Delta Council and senior City staff actively participated in last week’s Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in Vancouver advocating for crucial policies and infrastructure upgrades important to the City of Delta. As part of this effort, the City also put forward three resolutions for consideration by representatives from across British Columbia.
During the convention, Mayor George V. Harvie, members of Delta Council, and City staff met with key Ministers to advance several high-priority issues, including utility and transportation infrastructure investments and the River Road Overpass project. They also highlighted to Minister Rob Fleming the Save Our Transit initiative advocating for sustainable public transportation options for Delta residents. The issues of water lot leases and dredging of the Fraser River were raised with the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen, critical issues that impact local industry and environmental management. In addition, with over 8,300 hectares of active farmland, discussions were had around the future of agricultural water supply with Minister of Agriculture and Food, Pam Alexis.
The City of Delta put forward public safety resolutions relating to intersection safety cameras, the provincial regulation of fireworks, and port policing, which were discussed with the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. The resolutions on intersection safety cameras and regulation of fireworks passed as other municipalities also raised these issues that are at the forefront of community concern around safety and public order. Additionally, Delta’s resolution to request the federal government to fund Port Police was passed on the convention floor.
“I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with Ministers and senior government staff at UBCM to advance projects and policies important to the residents of Delta,” said Mayor George V. Harvie. “Through these discussions, we advocated for the River Road Overpass to alleviate traffic as well as the need for policing in our ports to keep our community safe from criminal activity. Conversations will be ongoing with senior levels of government as we navigate challenges many municipalities are facing and look for opportunities to collaborate to the benefit of our community.”
The UBCM Convention is an annual event that brings together local government representatives from across the province to identify and deliberate key policies and issues. Five members of Delta Council attended the municipal conference, supported by four City staff. The estimated cost for all representatives attending was approximately $17,500.
Information Sheets on City of Delta Initiatives:
- Active User of Hydro Rights of Way
- Archaeology Permit Lead Times
- Capacity for New Developments
- Dredging of Lower Fraser Secondary Channels
- Future Agricultural Water Supply
- Intersection Safety Cameras
- Investments to Support the Housing Target Order and Small-scale Multi-unit Housing
- MKB Delta lands Water Sustainability Act Approvals
- Provincial Regulation of Fireworks
- Save Our Transit
- Second Exit Out of Ladner
- Utility and Transportation Infrastructure Investments
- Water Lot Leases and Float Homes
For more information on this news release, please contact media@delta.ca.