Union of British Columbia Municipalities

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1 UBCM News is published by Union of British Columbia Municipalities Shellbridge Way Richmond, B.C. Canada V6X 2W9 (604) fax: (604) Website: ISSN UBCM Page...2 Around the Province...4 Health...5 Environment Policy...6 Community Economic Dev...13 Community Safety...15 Courses & Resources...17 NEWS Union of British Columbia Municipalities Rethink, Replace & Rejuvenate ~ 2011 UBCM Convention See page 7 SPECIAL FEATURES 2010/11 Accomplishments...3 Convention...7/12 Community Energy Assoc OTHER Community Excellence Awards...4 UBCM Funding Programs...18 BANQUET ENTERTAINMENT Introducing the UBCM House Band! For the first time in UBCM history, members of the UBCM Executive and various elected officials from around the province will join together to entertain you! Known as The Imperial Metals, your UBCM House Band has been practicing hard and is ready to put on a great show for banquet attendees. Also on the entertainment stage will be the popular local cover band The Pids whose lead singer is Port Coquitlam Councillor Darrel Penner. Bring your dancing shoes because this is sure to be the most diverse and entertaining dance we have ever hosted! Not into dancing? Not to worry, we have also arranged for some excellent postdinner entertainment by comic, juggler and showman Robin Chestnut. Robin has performed for 20 years across Western Canada and has delighted audiences with what promises to be a hilarious show. Be sure to buy your Annual Banquet ticket with your conference registration, as this event always sells out. The Pids Number 236 August/September 2011 Electronic Voting at Convention In a continued effort to improve the resolutions process for UBCM delegates and work towards addressing all resolutions at Convention, we are pleased to let you know that an electronic voting system will be available for use during resolutions sessions at the 2011 Convention. Pr e s e n t l y, t h e U B C M B y l a w s d o n o t p e r m i t electronic voting. To m a k e i t p o s s i b l e t o vote electronically, at the beginning of the first resolutions session the membership will be asked to consider E x t r a o r d i n a r y Resolution ER1, which p r o p o s e s t o a m e n d s e c t i o n 1 3 ( a ) o f t h e UBCM bylaws to allow for the option of voting on resolutions by either a show of voting cards or by electronic voting keypad, as determined by the Chair. Medical Marihuana What is the Balance? The best way to ensure the availability of medical marihuana to the chronically ill has been brought into question by a recent court decision by the Supreme Court of Ontario and new policy direction proposed by Health Canada. The balance between the need to ensure access to medical marihuana for chronically ill patients and the need to ensure community safety remains uncertain. He a l t h C a n a d a u n d e r t h e M e d i c a l M a r i h u a n a A c c e s s Regulations, as of April , h a d i s s u e d 9,800 authorizations to Canadians suffering from critical and chronic i l l n e s s t o p o s s e s s dried marihuana, on the basis of a doctors a p p r o v a l, a n d o v e r 5,600 authorizations for Canadians to grow marihuana under the p r o g r a m a n d 1, authorizations to grow for one other person. The Supreme Court o f O n t a r i o o n A p r i l 12, 2011 ruled that the Health Canada Medical M a r i h u a n a A c c e s s Regulations (MMAR) and the prohibitions T h e m e m b e r s h i p will continue to use the paper voting cards to vote on the majority of the resolutions at Convention. However, i f m e m b e r s e n d o r s e resolution ER1 and allow for electronic voting, t h e n t h e e l e c t r o n i c voting system will be deployed in situations that would normally require a standing vote: 1. F o l l o w i n g a v o t e by the show of voting cards, the vote on the resolution is too close for the Chair to discern; or 2. Following a vote by the show of voting cards laid out in sections 4 and 7 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, that criminalize marihuana growth and possession, violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The courts view was that Health Canada had not been able to provide an effective system for granting patients access to medical marihuana. The judge in his decision indicated that doctors refusal in some cases to participate in the medicinal marijuana program completely u n d e r m i n e s t h e e ff e c t i v e n e s s o f t h e program. Health Canada in June 2011 announced that it is planning to and the announcement of the Chair s decision on whether a motion is won or lost, 10 or more voting members, by standing, request an electronic vote. Delegates will receive their electronic voting keypads at registration and will be provided with instructions on how to use the keypad at the first resolutions session. K e y p a d s m u s t b e returned after the final r e s o l u t i o n s s e s s i o n on Friday, September 30. Delegates will be charged for unreturned keypads. make changes to the M e d i c a l M a r i h u a n a p ro g r a m. T h e n e w program is intended to: s t re a m l i n e t h e p r o c e s s t o p r o v i d e seriously ill Canadians access to marihuana for medical purposes b y r e d u c i n g t h e documentation required t o o b t a i n a c c e s s t o medical marihuana; facilitate informed decision-making between individuals and their physicians with respect to the use of marihuana t o t r e a t p a r t i c u l a r medical symptoms and/ or conditions; r e q u i r e t h a t a n individual need only s u b m i t a d o c u m e n t signed by their physician to a licensed commercial producer to obtain dried marihuana for medical purposes; require that licensed commercial producers that are regulated by Health Canada be the only legal source of dried marihuana for medical purposes. U n d e r t h e n e w program personal-use and designated-person p ro d u c t i o n l i c e n c e s would be phased out and individuals would no longer be able to grow marihuana for m e d i c a l p u r p o s e s i n t h e i r h o m e s a n d communities. The elimination of personal-use licences Continued on page 2

2 2 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 UBCM Page I like to cook. When I need to recharge, or shift my thinking, cooking is my hobby of choice. Not only do I enjoy the outcome a delicious meal to share with family or friends - I like the process of following a recipe. Over the years I have accumulated a binder of favourite recipes. Experience has shown that if I stick to the directions, the outcome usually is pretty good. Every recipe allows for some creativity - certain substitutions, or varying the steps in the process. B u t i n g e n e r a l, i f I wander too far, the result is not what I expected. I n c a s e y o u w o n d e r i n g, n o, t h i s is not a lead-in to the a n n o u n c e m e n t o f a cooking class I will be leading at Convention! The process of cooking, though, provides an analogy for the questions that local governments have been raising about the proposed Office of the Municipal Auditor General (MAG). Our c o n c e r n i s t h a t t h e process so far marks a considerable departure f ro m t h e re c i p e f o r success that has been developed and tested through literally decades of policy work between UBCM and the Province. In a nutshell, the recipe is this: begin by defining the issue together; establish the Marihuana Continued from page 1 would appear to address l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t c o n c e r n s a b o u t c o m m u n i t y s a f e t y issues related to medical marijuana grow sites. Local communities have experienced community issues with individuals g r o w i n g m e d i c a l m a r i h u a n a, s u c h a s increased participation PRESIDENT S MESSAGE principles that will guide the process; identify t h e c o n d i t i o n s t h a t contribute to the issue; consider various options and select those that best remedy the issue; and finally, consider the steps necessary to effectively i m p l e m e n t t h e n e w policy. The specific concerns of UBCM s Executive with the MAG process are set out in detail in our Context Paper, w h i c h i s a v a i l a b l e for download on the UBCM website. Chief among our concerns i s t h a t t h e p r o c e s s began with a stated solution rather than the identification of a problem. If the problem is an issue with the current accountability framework for local government financial reporting, it could be t h a t e n h a n c i n g t h e e x i s t i n g f r a m e w o r k rather than creating something entirely new will achieve a better result. O v e r t h e y e a r s, part of the recipe for success in matters of local government policy has been collaborative activity. UBCM offered at the outset of the MAG proposal to work with p ro v i n c e t o e x p l o re this issue and develop workable solutions. We will continue to hold out that option, because we believe the end result will be better policy. b y o rg a n i z e d c r i m e groups; home invasions because of the potential profits with the illicit sale of marijuana; health i s s u e s f o r c h i l d r e n living in houses where marijuana is grown; increased residential fires; use of dangerous c h e m i c a l s ; c h e m i c a l d u m p i n g i n s e w e r systems; and electrical injury to growers and their families T h e d i re c t i o n f o r e n s u r i n g a c c e s s t o Councillor Barbara Steele UBCM President A s s e t o u t i n t h e C o n t e x t P a p e r, w e currently have a robust system of accountability for local government f i n a n c e. L o c a l government leaders I have spoken to on this issue support rigourous, transparent processes for accountability because w e k n o w t h e y a r e essential for a healthy democracy. These same leaders, though, are concerned when they policy processes that presuppose solutions without first carefully considering options. T h e M A G i s b u t one of the many issues that will be considered at our Convention in Vancouver in September. The August issue of the News provides a thorough overview of what you can expect. As we get closer to event, I will keep you updated on the MAG proposal and other policy related m a t t e r s o f b r o a d concern. m e d i c a l m a r i h u a n a suggested by the Ontario S u p re m e C o u r t a n d the direction proposed b y H e a l t h C a n a d a f o r f u t u re a c c e s s t o m e d i c a l m a r i h u a n a appears to be at odds. A clinic will be held on medical marihuana on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 and a Special Resolution will be put forward on this issue for local government discussion at the 2011 UBCM Convention Annual Report & Resolutions Book In accordance with UBCM Bylaws, copies of the Annual Report and Resolutions Book to be considered at the 2011 Convention were mailed to all members in the third week of August. If you have not received a copy, contact your municipal or regional district office; or, if your office has not received copies, contact the UBCM office. A PDF file of the resolutions in the Resolutions Book may also be downloaded from the UBCM website under Resolutions & Policy > Resolutions > Resolutions & Responses. Please bring the Annual Report and Resolutions Book with you to Convention. Extra copies will NOT be available at Convention. The Annual Report provides a concise overview of UBCM activities and events over the past year, including Executive and Committee Highlights; Local Government Program Services activities; and a summary of the Federal Gas Tax and Public Transit funding program. The Annual Report will be considered during the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, September 28 at the UBCM Convention. The Resolutions Book contains 226 resolutions: 1 Extraordinary Resolution; 1 Special Resolution; 7 in Section A; 74 in Section B1; 74 in Section B2; 28 in Section B3; and 41 in Section C. The resolutions will be considered at several different sessions during the Convention, and we rely on delegates to conduct efficient discussion so that all resolutions may be considered within the allocated time. See the coloured page in the Annual Report and Resolutions Book for the times of resolutions sessions, and check the official Convention Program for any schedule changes. Members will note that the Resolutions Book is arranged as follows: Section A resolutions highlight priority issues province-wide. Section B1 resolutions support existing UBCM policy. Section B2 and B3 resolutions propose new policy or were not previously endorsed. These resolutions may also address national issues recommended for FCM consideration. Section B2 resolutions address matters within local jurisdiction, whereas Section B3 resolution topics fall outside of local jurisdiction. Section C resolutions are referred to: 1. policy papers or special sessions at Convention; 2. similar resolutions within the Resolutions Book; or 3. Area Associations, due to being of a regional nature. Section C resolutions are not debated unless by specific request. The Report on Resolutions Received After the Deadline will be in your Convention kit, distributed t o y o u o n - s i t e a t Convention. Late resolutions will be accepted by UBCM until noon on Friday, September 23, Only those late resolutions d e e m e d t o b e o f a n emergency nature will be recommended for consideration on Friday morning at Convention. Circulars List ~ JUNE 2011 ~ 6 U B C M M e m o : UBCM Resolutions - Submission & Debate 6 In the House: Federal Budget Highlights 10 Call for Nominations for UBCM Executive 14 U B C M M e m b e r R e l e a s e : Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative 22 L G L A We b i n a r : Social Media U B C M A n n u a l Convention: Bulletin #1 - Long-Service Awards U B C M C o m m u n i t y Excellence Awards Application Process 27 U B C M M e m b e r Release: Municipal Auditor General 28 U B C M M e m b e r R e l e a s e : C F I B Property Tax Report ~ JULY 2011 ~ 7 UBCM Memo: Small Talk Forum UBCM Memo: Mid- Sized Communities Forum at the 2011 UBCM Convention 11 UBCM Memo: Large Urban Forum U B C M M e m o : E l e c t o r a l A r e a Directors Forum U B C M M e m b e r Release: Municipal A u d i t o r G e n e r a l Update ~ AUGUST 2011 ~ 4 U B C M M e m o : Survey Results on the Public Heath Act & R e l a t i o n s h i p s b e t w e e n L o c a l Governments and Health Authorities 4 U B C M E x e c u t i v e Release: Highlights of the July Executive Meeting

3 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER UBCM Accomplishments in Brief TOP ACTIVITIES OR INVOLVEMENTS The Library Book: A History of Service to British Columbians by Dave Obee - Foreword by Sarah Ellis Introduction by Iona Campagnolo % m e m b e r s h i p maintained for the 32 nd consecutive year UBCM membership a p p r o v e s b y l a w amendments at the C o n v e n t i o n aimed at improving the UBCM resolutions process and adding t w o n e w U B C M Executive members from the Vancouver Metro area U B C M w e l c o m e d t h e t w o N i s g a a Villages of Laxgalts ap and Gitlaxt aamiks ( f o r m e r l y N e w A i y a n s h ) a s o u r n e w e s t m e m b e r s, along with the new Resort Municipality of Sun Peaks. total funding received by UBCM under Gas Tax and Public Transit P r o g r a m r e a c h e s $991.3 million U B C M p u b l i s h e s C o m m e n t o n F i s c a l M a n a g e m e n t i n B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a s Municipalities. This report counters claims a d v a n c e d b y t h e Canadian Federation o f I n d e p e n d e n t Business regarding municipal taxation and spending U B C M, L G M A, CivicInfo, BC School Tr u s t e e s, P u b l i c Works Association of BC and the Province j o i n t o g e t h e r t o h o s t t h e s e c o n d year of the renewed L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t A w a r e n e s s We e k program May 15-21, 2011 under the Be Heard banner in recognition of the 2011 L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t Elections Steering Committee on industrial taxation c o n t i n u e s t o w o r k towards a final report Elections Task Force report including its 31 recommendations e n d o r s e d b y g o v e r n m e n t b u t l i m i t e d s p r i n g l e g i s l a t i v e session prevents introduction o f l e g i s l a t i o n i n time for 2011 Local Government elections UBCM establishes a Ferry Fares Advisory Committee to advocate on behalf of coastal c o m m u n i t i e s i n response to projected fare increases of 40% on minor routes U B C M a n d M I A j o i n t l y re s p o n d t o W h i t e P a p e r o n Limitation Act Reform U B C M i n i t i a t e s process discussion w i t h t h e P ro v i n c e regarding Municipal Auditor General file Strategic Community I n v e s t m e n t F u n d s agreements successful in protecting small community, regional district and traffic fine revenue sharing, with over $ 60 million f l o w i n g t o l o c a l government to date, including $ 30 million in traffic fine revenue sharing Carbon Action Revenue Incentive Program provided $3.8 million in payments t o t h o s e l o c a l governments that have signed the BC Climate Action Charter fifth year of Local G o v e r n m e n t Leadership Academy training successful l e a d e r s h i p f o r u m held in February with over 140 participants. F o r t h e f i r s t t i m e, c e r t i f i c a t e s w e r e presented to 18 elected officials representing five municipalities a n d s i x r e g i o n a l districts in response to the introduction of a certificate program launched in 2010 s u r v e y e d l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t o n p ro v i n c i a l d y k i n g p o l i c y a n d r a i s e d identified concerns with the Province R u r a l R e s o u r c e Roads working group reported out at 2010 Convention, and the report was forwarded t o t h e p r o v i n c i a l g o v e r n m e n t f o r implementation UBCM launches new m e m b e r s e r v i c e Bulk Fuel Purchasing Program R C M P C o n t r a c t R e n e w a l U B C M organized meetings between provincial representatives and the local government working group and the local government representative to the provincial negotiating t e a m t o d i s c u s s RCMP contract issues of concern to local g o v e r n m e n t a n d reviewed proposed contract language; sent out information t o m e m b e r s a b o u t t h e s t a t u s o f t h e discussions and local government issues that had been identified to date held discussions with the Province into the creation of a RCMP Contract Advisory Committee and sent out a draft Terms of Reference for local government input R C M P C o n t r a c t Advisory Committee m e t w i t h t h e B C Federal Conservative Caucus to highlight the concerns of local governments in British Columbia to the RCMP contract negotiations s u r v e y e d l o c a l government on Keep of Prisoner costs and discussed concerns with the Province. Order online: Written by Times-Colonist journalist and Friend-of-BC-Libraries Dave Obee, this handsome book marks the 100 th anniversary of the British Columbia Library Association. A library retrospective, documented in anecdotes and many beautiful photographs, The Library Book starts with the circulating libraries maintained by the North-West Company in the years of the fur trade and progresses to the present day. Obee s research brings to life some of the library world s more memorable predecessors and the events that shaped library development in BC. $50 (bulk orders: $40) 11 x12 hard cover, 264 pages, 300 photos, Adrian Raeside cartoons, extensive timeline and index; ISBN At its July meeting, the UBCM Executive approved the UBCM budget. The graph indicates that UBCM member dues have consistently remained below the rate of inflation Is agriculture in your community s future? community commonground monground agriculture economy vision environment sustainability We Can Help You Plan For It! Up to $45,000 is available to develop an agricultural area plan or revise an outdated plan. Program Funding Provided by TREND IN UBCM DUES: 1990 to 2011 Base Rate (cents per person) Dues Increased at Rate of Inflation (1990 Base) CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE! T Actual Dues Trend E funding@iafbc.ca

4 4 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 Around the Province 2011 UBCM Community Excellence Awards The following communities have submitted an application(s) to the 2011 Community Excellence Awards. Members of the Selection Committee met on August 24 and 25 to determine the winners. UBCM staff will be sending out Awards Reception invitations late August/ early September. Good luck to all participants! KERR WOOD LEIDAL C O N S U L T I N G Civil Engineering a s s o c i a t e s l i m i t e d E N G I N E E R S u Water Supply, Treatment, Risk Managment & Conservation u Wastewater Collection, Treatment, System Rehabilitation & I&I Reduction u Stormwater Management, Hydrology & Creek Hazard Mitigation u Infrastructure Analysis & Planning u Project Management Greater Vancouver Okanagan & Kootenays Alberni-Clayoquot RD City of Burnaby Village of Burns Lake City of Campbell River Capital RD Cariboo RD City of Colwood Town of Comox Comox Valley RD City of Coquitlam Town of Creston City of Dawson Creek District of Elkford Town of Golden Village of Harrison Hot Springs City of Kamloops District of Kent Town of Ladysmith District of Lake Country City of Langford Township of Langley District of Maple Ridge Metro Vancouver RD District of Mission City of Nanaimo City of Nelson City of New Westminster District of North Saanich City of North Vancouver District of North Vancouver Village of Pemberton City of Pitt Meadows City of Port Coquitlam City of Port Moody Powell River RD City of Prince George City of Quesnel City of Richmond District of Saanich District of Sooke District of Sparwood District of Squamish City of Surrey District of Taylor Village of Telkwa City of Terrace Thompson-Nicola RD City of Trail District of West Kelowna City of Williams Lake Victoria E n g i n e e r i n g E xc e l l e n c e s i n c e w w w. k w l. c a BC Representatives on the FCM Board At the recent Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference held in Halifax, the following representatives were chosen to serve on the National Board of Directors for 2011/2012. Hans Cunningham, Director, Regional District of Central Kootenay Chris Coleman, Councillor, City of Victoria John Dooley, Mayor, City of Nelson Garth Frizzell, Councillor, City of Prince George Susan Gimse, Chair, Regional District of Squamish-Lillooet Marvin Hunt, Councillor, City of Surrey Raymond Louie, Councillor, City of Vancouver Bob Long, Councillor, Township of Langley Gregor Robertson, Mayor, City of Vancouver Barbara Steele, President, UBCM JEFF McKELVEY SCHOLARSHIP FUND Balance June 30, 2010 $94, Interest Income Scholarships ($4,600.00) Balance June 30, 2011 $90, The Jeff McKelvey Scholarship Fund was established in honour of UBCM s second Executive Director. It provides financial assistance to local government staff who are pursuing in-service training. It is administered by the Board of Examiners. AREA ASSOCIATIONS Appointed Positions The following elected officials were appointed to their Area Association boards at the 2011 spring conferences: Lower Mainland Local Government Association FVRD Rep Director Dennis Adamson Fraser Valley RD GVRD Rep Councillor Raymond Louie Vancouver SLRD Rep Councillor Patricia Heintzman Squamish North Central Local Government Association BNRD Rep Councillor Luke Strimbold Burns Lake CRD Rep Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg Quesnel RDFFG Rep Mayor Mike Frazier McBride KSRD Rep Councillor Dr. Bruce Bidgood Terrace PRRD Rep Councillor Cheryl Shuman Dawson Creek SQCRD Rep Mayor Dave MacDonald Port Edward Strategic Planning Council Candidate Preparation Council/Board/Committee Orientation Planning Reviews/Process Bylaw & Policy Reviews Providing Services to Local Governments: First Nations Relationships Temporary Management Fill-ins Intergovernmental Agreements GHG/OCP Updates Regional Planning Rob Roycroft, MCIP

5 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Health Healthy Communities Committee Update Survey Results: Public Health Act & Relationships between Local Governments and Health Authorities In 2008, the Province introduced a new Public Health Act (PHA), which updated roles for local government with respect to public health, including revised responsibilities for addressing health hazards and health impediments, exchanging information, and designating a local government liaison to the regional health authority. I air quality, and health. Dr. Frank is currently developing a new walkability/accessibility tool that can better inform decision making around community design at the local government level. His research will also link community design with the health and mobility of older adults. Dr. Greg Halseth. Dr. Halseth is a Professor in the Geography Program at the University of Northern British Columbia and the Canada Research Chair in Rural and Small Town Studies. He will be speaking to delegates about the aging population and economic development opportunities. n light of this new piece of legislation, UBCM session will take place on Monday, September 25, surveyed the membership in February and 2011 from 5pm- 6:30pm. March of 2011 to determine if local governments are taking action around implementing sections of Convention Session: Creating AgeConvention Session: Child Poverty the Act, how the Act has affected local government Friendly Communities operations, and to gain a better understanding of There will be a Thursday afternoon workshop on the current relationship between local governments Please join us at the Monday pre-conference session child poverty. This has been a priority issue of the and health authorities on public health issues. on creating age-friendly communities. This half- Committee since 2009 and recent advocacy efforts The survey results were sent to members in early day event will look at issues to consider when include meeting with Honourable Mary McNeil, August and can also be found on the UBCM website planning for the aging population and offer ideas Minister of Children and Family Development in under the Healthy Communities Committee section. and inspiration to motivate local governments to July 2011 to discuss provincial initiatives to address BUSINESS OFFICE INTERIORS action. Planning for this session is well under way, child poverty. The Convention session will look at and we have already confirmed 2 exciting speakers: the status of child poverty in BC, the factors that MoU Renewal with BC Recreation and Dr. Larry Frank, from the University of British contribute to the issue, and share success stories of Parks Columbia, whose research focuses on the initiatives that have been introduced in communities interaction between land use, travel behaviour, to reduce the number of children living in poverty. The Committee recently approved the renewal of an MoU with the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). The MoU is a commitment by BCRPA and UBCM to work together to promote province-wide initiatives on issues of mutual interest including: Provincial Trails Strategy Health and the Built Environment/Active Transportation Healthy Food and Beverage Sales in Local Government settings Accessibility and inclusiveness for seniors and disabled Canada/BC Infrastructure Program Provincial recreation and sport infrastructure program Development of Green Infrastructure and Facilities Guidelines Physical Activity Strategy Convention Session: RHD Cost Sharing Review The Regional Hospital District Cost Sharing Review Implementation Team, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Health Services, UBCM, Interior Health, Northern Health, Vancouver Island Health, Capital RHD, Fraser Fort George RHD, Peace River RHD, and the Central Okanagan RHD, has met several times over the last year to work on the recommendations from the 2008 RHD Cost Sharing Report. T h e Te a m w i l l b e s h a r i n g t h e i r w o r k with UBCM delegates and Health Authority representatives at the 2011 Convention. This Make your workplace a little healthier BUSINESS and breathe easy. OFFICE INTERIORS Suzanne Pimentel-Gluss is our LEED Accredited Professional at Monk Office Interiors. She has a thorough understanding of green principles and products that can help you create a healthy, high-performance office space. Go green and start breathing a little easier knowing you re minimizing your impact on the environment. Now that s helpful. BUSINESS Please visit our showroom at 3335 Oak Street (upstairs) or call OFFICE INTERIORS I N T E R I O R S JOB # M C CLIENT: MONK OFFICE PUBLICATION: UBCM NEWSLETTER INSERTION DATE: TBD AD SIZE: 6.5" X 6." PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE BUSINESS OFFICE INTERIORS

6 6 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 Environment Policy ENVIRONMENT POLICY IN BRIEF the four key steps to achieving carbon neutrality: Climate Action Charter: Carbon Neutrality measuring, reducing, offsetting and/or balancing I n the summer of 2007, UBCM and the Province developed a non-binding Climate Action Charter aimed at fostering collaborative relations for reducing greenhouse gases. The Charter commits local government signatories to: becoming carbon neutral in their operations by 2012; measuring and reporting on their GHG emissions profile; and creating complete, compact, more energy efficient rural and urban communities. To date, 179 local governments have provided UBCM with signed copies of the Climate Action Charter. The joint Provincial UBCM Green Communities Committee (GCC) has been working with local governments to assist them in achieving these goals, including developing a common approach for local governments to become carbon neutral by As part of this work, a draft step-by-step guidebook called Becoming Carbon Neutral a Guidebook for Local Governments in BC has been developed that outlines and publicly reporting. The guidebook can be found on the BC Climate Action Toolkit Website at As part of a series of regional workshops and webinars held throughout the province in June, local governments were invited to comment on the idea of a making progress toward carbon neutrality proposal. The intent of this approach would be to provide some flexibility for those signatories who were uncertain of being able to fully achieve the 2012 carbon neutral target date. Following from these consultations, the GCC has determined that making progress toward carbon neutrality will be supported as part of the common approach under the Climate Action Charter. The making progress toward approach will provide that in the short-term, if some local governments are only able to achieve some of the steps to carbon neutrality (e.g. they measure, reduce and report on corporate emissions), this will demonstrate making progress toward carbon neutrality. In addition, through the carbon neutral reporting process, communities will also be asked to report on corporate and community-wide actions they have undertaken that may be more difficult to quantify in terms of reduced greenhouse gases, but are equally important for meeting their broader Climate Action Charter goals (e.g. anti-idling bylaws, bike and walking path networks, green zoning bylaws). Local governments who are making progress toward will not be able to claim carbon neutrality for the purposes of the Climate Action Charter. However, this approach would demonstrate local government progress and commitment toward carbon neutrality, as well as allow local governments to report on and publicly celebrate actions that support the broader spirit of the Climate Action Charter. Local governments that have the capacity and resources to achieve all four steps of carbon neutrality by 2012 will lead the way for others. Product Stewardship: Small Appliances T he Province has amended the provincial Recycling Regulation to officially change the launch date for the Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA) Small Appliance Recycling Program to October 1, This new timeline replaces the previously scheduled launch date of August 1, Based on this new program launch date, collection of accepted end-of-life (EoL) small and portable appliances and the introduction of fees for CESA members will now start on October 1, The requirement for CESA members to report on sales of regulated small appliance products will also commence on October 1, For more information about CESA and the Small Appliance Recycling Program in BC, please visit or call ext. 208 Recycling Regulation: Amendments to Organic Matter T he Ministry of Environment is proposing amendments to the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR) of the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and the Public Health Act. The regulation governs the construction and operation of composting facilities, and the production, distribution, storage, sale and use or land application of biosolids and compost. The OMRR regulatory review process follows the Ministry policy of continuous improvement and commitment to review regulations on a regular basis and update them as appropriate The Ministry s objectives and the proposed content of the amendments are provided in an intentions paper for consultation. The intentions paper is available for review on the Ministry of Environment website at codes/omr/index.htm. A response form to seek comments from stakeholders and the public is also available on the website indicated above. Comments should be submitted by September 15, The Ministry has contracted Cindy Bertram of C. Rankin & Associates to manage the information collection process. If you have any questions regarding the information-gathering process, please check the Ministry of Environment website or contact Cindy Bertram at cindybertram@shaw.ca or by fax at (250)

7 Pull-out Section for Convention Preparation UBCM News is published by Union of British Columbia Municipalities # Shellbridge Way Richmond, B.C. Canada V6X 2W9 (604) fax: (604) in this issue... General Information...7 Convention Program...11 Mon/Tues Sessions...8 Clinics...10 Sponsors...10 Delegates Social Highlights...10 Partners Program...10 Overview Special Convention Newsletter We know that advance information on the Convention is important to our delegates. That s why we will continue publishing the Convention Bulletin series and why we have again published this special pull-out section of the newsletter this year. We have tried to include in some of the information that will assist you in making your plans UBCM CONVENTION COMMITTEE Director Heath Slee, First Vice President Chair Mayor Christopher Causton, AVICC Representative Councillor Wesly Graham, AKBLG Representative Councillor Kevin Flynn, SILGA Representative C o u n c i l l o r Ti m S t e v e n s o n, Va n c o u v e r Representative Chair Harry Nyce, Past President Delegates Checklist Before you leave for the UBCM Convention, be sure: You ve registered for Convention! You ve confirmed your accommodations; You ve pre-booked meetings with Provincial Officials; You ve packed your Annual Report and Resolutions book; and You ve asked your provider for instructions on how to retrieve from a remote location. When you arrive, be sure to: Register and pick up your delegate s kit containing your program and other useful information and invitations; Check that you have the correct registration for: Forum Luncheons, Area Association Luncheons, Delegates Luncheon and Annual Banquet; Check if you ve got your Annual Banquet table reservation (if ordered); Familiarize yourself with the Convention venue and where your chosen functions are being held; Check-in partners at the Partners Desk (if applicable); and Make the most of your experience, and enjoy the company of your fellow members! BOOKING GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS Instructions on booking meetings with provincial Cabinet during UBCM Convention week were circulated by the Premier s office to all UBCM members. UBCM cannot book these appointments for you, but does provide a space for the Government Appointments Desk on-site. This year, the desk will be located: Monday & Tuesday: Main Lobby (east), Vancouver Convention Centre Wednesday & Thursday: Exhibit Hall C, Vancouver Convention Centre * All Government Appointments are in the East Building of the VCC UBCM Convention SPECIAL NEEDS UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Special Convention Pull-out Section 2011 UBCM CONVENTION KEYNOTE SPEAKER ~ DAVID FOOT Demographic trends are essentially long-term. You can ignore them this year. You can ignore them next year. But if you ignore them over five years, they ll get you in the end. One of the nation s most outspoken and consistently controversial demographic experts, Professor David K. Foot has the distinction of being one of the few who can make the study of the aging of society relevant to any specific interest group. Accessed by both corporate and association clients for his in-depth and on-target knowledge of what the aging of society means to their business, his presentations are customized and liberally sprinkled with humour. David Foot is an acknowledged expert on the relationship between economics and demographics, and the resulting implications for both private and UBCM will do our best to assist with any special needs that delegates may have during Convention week. We ask that you make your requests in writing to the UBCM office. Send requests to via e- mail to: ubcm@ ubcm.ca. Our main Convention venues the Vancouver C o n v e n t i o n a n d Exhibition Centre and Waterfront Hotel are wheelchair accessible. We must be advised i f w e w i l l n e e d wheelchair accessible buses reserved for tours. Special Requests L a t e r e q u e s t s w i l l be accommodated if possible. D a y c a r e i s n o t available. Hotels may p ro v i d e b a b y s i t t i n g services and/or lists. public policies. He is t h e c o - a u t h o r ( w i t h Daniel Stoffman) of the best-selling hardcover in Canadian publishing history, Boom Bust & Echo: How to Profit from the Coming Demographic Shift. Originally released i n , t h e b o o k was on the national bestseller list for over three years. The current version continues to be on the Books for Business best-selling books list. F o l l o w i n g h i s undergraduate degree in Australia and his doctorate in economics from Harvard University, D a v i d j o i n e d t h e department of Economics at the University of To r o n t o w h e r e h i s r e s e a r c h i n v o l v e d medium-term analysis a n d p ro j e c t i o n s f o r economies. Currently, D r. F o o t s research focuses o n d e c l i n i n g p o p u l a t i o n g r o w t h a n d aging population a s o n e o f t h e fundamental and often-neglected determinants of the challenges to economic performance and policy. David s research continues to contribute to a variety of fields: marketing, human resource planning, corporate organization, saving and investing, housing, health, education, recreation and leisure, unemployment, migration, government expenditures, and intergovernmental relations. A number of these themes are explored in two of his previous books, Canada s Population Outlook: Demographic Futures and Economic Challenges and, with Blossom T. Wigdor, The Over Forty Society. I n a d d i t i o n t o a c a d e m i c w r i t i n g s a n d contributions to both professional journals and the popular media, Professor Foot s work in public policy includes research and submissions to many provincial and federal government commissions, and numerous consulting and conference assignments for both private and public organizations. He is a recipient of a National 3M Award for Teaching Excellence and a two-time winner of the University of Toronto undergraduate teaching award. David Foot s presentations are full of mindstretching information and statistics on the babyboom, bust and echo generations as well as preboomers and new millennials. At the same time he manages to focus on what is relevant to his specific audiences. Combining a natural talent for storytelling and a teacher s passion for getting the point across, he coerces and cajoles audiences into identifying with the need to acknowledge the demographic trends and work with them, in order to succeed in their specific business Nominations for Executive Name Position Mun /RD Director Heath Slee President East Kootenay RD Mayor Mary Sjostrom 1 st Vice President City of Quesnel Director Rhona Martin 2 nd Vice President Columbia Shuswap RD Mayor Barry Janyk 3 rd Vice President Town of Gibsons Mayor James Atebe Director at Large District of Mission Mayor Sharon Gaetz Director at Large City of Chilliwack Councillor Murry Krause Director at Large City of Prince George Mayor David Pernarowski Director at Large City of Terrace Councillor Jerrilyn Schembri Director at Large District of Tumbler Ridge Mayor Corrine Dahling Small Community Rep. Village of Tahsis Councillor Galina Durant Small Community Rep. District of Stewart Director Al Richmond Electoral Area Rep. Cariboo RD Councillor Sav Dhaliwal Vancouver Metro Area Rep. Burnaby Councillor Mel Kositsky Vancouver Metro Area Rep. Langley Township Councillor Barrie Lynch Vancouver Metro Area Rep. Coquitlam

8 8 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 Convention Sessions NEW JOINT LARGE AND MID-SIZED COMMUNITIES FORUM Convention 2011 will now feature a new format for the Large Urban and Mid-Sized Communities forums. Rather than holding two separate forums this year, the U B C M C o n v e n t i o n Committee has decided t o c o m b i n e t h e t w o forums into one joint Large Urban and Mid- S i z e d C o m m u n i t i e s F o r u m, w h i c h w i l l take place on Tuesday, September 27 at 9:00am to noon. T h e c o m b i n e d E l e c t o r a l A r e a F o r u m The Electoral Area Directors Forum will be held on Tuesday, September 27 from 9am 12 noon at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. This Forum, also known as In the Director s Chair, will address topics of current concern to Electoral Area directors. Issues for discussion were solicited through a survey sent by Chair Al Richmond, UBCM Electoral Area Representative, to all regional districts in early July. Staff will review the suggested topics for discussion and invite guest speakers to discuss one or more of these issues. There will also be an open microphone session for delegates to share information with others EA directors. For more information about this session, please contact Marylyn Chiang at mchiang@ubcm.ca or x110. Small Talk Forum On July 7, 2011 UBCM s Small C o m m u n i t y R e p r e s e n t a t i v e, C o u n c i l l o r G a l i n a Durant issued a memo s e e k i n g t o p i c s f o r discussion at this years Small Talk Forum to be held on Tuesday, September 27 th at the UBCM Convention in Vancouver. If you are from a small community, u n d e r 5, i n population, this is your opportunity to meet colleagues from similar s i z e d c o m m u n i t i e s to share experiences, discuss problems and forum will feature guest speaker David Crombie w h o w i l l p ro v i d e a big picture approach t o t h e i s s u e s f a c i n g u r b a n c o m m u n i t i e s. The Honourable David Crombie is a former Mayor of Toronto, a past Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Urban Institute, and a former Member of Parliament a n d f e d e r a l c a b i n e t minister. In addition t o D a v i d C ro m b i e s presentation, the joint forum will have a panel session that explores identify solutions. As in previous years, we are asking you for the issues that you would like to discuss. We also want to hear about your success stories and best practices so they can be share with your peers. Our aim is to improve continually upon the informative and ever popular session. With our facilitators, and other advisors, we will strive to ensure that you get as much out of your Small Talk time as possible. D u e t o t h e o f t e n overwhelming number Monday Pre-Convention Sessions/Study Tours Monday, September 26 (morning sessions) Agricultural Study Tour (8:30 am) Green Communities (9:00 am) Creating Age-Friendly Communities (9:00 am) Building Communities, Building the Future: Local Government-First Nation Relations (9:00 am) community responses to the social, economic and health issues linked to substance abuse. For more information on the forum please c o n t a c t e i t h e r K e n Vance, Senior Policy Advisor, at kvance@ ubcm.ca or Jared Wright, Senior Policy Analyst, at jwright@ubcm.ca. of issues submitted, efforts will be made to find answers in advance of the session; group issues for discussion w h e r e a p p r o p r i a t e ; and distribute the list of issues prior to the s e s s i o n s o t h a t y o u c a n p re p a re f o r t h e discussion. We encourage your participation and hope to see you at the 2011 Small Talk Forum. If you have not yet sent in your items, you are encouraged to submit t w o i s s u e s a n d, i f applicable, a success story or best practice to UBCM via to: mcrawford@ubcm.ca or rtagami@ubcm.ca by August 19, response series Chroma Communications Inc Solutions that keep you talking Communications where you need it, when you need it MSAT G2 Satellite Phone Response Kit: Custom carry case protects your MSAT G2 hardware and power accessories. Easily deployable in your office, vehicle, or in the field. Monday, September 26 (afternoon sessions) return at 5:00 pm Tuesday Afternoon Keeping Your Community Safe: Crime Prevention Programs That Work (1:30 pm) The Forestry Economy: A Vital Economic Resource for all BC Communities (1:30 pm) The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development has been consulting with interested parties from across British Columbia on the establishment of a Municipal Auditor General Office. In late July the Minister wrote to local governments seeking written feedback on the establishment of a Municipal Auditor General Office. Our Tuesday afternoon will begin with a plenary session from 1:45-2:45 p.m. on the Municipal Auditor General file. From 3:15-4:45 p.m. there will be concurrent provincial policy sessions: RCMP Contract Update Creating Resilient Communities Management of Urban Deer Population Accelerate BC In addition the Municipal Insurance Association AGM will begin at 3:00 p.m. and the Municipal Finance Authority AGM will begin at 4:00 p.m. - info@chromacommunications.ca

9 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER AIRFARE DEAL Pacific Coastal Air has come up with special airfare rates for UBCM Conference attendees. The fares are for travel between September 25, 2011 and October 2, 2011 and are on sale now. All flights arrive and depart out of the South Terminal at YVR. Rates listed are per person in each direction. Convention Highlights: Plan Your Week The general format for the Convention remains the same as in previous years: Monday: Pre-conference sessions Tuesday: Electoral Area, Small Talk, Mid-Sized & Large Urban Communities Forums; Provincial policy sessions Wednesday to Friday: main business sessions MONDAY Study Tours & Study Sessions Five half-day study sessions are being offered. In addition we will once again offer the all-day agriculture study tour. These sessions are listed on page 8 and pre-registration is required. TUESDAY Special Focus Travel period: Sun. Sep 25 to Sun. Oct 2/11 All Pacific Coastal flights arrive/depart at YVR South Terminal Figures are per person in each direction Base fare Fees HST TOTAL Victoria International to Vancouver South Terminal $59.00 $31.52 $10.86 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Victoria International $59.00 $36.52 $11.46 $ Comox to Vancouver South Terminal $91.00 $31.52 $14.70 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Comox $91.00 $31.52 $14.70 $ Campbell River to Vancouver South Terminal $91.00 $30.52 $14.58 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Campbell River $91.00 $31.52 $14.70 $ Powell River to Vancouver South Terminal $94.00 $19.40 $13.61 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Powell River $94.00 $24.40 $14.21 $ Port Hardy to Vancouver South Terminal $ $23.10 $20.65 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Port Hardy $ $28.10 $21.25 $ Bella Bella to Vancouver South Terminal $ $23.10 $28.21 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Bella Bella $ $28.10 $28.81 $ Anahim Lake to Vancouver South Terminal $ $23.10 $27.85 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Anahim Lake $ $28.10 $28.45 $ Bella Coola to Vancouver South Terminal $ $23.10 $27.85 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Bella Coola $ $28.10 $28.45 $ Williams Lake to Vancouver South Terminal $ $30.22 $17.43 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Williams Lake $ $35.22 $18.03 $ Trail to Vancouver South Terminal $ $23.10 $18.61 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Trail $ $28.10 $19.21 $ Cranbrook To Vancouver South Terminal $ $46.92 $20.51 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Cranbrook $ $41.92 $19.91 $ Masset To Vancouver South Terminal $ $29.80 $30.46 $ Vancouver South Terminal to Masset $ $34.80 $31.06 $ UBCM Annual Convention Dates Year Dates Location UBCM Hotel 2012 Mon. Sept. 24 to Kelowna TBC Fri. Sept Mon. Sept. 16 to Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre Waterfront Centre Fri. Sept Mon. Oct. 20 to Victoria Conference Centre TBC Fri. Oct Mon. Sept. 21 to Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre Waterfront Centre Fri. Sept Mon. Sept. 26 to Penticton Trade & Convention Centre TBC Fri. Sept Mon. Sept. 25 to Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre Waterfront Centre Fri. Sept TBC TBC TBC 2019 Mon. Sept. 23 to Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre Waterfront Centre Fri. Sept. 27 Early morning clinics followed by four forums dealing with issues of specific focus for: Electoral Area Directors (featuring In the Director s Chair ) Small Communities (pop. under 5,000) M i d - S i z e d C o m m u n i t i e s & L a r g e U r b a n Communities A plenary session is scheduled on Tuesday afternoon from 1:45-2:45 p.m. reporting on activities related to the Municipal Auditor General file. This will be followed by four concurrent Provincial Policy sessions: 3:15 4:45 p.m. RCMP Contract Update Creating Resilient Communities Management of Urban Deer Population Accelerate BC WEDNESDAY The day will begin with early morning clinics followed by the Annual General Meeting and a keynote address by demographic expert, Dr. David K. Foot. The first Resolutions session will also be held featuring the A category of resolutions. All five Area Associations will sponsor lunches, then the Minister of Community, Sport & Cultural Development s annual address will kick off the afternoon. An address from the FCM President, policy discussion in Cabinet panels, and an FCM Strategic Planning consultation session follow, with the presentation of the 2011 Energy & Climate Action Awards at the end of the afternoon. THURSDAY Early bird clinics will be followed by a full morning of policy debate, and an address by the Leader of the Official Opposition. We will break for the Delegates Lunch, after which delegates may attend the following concurrent workshops on the agenda for the afternoon: Continued on page 11

10 10 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 U B C M a c k n o w l e d g e s the contributions of the following Sponsors of the 2010 UBCM Convention... U B C M B A N Q U E T R E C E P T I O N & ENTERTAINMENT Fortis BC CONVENTION Delegate Bag BC Hydro DELEGATES LUNCHEON Central 1 Credit Union WELCOME RECEPTION City of Vancouver & UBCM REGIONAL DISTRICT ELECTORAL AREA DIRECTORS FORUM LUNCHEON Municipal Finance Authority of BC L A R G E U R B A N C O M M U N I T I E S F O R U M LUNCHEON Telus SMALL TALK FORUM LUNCHEON Spectra Energy MID SIZED COMMUNITIES FORUM LUNCHEON Municipal Finance Authority of BC DELEGATE LOUNGE Young Anderson POCKET PROGRAM British Columbia Lottery Authority NAME BADGES Port Metro Vancouver DELEGATE OFFICE SERVICES Young Anderson DELEGATE SERVICES Shaw Communications UBCM DAILY NEWS Staples McDannold Stewart KEYNOTE ADDRESS ICBC COFFEE SERVICES BC Government Employee s & Services Union, British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Cancer Society BC & Yukon, Singleton Urquhart CONTINENTAL BREAKFASTS BC Professional Firefighters Association, Bull Housser & Tupper Canadian Cancer Society BC & Yukon, Don Lidstone & Company CONVENTION PROGRAM BC Assessment Authority, Municipal Insurance Association, Pacific Blue Cross CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS BC Automobile Association, Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC, E-Comm 9-1-1, Murdy & McAllister, Recreation Excellence, Urban Systems SPECIAL THANKS TO Wine Glasses Fortis Community Award Plaques WoodWorks Notepads Thunderbird Press Ltd Pens Pacific Blue Cross Partner s Program Wednesday, September 28, 2011 Hike - Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Vancouver Garden Tour 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Thursday, September 29, 2011 Vancouver Architectural Gastown Walking Tour 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Scenic Tour Luncheon Cruise" 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm Notes: Please check-in at the Partner s Program Registration Desk. TOURS: Please be at the lobby in the Conference Centre 15 minutes prior to tour time, as buses will leave on time. If you miss the bus, you will miss the tour and no refunds will be issued. Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Umbrellas and cameras are recommended CONVENTION CLINICS DELEGATES SOCIAL PROGRAM Tuesday, September 29 Welcome Reception 5:30 7:30 p.m. Waterfront Hotel, Waterfront Ballroom Wednesday, September 30 Fraser Basin Breakfast 6:30 7:30 a.m. VCEC, Parkview Terrace, Room 1 BC Hydro and BC Transmission Reception 6:30 8:00 p.m. Waterfront Hotel, Waterfront Ballroom CUPE Reception 8:00 11:00 p.m. TBD Thursday, October 1 Community Excellence Awards Breakfast (by invitation only) 7:00 8:00 a.m. VCEC, Parkview Terrace, Room 1 BC Library Association Reception 4:30-6:30 pm Mackenzie Room, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Provincial Government Reception 4:30-6:00 pm West Building, Ballroom D UBCM Reception and Annual Banquet 7:30 p.m. VCEC, Ballroom A/B and Exhibit Hall A Convention Clinics are early morning sessions held on September The Tuesday clinics run from 7:30 8:30 a.m., while Wednesday and Thursday clinics run from 7:30 8:15 a.m.. Please note that this is a draft list. Clinic names and subject matter may change. A complete listing of the clinics will be available on-site in the Convention Brochure. You do not need to pre-register for clinics. DATE Tuesday, September 27 Wednesday, September 28 Thursday, September 29 If you ve got questions, we ve got the answers you re looking for We have been providing the public sector with audit opinions and accounting advice for well over 60 years. But that s not all. Increasingly, our clients are turning to us for related services as well, such as management advice, feasibility studies, financial indicators reports, financial planning, information technology, and human resources planning. Our specialized skills, tailored for your needs, allow you to use your resources people, facilities, and money as productively as possible. For more information on how we can help your Municipality or Regional District, contact one of our 21 offices in British Columbia, or one of our 98 offices across Canada. We ve got the answers. Provincial Contact Partner: Bill Cox, Partner Tel: (604) Represented internationally by BDO International TITLE Rising Oceans and Rising Dikes Rethinking the Public Library New Packaging and Printed Paper Responsibilities Firesmart Canada BC Hydro s Smart Metering Program Building Community Responses to Substance Abuse Closed Meetings to the Public Fairness and Best Practice Infrastructure Sustainability Medical Marijuana Licensing and Regulations Climate Action Charter Municipal Social Media Policies Preventing Liability Rethinking the Future of Agriculture Open Government: Citizen-Centric Services, Transparency and Engagement Water Management and the New 3Rs The Role of Community Health Networks BDO DUNWOODY LLP Chartered Accountants Management Consultants

11 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Convention Program Monday, September 26 7:00 am 5:00 pm Registration 8:30 am 4:30 pm Study Tours 9:00 am 12 noon Study Sessions 1:30 pm 4: 30 pm Study Sessions 5:00 pm 6:30 pm Re g i o n a l Ho s p i t a l Di s t r i c t Meeting Tuesday, September 27 7:00 am Clinics Continental Breakfast 7:00 am 6:00 pm Registration 7:30 am 8:30 am Forum Clinics: Rising Oceans and Rising Dikes Rethinking the Public Library New Packaging and Printed Paper Responsibilities Firesmart Canada BC Hydro s Smart Metering Program 9:00 am 12 noon Mid-Sized Communities Forum Large Urban Communities Forum Electoral Area Directors Forum Small Talk Forum 12:00 noon -1:30 pm Forum Lunches 1:45 pm 2:45 pm Plenary Session Municipal Auditor General 3:15 pm- 4:45 pm Provincial Policy Sessions (concurrent) RCMP Contract Update Creating Resilient Communities Management of Urban Deer Population Accelerate BC 3:00 5:00 pm Municipal Insurance Association AGM 4:00 5:00 pm Municipal Finance Authority AGM 5:00 pm 7:00 pm Welcome Reception Wednesday, September 28 7:00 am 4:30 pm Registration 7:00 am Delegates Continental Breakfast 7:30 am 8:15 am Clinics: Building Community Responses to Substance Abuse Closed Meetings to the Public Fairness and Best Practice Infrastructure Sustainability Medical Marijuana Licensing and Regulations Climate Action Charter 8:30 am CONVENTION OPENING SESSION O Canada Invocation President s Opening Address 9:00 am ANNUAL MEETING Adoption of Conference Rules and Procedures Adoption of Minutes of 2010 Convention Annual Report Question-and-Answer Period Adoption of Financial Statements Appointment of Auditors Appointment of Convention Committees Welcome from Host Municipality 9:20 am First Report of the Nominating Committee for the Positions of Table Officers 9:25 10:25 am Keynote Address 10:30 am Municipal Marketplace opens 10:30-11:55 am Pr i n c i p a l Po l i c y S e s s i o n : Resolutions 11:55 am Nominations from the floor for Table Officer positions 12:00 pm 1:30 pm A r e a A s s o c i a t i o n L u n c h e s (optional) 1:45 2:15 pm Address by the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development 2:15 pm 2:30 pm C a n d i d a t e s p e e c h e s ( a s necessary) 2:30 2:45 pm Address by FCM President 2:30 5:00 pm Election of Table Officers (opens as necessary) 3:00 pm 4:15 pm Cabinet Panels 4:15 pm 4:30 pm Presentation of 2011 Energy & Climate Action Awards 5:00 pm 6:30 pm BC Government Reception 8:00 pm 11:00 pm CUPE Reception Thursday, September 29 7:00 am Delegates Continental Breakfast; 7:30 am 8:15 am Clinics: Municipal Social Media Policies Preventing Liability R e t h i n k i n g t h e Fu t u r e o f Agriculture Open Government: Citizen- Centric Services, Transparency and Engagement Water Management and the New 3Rs The Role of Community Health Networks 8:00 am 9:00 am Election of Table Officers 8:30 am 8:35 am S e c o n d R e p o r t o f t h e Nominating Committee for Executive positions 8:35 am 8:55 am Ad d ress by L e a d e r o f t h e Opposition 8:55 am 11:25 am Resolutions Session Continues 11:25 am 11:30 am Nominations from the Floor for Executive Positions 11:30 am 12:00 noon Candidates Speeches 12:00 noon Delegates Lunch 1:30 pm Delegates Lunch Dessert in Municipal Marketplace 3:00 pm Close of Municipal Marketplace 2:30 pm 4:30 pm Concurrent Workshops: Affordable Market Housing Small Water Systems Child Poverty C a n a d a - E u r o p e a n Tr a d e Negotiations 2:30-5:00 pm Election of Remaining Executive Positions (as necessary) 6:30 pm UBCM Reception 7:30 pm Annual Banquet Presentation of Long-Service Awards and Life Memberships Friday, September 30 7:00 am D e l e g a t e s C o n t i n e n t a l Breakfast 7:30 8:30 am Election for Executive Positions continues 8:00 am 8:30 am Federal Address 8:30 am 8:35 am Address by Leader of the Green Party 8:35 am 10:45 am Consideration of reports on Report on Resolutions Received after the Deadline R e m a i n i n g S e c t i o n B Resolutions 10:45 11:00 am Installation of President elect 11:00 am Address by the Premier 12 noon Adjourn UBCM President, Councillor Barbara Steele Highlights Continued from page 9 2:30-4:30 p.m. Affordable Market Housing Small Water Systems Child Poverty Canada-European Trade Negotiations FRIDAY As in 2010, Friday morning will begin with an address from the Government of Canada. An address by Leader of the Green Party will follow, and then delegates will debate remaining resolutions in the final policy session. The Convention wraps up with installation of the UBCM President elect, and Premier Christy Clark speaking at 11:00 a.m. We look forward to seeing you at Convention.

12 12 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 Participate in UBCM Resolutions Sessions UBCM is a policy-driven organization and the resolutions endorsed by members at Convention provide direction to the Executive. The Executive pays close attention to the resolutions debate in order to understand the concerns of members, and for this reason we encourage you to express your views by speaking to and/or voting on resolutions. Speak to a Resolution Eligible Speakers Elected representatives of UBCM member local governments Procedures for Speaking to a Resolution Each speaker must address the Chair and be recognized before speaking Begin by stating your name and local government Speaker from the sponsoring local government may speak for up to 3 minutes Speakers from the floor may each speak for up to 2 minutes No delegate may speak more than once on a resolution until all others who wish to speak have had the opportunity to do so Vote on a Resolution Eligible Voters Elected representatives of UBCM member local governments Different Types of Voting Voting card: hold aloft to indicate a vote for or against a resolution. The Chair counts the votes for and against to determine whether a motion has been endorsed or defeated. The most common type of vote at Convention. Electronic vote: used when the vote is too close to determine by show of voting cards. At the Chair s discretion the question will be put again and delegates will be asked to vote using electronic voting keypads. Chair also has the option to call for electronic vote if 10 or more people, by standing, question the Chair s decision on a motion. The results of an electronic vote are final. Standing vote or ballot vote: used only if electronic voting is unavailable, in situations that would warrant a call for electronic vote. Standing vote would be called initially, and only if absolutely necessary would ballot vote be conducted. Rarely required during resolutions debate at Convention. Five Types of Resolutions 1. Resolutions in the Resolutions Book Section A: priority issues across the province. Section B1: support existing UBCM policy. Section B2 and B3: new issues or not previously e n d o r s e d. M a y a d d r e s s n a t i o n a l i s s u e s recommended for FCM consideration. Section B2 resolutions address matters within local jurisdiction, whereas Section B3 resolution topics fall outside of local jurisdiction. Section C is not recommended for debate. Resolutions in the three parts of Section C are referred as follows: C1 referred to policy papers or special sessions at Convention; C2 a referred to similar resolutions within the Resolutions Book; C3 referred to Area Associations, due to being of a regional nature. 2. Late Resolutions Received after the June 30 deadline, these r e s o l u t i o n s a r e distributed to delegates on site at Convention. L a t e r e s o l u t i o n s i d e n t i f i e d a s e m e rg e n c y i s s u e s arising since June 30 will be considered at Convention on Friday morning. L a t e r e s o l u t i o n s n o t i d e n t i f i e d a s emergency will not be debated by delegates. Some late resolutions may be referred to the Executive. 5. Extraordinary Resolutions Used to amend UBCM Bylaws. Requires endorsement by three-fifths majority (60%) of delegates present in order to pass. The Executive Director must be notified at least 75 days before Convention of any extraordinary resolution(s) to be submitted for consideration at Convention. Resolutions Tips Bring your Resolutions Book to Convention and use it during debate at Resolutions sessions. Vote on a resolution and not on the Resolutions Committee s recommendations. Use the floor microphones so that all delegates hear your comments. Late & Emergency Resolutions Please note that only late resolutions of an emergency nature are considered at Convention. Emergency resolutions address matters arising since the June 30 submission deadline for resolutions and may be admitted for debate. However, if a matter arose prior to June 30, then the Executive will recommend against admitting the resolution for debate. Late resolutions not of an emergency nature, and therefore not admitted for debate, will be included automatically in the 2012 resolutions process. The resolutions will be referred to relevant Area Associations for consideration at their 2012 Annual Meetings. Late and emergency resolutions must be received at the UBCM office before noon on Friday, September 23, 2011, to allow time for Executive consideration. All late and emergency resolutions are distributed to delegates on-site at Convention in the Report on Resolutions Received After the Deadline, which will be considered during the policy session on the morning of Friday, September 30, Wednesday Afternoon Advice and Advocacy for Local Government PH: FX: nd Floor, 837 Burdett Av. Victoria, British Columbia Canada V8W 1B3 3. Resolutions from the Convention Floor Any delegate may m o v e a r e s o l u t i o n from the floor which, if seconded, is presented to the floor by the Chair. Requires endorsement by three-fifths majority ( 6 0 % ) o f d e l e g a t e s p r e s e n t b e f o r e t h i s resolution can be put forward for discussion. Sponsor is required to provide written copies of the resolution to delegates. 4. Resolutions from Workshop or Seminar R e s o l u t i o n s o r i g i n a t i n g a t a Convention workshop o r s e m i n a r w i l l b e referred to the UBCM Executive. Th i s y e a r, t h e a f t e r n o o n w i l l b e g i n w i t h a n address by the Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport & Cultural Development, at 1:45 p.m. This will be followed by an address from Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, FCM President at 2:30 p.m. Four Cabinet Panels will follow, beginning at 3:00 p.m. From 4:15-5:15 p.m., FCM will be holding a consultation session as part of the development of their Strategic Plan. Thursday Workshops Thursday afternoon offers a number of Workshops that may interest our delegates. From 2:30 4:30 p.m. four concurrent Workshops will be held: Affordable Market Housing Small Water Systems Child Poverty Canada-European Trade Negotiations

13 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Community Economic Development Construction Fire Safety - submitted by Wood WORKS! B.C. On May 3, 2011 the construction site of the first all-wood mid-rise project to receive a building permit in B.C. under the 2009 revised B.C. Building Code, the Remy project in Richmond, was consumed by fire. By now, your municipality should have received a package from Wood WORKS! B.C. about the fire. Wood WORKS! B.C. had significant involvement in the project, with its technical advisors working closely with the building and design professionals at all levels. It s important to note that the Office of the Fire Commissioner classified this as a fire in construction, rather than a building fire. As the Remy was only partially complete it did not have in place the essential fire protection provisions that would be found in a completed building such as sprinklers, fire separations or firewalls. It s also important to note that the level of safety in completed buildings is relatively consistent across the various construction types; if anything, the revised B.C. Building Code (2009) has strengthened the fire safety requirements for six-storey wood construction. Resources for municipalities The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) together with Wood WORKS! B.C. support ongoing efforts to educate stakeholders on the minimum requirements and best practices for construction site fire safety. Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis, also president of the Fire Chiefs Association of British Columbia, worked with developers and fire protection professionals to publish the Construction Fire Safety Plan Bulletin, an addendum to an existing bulletin published by the Office of the Fire Commissioner, which specifically provides guidance to owners, contractors and workers on the requirements for establishing construction site fire safety plans in the City of Surrey. The bulletin will be shared with other local governments across the province. The recommendations and guidelines address leading causes of construction site fires, including arson and hot works, and call for sprinklers and fire doors to be installed and activated at an earlier stage in construction. CWC is developing and will soon release a compact Technical Note document on the topic. The CWC Technical Note will discuss the different issues and mitigating factors considered to be critical for addressing construction site fire safety and will complement many of the points outlined in the Surrey bulletin. T h e C W C Te c h n i c a l N o t e a n d t h e n e w recommendations from Chief Garis reinforce the importance of compliance with provincial fire code regulations related to fire safety planning and the need for cooperation between all stakeholders in establishing the plan. Both documents will be helpful for builders and developers in their adoption and implementation of specific fire safety procedures and approaches to reduce the potential risk and impacts of a fire on any of their construction sites. CWC, through its Wood WORKS! Nakusp Opens First Municipal Building in BC under Wood First Act Th e Vi l l a g e o f N a k u s p w a s r e c e n t l y congratulated for completion and official opening of its new Emergency Services Centre, the first municipal building in BC to be completed under the province s Wood First Act, and tied to the community s own Wood First Resolution. The act aims to increase demand for wood products by requiring provincially-funded projects to use wood as the primary building material. Wood WORKS! BC worked with Nakusp on its Wood First Resolution and subsequently the new build with wood requirements under the act. The new Emergency Services Centre, which will serve residents of Nakusp and the Arrow Lakes region, features a fire hall, search and rescue centre, B.C. program will also be presenting technical seminars on this subject during a fall wood seminar program. This construction site fire, while unfortunate, does not undermine the fact that wood residential structures greater than four storeys will provide significant economic, social and environmental advantages for communities in British Columbia, explains Mary Tracey, executive director of Wood WORKS! B.C. Lower construction costs, high performance and quality, an opportunity for increased density without high-rise towers and an overall reduced environmental impact are some of the objectives that can be achieved with mid-rise wood construction - helping communities realize their vision for the future. For more information, you may visit: www. constructionfiresafety.ca or contact John Ivison, a senior technical advisor and engineer with Wood WORKS! B.C. through the Wood Enterprise Coalition. He is an expert in fire and code issues and an excellent resource. He can be reached at ambulance station and regional training centre. The community set out to include features and construction material secured and milled through its own community forest company. We are pleased to be able to provide a home for our emergency services in one building in Nakusp and excited that we are able to provide it with wood first in mind. We are a logging community and believe that we should support the industry wherever possible, said Nakusp Mayor Karen Hamling. For additional information, please contact: Mary Tracey, Executive Director - Wood WORKS! BC (1) Wood WORKS! is a national industry-led initiative of the Canadian Wood Council, with a goal to support innovation and provide leadership on the use of wood and wood products. MURDY & MCALLISTER BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS #1155 Two Bentall Centre, 555 Burrard Street P.O. Box Vancouver, B.C. V7X 1C4 Fax: (604) Tel: (604) Since 1980 our fi rm has restricted its practice to acting for local government and providing advice concerning municipal law to other clients.

14 14 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 EASY TO USE MODELING TOOL One of the things we re all happy with is that the modeling tool is very accessible, says Paul. BC Hydro provides the spreadsheet tool that allows communities to compare the carbon impact of different actions. So we could actually set some of the targets for increased density, and then put in something like transit, and see how that would affect greenhouse gas output. It was easy to see how different proposals stack up. Province Announces Community Gaming Grant Review On July 11, Premier Christy Clark appointed Skip Triplett to lead a review into the allocation of funding through Community Gaming Grants, with a final report to be delivered by October 31, Mr. Triplett is the former president of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and now a partner in the governance consulting firm Triplett & Triplett. The Community Gaming Grant Review will examine the role of government in allocating gaming revenue with input from charities, community members, industry representatives and local government. The Terms of Reference include reviewing and providing options for: existing legislation governing community gaming grant funding. funding formula. criteria/eligibility for community gaming grants. processes involved with applying for and receiving community gaming grants. a multi-year funding model. the future role of government in community gaming grants. The Terms of Reference also identify the process for consultation: conduct public-oral consultations in up to 14 communities in BC receive and review written and social media submissions Consultation sessions will be held during August and September to gather input from individuals and non-profit organizations at a series of 14 Community Forums. The following dates and locations have been scheduled: Campbell River Nanaimo Victoria Fort St. John Terrace Prince George Castlegar Kamloops Williams Lake Cranbrook Kelowna Abbotsford Surrey Vancouver Coast Discovery Inn 975 Shoppers Row, Campbell River Vancouver Island University Building 356, Room Fifth St., Nanaimo Hotel Grand Pacific 463 Belleville St., Victoria North Peace Cultural Centre th Ave., Ft. St. John Coast Inn of the West 4620 Lakelse Ave., Terrace Prince George Native Friendship Centre rd Ave., Prince George Sandman Hotel 1944 Columbia Ave., Castlegar Thompson Rivers University, Barber Centre, 900 McGill Rd., Kamloops Pioneer Complex 351 Hodgson Rd., Williams Lake Prestige Rocky Mountain 209 Van Horne St. South, Cranbrook Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society 442 Leon Avenue, Kelowna Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre North Parallel Rd., Abbotsford Kwantlen Polytechnic University nd Ave., Surrey Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel 1133 West Hastings St., Vancouver Thursday, Aug. 11 Friday, Aug. 12 Thursday, Sept. 8 Tuesday, Aug. 23 Thursday, Sept. 1 Thursday, Sept. 15 Monday, Aug. 15 Tuesday, Aug. 16 Thursday Aug. 18 Thursday, Aug. 25 Monday, Sept. 12 Monday, Aug. 29 Wednesday, Sept. 7 Friday, Sept. 16 IN PEACHLAND, A SMALL COMMUNITY TAKES BIG STEPS WITH CEEP: QUICKSTART We only have three people in our planning department, says Paul Dupuis, Planning Technician for the District of Peachland. So for us, using BC Hydro s QuickStart process to develop our Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) meant a huge saving on resources. Everyone set time aside for the workshop, and we were able to say, okay, let s do this in a quick and efficient way. With a population of about 5,000 and more than 5,700 new housing units proposed within the next two decades, Peachland s energy and emissions plan is an important component of building a resilient, sustainable community. For its CEEP: QuickStart workshop, the District convened elected officials, staff, and experts, as well as prospective developers. It was very important to get that mix right, says Paul. And because there was pre-reading, people were expected to come prepared and knowledgeable - it made the day that much more effective. The group developed shared objectives, tested various options, and placed actions on a timeline. It was a consensus building day, says Paul. It provided a framework for action, because we can look at the final product and clearly see what everyone in that room thought about what actions should be taken, and when. After the workshop, Peachland s council passed a resolution to have staff move ahead with the CEEP actions. Paul says the Mayor also decided to strike a task force on climate change, and there have been discussions about renewable energy sources and the possibility of district energy systems for the community. I can only speak for myself, but I think the workshop helped the group realize that some of these things are not as difficult as we may think, says Paul. It brought options to the forefront that can make a difference and aren t huge budget items, and helped us see the benefits associated with them. We consider it a huge success so far. FOR MORE INFORMATION CEEP: QuickStart is an initiative assisting smaller communities within the BC Hydro service territory to develop their Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP). The process supports local governments in achieving the GHG reduction and energy conservation targets that they have set in their Official Community Plans or Regional Growth Strategies. The CEEP: QuickStart process includes pre-reading, a webinar, and a day and a half workshop, facilitated by an expert and funded by BC Hydro. Communities with populations up to 20,000 are eligible. To learn more about the offer, or to register, visit bchydro.com/quickstart. For further detailed information about community and stakeholder forums, how to register/ present at a forum in your community, and how to make a written submission to the Review please go to: www. communitygaminggrantreview.gov.bc.ca/

15 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Community Safety RCMP Contract Negotiations British Columbia has been very active in attempting to re-start the RCMP contract negotiations that were suspended during the federal election. Solicitor General Shirley Bond has met with federal Solicitor General Vic Toews to discuss the current status of the RCMP Contract Negotiations. The BC Provincial negotiating team - which includes Mayor Fassbender as the UBCM representative - has met with the other Provinces and Territories, involved in RCMP contract discussions, to confirm their positions and the strategy that they wish to take going forward. Meeting between BC Solicitor General & Federal Solicitor General On June 24th, Solicitor General Shirley Bond met with federal Solicitor General Vic Toews to discuss her concerns, and those of local governments, concerning the current status of the RCMP contract negotiations. Minister Toews confirmed that the federal government had been involved in bi-lateral negotiations with both Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Minister indicated that the federal government is planning to reduce their overall spending and that this may impact what they can expend on contract policing. Minister Bond during the meeting expressed her concern that Canada had entered into bi-lateral negotiations with Alberta and Saskatchewan despite the fact the federal government had initially agreed to negotiate with all the provinces and territories as a block. Minister Bond underlined the need for cost containment measures, and stated that more work was needed to reach consensus on the cost items included in the agreement. Solicitor General Bond stated that the province and local governments could not accept the federal government s proposals to transfer additional costs onto the contract jurisdictions. After this meeting, Minister Bond wrote to the federal Solicitor General confirming the Province s views on the negotiations that she had expressed at the meeting. The Minister highlighted the need to establish a governance framework that will support a new era of partnership and the need for better operational and financial accountability in order to assure taxpayers that they are getting the most effective and efficient police service possible. She also highlighted the need for cost containment measures, particularly with respect to the federal government s proposals to transfer additional costs onto the contract jurisdictions. In addition, the Minister stressed the mutual benefits that all levels of government receive in having a national police service like the RCMP and suggested that today the Peachland, B.C. Canada, V0H 1X4 PHONE/FAX: (250) TOLL-FREE PHONE/FAX: lasting-creations@shaw.ca benefits received by the federal government exceed their contribution to provincial and municipal policing costs. Minister Bond in her letter also requested that Minister Toews extend the current Agreement for two years so as to assure citizens that police services will continue uninterrupted and that public safety will not be compromised in any way by the pace of the negotiating process. Provincial/Territorial Meetings May 17th to 19 th, the BC Provincial negotiating team, which includes Mayor Fassbender as the UBCM Representative, met with the other Provinces and Territories that are still negotiating with Canada as a block. The nine Provincial and Territorial representatives discussed the direction and strategy going forward, taking into consideration the Canada/Alberta agreement-in-principle and that bi-lateral discussions are underway with Saskatchewan. A subsequent meeting of the nine provincial/ territorial Deputy Ministers, still involved in negotiations, was held on June 23 rd and 24 th to finalize the negotiating strategy. The Deputies reached consensus on a Provincial/ Territorial proposal for a new RCMP agreement. The Provincial/Territorial proposal for a new RCMP agreement was forwarded to the federal government on July 22, Update on RCMP Contract Negotiations Alberta and the federal government, on August 19, 2011 announced that they had signed a new 20 year agreement for the extension of RCMP services in the province. Summar y U B C M w o u l d re q u e s t t h a t m e m b e r l o c a l governments inform their local MP s about the need to renew the RCMP contract in a way that will establish a new partnership, ensure affordability/ cost containment measures, and establish strong new accountability provisions into the agreement. A workshop on the RCMP contract negotiations will be held at the UBCM Convention on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at the 2011 UBCM Convention to update members on the contract discussions, and to discuss what action local governments can take to support the provincial government position in its negotiations with Canada to renew the RCMP agreement. British Columbia - RCMP Contract Management Committee In British Columbia, the Province and local governments who have RCMP services will establish a management committee to monitor the RCMP agreement. This committee will not have to wait until the completion of the RCMP contract negotiations to begin operations, as it is not part of the Master Agreement. UBCM will be working with the province to establish this management committee as soon as possible. The Provincial/Local Government committee, similar to its federal counterpart, will address issues and concerns related to the RCMP contract and the on-going delivery of local government police services by the RCMP. The committee will facilitate regular input/feedback between local governments and the Province, and ensure local government input into the 5 year RCMP Contract review process. UBCM has received local government input on the Terms of Reference for the establishment of a British Columbia/Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee. A number of changes were made to the Terms of Reference based on member input. An additional bullet point was added to the overview: Ensure that there is an opportunity for local government input when changes to police practices, equipment, policies or procedures that may impact future municipal costs, accountability or governance are being considered. The local government membership on the Committee was increased from 8 to 9 members. An additional local government representative will be appointed from those municipalities over 15,000 population from outside the Lower Mainland. The composition of the Committee was clarified to ensure that 2 out of the 3 representatives from the Lower Mainland RCMP District are appointed from the Metro Vancouver area. The UBCM Executive has approved the Terms of Reference for the creation of a joint Provincial/ Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee. The Executive has authorized the UBCM President to appoint local government representatives to the Committee, and agreed to work with the provincial government in creating the new management committee. UBCM will be looking for further input from the members as it moves forward in this process.

16 16 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 ENERGY & CLIMATE ACTION NEWS From the Community Energy Association the first stop for local government leaders addressing climate and energy sustainability The Community Energy Association (CEA) is a collaboration of the Union of BC Municipalities, Province of British Columbia, Planning Institute of BC, transit and energy providers and individual local governments. The organization assists BC local governments to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy through community energy and greenhouse gas planning and project implementation Climate & Energy Action Awards The Community Energy Association, BC Ministry of Environment Climate Action Secretariat, BC Hydro Power Smart, FortisBC and Union of BC Municipalities are pleased to announce that the 2011 Climate & Energy Action Awards will be presented at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver, September T h e a w a rd s a re o ff e re d a n n u a l l y t o a municipality or regional district implementing a project or program best integrating energy and climate considerations into community and corporate planning, corporate operations and collaborative strategies. This year, awards will be offered in three categories: 1. Community-level Planning and Development 2. Corporate Operations 3. Public Service Organization and Local Government Collaboration All attendees of the Convention are invited to attend the event, see the winners, and learn about the cutting edge in local government climate and energy action. CEA has recognized the efforts of local and regional governments best exemplifying the spirit of energy awareness in community planning since 1998, and winners have come from all sizes of communities. FREE Community Energy And Emissions Plan: QuickStart Small communities within the BC Hydro service territory and with populations up to 20,000 are eligible for a free Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) through the CEEP: QuickStart initiative. CEEP: QuickStart supports local governments in achieving the greenhouse gas reduction and energy conservation targets that they have set in their Official Community Plans or Regional Growth Strategies. Benefits to those communities involved with CEEP: QuickStart include: A no-cost assessment of your municipality s c u r re n t s i t u a t i o n w i t h re s p e c t t o e n e rg y consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, including consideration of electricity conservation measures associated with BC Hydro Power Smart Programs A step-by-step model that takes your local government though the CEEP development process, funded entirely by BC Hydro Access to Power Smart s technical, energy management and CEEP expertise and resources throughout the CEEP development process An action-oriented CEEP that when implemented will deliver electricity and greenhouse gas savings. Interested communities should register at: or by going through the BC Hydro website: CONTROL "The ability to organize and direct various actions to achieve a specific goal." task construction management is a proven performer in providing controlled solutions to complex building projects. Our experience in public building projects combined with our Fast Track expertise guarantees successful project completion. Our area of expertise is 'true' construction and project management. We are specialists in public recreation facilities, hotels and conference centres. Projects Managed by TASK: Coquitlam Sports Centre Renewal Moody Park Outdoor Pool Oliver Woods Community Centre Sechelt & Area Aquatic Centre Gibsons & Area Community Centre Nanaimo Ice Centre Houston Leisure Facility SCRD Administration Building Lax Kw Alaams Family Leisure Centre Revelstoke Aquatic Centre Mission Leisure Centre Mission Sports Park Lakeside Leisure Centre Greater Vernon Multiplex Cranbrook Recreation Complex Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Trail Aquatic Centre North Vancouver Tennis Centre Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre Whistler Rink and Pool TASK CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT INC Canada Way, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5G 1J3 Tel: Fax: Toll Free: District Energy Ready Project The Community Energy Association has received funding from the Vancity and Real Estate Foundation of BC Green Building Grant, and FortisBC, for the District Energy Ready project that will run to March The project will strive to support local governments to significantly reduce emissions in communities planning or implementing district energy systems through enacting policy measures to maximize the number of buildings that connect. It is hoped that 6-9 local governments will be assisted over the duration of the project. CEA is in the process of assisting the City of Kelowna with policy work for its two planned district energy systems, and is looking for other local governments that may be interested in participating in this project. If your local government is planning or implementing a district energy system, and would like assistance with developing policy to assist with implementation, please contact: Patricia Bell, Senior Community Energy Planner, Community Energy Association, at (604) or pbell@communityenergy. bc.ca. A draft report, Policy Options for District Energy Ready Buildings: Preliminary Consultation Report, is also available to interested local governments upon request. Community Energy and Emissions Planning Research With the benefit of funding from Natural Resources Canada and BC Hydro, CEA is conducting research on thirty Community Energy and Emissions Plans (CEEPs) from across Canada. Desk research on the plans has been conducted with over 10,000 data points collected, and now telephone interviews are taking place in order to gather follow up information. Thank you to our intern Bahareh Toghiani Rizi for setting up the interviews. The project will determine how effective CEEPs across Canada have been as planning tools and how much they have contributed to actions on climate and energy that have been implemented or are being considered for the future. Results of the project as well as suggestions on how to maximize the impact of CEEPs will be contained in a project report in early Update to the Funding Guide The Community Energy Association appreciates the hard work of our intern Bahareh Toghiani Rizi for an upcoming update to the Funding Guide (Funding Your Community Energy and Climate Change Initiatives). The Funding Guide has become an invaluable tool for local government staff to navigate various programmatic and incentive funding tools that are available to local governments in the broad field of energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate action. The guide is a comprehensive listing of loan financing tools, tax exemption and grant funding programs that BC local governments are eligible for, that provide financial incentives for climate action, energy planning / efficiency, and renewable energy activities. An electronic version of the updated Funding Guide will be available on the Community Energy Association s website soon: communityenergy.bc.ca Updates Solar BC assistance to Solar Communities The Community Energy Association is continuing work on behalf of SolarBC, supporting existing Solar Communities with innovative solar projects. CEA is in the process of supporting the Village of Alert Continued on page 19

17 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Courses and Resources Off to a Fresh Start A variation of this article was published three years ago. With local elections scheduled for November 19 th, a revised article should be useful for newly elected officials and senior staff. Getting elected to local government may bring with it a sense of jubilation, especially after a competitive race. But the euphoria tends to last for a short time. Then reality sets in: long meetings, procedural wrangling, political pressures from interest groups, grandstanding or even petulant colleagues, tough decisions to make ( the lesser of two evils ), and the sobering realization that campaign promises are much easier to make than they are to keep. A local government can respond to the above challenges reactively, as they occur. But more effectively, a Council/Board should work proactively with senior staff and professional advisors to establish a solid foundation for its decision making processes. This foundation should be in place before bad habits begin to develop. Priority Setting Often Councils/Boards reach the end of their terms and wonder what difference they really made, and why they had spent so much time in crisis mode, and little time solving problems and achieving results that they had campaigned on. To avoid this outcome, Councils/Boards should establish priorities and a schedule for achieving them at the start of their terms. Priority setting presents a few challenges: Some strategic initiatives may already be under way. It would seem unwise and unpractical to discard good initiatives and start with an entirely fresh plan. Proceeding in this way would provide no continuity, stability or reliability for important ongoing initiatives. Second, the bulk of municipal budgets is already spoken for and is dedicated to delivering the services that must be provided: roads, sewer, water, fire fighting, etc. If the previous Council/Board budgeted very tightly, there may be little leeway for new visionary initiatives. Third, with various candidates making promises in advance of an election, it can be a challenge to merge all desirable initiatives into one collectively embraced vision. With these challenges in mind, the following steps should be considered: The Council/Board should meet shortly after the election and establish its collective vision of an ideal community by merging the individual visions into one. It should then discuss potential activities to advance the community towards this vision, GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1100 Melville Street, Suite 1600 Vancouver, B.C. V6E 4A6 Telephone: Fax: and should then prioritize and agree on must have, should have, and would be nice to have initiatives. As part of this discussion, the Council/ Board should be mindful of on-going strategic initiatives. Employing creativity, the Council/Board should consider vision-driven activities that will produce substantial results while adding little or no financial burden on the municipality. The preliminary list of potential initiatives should be reviewed by the professional staff and/ or advisors for feasibility from fiscal, operational, staffing, legal, logistical and other perspectives. The list should then be adjusted based on this professional input. The revised list of proposed initiatives, accompanied by the rationale for them, should be announced to the community, and public input on it should be solicited. Where possible and advisable, the list should be revised based on this input. Once a year (or more often, if needed) the Council/Board should review the list of initiatives, receive updates on progress, and give directions to the staff. At each review, the list of initiatives may be modified, to account for changing circumstances and priorities. Roles and Rules OFFICES IN VANCOUVER, CALGARY, TORONTO & MONTREAL Besides the substantive focus (see step 1), the Council/Board should discuss roles and rules: It should be emphasized that the role of the Council/Board is mostly to govern, while the role of the administration and the staff is to implement its directions and handle day to day operations. It should be established that it is generally not appropriate for Council/Board members to cross the line and personally give directions to staff, except when the authority to give such directions is explicitly given by legislation or by Council/Board decision. There should be discussion on how meetings are run as well as a review of the key provisions in the Procedure Bylaw. Additional procedural issues to discuss are conflicts of interests, confidentiality, the duty to accept majority decisions as collective decisions, the duty set community interests ahead of narrow interests, and the duty of each member to work as a constructive, engaged, informed and trustworthy partner in decision-making. There should be a discussion of bad habits and d y s f u n c t i o n s, h o w t h e y c a n d a m a g e the decision-making p r o c e s s, a n d w h a t measures individuals can take in defense of the process. It should be emphasized that the duty to speak up and point to a substantive or procedural problem is not reserved for the Chair, but is shared among the members. There should be discussion of the relationship between the Council/Board and the Community. It should be indicated that pre-meeting promises to individual citizens are not appropriate, and that giving in to pressures by assertive citizens and community groups may not be fair to the community as whole. A l l C o u n c i l / B o a rd m e m b e r s, n e w a n d experienced, should attend orientation sessions during which the above issues are discussed, so they all hear the same key messages and are partners in the same discussion. The fact that a returning member is experienced does not mean that he or she has nothing to learn or teach new colleagues. Orientation sessions should not take the form of a pure lecture, but should be interactive. The flow of information should be to and from participants, and brainstorming and other methods should be used to capitalize on their wisdom, insights, and concerns. Evaluation and Feedback Priority setting and orientation sessions do not guarantee that their content will be remembered and applied by elected officials. There must be efforts to monitor progress and take corrective measures if the group is off-course or dysfunction sets in. Here are a few tips: Consideration should be given to some form of evaluation for meetings. Items to evaluate include time management, engagement of participants, tone and decorum, the quality and depth of discussions, the ability to deal with tough and divisive issues while maintaining civility and mutual respect, etc. Consideration should be given to instituting self-evaluation for elected officials, with members reminded to complete them just before a meeting ends. Questions may include: Did I fully prepare for this meeting? Did I arrive on time and attend the full meeting? Did I avoid being distracted by side talks or by reviewing my s? Did I speak up when I thought my ideas would make a difference? Did I listen to my colleagues, staff, and citizens with an open mind? Did I serve as a role model and trusted leader? In addition to regular evaluations, ad-hoc feedback should be exchanged on an as-needed basis. Feedback should be offered in a constructive and respectful manner. Recipients of feedback should listen to it with an open mind and make it easy for others to give it. With priority setting, rules and roles, and feedback channels established, you and your elected colleagues are off to a good start. Good luck! Eli Mina, M.Sc., P.R.P., is a Vancouver based consultant, meeting mentor and Registered Parliamentarian. Since 1984, Eli has served his clients by chairing contentious meetings, preventing and dealing with disputes and dysfunctions, building better Boards and Councils, demystifying and humanizing the rules of order, and advising on minute taking standards. This article is based in part on Eli Mina s new book 101 Boardroom Problems & How to Solve Them. Eli can be reached at or eli@elimina. com. For more information on Eli s work visit www. elimina.com.

18 18 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 Gas Tax Advice: Reporting FAQs One of the innovative features of the Gas Tax program is that one of its funding streams (The Community Works Fund) allocates funding to recipients prior to identifying a project. The stable, predictable delivery of funds provides local governments with greater control over the selection and timing of projects in comparison to other funding programs. In order to provide this flexibility to recipients while also maintaining transparency and accountability for the program as a whole, a process has been established for recipients to report annually on the use of funds. As local governments have completed six cycles of annual expenditure reporting, a number of common questions have surfaced. Q: Which Gas Tax funds should be included in the annual report? A: The Gas Tax program is split into a number of different funding streams. In addition to the Community Works Fund, there are others like the Innovations Fund and Regionally Significant Priorities Fund that provide grants on an application basis. The annual expenditure report should include all Gas Tax funding expenditures, that is, for both allocated funds as well as any application based funds that have been expended. Lillooet Wood Fueled Energy System Unveiled In July the District o f L i l l o o e t c o m m i s s i o n e d a n innovative wood-fueled boiler system that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The system incorporates state of the art technology that gasifies waste-wood a l l o w i n g f o r n e a r l y complete combustion of the fuel. The new system will provide a n 8 7 % r e d u c t i o n i n t h e a m o u n t o f propane consumed by C o m m u n i t y C e n t r e while also reducing its annual heating costs by up to $50,000. This $602,000 project was made possible through a $467,000 grant from the Gas Tax Fund. M a y o r D e n n i s Bontron demonstrated the completed system to Mark Strahl, MP for C h i l l i w a c k F r a s e r C a n y o n a n d U B C M P r e s i d e n t B a r b a r a S t e e l e. M r. S t r a h l used the occasion to announced $4.5 million in funding to expand Lillooet s water system. Lillooet will use the funds to construct new wells Seton Fan, a high lift pumping and UV t re a t m e n t s t a t i o n, a water supply main, and the installation of water meters for all household in the municipality. Q: What does the capacity building project category include under the Gas Tax Agreement? A: For the purposes of the Gas Tax Agreement, capacity building refers only to planning activities that increase a local government s ability to undertake integrated community sustainability (ICS) planning. In other words, if you are reporting a capital project, capacity building is not an eligible category. Q: What is the reporting year for the Gas Tax program? A: The fiscal year end is December 31. The annual expenditure report must be delivered to UBCM by July 1. Q: Do I have to report interest on funds? A: Yes. One of the unique features of the Gas Tax program is that recipients can retain the interest on the funds received. These funds can be used towards the eligible costs of eligible projects or for administrative costs as result of implementing a Community Works Agreement (such as fulfilling communications requirements). Esquimalt Opens Craigflower Road Upgrades Mayor Bontron, MP Strahl and President Steele tour Lillooet s recently completed wood-fueled boiler. Phase 2 of the Craigflower Road Upgrading project in Esquimalt is now complete, thanks to a $4.97 million investment under the federal Gas Tax Fund. The project encompasses one kilometre of roadway, and includes continuous bike lanes in each direction, continuous sidewalks on both sides of the road, landscaped median islands for traffic calming, improved transit facilities, rainwater capture and treatment, and a complete repaving of the road. Th e c o r r i d o r h i s t o r i c a l l y served as a direct route between the City o f Vi c t o r i a a n d t h e Westshore communities and was built to older standards that did not accommodate multiple modes of transportation. The project balances transportation and land u s e o b j e c t i v e s w i t h neighborhood values, and improves overall safety and efficiency for all modes of travel. An innovative feature of the project is the addition of two stormceptors and a dedicated rain garden at Yarrow Place that will treat runoff from the road before it enters the ocean. Esquimalt will also be using Gas Tax funding t o c o m p l e t e a t h i rd Phase of the Craigflower Road project to upgrade a n a d d i t i o n a l h a l f kilometre of roadway, construct two additional u n d e rg ro u n d s t o r m w a t e r t r e a t m e n t chambers and install 14 transit shelters with solar powered light fixtures. E s q u i m a l t M a y o r toured the completed roadworks joined by The Honourable Ida Chong, icompass Technologies Inc. Minister for Community, S p o r t a n d C u l t u r a l D e v e l o p m e n t, a n d UBCM President Barbara Steele. Meeting Management Solution Streamline your agenda, minutes, and actions processes Support green initiatives by reducing paper consumption Unlimited agenda templates Ability to table agenda items Automatic page re-numbering, including across attachments Flexible access levels and security options Built-in approval process via notification Various publishing options Integration with task management and document storage applications icompass has built a market of over 400 local government customers across North America by being the leading web-based Meeting Management Solution for City Clerks who are swamped with never-ending process related to managing the preparation, approval and distribution of agendas and minutes AND tracking mission critical deliverables within the organization. Guests tour the rain garden at Esquimalt s Craigflower Rd. opening

19 Updates Continued from page 16 Bay, the District of Tofino, and the BC Lodging and Campground Association with promoting solar hot water systems to tourism businesses that do not have access to natural gas and hence face high energy costs. CEA is also supporting the Township of Esquimalt with a potentially innovative solar hot water project on its recreation centre. If your local government is one of the existing 32 SolarBC Solar Communities and would like support on an innovative solar project whether it is for the community or for corporate operations, we may consider requests for support in the future. In addition, if your community is not already a Solar Community, SolarBC may consider applications for new Solar Communities later in In both cases please contact: Peter Robinson, Community Energy P l a n n e r, C o m m u n i t y Energy Association, (250) (in Kelowna), or e- mail: probinson@ communityenergy.bc.ca. Carbon Neutral Kootenays Three years of corporate energy and emissions i n v e n t o r i e s w e r e delivered to the 35 local governments and first nations participating in the Carbon Neutral K o o t e n a y s P r o j e c t. T h i s p r o j e c t, l e d b y C o m m u n i t y E n e r g y A s s o c i a t i o n, i s b y R e g i o n a l D i s t r i c t o f K o o t e n a y - B o u n d a r y, R e g i o n a l D i s t r i c t o f C e n t r a l K o o t e n a y, Regional District of East Kootenay and Columbia Basin Trust. T h e p r o j e c t a l s o delivered a series of eight webinars on successes that local governments have had in reducing energy and emissions. S e e t h e w e b i n a r s a t I n i t i a t i v e s / C l i m a t e _ C h a n g e /? R e d u c i n g _ Emissions for the full audio and video. With the assistance of Ron Macdonald of Stantec, the project is also investigating the potential f o r a re g i o n a l o ff s e t strategy. CEA Membership All BC local governments a r e w e l c o m e t o j o i n t h e C o m m u n i t y E n e r g y A s s o c i a t i o n a n d p a r t i c i p a t e i n being at the forefront of driving climate and e n e r g y a c t i o n i n B C communities. Through C E A m e m b e r s h i p, l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t re p re s e n t a t i v e s h a v e access to information, d i s c u s s i o n s a n d leadership opportunities. CEA is chaired by Mayor Dan Rogers of Prince George. For membership information, please contact (604) or info@ communityenergy.bc.ca or click on join on the top tab at Community Energy Association welcomes the following new directors to the CEA board: CEA Vancouver Office # West Pender St., Vancouver, BC V6B 1T6 Tel: (604) info@communityenergy.bc.ca PROVIDING WORKSHOPS FOR PERSONAL GROWTH THAT EMPOWER AND MOTIVATE Conflict Resolution Skills UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Vancouver - October 24, 2011 Kelowna - October 24, 2011 Victoria - October 27, 2011 Some of the topics covered How Conflict Escalates Conflict or Misunderstanding - The Power of Assumption Practical Skills for Resolution Exploring Positions and Interests A Resolution Process - Transforming the Argument WORKING THROUGH PERSONALITY DIFFERENCES Vancouver - December 13, 2011 Kelowna - December 15, 2011 Understanding the various personality styles and their impact on workplace dynamics helps people communicate and work successfully with others. Utilizing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), this workshop will provide participants with a personal assessment, equip them to understand personality styles which are different than their own and provide strategies to effectively interact with. Conflict has many sources including disagreements, stress, personality differences and differences of opinions. Results of conflict impacts us individually and often negatively affects the performance of groups. Many conflicts would not spiral out of control if people used conflict resolution techniques that are easy to learn and utilize. This workshop will teach participants to understand the dynamics of conflict and equip them with the skills needed to respond confidently when faced with situations of conflict. DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE Vancouver - October 25, 2011 Kelowna - October 25, 2011 Victoria - October 28, 2011 This workshop will analyze what is happening in exchanges with difficult people and demonstrate how people can adapt their strategies to bring about more productive conversations with those they find difficult. The effect of communication styles will be explored, in particular, how different styles interact with each other. Participants will also learn how to change their interactions with difficult people in order to influence their behaviour, resulting in more positive outcomes. Some of the topics covered Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Personality Assessment Effect of Differences in the Work Environment Destructive Interactions that are Rooted in Personality Understanding and Responding to Differences Practical Strategies for Working through Differences Assertive Communication Vancouver - December 14, 2011 Kelowna - December 16, 2011 Understanding our communication style and how we interact with others is essential to positive and productive relations. Effective communication requires us not only to be aware of ourselves, but also to be repsonsive and aware of others. Being assertive in communication is the ability to express positive and negative ideas and feelings in a transparent, welcoming and direct way - to state clearly and without defensiveness what one needs. Participants of this workshop will build an awareness of their communication patterns and learn to deal confidently with people around them. FOR REGISTRATION AND WORKSHOP FEE INFORMATION: info@achievecentre.com Mayor Mike Bernier of Dawson Creek, Victoria Smith of BC Hydro, Susan Haid of District of North Vancouver and Tony Barber of Lonsdale Energy Corp and City of North Vancouver CEA staff: Vancouver: Dale Littlejohn, Executive Director; Patricia Bell, Sr Community Energy Planner; Alex Adams, Energy Planner; Margaret Halsey, Financial Administrator Kelowna: Peter Robinson, Community Energy Planner Nelson: Patricia Dehnel, Community Energy Planner Warfield: Adam James, Community Energy Planner Community Energy Association connecting communities, energy and sustainability Website: Some of the topics covered The Angry Person - De-escalating Anger The Resistant Person - Breaking through Resistance The Passive-Aggressive Person - Getting to the Truth The Bully - Stopping the Problem Behaviour How you can Exert Influence Some of the topics covered Offering Your Opinion The No of Assertion Making Requests Receiving Negative Feedback Giving Feedback

20 20 UBCM NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 We don t ship electronics to developing countries for recycling Environmental The electronics stewardship program now includes even more products. Consumers and businesses in British Columbia have an environmentally sound recycling option. You can drop off any acceptable products at designated Collection Sites throughout the province without charge (see Acceptable Products list for details). The Electronics Stewardship Association of British Columbia (ESABC), a not-for-profit extended producer responsibility program set up by the major producers and retailers of electronics in British Columbia, delivers a recycling program to recover regulated e l e c t r o n i c s p r o d u c t s f r o m consumers and recycle them in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Encorp Pacific (Canada) has been contracted by ESABC to manage the electronics stewardship program. You probably know them best through their Return-It system. Since the start of ESABC s program in 2007, more than 49 million kilograms of unwanted electronics have been recycled. That s over 49 million kilograms that didn t end up in our landfills and were not exported illegally to become someone else s problem. How Electronics Are Recycled: Electronics collected in BC are sent to five approved primary recyclers in North America. The items are broken down using various manual and mechanical processes. Products such as batteries and mercury lamps, which require special processing to recover materials, are removed. The remaining products are separated into their individual components for recovery. Through a variety of refining and smelting processes, the materials reclaimed from unwanted electronics are used as raw materials in the manufacturing of new products. It s the Responsible Thing to Do: Those useless electronics in your basement contain valuable resources. Steel, leaded glass, copper, aluminum, plastic and precious metals can be extracted and recycled into new products. Province Wide Network: The 117 permanent Return-It Electronics Collection Sites cover over 97.4% of the province. Drop-off events are organized and held in convenient locations in the communities where depots have not yet been established. How to Find a Collection Site: There are more than 117 convenient locations in BC. To find a Collection Site or drop-off event near you, visit return-it.ca/electronics/locations. Those useless electronics in your basement contain valuable re sources. return-it.ca/electronics esabc.ca ACCEPTABLE PRODUCTS The following items can be recycled free of charge at any Encorp Return-It Electronics Collection Site: Display Devices Desktop Computers Portable Computers Computer Peripherals (Keyboards and Mice) Computer Scanners Printers and Fax Machines Non-Cellular Phones and Answering Machines Vehicle Audio and Video Systems (Aftermarket) Home Audio and Video Recording/Playback Systems Personal or Portable Audio and Video Recording/ Playback Systems Find a full list of acceptable products at return-it.ca/electronics/acceptable. THERE S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RECYCLING AND RECYCLING RESPONSIBLY All electronic products collected in the ESABC program are recycled by processors that meet the Recycling Qualification Program (RQP). This standard effectively prevents illegal export to developing countries and unnecessary landfilling of regulated electronic products. The RQP can be viewed online at epsc.ca. An audit is conducted by an independent third party and takes eight to twelve months to complete. It ensures that processors: Use sound environmental practices recyclers must handle the materials they receive in an environmentally responsible manner. Do not allow prison labour or shipping of unwanted electronic scrap or products offshore to developing, non-oecd (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries. ADVERTORIAL