent power production projects against community social, land use and environmental values and an agreed upon “green energy” standard for both the generation and power line components of the projects;
• Establishing standards for transmission line development that require optimization of existing power lines infrastructure and shared use of lines as a condition of right-of-way agreements and provide regulatory authority to require shared use as a condition of licensing and recognizing and protecting scenic value zones in areas of high tourism activity;
• Establishing an independent monitoring function to ensure accountability and enforcement of conditions and standards applied to independent power production projects.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Endorsed as Amended

B139 AGRICULTURAL LAND USE CRITERIA Metchosin

WHEREAS the BC Assessment proposal to remove lands not actively used for agriculture (such as rock, wetlands, natural buffers, woodlots and streams) from a class 9 agriculture rating to a residential class will increase assessed values and subsequently property taxes on many small farms;

AND WHEREAS the preservation of such non-productive lands is often critically important for continued agricultural potential (e.g. maintaining organic certification, farm water supply, preservation of buffers, seasonal livestock grazing, location of farm residence and buildings and other agricultural requirements and services) of small farms;

AND WHEREAS initial experience with reassessment of small lot agriculture has revealed (a) criteria which do not take account of the characteristics of small farms, and (b) inconsistent, inaccurate, arbitrary and subjective application of those criteria, raising serious questions of equity and fairness;

AND WHEREAS the BC Assessment proposal will have the effect of rendering many small farms uneconomic, forcing many farmers to stop producing at a time when society generally and Vancouver Island population are demanding a sustainable local food production capability:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM notify BC Assessment of its objection to BC Assessment’s farm assessment policy criteria;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that BC Assessment employ personnel with experience and knowledge of agriculture to apply those criteria in practice.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: No Action Required

B141 PRIVATE MOORAGE WHARF TENURE Strathcona RD

WHEREAS the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is reviewing its policy pertaining to the tenuring of private moorage wharves, and is considering the granting of ‘specific permission’ tenures at no rental cost:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM communicate to the Minister of Agriculture and Lands its desire to continue receiving referrals on applications for private moorage wharves;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Minister be requested to ensure that any new tenure for private moorage wharves be limited to a maximum five-year term, with any renewal of permission considered through a review that includes a referral to the regional district.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Endorsed

B148 INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE PROGRAM Port Alice

WHEREAS there is a critical shortage of physicians in British Columbia, particularly affecting rural and remote BC;

AND WHEREAS Canadian medical students who have been forced to study abroad and now wish to return to Canada are facing huge barriers due to a medical training model that is over one hundred years old:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Health review and correct the obstacles in the existing medical training model that are preventing Canadians, trained as doctors in other Commonwealth countries or the U.S. from returning to Canada to practice;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Ministry of Health review and correct the obstacles in the current International Medical Graduate (IMG) Program that also prohibits Canadians trained as doctors in other Commonwealth countries or the U.S. from returning to Canada to practice.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Endorsed

B156 A MINOR ROUTES STRATEGY FOR COASTAL FERRY SERVICE  Islands Trust

WHEREAS the transportation services provided by BC Ferries on minor routes along the south coast are as essential for ferry dependent communities as the provincial road network is for other communities, and are an integral element of provincial tourism goals, yet have been subject to fare increases of as much as 120% over the last five years;

AND WHEREAS the British Columbia Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs have, through extensive research and analysis, proposed a minor routes strategy that supports the sustainability of island economies and the coastal ferry service:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure work with coastal communities and BC Ferries to develop a strategy for the minor southern coastal ferry routes, as proposed by the Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Endorsed

B166 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INSTALLATIONS   AVICC

WHEREAS government at all levels should be encouraging the use of “green” methods of energy generation:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government of British Columbia provide incentives to encourage new construction to be pre-plumbed and pre-wired for future solar panels or other alternative energy installations.

Convention Decision: Not Considered – Automatic Referral to Executive

Executive Decision: Endorsed

April 9, 10 and 11, 2010

Powell River, BC

Resolutions and Nominations

The Resolutions Notice and Request for Submissions and Call for Nominations went out to local governments on November 27, 2009. The deadline for both Resolutions and Nominations is February 26, 2010. To download a Nomination Form.

Program and Registration

Program and registration information was distributed to all members by February 8, 2010 through an email blast to local government members’ general email box with a copy by regular mail to your local government office.  Download a copy of the Delegate Registration Form or Cabinet Ministers, MLA’s and MP’s Registration Form or Sponsor Registration Form and the 2010 AGM & Convention Brochure.

Other key documents available include:

• 2010 Long (Detailed) Program
• 2010 AVICC Pre-Convention Newsletter
• 2010 Annual Report and Resolutions Book

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, registration fees have been maintained at the 2009 rates:

Brief Program Overview

Friday, April 9, 2010

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Friday Morning Pre-conference Sessions

Two Pre-Conference Sessions are planned.

9-11:00 am – Where Have All The Buffalo Gone? Graham Bruce, Executive Director and Mary Ashley, AVICC Life Member and Co-chair of the Island Corridor Foundation will be co-presenting to provide an overview of the various activities and initiatives being pursued under the auspices of the Foundation.

11:00 – noon – Elections Task Force Update

Accommodations

Accommodations have been block booked at a number of locations in Powell River.  To download a Hotel/Motel Accommodations List.  As of a mid-December check, it appears that most of the hotels/motels have been fully booked (Westview Centre Hotel still had some rooms); however, there are a wide range of bed and breakfasts and cabins available.  To download a Bed and Breakfast List.  Some may also wish to consider using the Municipal Campground,  4845 Marine Avenue – Telephone:
604-485-2242.

Locations of Convention Events and Activities

• Welcome Reception – Recreation Centre, 5001 Joyce Avenue
• Business Meetings and Mini Marketplace – Recreation Centre, 5001 Joyce Avenue
• Delegates Lunch – Town Centre Hotel, 4660 Joyce Avenue
• Annual Banquet – Dwight Hall, 6274 Walnut Street

Opportunities for Partners

The Powell River Local Organizing Committee are in the process of finalizing a couple of terrific opportunities for partners.  They include a Cruise of Thulin Passage and Desolation Sound and a Narrated Heritage Tour of Powell River and Tea, including tours of the most significant heritage buildings.  For a more detailed description, download Partners Information Brochure and are registered using the Delegate Registration Form.

Mini Marketplace/Trade Show

Approximately 16 exhibitor/information tables are available on a first-come, first serve basis to organizations and businesses who may wish to make contacts with AVICC members.  The cost is $1,000 + 5% GST.  To download a Mini Marketplace Booth Application Form.

Annual Banquet and Welcome Reception

Two networking and social highlights of the 2010 AGM & Convention will be the Friday evening Welcome Reception and the Saturday evening Annual Banquet.  The Sliammon First Nations dancers have been invited to perform at the Welcome Reception.  Saturday evening, the Powell River local organizing committee in collaboration with Don James, founder and artistic director of the Powell River Academy of Music have arranged an amazing variety of local talent including jazz musician, Walter Martella, soprano Megan Skidmore and pianist Maryna Gray; the Academy Chamber Choir performing Broadway Tunes and the Powell River Trad Band (who are preparing for their Scotland Tour) performing upbeat Celtic music. To download the Performer Biographical Information.  For those who like to dance, the evening will continue until approximately 11:30 p.m. with taped music.

Sunday Afternoon Golf Anyone?

For those that can stay and catch a later ferry, the local organizing committee will host a golf tournament. For details and registration information, download Sunday Golf Tourney.

The Local Hosts and Organizing Committee

Hosts for the 2010 AVICC AGM & Convention are the City of Powell River, the Powell River Regional District and the Sliammon First Nation.  The City of Powell River has taken the primary role of the local host.  Special thanks to Mayor Alsgard and the local planning committee led by Lori Blackman for their enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile!

Sponsors

The AVICC AGM & Convention benefits from the significant contributions of our sponsors–some who have been sponsoring this event for many years.  The following are this year’s list of committee sponsors:

• Terasen Gas (Keynote Speaker and Delegate Luncheon)
• BC Hydro (Delegate Kits)
• Association of Mining Exploration BC/Mining Association of BC (Co-sponsors of the Annual Banquet)
• BC Lottery Corporation (Annual Banquet Entertainment)
• Vancouver Island University (Welcome Reception)
• BC Ferries (Pre-Conference Session, Friday Refreshment Break/Grand Prize Award)
• Municipal Insurance Association (Sunday Morning Hot Breakfast)
• Myers Norris Penny (Annual Banquet Wine)
• Powell River Regional District (Pre-Banquet Reception)
• BC Transmission Corporation (Saturday Morning Continental Breakfast)
• Private Forest Landowners, Timberwest and Islands Timberland (Saturday Morning Refreshment Break)
• ICBC (Bus Transportation/Shuttle Service)
• Shaw Communications (Internet Services)
• Staples McDannold Stewart (Services of Parliamentarian)

New sponsors are always welcome. Please email Iris Hesketh-Boles or telephone at 250-356-5122 for more information.

For more information on any aspect of the AGM/Convention, contact:

2010-11

• April 8, 2010
• April 11, 2010
• April 23, 2010 (Teleconference)
• June 11, 2010 (Draft)

2009-10

• April 5, 2009
• April 17, 2009 (Teleconference)
• June 26, 2009
• September 11, 2009 (Teleconference)
• October 29, 2009
• January 29, 2010

• 2009 Newsletter
• 2008 Newsletter
• 2007 Newsletter
• 2006 Newsletter
• 2005 Newsletter
• 2004 Newsletter