Vancouver/Fraser Valley (with files from the Province) – B.C.’s municipal politicians will push their strategic advantage at a convention this week that coincides with a tight three-way federal election race.
In Vancouver this week, though, the convention’s annual wish list should enjoy increased political attention and leverage.
Chilliwack and Abbotsford will have homelessness and economic development during a “recession” as part of their top of mind topics as well as the usual crime and transportation. Abby Mayor Henry Braun and Chilliwack Mayor and former UBCM Chair Sharon Gaetz will have their delegations in tow.
A resolution calls for Victoria to directly allocate 60 per cent of the infrastructure fund to local governments.
A number of resolutions call for urgent attention from senior governments on housing affordability.
Vancouver and Port Moody are among the municipalities calling for improved oil-spill emergency response plans from senior governments.
One Vancouver resolution says that higher volumes of oil will be transported through B.C. communities and there must be “recognition of and compensation for the role of local government emergency response services.”
Port Moody has asked the provincial government to create and adequately fund a special “oiled wildlife” response system.
Another Vancouver resolution asks for an independent provincial review of Kinder Morgan’s proposed pipeline expansion in Burnaby, on grounds the National Energy Board’s assessment “has proven to be deeply flawed and undemocratic.”
