Local government part of the climate change solution: Sullivan
Mayor Sam Sullivan today welcomed delegates from across the province to Vancouver for the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention. The theme of this year’s convention is climate change.
“Through zoning and building regulations, municipal governments possess two of the most powerful tools in the battle to combat climate change,” said Mayor Sullivan. “I look forward to spending time with other BC Mayors and Councillors to share ideas and compare best practices.”
More than 1000 Mayors, Councillors and civic officials from 185 municipalities and regional districts are meeting this week at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. In addition to welcoming delegates, Mayor Sullivan has identified a number of priority UBCM items, including:
- BC Climate Action Charter
- Federal tax reforms to encourage construction of rental housing
- Supportive housing for mental health & addictions
- Municipal by-law fine collection
“Strengthening Vancouver’s reputation as an international leader in sustainable development is one of the five goals we have established for our government,” said Mayor Sullivan. “Through the introduction of green building standards, completion of the Millennium Line and development of EcoDensity to fight sprawl we will help the Province of British Columbia achieve their greenhouse gas emission targets.”
During the convention, Mayor Sullivan will also:
- encourage the BC government to consider measures to address the growing fiscal imbalance between provincial & municipal governments
- promote the establishment of “single business licensing” to reduce red tape
- discuss drug policy, crime, infrastructure & economic development with attending federal Ministers
Mayor Sullivan will welcome delegates at the Convention’s 8:30am opening session tomorrow morning. Following that he will join Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed to introduce a motion calling on the UBCM to allow the Leader of the Green Party of British Columbia to address convention delegates.
