B.C. municipal leaders gather in Vancouver on eve of election campaign

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) annual convention is underway in Vancouver, bringing together mayors, councillors and regional district directors from across the province.

The convention is an opportunity for local government leaders to discuss issues affecting their communities, share best practices, and advocate for provincial and federal support.

This year's convention is taking place just weeks before the October 15th municipal elections. As a result, many of the discussions are focused on the challenges and opportunities facing local governments in the coming years.

One of the key issues on the agenda is the affordability crisis. Many B.C. communities are struggling with high housing costs, which are making it difficult for people to live and work in the province. Local government leaders are looking for ways to increase the supply of affordable housing and make it more accessible to people of all income levels.

Another major issue is climate change. B.C. is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including more frequent and severe wildfires, floods, and droughts. Local governments are working to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The UBCM convention is an important opportunity for local government leaders to come together and discuss these and other issues. The convention also provides an opportunity for local governments to advocate for provincial and federal support. Local governments are responsible for delivering many essential services, but they often lack the resources to meet the needs of their communities.

The UBCM is calling on the provincial and federal governments to provide more funding for local governments. The UBCM is also calling for changes to provincial and federal policies that make it difficult for local governments to address the challenges facing their communities.