Continental Breakfast provided to participants of the Pre-Con Workshops. 

This annual workshop will address a number of fundamental issues and provide practical advice related to the approval of subdivisions.  The program will consist of both plenary sessions on topics of common interest for all Approving Officers working in BC local governments, as well as breakouts for more in-depth discussions on specified topics. In addition, the interactive format will include facilitated discussion where participants can present issues, share best practices, and benefit from peer-to-peer learning.  

Please note: Workshop registration is separate from general conference registration. View the detailed forum AGENDA and register HERE. 

Join us for a one-day session packed with tips and tools on building community awareness and support for local government services. Keep current with best practices in information sharing and connecting with the people we serve, and take this opportunity to build support networks with peers! Topics will include emergency communications, Indigenous relations, how to better highlight local government’s impact on communities, and more to help increase the effectiveness of your organization’s communications efforts.

Please note: Forum registration is separate from general conference registration. View the detailed forum AGENDA and register HERE.

PANELISTS:

Kathleen Soltis, Kathleen Soltis Consulting Corp.; Dr. Robert Long; Dr Michael Shoop, The Shoop Group Consulting Ltd. 

As people and as local government professionals, we live and work in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. To continue to achieve the results that are expected of us, we must adapt our ways of doing things to meet the challenges of that world. Doing so requires that we expand our development beyond technical skills. 

If you are a CAO or aspiring CAO, a senior leader or aspiring senior leader, and if you are curious and open to self-reflection, this hands-on workshop will appeal to you. Three very knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled facilitators will introduce you to five leadership capacities that lay the foundation required for your success as a local government leader. Then, they will illustrate the effectiveness of the capacities in equipping you to handle three complex contemporary local government issues: asymmetrical relationships and role clarity; incivility and conflict; and team and individual priorities. Concepts and information on best practices will be balanced by case studies and group discussions.

Register online before May 28, 2024. Registration is separate from the Annual Conference.

Lunch provided to participants of the Pre-Con Workshops.

SPEAKER: Ame-Lia Tamburrini, Hum Consulting

Authenticity is essential for inclusive environments but how do you show up vulnerably when every cell in your body says DANGER? In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to create brave spaces for leaders and followers to show up authentically so that everyone is seen, heard and valued for who they truly are. With a mix of 1-1 dyads and circle conversations participants will create agreements that foster trust while deepening their understanding of themselves and the other as leaders through storytelling. 

Participants will cultivate authentic leadership skills of intentionality, curiosity, listening and humility that are key for building cross-cultural relationships, inclusive workplaces and leading the change efforts needed today. No performing necessary. Come as you are to realize the authentic power you have when you show up as you truly are. 

Register online before May 28, 2024. Registration is separate from the Annual Conference.

First time attending the LGMA Conference? Jump into all the networking activities the conference has to offer and meet the LGMA Board and a new friend or two. 

*Open to first-time attendees only. 

Sponsored by Lidstone & Company

Join LGMA President Curtis Helgesen to kick off LGMA2024! Reacquaint with old friends and connect with new colleagues. Meet knowledgeable exhibitors who supply the goods and services that make our work possible.

Up early? Start things off right before the working part of the day begins! Led by City of Victoria recreation staff, groups will step out from the Victoria Conference Centre. 

(by Appointment, Wed & Thurs)

Contemplating retirement in the near future? Sign up for a personalized, 45-minute session with pension specialist Jerry Woytack. This service is complimentary for current LGMA members who are at least 50 years old and have held membership for at least the past five years. Bring your most recent Pension Corporation member benefit statement. Sign up in advance at office@lgma.ca, or on site at the Conference registration desk.

Sponsored by Purolator Inc.

Welcome and confrence opening remarks from LGMA President Curtis Helgesen

"How to Build Extraordinary Relationships"

Sponsored by the Municipal Finance Authority of BC 

Long before the era of “quiet quitting”, loneliness was a social pandemic in our society. In an age of polarization, disconnection, shallow substitutes for real relationships, every leader needs to know how to build and maintain meaningful relationships with our teams and those we serve in our hybrid reality. 

With years of experience interviewing established leaders in business, entertainment, and innovation, audiences will gain the following insights:

• Spark real, authentic conversations to make meaningful connections, personally and professionally.
• Earn trust and build inclusive cultures, as you listen without distraction and make your small talk bigger.
• De-escalate conflict and collaborate effectively by leading with assertive empathy.
• Craft and tell compelling stories that will motivate your audience to take action.
• Explore the questions that create breakthrough moments in any conversation.

This engaging experience is a candid and far-ranging look at how creative conversations can help you reinvent yourself, re-energize your team, and further your success. 

SPEAKERS:

Selina Williams, Signe Bagh, & Sarah Morden, District of Oak Bay

How can local governments successfully connect Council’s strategic priorities with the realities of daily operations and limited resources? How can we avoid strategic plans becoming unachievable wish lists, and potentially letting our elected leaders and communities down? If there is one thing that local governments of all sizes have in common, it is this very challenge – how to bridge the gap between Council’s aspirations and project delivery, given everything else that must be done. 

Over the past 3 years, Oak Bay has initiated fundamental changes to the Council priorities planning, delivery, and reporting process to address this challenge. The result is a fully integrated solution that improves governance and decision-making by connecting key components in a complete, iterative cycle. It is the integration and alignment of this process with resourcing and the emphasis on transparency and collaboration that sets this leading initiative apart and provides a promising practice to inspire others. Oak Bay staff will share tools and templates and walk participants through a ”Journey Map” which caputures the seven key stages of hte District’s innoavtuive approach to Council priorities planning. 

Sponsored by Young Anderson  

SPEAKERS:

Carolyn MacEachern & Julia Tikhonova, Young Anderson  

This session will explore a public body’s obligations under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FIPPA”) in the context of a workplace investigation and investigations under Council/Board Codes of Conduct. Gain tips for retaining an investigator, discover what happens to an investigator’s personal notes, recordings and communications throughout an investigation, and learn key differences between privileged material and disclosable records. 

SPEAKER: 

Jenn Houtby-Ferguson, Professor, Vancouver Island University & additional speaker TBA 

Wildfires and floods have impacted communities large and small across the province, and this session will share key learnings directly from community leaders.

In today’s changing world effectively communicating risk is a key competency for leaders at all levels of government. Communications are everyone's business, and community leaders (both staff and elected) have a role to play. During disasters, information is like a tsunami overwhelming traditional communications processes making it difficult to deliver strategic and effective communications. How can leaders manage misinformation to foster trust and transparency with residents while balancing visitor restrictions and mitigating long-term tourism reputation or economic impacts? From wildfires and floods and all the communications chaos, community leaders must be ready to lead and respond. Hear about real-world application through lessons learned from the 2023 BC wildfire season and 2021 flood events.  #preparednotscared

Sponsored by Trans Mountain

SPEAKER: 

Florie Varga, Principal, Awakened Leadership & Coach and Facilitator

As a leader, you have difficult conversations. It's part of the job. 

What gives rise to the situation may be a result of the topic. Or it may be because of what you bring (identity) and how you respond (emotional reaction). In any event, when handled poorly, all parties feel strained, stressed, or conflicted.

Developing genuine, compassionate leadership skills enables you to manage your interactions and see perspectives even when delivering a negative or stern message. Instead of avoiding, blaming, or owning the situation, you learn to release judgment and expand your capacity for discomfort. 

Compassion for others is vital for building sustainable support networks where engagement and shared purpose are intact. When people feel they have been considered, they know their role is important and their contribution is valued. In this session, you’ll learn how you react in difficult situations and practice mindful, compassion-based communication for better results. 

Sponsored by Civic Legal LLP

SPEAKERS: 

Pam Jefcoat, Civic Legal LLP 

Most elected officials and local government employees are aware of issues arising when their personal and professional interests are in conflict, but what, exactly, constitutes a conflict of interest and what should one do when a conflict or perceived conflict arises? What happens when an elected official does not follow the rules or legal advice? What are the liability risks for the corporation? What happens if there is no Council quorum due to conflicts? Understanding the statutory rules and being able to navigate the "grey areas" is essential in an era of heightened transparency and accountability expectations for local governments.

Sponsored by the Municipal Finance Authority of BC

Speaker: 

Kim Fowler, Regional District of Nanaimo

Floods, severe winds, wildfires, and other perils are costing Canada about $6 billion annually, and $3.8 billion is uninsured. These perils are growing at 9%/yr, which is 3x faster than GDP, 6x new construction, and 10x faster than the population, and shows we are creating new risk.

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is in year 13 of its Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Program, year 10 of its Flood Management Program, year 3 of its community and corporate climate action plans, year 3 of natural asset management, and updating its 2011 Regional Growth Strategy, including policies on climate action, housing choice and affordability and more sustainable growth management practices. A RDN Board Policy is being drafted to address climate action and its significantly increasing risk and liability by setting overarching support and direction for all RDN operations and broad levels of service.

Attend this session to better understand the need for integrated systems thinking approaches across an orgaization, and how to collaborate with regional partners to address climate action. 

Sponsored by the Municipal Finance Authority of BC

SPEAKERS: Allison Ashcroft & Betsy Yeung, Municipal Finance Authority of BC

As BC’s local government bond issuer, the Municipal Finance Authority of BC (MFABC) serves as the bridge to capital markets for local governments. With bond investors’ expectations and criteria for making investment decisions changing, MFABC’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and communications, along with climate/sustainability disclosure practices, need to align with these expectations and the new regulatory requirements in the banking sector and municipal bond market.

Join Allison and Betsy for a better understanding of: 

• MFABC’s long-term lending and bond issuance process, 

• evolving ESG reporting requirements and metrics, and 

• the addtional information that may be required at the time of infrastructure borrowing and throughout the loan period. 

SPEAKERS: 

Tyler Brown, Regional District of Nanaimo & City of Nanaimo; Douglas Holmes, Regional District of Nanaimo

As the CAO, you play an important role in establishing a standard of practice when it comes to elected and appointed officials working well together. Clearly identified roles and responsibilities, respectful behaviour, and managing expectations are all important aspects of good governance. While many of us can cite examples of elected leaders ‘drifting’ into the lane that should be only occupied only by staff, to what degree might some staff be drifting across the center line as well? And, when we find elected leaders in our lane, are they there because we invited them? Join in an interactive discussion to explore some provocative ideas on defining the lanes and minimizing the collisions.

Sponsored by the Municipal Insurance Association of BC   

SPEAKERS: 

Don Lidstone, Lidstone & Company;  Sandra Mayo, Municipal Insurance Association of BC; & Ryan Wainright, Cowichan Valley Regional District

The Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) is currently in effect, and guidance on practical implementation through the Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation is imminent. While the EDMA and its associated regulation may introduce new roles, responsibilities, risks, and opportunities for local governments, certain sections within the EDMA offer limited direction. 

As local governments navigate their obligations for EDMA compliance, they might encounter challenges in determining the subsequent steps to be taken. In this session, the speakers will delve into key aspects of the EDMA, examine the potential impacts of implementation, and propose areas that warrant further consideration by your local government.

Led by Rich McLay, Tracy Nguyen, Shyla Seller, & Calvin Woelke, Land Title and Survey Authority of BC

Group departs from Totem Prefunction area of the conference centre.

Local governments depend on LTSA’s data-driven systems for the land-based services they provide to an array of internal and external stakeholders in their community. In addition, the LTSA preserves and protects millions of analogue records that form the historical basis of the Province’s land title registry and cadastral fabric. 

Join us on a tour of our Victoria vaults, just a 10-minute walk from the Conference Centre. Travel back in time to view maps and plans from the 1850s, then zoom forward as we share our future-focused, best-in-class preservation program. This session includes: 

• a tour of the vault facilities (please note that no photography is permitted in the vault);

• a review of a selection of land title and survey records; 

• a look at our specialized digitization equipment;

• an overview of our digitization software, standards of practice, and workflows; and

• a brief introduction to our exploration of evolving technologies and how they might be deployed to assist in the detection of discriminatory convenants found in some land agreements. 

We recommend comfortable walking shoes. Pre-registration  is required. 

Sponsored by BC Assessment

Led by Quinn Anglin and Nicola Reddington, City of Victoria  

Group departs from Totem Prefunction area of the conference centre.

The City of Victoria OUR DWTN revitalization program is investing in the downtown core with a focus on beautification, programming, cleaning and enhanced safety, and the activation of downtown spaces. Spanning nine departments and with numerous projects intersecting, hear how this program is not only providing safety and enjoyment to downtown’s visitors, but has also contributed to additional collaboration and a new sense of pride and ownership of the downtown among City staff. 

Join us for a walking tour to see some of the initiatives firsthand, learn about the positive impacts so far, and hear future plans for this program. 

We recommend that participants bring a water bottle and good walking shoes. Pre-registration is required. 

Sponsored by Young Anderson   

SPEAKER: 

Guy Patterson, Young Anderson

Late last year the provincial government introduced and quickly enacted Bills 44, 46 and 47, together with accompanying regulations and guidelines, with a view to increasing the supply of housing throughout BC. Since then, local governments have been scrambling to meet tight deadlines for mandatory zoning changes, and in some cases transit-oriented area designations, while also considering implications for development servicing and financing growth. As the June 30th deadline approaches, this session will review local governments’ main obligations and opportunities under the new housing supply legislation, and consider some of the key legal issues to be addressed.

SPEAKERS: 

Jennifer Jones & Zoë Macmillan, Office of the Ombudsperson

Providing local government services fairly is essential, but how do you provide services equitably too? In this session, the Office of the Ombudsperson will provide an overview of how administrative fairness and equity are intertwined. We will use examples to explain why having equitable systems matters, highlight how equity, inclusion and Indigenous perspectives can be a part of everyday processes, and provide practical tools and tips on how to be fair and equitable when providing services to the public. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on their own processes and procedures through an equity and fairness lens, while learning skills to recognize the ways in which both fairness and equity can be enhanced at their organizations. By doing so, all those working for and with local governments will flourish.

Up early? Start things off right before the working part of the day begins! Led by City of Victoria recreation staff, groups will step out from the Victoria Conference Centre.

Contemplating retirement in the near future? Sign up for a personalized, 45-minute session with pension specialist Jerry Woytack. This service is complimentary for current LGMA members who are at least 50 years old and have held membership for at least the past five years. Bring your most recent Pension Corporation member benefit statement. Sign up in advance at office@lgma.ca, or on site at the Conference registration desk.

This session will share tools and real-life applications of implementing a Strategic Planning Framework, along with some of the intangible benefits such as culture, leadership, role clarity, and improved relationships with our public.

Sponsored by the Municipal Insurance Association of BC

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn first-hand what’s going on with your Association.

SPEAKERS: 

Justin Chouhan & Mike Roberts, BC Municipal Safety Association

With half a million Canadians missing work due to mental health issues each week, supporting employee mental wellness must be a top priority. Attend this session to learn more about a new, no cost support for BC local government employees launching May 1st. The Connection to Care Pre-emptive Mental Wellness Program prioritizes anonymity to diminish stigma and enhances accessibility, making it easier for employees to seek mental health assistance as a call-in service. Focused on an early intervention approach, the program primarily strives to act as a resource to foster resilience and prevent mental health concerns from worsening, ultimately reducing their impact. Come learn more about this proactive service available to support you and those you lead. 

SPEAKER: Lindsay Roberts, District of Sechelt  

Ignite corporate culture, empower employees and watch positive change bloom! This session will provide a tool kit on how to improve your organizational culture, supported by a story of change from the District of Sechelt. Learn how this municipality conducted a culture audit by interviewing every employee over a year, with the intention of assessing the pulse of the organization. 

The high-level result of the culture audit was the creation of our new, employee driven, “culture club”. The “culture champions” meet once a month to discuss themes from the audit and share what is coming up in real time for employees in their departments. It is a confidential space that brings employees together to increase workplace happiness, satisfaction, retention and reputation. You will see why Boy George is not the only one to make Culture Club a popular success!

Sponsored by Lidstone & Company 

SPEAKERS: Lindsay Parcells & James Yardley, Lidstone & Company

Using case studies based on recent judgements in the provincial and federal courts, this interactive session will consider the limitations imposed by statute and caselaw on the power of local governments to exercise their authority and powers under the Community Charter and Local Government Act. Gain a better understanding of these limitations to help you craft bylaws, policies and programs that will avoid and withstand legal challenges.

SPEAKERS: 

William (Bill) Reid, Partner and Maggie McInnes, Senior Manager (MNP)

Community engagement has evolved over the past five years with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the focus on a more inclusive, accessible, and culturally safe approach to hearing from Rightsholders, the public, and other organizations. Local governments are focused on listening to and hearing community voices; ensuring decisions and plans reflect those voices; understanding experiences with programs and services; and knowing any concerns along with desires. 

Since the pandemic, we have seen a return to in-person dialogue in combination with virtual platforms and hybrid approaches. We have also faced the impact of fatigue and feelings of disengagement. This presentation will explore these issues and related learnings.

Sponsored by Stewart McDannold Stuart

SPEAKERS: 

Ryan Bortolin & Jessica Eastwood, Stewart McDannold Stuart

Stay on top of recent case law and legislative changes by attending this lively and informative seminar. The focus will be on cases and legislation that impact the way local governments operate, with the goal of assisting local government professionals in identifying and navigating potential issues and mitigating risks.

SPEAKERS: 

Phil Hicks & David Garzon, Government Frameworks; Jason Wallsmith, County of St. Paul, AB

Discover how governance serves as the bedrock of efficient and effective service delivery. Join seasoned professionals in exploring strategies to enhance transparency, accountability, and community engagement within local government. This enlightening session equips community leaders with the tools to unleash operational efficiencies, elevate service capabilities, and fulfill governance objectives and regulatory mandates. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your local government's approach to governance and service delivery!

Sponsored by Fortis BC

SPEAKERS: Frank Leonard, former Mayor of Saanich (moderator); Christopher Causton, former Mayor, District of Oak Bay; Wayne Hunter, former Mayor, District of Central Saanich; Jackie Ngai, former Councillor, District of Saanich

Join this interactive dialogue to gain insights on how to work effectively with your elected officials - from former elected officials! 

Former Mayors, Board Chairs, Councillors will be on hand in an informal, accessible space to reflect on their experiences and answer your questions in a forthcoming way. Hear new perspectives to help you anticipate expectations and behaviours, strengthen council/board and staff relationships, and gain an understanding on how to better support collaboration and effective local government management. 

Bring your questions along or fill out this anonymous poll to submit any topics you would like to see prioritized during the session. Panellists bios are available HERE.  

Sponsored by Colliers Project Leaders 

SPEAKER:  Michael Higgins, Colliers Project Leaders

Everywhere we look, we are seeing the effects of climate change. It was reported that 2023 was the world’s warmest year in the last 100,000 years by Copernicus Climate Change Service. To address future impacts of extreme weather events on people and communities, the Government of BC’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness introduced new legislation changes. It is now imperative for local governments to address gaps and develop emergency management plans as part of – rather than separate from – business continuity plans. Join this session to learn more about emergency and disaster management legislation changes, how these changes will affect your community and how to ensure your plans meet important requirements. 

Sponsored by Young Anderson

SPEAKERS: Chris Gallardo-Ganaban & Guy Patterson, Young Anderson

Increasingly, local governments are faced with challenges in addressing the needs of their communities surrounding access to housing, supporting local businesses reliant on tourism, and sustainability. Short-term vacation rentals, specifically those hosted on sites such as AirBNB, have been a topic of interest to governments as of late, as it affects accessible housing and tourism economy.

This session will provide an overview of the challenges that local governments face in dealing with the interaction between access to housing and vacation rentals, and what tools are available to local governments from this proposed Act.

SPEAKER: Sarah Patterson, City of Vernon; Kyle Stubbs, The Nine8 Program; Dr. Raeleen Manjak, City of Vernon (retired)

Ready to flip the script? Tired of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole? Join us for an interactive experience to build resiliency and connection. Our language can either work for us, or against us and we seldom realize it until we are forced to react.

Our words have power. By transforming the way we frame our thinking and speaking to work for us, we dispel the victim mentality, along with the disconnection, negativity, and resentment that comes along with it. In exchange, we create confident, resilient individuals and connected teams.

Enough with the normal reactive approach, let’s become proactive and lay the foundation to build your own mindset magic. The City of Vernon is leading the way in creating this environment. As one of the first to lead the way, we invite you to come experience the “why” of this work!

SPEAKERS: Christina Benty, Strategic Leadership Solutions & Carrie White, District of Golden

If the job of staff is to craft good policy based on direction from the political body, why does it feel like pushing a boulder uphill only to have it roll back down on you? Enhance your team's decision-making skills to create meaningful policy that is valuable to the whole organization and has buy-in and engagement from everyone around the table!

Sponsored by Young Anderson 

SPEAKERS: Reece Harding & Nick Falzon, Young Anderson 

This session is focused on the legal landscape with respect to the interaction between local governments and First Nations, after the Province’s enactment of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Reece and Nick will address both the challenges that have arisen from the Declaration Act, as well as a solutions-oriented discussion on how local governments and First Nations can collaborate under the current framework. Finally, hear some thoughts on potential changes to the legal landscape moving forward. 

"Collaboration, Cooperation, and the Future of Communities"

We all know the adage: if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you’re going to go far, go together. We see the value of cooperating, yet we don’t. Instead, we outright refuse to work together because of illogical reasoning and irrational fears. And so we stand alone, we feel safer, and yet our communities shrink, and our economies die. This presentation will utilize humorous stories and blunt truth as it takes you through the myths of cooperation held by the public, administration, and community. In addition, it will show you the best places to start working together, and just how good it can be to collaborate and cooperate.

Sponsored by Young Anderson

Celebrate the success of the Conference at the dinner gala garden party and reunite with colleagues one more time before heading home! Enjoy dinner and the opportunity to recognize the contributions of LGMA members to the local government profession.

Then dance to the music of “Cities”, Victoria’s standout cover band featuring Juno-nominated singer/guitarist Adam Kittredge of Jets Overhead, drummer Matt Johnson of the legendary Canadian band 54-40, bassist Jeff Scotney of Velvet, and renowned horn players Miguel Valdes and Nick La Riviere. Playing high-energy classics from artists like Stevie Wonder and the Bee Gees to modern-day anthems by the likes of The Weeknd, Daft Punk and many more, Cities is sure to turn any event into a dance party.