Forging Gold Medal Standards will be the theme when BC’s local governments gather in Whistler in September
Forging Gold Medal Standards
“The 2010 UBCM Convention is set to take place in beautiful Whistler, BC. This is a place that is synonymous with high-level achievement. Now is the time to apply the 
momentum of these gold medal achievements to local governments success,” stated Harry Nyce, President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities in his President’s Message to delegates.
“The spirit of collaboration and newfound bonds that we have fostered in 2010 are undeniably valuable. But without action, we cannot move our communities forward. This year’s Convention will offer an opportunity to…. take our goals, and forge them into tangible outcomes….and continue to build gold medal standard communities.”
To Learn More:
To download a copy of the convention brochure, click on 2010 UBCM Annual Convention – “Forging Gold Medal Standards”.
Convening for Action in BC
The Monday pre-convention program includes a set of half-day study sessions that will speak to the theme of moving communities forward, and will equip local governments with new tools and fresh approaches to the challenges of local government leadership. Three of these sessions are described below.
The morning session is broadly environment, with water being a big part. On the matter of climate change, if mitigation is about CARBON, then adaptation is about WATER. The day is structured to emphasize the distinction.
Sustainability Planning & Practice
With local governments increasingly adopting integrated sustainability planning approaches, there is a greater need to develop and strengthen collaborative partnerships amongst all orders of government in environmental management.
Through presentations by federal, provincial and local government representatives, this session aims to foster critical discussion around best managment practices and innovative community programs, as well as explore the development of effective partnerships amongst all orders of government.
It will provide regulatory and policy updates, identify existing gaps in the management of environmental issues, and outline tools that local governments can use in decision-making processes in such areas as water stewardship, air quality, species at risk protection, and brownfield redevelopment.
This session will commence the formal rollout of Beyond the Guidebook 2010: Implementing a New Culture for Urban Watershed Protection and Restoration in British Columbia, released in June. To learn more about this ‘top down bottom up’ initiative, click here.
Tools, Resources & Funding for Local Governments
With the increasing challenge of accessing grant programs, this half-day session will provide opportunities for delegates to meet with representatives from agencies that provide tools, resources, funding or other support that help local governments to increase capacity and undertake local planning, projects and development.
Using a ‘market place’ format, delegates will be able to meet face-to-face with representatives of agencies that are of most benefit to their community and take away information and resources.
Green Communities
With over 178 local government signatories to the Climate Action Charter, local governments have demonstrated their commitment to reducing both their corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In support of these climate action goals, UBCM and the Province have undertaken actions to build the capacity of local governments to design and implement climate change initiatives.
This session will explore carbon neutral investments, such as carbon offsets, discuss carbon accounting, and showcase local government best practices, policies and programs in addressing climate change. This session will also provide updates on the joint UBCM-provincial SMARTTOOL corporate emissions pilot project as well as the local government carbon neutral workbook.
Posted September 2010