The primary function of AVICC is as an advocacy organization for our members specifically targeting advocacy for the unique needs of our coastal region. The 2024 UBCM Convention was an opportunity for us to connect with our members, and to advocate on their behalf to upper levels of government. It was a pleasure to connect with many of you, and on behalf of the AVICC Executive, we applaud your commitment and efforts to advocate in the best interests of your communities.
2024 AVICC LUNCHEON AT UBCM – Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure
AVICC hosted our annual luncheon at UBCM, with the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Hon. Rob Fleming conducting a Q & A with President Geselbracht on Vancouver Island and Coastal transportation Issues, such as safer roads and Active Transportation Plans in rural and remote communities, transit expansion, and the future of the Island Rail Corridor. Minister Fleming is not running in the next Provincial election, and we took the opportunity to thank him for his years of service in our communities. Thank you to all who attended!
MINISTRY OF WATER, LANDS and RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP – Watershed Security and Land Conservation on Vancouver Island
Also at UBCM, the AVICC Executive requested and organized a meeting with the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Hon. Nathan Cullen to convey three regional resolutions relating to watershed security and land conservation, endorsed in 2023 and 2024:
- 2024-R2: Conservation of Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region – City of Parksville
- 2023-R3: Watershed Security Strategy and Fund – Village of Cumberland; and
- 2023-R4: E&N Land Grant Biodiversity and Restoration – Regional District of Nanaimo
The meeting, attended by representatives of all three resolution sponsors, focused on crucial topics related to conservation efforts in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR), within the E & N Land, and other watershed security and land conservation initiatives on Vancouver Island, highlighting the Province’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable land management practices. AVICC members in attendance reminded the Minister of the unique biodiversity of the region, and also that much of the lands on the Island are privately owned – making land purchase more expensive than in other areas of the Province.
Minister Cullen reiterated the Province’s dedication to conserving 30% of lands by 2030, with a substantial budget allocated towards this goal, including the BC Conservation Fund and the $100 million Watershed Security Fund. Discussions emphasized the urgency of identifying and protecting critical lands to safeguard safe drinking water for all residents and conserve biodiversity, particularly in regions impacted by the E & N Land Grant with unique land ownership contexts. Investments in conservation efforts, including the BC Conservation Fund and the Watershed Security Fund, were identified as essential tools to support environmental protection initiatives. The revision of the Private Managed Forests Land Act (last updated in 2003) was discussed as a key step towards enhancing land conservation practices and safeguarding biodiversity in the region. Recommendations were made to engage with industry stakeholders and seek partnerships with First Nations to explore opportunities for strategic land acquisitions.
RESOURCES
- BC Conservation Fund:
- Watershed Security Fund:
- BC’s Draft Biodiversity & Ecosystem Health Framework
- Nature Trust BC:
MINISTRY OF HOUSING MEETING – Secondary Suite Incentive Program Expansion
AVICC Electoral Area Representative, Donna McMahon attended a meeting with Ministry of Housing Staff to support members from the qathet RD (qRD), alongside members from Daajing Giids, and the North Coast Regional District, regarding an issue consistent with AVICC endorsed Resolution 2024-R12 calling for the expansion of the Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP). The Electoral Area residents of the qRD and other areas in the Province are not eligible for the SSIP because the impacted communities do not have building permitting services – the concern is that the Province does not wish to distribute grants to build secondary suites that may not be built to the BC Building Code. A recommendation was made suggesting that the Ministry of Housing can adjust their SSIP requirements for areas that are not currently eligible, so that a Licensed Residential Builder can submit the application to the Ministry of Housing for the SSIP. The Ministry could rely on the certified professional to ensure code compliance and province-wide eligibility for the SSIP. Although Ministry Staff could not commit to anything at the meeting, there were no potential barriers identified with the proposed solution.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE MEETING – BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax
The NCRD, having joined AVICC membership fairly recently, was thrilled to be supported by the AVICC Executive and membership on the endorsement and advocacy for Resolution 2024-R36 – BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax. Not only was the Resolution supported by membership, but members of the AVICC Executive, Past President Penny Cote and EA Representative Donna McMahon were able to attend the NCRD’s meeting with Minister of Finance, Hon. Katrine Conroy to lend support to its advocacy efforts. Minister Conroy ensured the NCRD that this issue would continue to be raised with the next Minister responsible for this file.