News Archive

Approving Officers Virtual Workshop Spring 2026 Please note, the program is currently being developed and registration has not yet opened. Statutory Approving Officers or others working in BC local government responsible for processing subdivisions, you are invited to join local government experts and practitioners for two half-days specifically designed to support you in your role. Do you want to improve your approving officer skills with practical training and receive the latest legal updates? Take advantage of this opportunity for the chance to learn alongside your peers. 2026 virtual workshop rates: early bird rate $475 + GST; regular rate $550 + GST

Bylaw Drafting Online Course January 13, 20, and 27, 2026 (three modules) Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:30a.m. or 2:00 - 3:30p.m. Registration is closed for 2026. Please review the following information for reference only. Join the interested list. To increase access to this high demand course, the LGMA is offering a dual-cohort model. Cohort 1 : 10:00 - 11:30 AM PST Cohort 2 : 2:00 - 3:30 PM PST Registrants can access the same course content in either the morning session (Cohort 1) OR the afternoon session (Cohort 2), subject to availability. Please select only one cohort time slot when registering. Course Information This interactive, fully online course has been developed for staff whose job requirements currently include bylaw drafting and bylaw amendments. Do you want to improve your bylaw drafting skills with practical training and hands-on exercises? Then this program is for you! Join Lisa Zwarn for three facilitated, interactive modules and learn how to develop a comprehensive bylaw. January 13 Module 1: Getting Started (webinar and assignment) January 20 Module 2: Constructing Bylaws (webinar and assignment) January 27 Module 3: Putting the Finishing Touches (webinar and assignment) *Final assignment is to be completed by February 2, 2026. Each interactive webinar is a 90-minute facilitated online with Q&As and an overview of the assignments. Participants will have five days to complete their assignments for each module and will receive written feedback and coaching. Review the 2026 brochure . Eligibility: B.C. local government employees whose job requirements currently include bylaw drafting and bylaw amendments are eligible to register for this course. Registrants who wish to attend but do not meet the criteria should contact us at office@lgma.ca before registering. Cancellations: No refunds will be provided after January 5, 2026.

CAO Connect Lunch Series April 10 and November 13, 2026 12 – 1:00 p.m. 2026 registration now open Registration Eligibility Requirements: You must be a CAO or board/council-appointed Deputy CAO for a local government organization in order to register for this complimentary lunch series. A complimentary LGMA-hosted lunch hour discussion is being offered to CAOs who want an informal space to connect with peers and gain support and advice for the challenges faced on a day-to-day basis. This virtual opportunity is inspired by the historical efforts of local government leaders who have sought to create informal opportunities for CAOs, by CAOs. Bring your own lunch and take advantage of the wisdom of your peers while you strengthen your professional networks in a safe, supportive environment. The CAO Advisory Committee, with the support of the LGMA, has identified the need to build on previous efforts by local government leaders to strengthen informal networking opportunities for CAOs by hosting a virtual space for CAOs to connect with their peers and engage in collaborative problem-solving. The CAO Advisory Committee and the LGMA acknowledges the incredible work that has been done by past leaders to hold space for these important gatherings and recognizes that this work would not be possible without such a solid foundation upon which to build. The Committee noted CAOs are faced with significant challenges and mounting stressors and would benefit from a virtually accessible peer discussion network. The accessibility and technological familiarity gleaned over the past year affords CAOs the opportunity to connect with their peers for informal discussion without travel constraints or significant commitment. Submit your suggested discussion topics, questions, or challenging scenarios in advance on the CAO Lunch Hour Connect Series form . Complimentary registration is online for all sessions, for CAOs or board/council-appointed Deputy CAOs. Attend one or all with one registration. Registration will close 5 days prior to the scheduled lunch series date. For more information contact Candace Witkowskyj, Executive Director at cwitkowskyj@lgma.ca

Coaching Essentials Online Course October 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2026 4 online modules, Wednesdays, from 10 - 11:30 a.m. Registration is not yet open for this course. Please review the following event information for reference only. Join the interested list In the Coaching Essentials Online Course, you will learn how to apply coaching techniques such as active listening, paraphrasing, and powerful questioning to real-life scenarios to heighten your learning. Increase engagement, innovation, and develop inclusive coaching strategies in this exciting new course. Learn how to apply coaching in the local government context, such as in performance and development conversations, and to create a meaningful, inclusive, and engaging culture. This course will provide you with essential coaching skills to help navigate complex situations, manage conflict, and facilitate constructive dialogue. This online series includes four x 90-minute live webinars, including one webinar to practice, apply, and reflect on utilizing coaching techniques. Attend webinars, complete self-paced activities, and review additional resource material to sustain learning. September Pre-work available on Moodle October 7 First webinar and assignment – Coaching Approach Octo ber 14 Second webinar and assignment – Coaching Techniques Octo ber 21 Third webinar and assignment – Coaching in Action Octo ber 28 Fourth webinar and assignment – Coaching Through Conflict Review the 2025 brochure for reference only . Registration & Cancellation Policy: Registration is limited to local government professionals. No refunds will be provided after October 22, 2025.

Corporate Officer Connect Lunch Series April 22 and September 9, 2026 Noon - 1 p.m. PST Registration is now open Complimentary Peer Learning and Networking Are you a local government Corporate Officer (CO) or Deputy CO in British Columbia who wants more networking opportunities with your peers, advice about the challenges you face in your increasingly complex role while building meaningful connections, without travelling or a significant time commitment? Join your colleagues quarterly for a complimentary LGMA-hosted lunch hour discussion inspired and led by COs. You and your peers can submit suggested discussion topics in advance. Take advantage of the knowledge and experience of your peers while you strengthen your professional networks, and access mentoring opportunities in a safe, supportive environment. The CO Advisory Committee, with the support of the LGMA, has identified the need for additional educational support for new and experienced COs to connect with their peers and engage in collaborative learning and problem solving. The Committee noted in their positions, COs are faced with an increasingly complex environment within which they must perform various roles, and they would benefit from a virtually accessible peer discussion network to share current issues and problem solve. Submit your suggested discussion topics, questions, or challenging scenarios in advance on the CO Lunch Hour Connect Series SUBMISSION FORM . Format: The virtual series will be offered on Wednesdays from 12 – 1 p.m. Be sure to hold the following 2026 dates in your calendars: · April 22, 2026 · September 9, 2026 Registration: Registration is complimentary will close 5 business days before the scheduled lunch series date. Online registration is complimentary. Attend one or all sessions with one registration. You will receive an email reminder closer to the date of the session with the Zoom link and any additional information. Registration Disclaimer: The CO Connect Lunch Series is restricted to individuals who work in local government as COs or Deputy COs. CO Discussion Forum: We’re proud to collaborate with local government serving partners to meet the evolving needs of the sector. Civic Info BC's CO Discussion Forum builds on the connections formed through the CO Connect Lunch series, offering an additional space for knowledge sharing. Whether you’re curious about how other COs have approached similar initiatives or facing a complex challenge you’d like to explore with peers, this Forum is designed for you. Sign up today to enhance your peer learning experience and connect, share insights, and gain practical solutions from colleagues who truly understand your role. Find instructions on how to sign up on the LGMA website. Digital Release: Photos of participants may be used for LGMA educational and promotional material and publications, including future website or social media materials and promotions. Please email office@lgma.ca if you do not consent to your image being used for this purpose. Legal Disclaimer: By accessing this programming through the LGMA, you acknowledge that some of the content speaks to legal considerations that are for teaching and learning purposes only. Participation in the program automatically releases the LGMA and its volunteer speakers and contributors from any and all legal responsibility. By participating in this program, you understand that it is your responsibility to seek professional legal advice regarding serious legal matters. You understand that any learning gleaned from the volunteers and from the LGMA does not substitute legal advice, nor should it be taken as such. You must indemnify and save harmless the LGMA and our officers, employees, directors, agents and contractors from and against any claims, costs, losses, damages, actions, causes of action and expenses arising, directly or indirectly, from an error, omission or negligent or willful act of participants or participants’ agents, employees, sub-consultants or sub-contractors, or from participants’ breach of this Agreement. © 2026 Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. All rights reserved. No part of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products) may be stored, reproduced, transcribed, translated, or transmitted into any other form without prior written permission of the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. Without restricting the generality of the foregoing, no one may make commercial use of or any content of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products), whatsoever, including selling any information, software, products, or services, or displaying or otherwise using any content of this product on any website. Access to LGMA courses, course materials, and services is limited to the registrant indicated at the time of purchase. Sharing of course access, materials, or other resources is prohibited.

Corporate Officers Fundamentals This course will be offered again in 2027. Please review the following event information for reference only. NEW interested list system: Join the interested list here . If you previously contacted us to join the waitlist, you do not need to fill in the form. Are you a newly appointed or aspiring Corporate Officer? Are you a newly appointed CAO responsible for corporate administration? Are you an administrative assistant who provides support to elected officials or works closely with the Corporate Officer? If you said yes to any of the above, then this Fundamentals program is for you! Join knowledgeable experts for this online seven-week course that will help build your fundamental skills as a Corporate Officer. You will also hear from other experienced Corporate Officers during the course to provide you with an opportunity to tap into their knowledge, ask questions, and learn from their experiences. At the end of this course you will be able to describe the key roles and responsibilities of the Corporate Officer; refer to and articulate the relevant sections of the legislation that apply to the role; prepare meeting agendas and minutes; apply a procedure bylaw, and so much more! Review the 2025 course brochure for reference only . Textbook: This course will be using the Clerks and Corporate Officers Handbook and this can be purchased at the time of registration if not already owned by your local government.

Effective Report Writing Online Course This course is not being offered in 2026 . Please review the following event information for reference only. Join the interested list By joining the interested list, you will be notified once registration is opened. Please note, you will still have to manually register yourself to a course even if you have joined the interested list. Joining the interested list does not secure you a spot in a course, nor are individuals on the interested list prioritized for registration. The interested list simply ensures you receive notification once a course registration opens. If you previously contacted us to join the interested list, you do not need to fill in the form. Do you want to improve your written communication skills? In today’s world of information overload, it is vital to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively. The better your writing skills are, the better the impression you will make and the more successful you will be in ensuring your advice and ideas get noticed, assessed, and implemented. Improve your writing skills, avoid common pitfalls, and fix those pesky grammatical mistakes with this online course offered by experts in writing effectively and communicating successfully in a local government context. This online course is comprised of three modules which include live, interactive webinars, assignments, and coaching: MODULE 1: Effective Report Writing and Audience Analysis MODULE 2: Effective Writing Techniques MODULE 3: How to Write a Recommendation Participants attend the live webinars; review additional resource documents and participate in learning activities in the Moodle virtual classroom; work on the assignments on their own time; and submit their assignments for review, coaching, and direct feedback. FOR REFERENCE ONLY: review the 2025 course brochure . Instructors: Fiona Prince, MA and Sonia Santarossa, MA

Foundations of Local Government Learning Series September 3 - December 3, 2026 13 online modules, Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM Registration has not yet opened for this program. Join the interested listhere. LGMA is excited to offer a multi-part, interactive webinar series that explores core areas and concepts related to local government administration. Designed to provide a high-level introduction or refresher, learn from skilled practitioners and experts while connecting with your peers. Topics include: Ethics in Local Government Human Resources and Labour Relations Municipal Law Local Government Finance Land Use, Zoning & Planning Economic Development Regional Districts Role of the Corporate Officer Information and Privacy Fundamentals Records Management Fundamentals Emergency Management Risk Management Council/Board-Staff Relations 2026 Fees: $1,524.60 + GST (members), $1,905.75 + GST (non-members) Continuous Professional Learning: A certificate of completion will be provided to those who meet the completion requirements of the Learning Series. Participation may be used as credit toward requirements for various professional designations. Review the 2025 brochure for reference.

HR Connect Lunch Series February 9 and October 19, 2026 Online Monday, Noon - 1 p.m. PST Registration is now open Complimentary Peer Learning Opportunities and Exposure to Experienced HR practitioners Are you a local government Human Resources (HR) practitioner or have HR duties as part of your role, who wants more peer learning opportunities and exposure to experienced HR knowledge holders? Would you appreciate a safe space to get advice about the challenges you face in your increasingly complex role while building meaningful connections and mentorship, without travelling or a significant time commitment? Join your colleagues for the complimentary LGMA-hosted lunch hour virtual discussions inspired and facilitated by HR knowledge holders. The HR Advisory Committee, with the support of the LGMA, has identified this exciting new opportunity to connect with your peers and engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving. HR practitioners are faced with an increasingly complex environment within which they must perform various roles and would benefit from a virtually accessible peer discussion to share resources, discuss gaps, support one another, and problem solve to increase the capacity of local government HR practitioners in BC. Submit your suggested discussion topics, questions, or challenging scenarios in advance on the HR Lunch Connect Series Form or by emailing Teressa Johnson, Program Manager, LGMA, at tjohnson@lgma.ca with the subject line: HR Connect Lunch Series Topics. Complimentary registration is online for all sessions. Attend one or all with one registration. Please review the brochure . Registration will close 5 business days prior to the scheduled lunch series date . Online registration is complimentary. Attend one or all sessions with one registration. Format: The virtual series will be offered on the following Mondays from 12 – 1 p.m. Be sure to hold the 2026 dates in your calendars: · February 9, 2026 · October 19, 2026 Registration: Registration will close 5 business days before the scheduled lunch series date. Online registration is complimentary. Attend one or both sessions with one registration. You will receive an email reminder closer to the date of the session with the Zoom link and any additional information. Registration Disclaimer: The HR Connect Lunch Series and HR Discussion Forum are restricted to individuals who work in local government and have HR duties as part of their portfolio. HR Discussion Forum We’re proud to collaborate with local government serving partners to meet the evolving needs of the sector. Civic Info BC's HR Discussion Forum builds on the connections formed through the HR Connect Lunch series, offering an additional space for knowledge sharing. Whether you’re curious about how other HR practitioners have approached similar initiatives or facing a complex challenge you’d like to explore with peers, this Forum is designed for you. Sign up today to enhance your peer learning experience and connect, share insights, and gain practical solutions from colleagues who truly understand your role. Find instructions on how to sign up on the LGMA website. Digital Release: Photos of participants may be used for LGMA educational and promotional material and publications, including future website or social media materials and promotions. Please email office@lgma.ca if you do not consent to your image being used for this purpose. Legal Disclaimer: By accessing this programming through the LGMA, you acknowledge that some of the content speaks to legal considerations that are for teaching and learning purposes only. Participation in the program automatically releases the LGMA and its volunteer speakers and contributors from any and all legal responsibility. By participating in this program, you understand that it is your responsibility to seek professional legal advice regarding serious legal matters. You understand that any learning gleaned from the volunteers and from the LGMA does not substitute legal advice, nor should it be taken as such. You must indemnify and save harmless the LGMA and our officers, employees, directors, agents and contractors from and against any claims, costs, losses, damages, actions, causes of action and expenses arising, directly or indirectly, from an error, omission or negligent or willful act of participants or participants’ agents, employees, sub-consultants or sub-contractors, or from participants’ breach of this Agreement. © 2026 Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. All rights reserved. No part of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products) may be stored, reproduced, transcribed, translated, or transmitted into any other form without prior written permission of the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia. Without restricting the generality of the foregoing, no one may make commercial use of or any content of this product (including LGMA courses, course materials, publications, services, or other products), whatsoever, including selling any information, software, products, or services or displaying or otherwise using any content of this product on any website. Access to LGMA courses, course materials, and services is limited to the registrant indicated at the time of purchase. Sharing of course access, materials, or other resources is prohibited.