Fort St. John council representing city at UBCM convention

An aerial view of the City of Fort St. John. — Aerial view of the Energetic City. (City of Fort St. John)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John council is attending the annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention this week.

The convention gathers local governments to learn from each other and lobby the provincial government on issues within their municipalities.

The City of Fort St. John submitted three resolutions for consideration regarding registering fees on a title to increase transparency, creating an economic immigration program so local governments can streamline the approval process of foreign workers and additional addiction treatment capacity in rural and remote communities.

The city says it will also meet with several cabinet ministers and shadow ministers during one-on-one meetings to discuss local issues such as the overdose prevention site, additional classroom space for middle schools in School District 60 and an update on the Taylor Bridge project.

According to the city, attending the convention and maintaining membership with the North Central Local Government Association, UBCM and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the city is committed to addressing many local issues and working with other levels of government to improve its residents’ quality of life.

Other issues the city will be discussing:

Decriminalization of drugs and safety in public places;
Addiction treatment and prevention programs in rural and remote communities;
Foreign worker programs;
RCMP funding and tax fairness considerations and issues;
Funding and value of post-secondary education in northern and Indigenous communities;
Boulevard maintenance and highway responsibilities;
Alaska Highway intersection safety;
Update on the Blueberry First Nation decision;
Local area service and latecomer fees registered on title;
Hosting provincial sporting events in the province;
Viable housing projects.