2024 Southern Interior Local Government Association Conference
Posted On: May 06, 2024
Tags: Discover , Featured , Home Featured , Your Municipality
Last week, District of Sicamous council and staff attended the 2024 Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) Convention in Kamloops.
During this annual convention delegates from 37 cities, towns, villages, districts and regional districts gather to debate resolutions, appoint the SILGA executive, learn about local government matters and connect. The SILGA membership extends from Clearwater in the north and Revelstoke in the east to Osoyoos in the south and Lillooet in the west.
“Thank you to the City of Kamloops, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the Southern Interior Local Government Association for being welcoming hosts,” says Mayor Anderson. “We had a great time hearing from different presenters and learning about the advocacy work of other local governments. We have a shared dedication and passion for the communities we serve.”
This year's theme was "Keep the Ball Rolling" with presentations on the future of wildfires in B.C., the Short Term Rental Accommodations Act, tools for successful dialogue in local government, intergovernmental relations and advocacy, navigating and addressing conflicts of interest and ethical role clarity among others. Delegates also participated in tours at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Thompson Rivers University and the Tournament Capital Centre.
During the resolution session, the SILGA membership endorsed three resolutions sponsored by the District of Sicamous. Resolutions, which are a formal expression of opinion, will or intent, are an important policymaking tool for encouraging action from higher levels of government with the support of SILGA, the Union of BC Municipalities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
The resolutions put forth by Sicamous request a comprehensive review of the Residential Tenancy Act, economic recovery support for tourism-dependent communities adversely impacted by natural disasters and travel bans, and consistent federal funding for the Invasive Mussel Defence Program.
The resolutions will be considered at the 2024 UBCM Convention this September.
You can learn more about council advocacy by visiting the Council Advocacy webpage.
Discover more about SILGA!
