Sooke Council to Advocate for Community Priorities at 2026 UBCM Convention

Members of Sooke Council will join local government leaders from across British Columbia in Vancouver next week for the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention, taking place September 14–18.

This year’s convention theme, Common Good, focuses on the shared interests of B.C. communities and the importance of working together to address challenges, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions.

For the District of Sooke, the annual convention is an important opportunity to bring local priorities directly to provincial decision-makers, learn from other communities and participate in discussions that help shape local government advocacy across British Columbia.

Advocating for Sooke

Council has six ministerial meetings scheduled during the convention, providing opportunities to speak directly with provincial ministers about issues affecting Sooke residents, municipal services and the community’s continued growth:

• Minister of Environment and Parks Tamara Davidson;
• Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnwort;
• Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger;
• Minister of Health Ravi Kahlon;
• Attorney General Niki Sharma; and
• Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham.

The meetings provide an opportunity to share Sooke’s experience directly with the Province, identify areas where local and provincial priorities align, and advocate for practical partnerships and investments that respond to the needs of a growing community.

Bringing Sooke’s Voice to the Resolutions Floor

Council representatives will also participate in UBCM’s resolutions sessions, where elected officials from member municipalities, regional districts and First Nations debate and vote on issues brought forward by communities from across the province. The resolutions process allows local governments to establish collective positions and guide UBCM’s advocacy with senior governments.

Among the resolutions scheduled for consideration is NR10 – Protection of Manufactured Home Communities, submitted directly to UBCM by the District of Sooke.

The resolution recognizes the important role manufactured home communities play in providing housing diversity and more affordable home ownership, while acknowledging the vulnerability homeowners can face when parks close or redevelop. It asks the Province to work with local governments, homeowners and industry to strengthen provincial legislation and establish more consistent standards for compensation, relocation assistance and communication when residents are displaced. UBCM’s Resolutions Committee has identified the issue as one the membership has not previously considered and has made no recommendation, meaning it is scheduled for individual consideration by delegates.

More broadly, Council will participate in convention workshops, policy discussions and networking with other B.C. communities, sharing Sooke’s experience while learning about approaches being used elsewhere to address common local government challenges.

Reporting Back to the Community

Following the convention, the District will report back on Sooke’s participation and advocacy activities through a follow-up information bulletin and through Council member roundtable updates at the next Council meeting.