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President’s Message: Area Associations Identify Emerging Themes

May 21, 2014

Having completed the 2014 Area Association
circuit, I am struck by the beauty of our province and the energy of those
involved as either elected officials or staff at the Local Government level.
Each region of the province is working hard to support economic development
while maintaining focus on the social, environmental and public safety needs of
our communities.

This balance of concerns can be seen in the issues
that received multiple resolutions from the 2014 Area Association meetings. When I attended NCLGA in Fort St. John,
I was amazed to see the development that is already underway in the ramp up for
LNG. A number of resolutions that
will come forward to the 2014 UBCM Convention highlight the needs of communities
as they prepare for LNG development.
Resolutions brought forward on BC Ferries cuts
draw attention to the need for further assessment of the economic impact of
these decisions on local communities.
Several resolutions related to the Agricultural Land Reserve reflect
concerns within the agricultural sector. The developing industry for medical marijuana, and the
need to revisit the assessment of these industrial properties, was also a topic
of several resolutions.

In the area of public safety, the transport of
hazardous materials, projected cuts to BC Ambulance service and sprinkler
protection in the building code solicited multiple resolutions. Concern for environmental
sustainability, and the need to balance economic concerns with safeguarding the
environment continues to be significant resolutions theme. Strengthening community social support
also featured in several resolutions calling a renewed social policy framework.

While there are many similarities in the
opportunities and challenges facing communities throughout the province, I do
not want to underplay the differences.
In some cases communities can barely keep pace with the growth that is
underway, while others cope with declining industries and populations. In both cases, local government leaders
are engaged and working with an eye to the long-term interests of their
communities.

I appreciated the opportunity to provide an
update at every Area Association meeting on UBCM's key advocacy priorities. As we move towards Convention in
September, we are seeking a commitment from the province for a joint committee
to move forward on the Strong Fiscal
Futures report. The renewal of
infrastructure programs also remains a high priority. The program delivery
model and other details for the renewed Gas Tax Agreement will be announced
very soon.

To all of the host communities and association
presidents, staff, community volunteers and tourism industry professionals that
made each annual meeting a success - thank you again for your wonderful
hospitality.