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News and Announcements April 11, 2025

Local Government News


Sooke’s Strategic Focus on Economic Development Propels Rise in Resiliency Rankings
The District of Sooke is making significant strides in economic resiliency, recently climbing from number 25 in 2023 to number 12 in 2024 on BC Business’s list of the province’s most economically resilient cities.

  Posted: April 11, 2025

Province, Mayors Pledge Stable, Expanded Transit Services in Metro Vancouver
The Province is providing $312 million in operating funding to TransLink for the next three years, as part of TransLink’s 2025 Investment Plan.

  Posted: April 10, 2025

Comox Rotary Partners with the Town of Comox to Install Purple Martin Sanctuary at Comox Pier
This initiative, designed to support the recovery of the Purple Martins in the region, marks another step of municipalities on Vancouver Island trying to support the recovery and preservation of this endangered species.

  Posted: April 10, 2025

Two More Rail Trail Sections Complete in North Okanagan; Mara Lake Section Underway
Two more sections of the Splatsin te Secwépemc / Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail have been completed, and construction is now proceeding on the next section of trail between Sicamous and Armstrong.

  Posted: April 8, 2025

Langford Ranks #2 as B.C.'s Most Economically Resilient City in 2025
The City of Langford has been recognized as the #2 city in British Columbia for Economic Resiliency by BC Business Magazine. Langford is ranked just behind Sidney and ahead of Central Saanich on a list of the top 50 cities in terms of economic resilience.

  Posted: April 8, 2025

New Water Pumping Station to Support Agriculture in Greater Vernon
The new Canoe Bay Pump Station will be developed by Frind Winery Ltd. and will serve current agricultural customers with untreated water from Okanagan Lake to ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations.

  Posted: April 7, 2025

Saanich Offers Free Enrolment in Local Business Accelerator Program
In response to current Canada-US trade challenges, Project Zero announced 20 free spots for local businesses to take part in the program.

  Posted: April 4, 2025

 

Announcements


BC MINISTRY OF HEALTH - SUBSTANCE USE POLICY DIVISION

Invitation to participate in the Workplace Nasal Naloxone Pilot Initiative


As the toxic drug crisis persists, the Ministry of Health continues to work urgently to expand access to naloxone, which reverses opioid poisoning. Naloxone is available in two formulations: intramuscular (injectable) and intranasal (nasal). Nasal and injectable naloxone are both effective at reversing opioid poisoning. Nasal naloxone may be a preferred choice in some workplace settings given its ease of use. 

The Ministry is offering a one-time, no-cost initiative to distribute nasal naloxone kits to publicly funded organizations in settings where there are barriers to administering injectable naloxone and where a toxic drug event may occur. Having naloxone available in the workplace may also create opportunities to foster education and conversations about drug use, while promoting safety, protecting community members and encouraging proactive awareness.

We invite local governments to access no-cost nasal naloxone kits through this initiative. Participation requirements include a commitment to completing an assessment about your workplace’s naloxone needs, a free online course for staff expected to administer naloxone and reporting on kit usage. Kits will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis with quantity maximums until supply runs out.

As this is a one-time initiative, participating organizations will need to pursue regular avenues for purchasing naloxone in the future.

For more information or if you’re interested in participating in the Workplace Nasal Naloxone Pilot Initiative , please contact [email protected].
 



PROVINCE OF BC - MINISTRY OF FINANCE



For the 6 month period beginning April 1, 2025,  the Property Tax Deferment interest rates will be:
 
  • Regular Program: 3.45%
  • Families with Children Program: 5.45%
  • Financial Hardship Program: 5.45%


BC COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM



BC Communities in Bloom - Register Before April 25th

Over the years, BC Communities in Bloom has played a pivotal role in enhancing the liveability of towns and cities. The program encourages municipalities to strive for excellence in horticulture, heritage conservation, and environmental practices.

The active involvement of community members in BC Communities in Bloom initiatives fosters a collaborative spirit and empowers citizens to take ownership of their surroundings.

Evaluated Registration closes April 25th.

Smaller community groups or clubs are encouraged to participate with a Community Showcase.

BC COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM Provincial Society was formed to administrate the Provincial Edition of the National Communities in Bloom Program. www.bccib.ca for more information.
 
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