Location: Online

Kindly mark your calendars for the Institute of Public Administration of Canada's (IPAC) annual 2021 National Conference, August 23rd-25th! IPAC 2021 will be a hybrid event, taking place both virtually for everyone across Canada and at the beautiful Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec.

This event, IPAC's 73rd annual conference, brings together public servants from all orders of government, academics and students, community leaders, and private sector professionals from across the country to share promising practices, gain new knowledge, and network both virtually and in-person."

Visit the website for more information.

Location: Online

FireSmart BC is hosting a free informative and interactive 45-minute webinar on August 26th that will provide local governments, First Nations, neighbourhood champions, fire departments, Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee members, and Local FireSmart Representatives (LFRs) with the tools and know-how to work with a wide variety of FireSmart BC tools and resources.

The webinar will include how to: access the FireSmart Toolkit; utilize FireSmart BC’s social media accounts; work with FireSmart branding guidelines; and access FireSmart BC resources. It will also provide a brief overview of the 2022 Community Resiliency Investment Program (FireSmart Community Funding and Supports) funding program. FireSmart BC is currently updating its website, and the new and improved site will be showcased during the webinar. 

Register online for the Zoom webinar on August 26th, 2021 from 11:00 – 11:45 am.

Location: Online

Uncertain and turbulent times call for ethical and resilient civic leadership. In this interactive program, learn to cultivate the values and leadership skills required to enhance empirical and ethical decision-making and increase personal, social and environmental well-being. ​

Examine ways that civic leaders can shift their political, organizational and community culture from reactive & short-term to proactive and long-term decision-making and operations. Align your municipality behind a shared purpose the enhances the wellbeing of all and fosters sustainable service delivery. ​

Are you a civic leader interested in joining this national cohort and alumni of resilient civic leaders who are fostering this culture at the Council/Board table, in their organizations and in their community?

Learn from distinguished civic leaders including Mayors of communities big and small including servant leader champion CAO Steve Kanellakos of the City of Ottawa to leaders in asset management and planning to experts like Mary W. Rose, CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute.

By covering a range of skills from self-regulation, relating to others ethically and with compassion to engaging with complex systems, this training builds towards compassionate integrity: the ability to lead in accordance with one's values with a recognition of our common humanity, fostering trust and social cohesion―the key to resilient workplaces & cities.

FULL COURSE DESCRIPTION: https://www.KalenAcademy.ca/academy

• Program includes a complimentary confidential personality assessment.
• Participants in this event will also be expected to attend the concurrent Kalen Academy Masterclass with distinguished CBC Producer Ira Basen on "What is the role of media in supporting local democracy & civility?"

Graduation university certificate issued to course graduates by Life University, Centre for Compassion, Integrity & Secular Ethics. Participants must attend the entire session to graduate.

REGISTER HERE. Space limited. Register early.
 

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Formal Time Commitment: 12 hours online
Dates: Friday, August 27, 2021 & Saturday August 28, 2021
Time: 9am - 4pm PT | 12pm - 7pm ET each day (incudes one hour lunch)

Tuition: $365 

Focus Areas include:

SERIES 1: SELF-CULTIVATION
• Calming Body & Mind
• Ethical Mindfulness
• Emotional Awareness
• Self-Compassion
• Resilience Zone

SERIES 2: RELATING TO OTHERS (ETHICS)
• Impartiality & Public Servant Ethos
• Civic Values
• Psychological Safety & Inclusion
• Empathetic Concern & Compassion ​

SERIES 3: ENGAGING IN SYSTEMS
• Appreciating Interdependence
• Systemic Violence, Injustice, Culture
• Engaging with Discernment
• Culture Change/Transformation

For more information, including testimonials from alumni:
Visit: www.KalenAcademy.ca/academy
Email: info@kalenconsulting.com

Location: Online

Too often we hear the tragic tales of local politics made more divisive & toxic by sensationalized news coverage, media driven "scandals" and "if it bleeds, it leads" reporter logic. This not only has a negative effect on community culture, but can be destabilizing to local governments and civic leaders when this coverage leads to resignations, byelections, personal and family trauma and an excessively hostile environment for local officials, discouraging individuals from public service.

Civic leaders are invited to join this Kalen Academy Masterclass with Ira Basen, distinguished CBC Radio producer & journalism ethics university instructor, as we examine these issues and more:
 
You are invited to send in your questions for Ira Basen at info@kalenconsutling.com (or during registration for this event).

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IRA BASEN is a distinguished figure in the fields of radio and journalistic ethics. His CBC radio career included serving as senior producer for Sunday Morning and Quirks and Quarks. He was also involved in the creation of the network programs, This Morning, The Inside Track, and Workology. More recently, he has produced several one-hour CBC radio documentaries.

Basen has also written for Saturday Night, Maisoneuve, and The Canadian Journal of Communication, and he is the recipient of numerous radio awards, among them several New York Radio Festival Awards. He has taught journalism and journalistic ethics at Western University, Ryerson University, the University of Toronto, and at McMaster University.

Register early. Space limited.

BOOK HERE.
 

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Kalen Academy Fall 2021 Masterclass Series Schedule

Location: Online

Maintaining Mental Fitness Webinars

Back by popular demand! Maintaining Mental Fitness returns for season 2 with 12 new episodes. Join Dr. Bill Howatt every other Tuesday at 10 am (GMT) for a 15 minute overview of key skills to help maintain and improve your mental fitness both at home and in the workplace. Each session will conclude with a 10-15 minute Q&A session to ask your mental fitness questions.

Maintaining Mental Fitness season 2 is a free resource presented by AMHSA, AUMA, and Howatt HR. Visit MaintainingMentalFitness.com for more information.

Season 2 includes 12 biweekly episodes - register for all 12 or for individual webinars:

S2 Episode 9: Aug. 31, 2021 - Tips for unplugging from work
S2 Episode 10: Sept. 14, 2021 - Tossing social rejection
S2 Episode 11: Sept. 28, 2021 - Blending demands of home and work
S2 Episode 12: Oct. 12, 2021 - Setting social media boundaries

Location: Online

In this webinar we'll provide an overview of the University of the Fraser Valley's

*NEW* Civic Governance and Innovation (CGI) Certificate program

Designed for employees of municipalities, regional districts, First Nations
governments, Improvement Districts, and supporting agencies, the Civic
Governance and Innovation (CGI) certificate program uses case study analysis
and applied projects to examine how local governments pursue innovation and
risk-taking.

Local governments will face big issues in the years coming, ranging from new
technology demands to climate change adaptation. To take on these challenges,
municipal employees, elected officials, and members of the public will need
to work together to share knowledge, take calculated risks, and effect change
through collaborative, cross-organizational processes.

The CGI certificate program, designed by sector experts, teaches techniques for
weighing evidence to aid decision-making and methods for analyzing ideas to
improve outcomes. Learners will explore how socio-demographic and economic
diversity influences public engagement and service delivery. Participants in the
program may also be engaging with your own organization's employees
or with other regional governments to tackle these and other
questions.

Zoom Meeting Link

Location: Online

The delivery of transportation infrastructure has transitioned from method to performance-based specifications.  Method specifications relied on owner expertise to dictate the materials, equipment and methods to be used by a contractor to produce the product desired by the agency.  In the late 1980s, agencies began to endorse end result specifications.  Parameters outside of the specified ranges could result in financial penalties or a requirement to remove and replace installed product. 

Agencies are moving beyond quality assurance specifications that specify end product quality to Performance-Related Specifications (PRS) that specify quality in terms of desired performance over the long term.  PRS is helping agencies build better, longer-lasting roads and build them more cost-effectively. 

Construction quality characteristics, such as smoothness, pavement thickness, air voids, and concrete strength, have been found to correlate with fundamental engineering properties that can predict performance.  Performance related specifications describe the desired levels of these, or other, key quality characteristics and uses models to predict pavement performance.

One of the major benefits of PRS is the ability of a contractor to be innovative in achieving the PRS objectives.  They can use PRS to improve their products and methods to meet the agency objectives without the need for approval of their means and methods. 

This webinar outlines the progression of agency specifications and provides an overview of the steps necessary to adopt PRS.  Examples of various types of contracts incorporating PRS as provide along with lessons learned in their adoption.

Webinar Benefits

The learning objectives of this webinar include:

• Understand the evolution of specification systems
• Identify the key components necessary to develop specification systems
• Recognize the value of performance specifications
• Avoid early age deterioration or failure of pavement assets
• Understand the connection between performance specifications and transportation asset management

Location: Online

Description

August 31, 2021 | 1:00 - 2:00pm

September 14, 2021 | 1:00 - 2:00pm

September 28, 2021 | 1:00 - 2:00pm

Tax Sale is the ultimate tax collection tool. Selling a person’s property at Tax Sale is a big responsibility and includes an element of risk to the municipality.  If you have to do it, you need to know the procedural and legal pitfalls to do it correctly.  This webinar has been updated to reflect recent court cases.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

This webinar series will be of interest to all finance officers who want to know the details of tax sale.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING:

You will learn the correct way to administer the tax sale, best practices and how to avoid pitfalls.

WEBINAR OBJECTIVES:

The webinar covers:

• The governing legislation and court cases
• How to collect delinquent taxes and avoid the necessity of tax sale
• Advertising the sale
• How to conduct the auction
• What to do with properties acquired in tax sale
• How to handle redemptions

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADER:

Douglas Stein has worked in municipal finance for over 30 years. He retired from his position as Manager of Revenue Services for the District of Saanich in 2011, and now facilitates workshops and webinars and consults on property taxation issues. Doug has been very involved with the Collectors’ Forum, is a GFOA of BC Life Member and a CPA, CMA.

Location: Online

The foundation of a successful project is understanding the commitments, expectations, responsibilities, “whys” and risks/rewards for all parties, in all the stages/components of a project. The goal of the Managing Construction series is to help you and your team to ‘think differently' about how you manage your projects, break us out of industry silos, and raise the bar in construction for everyone.

Join us for this FREE webinar for a thorough overview of the series led by Debbie Hicks and her team of ICI industry experts. 

This innovative course series is taught by a group of multi-disciplinary industry experts and includes the perspectives and experience of owners, constructors, and consultants. Instead of learning from a solo instructor with a limited perspective, this course series challenges you to see and understand industry issues from all points of view.

Location: Online

CAO Lunch Hour Connect Series Promo

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.

Dates include:

• September 3 - 12:00PM to 1:00PM
• November 12 - 12:00PM to 1:00PM

Online complimentary registration is for all three sessions.  Attend one or all three with one registration. 

Submit your suggested discussion topics, questions, or challenging scenarios in advance on the CAO Lunch Hour Connect Series form. For more information review the CAO Connect Lunch Series brochure or contact Candace Witkowskyj, Senior Program Manager at cwitkowskyj@lgma.ca.

Location: Online

September 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2021
10 - 11:30 a.m. PST

Do you want to foster a culture of growth and accountability? Do you want to learn how to manage the performance of individuals and teams to meet organizational goals using clear communication around performance expectations and activities? As a local government leader or supervisor, this new online course is for you.

Performance Management is the continuous process of assessing, improving, and utilizing both team and individual employee performance to achieve strategic objectives. Performance Management is a key leadership competency that is an integral component of organizational success. In this course, learn how to set and communicate clear performance expectations utilizing the most appropriate and effective feedback methodology; evaluate, reward, and correct performance in a fair and consistent manner; and foster a culture of growth and accountability by understanding and managing performance barriers and motivators in this brand-new, online course. 

September 7                   Pre-work available on Moodle
September 14                 Module 1: Effective Communication and Performance Enhancement Strategies
September 21                 Module 2: Performance Evaluation and Developing Employees 
September 28                 Module 3: Fostering a Culture of Inclusion and Engagement in your Workplace
 
Final assignments to be completed by October 5.

Course Format: This online course includes three x 90-minute facilitated online webinars with Q&As and 
an overview of the assignments. Participants attend the webinars; review additional resource documents; and will have five days to complete assignments for each session; submit assignments for review and receive coaching and direct feedback. Participants should plan for 1-2 hours of self-paced activities per Module. This course also includes additional coaching support from our roster of local government volunteer HR coaches who can assist participants with applying course learning to the local government context.

Review the course brochure and register online before September 7, 2021.

Cost:  $590 LGMA member; $675 Non-member + GST

Instructor: Robin Turnill, MHRM, CPHR, SHRM-SCP, Managing Consultant, People & Culture, PIVOT HR Services 

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be provided after September 7, although substitutions within your organization are permitted.

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

This course presents a thorough introduction to the relationship between applied loads and the resultant support reactions and internal forces developed in statically determinate members and structures. Topics include classification of force systems, equilibrium equations, support conditions, freebody diagrams, support reactions, truss analysis by the methods of joints and sections, analysis of pinned plane frames, geometric properties of sections, distributed loading, and load, shear force and bending moment diagrams for beams.

Location: Online

Indigenous communities across Canada are actively pursuing new opportunities to build their economies, retain sovereignty, and incorporate traditional activities in a respectful and meaningful way.  One such industry Indigenous communities have approached these opportunities is through Artisan Co-operatives. 

Artisan Co-operatives can take many shapes and include many different stakeholders and take on any size, depending how artisans want to approach the model. But many use the model to reach larger markets as a group and reduce administrative costs.

Join Trista Pewapisconias, Indigenous Relations Lead for a discussion on how Indigenous artisans have used the co-operative model to reach new markets and monetized their talents to expand the tourism industry, increase personal income, and create opportunities.

Location: Online

Instructor: Bill Buholzer, Guy Patterson
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

This advanced planning law course addresses some current substantive topics in land use law as well as exploring some themes that tend to emerge repeatedly in land use litigation. Substantive topics will be chosen by the instructors in the period immediately preceding each offering of the course to ensure relevance and topicality; these may include changes in provincial enabling legislation for planning and land use management, and judicial decisions from the British Columbia courts or the Supreme Court of Canada. Themes to be discussed include judicial deference to local elected officials (the test of reasonableness) and procedural fairness.

Location: Online

Are you up to date with the advanced aspects of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation?

This webinar is geared at those with more than a basic knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and is an asset for staff involved in administering the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Program for their local government. 

Join David Loukidelis, Associate Counsel with Young Anderson – and British Columbia’s Information and Privacy Commissioner from 1999-2010 – and his colleague Amy O’Connor for this 90-minute webinar providing updates on the latest decisions and developments in information and privacy affecting local governments.  Through attendance at this webinar, you will gain a better understanding of:

• New developments under FIPPA including recent court decisions and leading decisions from other province
• Overview of the latest BC Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) Orders
• Review of Orders about advice or recommendations, frivolous or vexatious requests, discretionary permits, settlement privilege
• OIPC interpretation of section 19 relating to the disclosure of information harmful to individual or public safety
• Update on the current legislative review of FIPPA, including the “in-Canada” storage requirements for personal information.

Review the webinar brochure and register online by September 3, 2021. Cost: $100 LGMA member + GST; $135 non-member + GST Bulk pricing is offered to those organizations who register more than one participant. Register all employees at the regular rate under one invoice first, then contact office@lgma.ca for more information.

Location: Online

As part of our ongoing commitment to our members we are pleased to introduce the CAMA Professional Development Series for 2021.  This new program will be comprised of various webinars that are coordinated for the CAO/City Manager, senior managers and their employees.   Along with our own webinar series, CAMA Partner companies will be providing educational and informative learning opportunities that showcase innovative services and products relevant to municipal management.   Free of charge to all CAMA members this will be a wonderful way to provide an eclectic selection of resources to all your employees.  Check the Calendar of Events regularly for updates. 

September 9, 2021:  Webinar Hosted by CSA Group and Insurance Bureau of Canada

Building Resilient Communities

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST

Speakers:  Michael Leering, Director of Environment and Business Excellence, CSA Group and Rob De Pruis, Director, Consumer and Industry Relations, Western, Insurance Bureau of Canada

Who Can Attend This Webinars?  CAMA Members and Their Employees. Non-Members are also welcome to attend.

Who Will Benefit from this Webinar?  CAOs/City and Town Managers, Planning, Development and Engineering staff, Public Works staff, and elected officials.

Registration Cost:  FREE but registration is required using the link below.
Link to Register

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

This course teaches students how to select suitable materials for asphaltic concrete design using the Marshall method equipment. Topics include plant and paving quality control, asphaltic cement testing, aggregate testing, and calculations for asphaltic design. Laboratory sessions include producing an asphaltic paving mix, making specimens, testing specimens, and analyzing test results using the Marshall method.
 

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

Introduces fundamentals of traffic engineering with particular reference to the urban scene. Topics include movement and storage of vehicles on road systems, driver, vehicle and traffic stream characteristics, highway and intersection capacity, intersection and parking layout, data collection techniques and traffic control.

https://commons.bcit.ca/civiltech/
 

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

This course starts with a broad overview of the different levels of government, their inter-relationships and influence on local city operations. Weekly sessions then provide broad information on roads, drainage, sanitary sewers, water distribution, and solid waste collection, with emphasis on public works operations. The course will conclude with concepts of asset and maintenance management of municipal infrastructure. On completion, students will be eligible to continue with additional courses in wastewater collection, water distribution, stormwater management or roadworks maintenance.
For more info please visit: https://commons.bcit.ca/civiltech/

Location: Online

This on-line course introduces the principles, procedures and benefits of energy modelling to enable building professionals to usefully and efficiently incorporate energy modelling into the design process. This will include a review of building orientation, envelope design, space configurations and massing, opportunities to minimize the need for mechanical equipment (e.g., passive design and net-zero solutions).

 

Location: Online

UBCM is pleased to announce that the 2021 Convention will be held from September 14th - 17th.  The Convention will follow the 2020 format and be held virtually.  This page will be updated as details are confirmed. 

Please note this program is subject to change and was updated on April 13, 2021.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
1:30^PM – 2:30^PM Municipal Finance Authority Semi-Annual Meeting
3:30^PM – 4:30^PM Municipal Insurance Association AGM

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
All Day Virtual Delegates Lounge Live
8:30^AM – 4:00^PM Virtual UBCM Exhibitor Showcase
9:00^AM – 4:00^PM Pre-Recorded Candidate Speeches Available
9:00^AM – 9:30^AM CONVENTION OPENING SESSION Welcome from local First Nations UBCM President's Address
9:30^AM – 9:50^AM ANNUAL MEETING Adoption of Conference Rules and Procedures Adoption of Minutes of 2020 Convention Annual Report Question-and-Answer Period Adoption of Financial Statements Appointment of Auditors
9:50^AM – 10:00^AM Report of the Nominating Committee 
10:00^AM – 10:30^AM Delegate Coffee Break
10:30^AM Election for Executive Positions Open
10:30^AM – 11:00^AM Address by the Minister of Municipal Affairs
11:00^AM – 11:15^AM Address by the FCM President
11:15^AM – 11:50AM Community Excellence Awards
11:50^AM – 1:00^PM Delegate Lunch Break
1:00^PM – 2:30^PM Plenary Session
2:30^PM – 2:45^PM Delegate Coffee Break
2:45^PM – 4:00^PM Concurrent Workshops

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
All Day Virtual Delegates Lounge Live
8:30^AM – 4:00^PM Virtual UBCM Exhibitor Showcase
9:00^AM – 12:00^PM Pre-Recorded Candidate Speeches Available
9:00^AM – 12:00^PM Resolutions 
12:00^PM Election for Executive Positions Close
12:00^PM – 1:00^PM Delegate Lunch Break
1:00^PM – 1:20^PM Address by Leader of the Opposition
1:20^PM – 2:35^PM Concurrent Workshops

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
All Day Virtual Delegates Lounge Live
8:30^AM – 4:00^PM Virtual UBCM Exhibitor Showcase
9:00^AM – 12:00^PM Resolutions
12:00^PM – 1:00^PM Delegate Lunch Break
1:00^PM – 2:00^PM Keynote Address
2:00^PM – 2:30^PM Delegate Coffee Break
2:30^PM – 2:45^PM Address by the Leader of the Green Party
2:45^PM – 4:00^PM Concurrent Workshops       

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
All Day Virtual Delegates Lounge Live
8:30^AM – 12:00^PM Virtual UBCM Exhibitor Showcase
9:00^AM – 9:30^AM Federal Address
9:30^AM – 10:45^AM Concurrent Cabinet Town Halls
10:45^AM – 11:00^AM Delegate Coffee Break
11:00^AM – 11:15^AM Installation of President Elect
11:15^AM – 12:15^PM Address by the Premier
12:15^PM Adjourn

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

This course introduces the basic principles of soil mechanics and testing procedures through lectures, problem-solving sessions, and laboratory demonstrations. Topics include mass/volume relationships, soil classification, compaction, and permeability.
 

Location: Online

This course introduces the student to interpretation of engineering drawings used in public works construction, including the correlation between construction layout, specifications and standard drawings.
 

Location: Online

Learn how to respond to a workplace claim or complaint without compromising a subsequent investigation.

This interactive live online workshop is tailored for social services agencies and will focus
on the explanation of the legislative/regulatory environment and detailed investigation
strategies. At the end of this workshop participants will be able to recognize when a
workplace investigation is warranted and be able to conduct an investigation properly
and protect the outcome.

Location: Online

Maintaining Mental Fitness Webinars

Back by popular demand! Maintaining Mental Fitness returns for season 2 with 12 new episodes. Join Dr. Bill Howatt every other Tuesday at 10 am (GMT) for a 15 minute overview of key skills to help maintain and improve your mental fitness both at home and in the workplace. Each session will conclude with a 10-15 minute Q&A session to ask your mental fitness questions.

Maintaining Mental Fitness season 2 is a free resource presented by AMHSA, AUMA, and Howatt HR. Visit MaintainingMentalFitness.com for more information.

Season 2 includes 12 biweekly episodes - register for all 12 or for individual webinars:

S2 Episode 10: Sept. 14, 2021 - Tossing social rejection
S2 Episode 11: Sept. 28, 2021 - Blending demands of home and work
S2 Episode 12: Oct. 12, 2021 - Setting social media boundaries

Location: Online

​This 48-hour on-line course will provide a comprehensive study of Part 9 residential Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB's) to ensure that that builders, designers, consultants and tradespeople have the applied knowledge to build to the Upper Steps of the BC Energy Step Code, Net-Zero Energy or the Passive House standard. Students will learn from industry experts and develop an applied understanding of the BC Energy Step Code, building science in ZEBs, airtight design and construction, execution of high performance assembly details, and mechanical systems for residential ZEB's.

 

Location: Online

This on-line 48-hour course will provide a comprehensive study of residential Passive House construction to ensure that that builders, site supervisors, general contractors, tradespeople, and designers or consultants have the applied knowledge to build to the Passive House standard.

Students will learn from industry experts and develop an applied understanding of the Passive House Standard, building science, ultra-airtight design and construction, thermal-bridge free and highly insulated assembly details, PH window and door installation practices, and an introduction to ventilation and mechanical systems for Passive House homes. Students will develop a solid understanding of Passive House planning principles, standard metrics, certification requirements, processes, and quality control best practices.

Course includes an exam preparation session to ensure students are prepared to earn their certification as an International Passive House Tradesperson by completing the Certified Passive House Tradesperson Exam (standard international exam set by the Passive House Institute and offered in Canada by Passive House Canada). This course is offered fully online with industry expert instructors providing online lectures and live construction demonstrations in the BCIT High Performance Building Lab. Self-directed online learning modules contain reference materials, applied exercises, take-away job-aids, knowledge checks, and exam preparation.

Location: Online

Do you have a heritage property in need of conservation work such as painting, a new roof or window repairs? Are you seeking assistance to develop a maintenance or conservation plan for your property or interested in having your property added to the Vancouver Heritage Register? A Heritage Conservation Grant from VHF could help.

For heritage property owners and stewards, we are hosting an online information session to help answer your questions ahead of the October 12th application deadline. VHF Grant Programs Manager, Meghan Lenz, will provide an overview of the program and the granting process, and will walk you through the application form and supporting documents required. There will also be opportunity to answer questions from participants.

Register for this FREE session here.

Location: Online

In this course, you will be presented with an overview of fundamental graphical techniques necessary for plan reading and production of working drawings and introduced to a variety of civil engineering terminology. Subject materials for the course are drawn from the civil engineering industry. Topics include freehand sketching, field sketching, drawing scales and layout, orthographic projections, contour drawings, and geometric constructions. Lettering and line work will be emphasized throughout.
 

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

An introduction to the terminology, physics and applications of hydrostatics and hydraulics, this course covers fluids at rest and in motion. Topics include the properties of water, fluid pressure, hydrostatic force and buoyancy, head loss and the application of Bernoulli’s equation to hydraulic systems. Students will use energy conservation methods to solve pipe systems with multiple branches.

 

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

Covers the topics of pavement failures and pavement repair techniques, asphalt mixes, crack sealing and the types of equipment used, street lighting systems, pavement marking and street signs, vegetation control, sweeping and shoulder maintenance, maintenance management and pavement management systems, and their integration with job costing are reviewed.
 

Location: Online

In many communities across BC, there continues to be an increased demand for rental housing and housing diversity. Despite the introduction of policies and zoning that support secondary suites and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), there has been a slow uptake of these housing options.

A recent report Accessory Dwelling Units: Case Studies and Best Practices from BC Communities conducted by WCS Engagement and Planning, and BC Housing, examined the main barriers limiting the construction of this built form in B.C.'s small and medium-sized communities.

This webinar will cover leading practices in policy and bylaw amendments, community engagement, and other initiatives to more successfully implement ADUs.

Speakers
Cheeying Ho, B.Sc, M.Ed, has over 25 years of experience in community planning, engagement and sustainability, and is a seasoned facilitator. She provides strategy, creative process design and engagement tools for local governments, private sector clients, and non-profit organizations. She develops and executes innovative community development focused programs to
support community goals. Prior to her role at WCS Engagement and Planning, Cheeying was the Executive Director of Smart Growth BC, the leading province-wide, non-governmental organization advancing sustainable land use and development that was largely responsible for getting 'smart growth' into planning practice in B.C.

Dan Wilson, B.Comm, M.Sc, has worked in a research capacity, community planning and program delivery, as well as public engagement for 20 years. His experience includes assisting over 25 local governments, non-profits, First Nations and corporate clients, many with a unique need for tourism planning guidance.  More recently, Dan has worked on housing research
projects and completed various housing needs assessments.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

For More Information, please visit our events page on the BC Housing website to discover other learning opportunities.

Location: Online

Local government staff should now be familiar with the legislative and regulatory requirements for contaminated site identification under sections 40 and 40.1 of the Environmental Management Act and Part 2 of the Contaminated Sites Regulation. Background information can be found on the site identification process. In partnership with the Ministry of the Environment, the LGMA will be hosting a complimentary webinar for senior planning officials and approving officers to improve knowledge and understanding of information that may be needed from an applicant if an exemption from the process applies, and how restrictions on approvals can be lifted.

Register online today

Check out the Ministry Brochure

Location: Online

Approving Officers Upcoming Learning Opportunities Fall 2021
 
Complimentary Webinar
Guidance on the New Provincial Contaminated Site Identification Requirements
Wednesday, September 15

Local government staff should now be familiar with the legislative and regulatory requirements for contaminated site identification under sections 40 and 40.1 of the Environmental Management Act and Part 2 of the Contaminated Sites Regulation.  In partnership with the Ministry of the Environment, the LGMA will be hosting a complimentary webinar on Wednesday, September 15 at 10 a.m. PST for senior planning officials and Approving Officers to improve knowledge and understanding of information that may be needed from an applicant if an exemption from the process applies, and how restrictions on approvals can be lifted. Register online today and plan to attend.

Location: Online

This on-line course is the first of 3 Public Works Institute courses in the Public Works Supervisor Associate Certificate Program. Based on the American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Institute Guidelines, it introduces the student to public works financial concepts, leadership, and supervision. Topics covered include an introduction to financial management, business planning, budgeting, accounting and cost control, financial reporting, leadership skills, personal development, integrity and ethics, motivation and morale, and conflict resolution. The course is delivered through a series of lectures, in-class exercises, and discussions.

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

Familiarizes students with lab and testing procedures for testing construction materials. Topics include sieve analysis, relative density, compaction tests, Atterberg limits, and soil classification.

https://commons.bcit.ca/civiltech/

Location: Online

This course presents an introduction to the relationship between applied loads and the resulting stresses and deformations produced in common structural elements. Topics include concepts of stress and strain, mechanical behaviour and testing of construction materials, elementary design principles using allowable stresses and factors of safety, analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate axially loaded bars, thermal stresses, moments of inertia, bending and shear stresses in beams, shear flow. A laboratory component is included in the delivery of this course.

 

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

Covers survey fundamentals and quantity take-off of civil engineering projects pertaining to roadwork, water, sewer and building construction. Topics include quantity take-off, productivity rates, labour and material costing, construction equipment and machinery, and project cost control.

https://commons.bcit.ca/civiltech/

Location: Online

This on-line course describes the purpose, components and objectives of a community energy and emissions plan (CEEP) and the reasons communities create them. After completing the course, students will be able to initiate, prepare and implement a community energy plan. Course materials differentiate between community energy planning and corporate energy planning and describe the essential elements of energy and emissions plans. Students will be able to navigate the process of creating and implementing a plan, identify funding sources and strategies and manage project consultants. Students will be able to design a CEEP that can be successfully implemented.
 

Location: Online

Canadian communities face challenges of declining infrastructure quality and diminishing health and resilience of many ecosystems, a challenge made far more pressing by climate change. To address this, leading local governments are starting to identify, value and account for natural assets in their financial planning and asset management programs as a means to develop deliver core services sustainably through a climate resilient green infrastructure. This four-week online course covers core concepts, the most recent case examples and latest approaches to municipal natural asset management, and is delivered by the Executive Director of the Municipal Natural Assets Initiative. It will provide both essential information to anyone working for, or with local governments or who is interested in innovative approaches to community sustainability; and, an opportunity to discuss with peers and the instructor, potential approaches to challenges and opportunities in students’ own communities.

By the end of the course students will:

• Understand and appreciate that natural assets can or do provide services to local governments
• Understand how modern structured asset management in Canada is a useful platform for natural asset management
• Understand core terminology, including how natural assets fit within the concept of green infrastructure
• Be familiar with several Canadian case examples of natural asset management
• Understand key barriers and opportunities to scaling up natural asset management
• Have a better understanding of how they can advance natural asset management in their own contexts and where they can get additional resources

Learner Effort:
2.5 hours per week

Location: Online

2021 Fall Conference

September 21, 2021 - September 24, 2021

The MISA BC Fall Conference provides unparalleled access to senior local government decision makers using a balanced format of speaking opportunities, trade show and networking events. This is a must-attend event for both local government practitioners and vendors that have solutions that can provide value for communities across the Province of British Columbia and beyond. This year we are pleased to welcome participation from members of MISA Prairies to our 2021 event.  Look for the 'Best of the West' Municipal Showcase on Friday, with a selection of both Prairies and BC Chapter presentations. 

Location: Online

The Investors' Forum occurs every three months on the third Tuesday of the month.

The Investors' Forum Webinar is an opportunity to receive information on the current market environment for those responsible for investing public funds. We will feature guest speakers from the industry and local government practitioners, and discuss timely topics and best practices. This forum was designed to keep you informed, provide insights, and assist with the challenges and complexities that local government investors face.

Sponsored by:  

Location: Online

Instructor: Eric Aderneck
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

This course is an introduction to the practice of urban planning and how to build more sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive communities and physical environments.
You will learn about the matters, purpose and practice of urban planning in Canada, British Columbia, and the Metro Vancouver region. This course offers a special focus on planning and development issues in the region, and the planners’ role in building cities. We will explore the interrelationships between the physical, environmental, economic, social, and built considerations in planning at the site, neighbourhood, city, and regional scales.

This course will include defining urban planning and planning theory and history, explaining why we need to plan the physical environment. It outlines the role of participants, stakeholders, and decision-makers in the planning and development processes. This will include a review of the regulatory hierarchies, and the application of land use tools, including: plans, policies, bylaws, development permitting, and other approvals.

Location: Online

Complimentary Webinar:  Authenticating Electronic Documents 

Wednesday, September 22, 2021
10 - 11:30 a.m. PST

Learn about the application and authentication of electronic signatures for local government operations

Digital transformation is happening across all business operations, including local government, and it is being accelerated in the post-pandemic environment. Join Charles Tremblay, Director of Digital Transformation for Notarius, one of Canada’s leading providers of digital identity and electronic signature tools to learn about the use of these tools in local government. The webinar will be moderated by Sharon Byrch, co-chair of the LGMA Records Management and FOI Advisory Committee. Charles and Sharon will be joined by other members of the Committee. 

This complimentary webinar will cover:

• What you should know about adopting authentic electronic documents in B.C.
• The legal and economic context of digital transformation in local governments.
• Types of electronic signatures explained.
• Legal, records management and privacy considerations.
• Validation tools.

There will be considerable time allocated as well for you to ask questions of our experts.

 Register online by September 20, 2021. 
Cost: Complimentary 

Course Format
The course is presented in a webinar format with registrants participating via Zoom. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the webinar. Information on accessing the Zoom platform will be sent to registered participants one day prior.

Presenter Bio:

Charles Tremblay has worked for more than 25 years in information technology and cybersecurity and has more than a dozen years of service with Notarius. He has seen the development of technologies and standards for document reliability and electronic transactions. He passionately contributes to the dematerialization of documents and transactions, business modernization and digital transformation. 

Location: Online

Join us Wednesday, September 22nd in welcoming City of Colwood to the UDI for a presentation from Mayor Rob Martin and Director of Engineering and Development, Brent Molnar. We look forward to hearing about the municipality’s rapid growth over the pandemic, Colwood Corners, Royal Bay, and an update on Royal Beach’s proposed ferry.
 

Register Here

Presenters

• Mayor Rob Martin, City of Colwood
• Brent Molnar, Director of Engineering and Planning, City of Colwood
• Hazel Braithwaite, Director, Donor & Partner Relations, United Way Southern Vancouver Island

Generously sponsored by The Condo Group.

Location: Online

Learn Stoic principles and strategies that enabled leaders such as the great Philosopher-King Marcus Aurelius to thrive in times of adversity. Timeless lessons on how to manage modern day challenges faced by civic leaders such as:

• loneliness at the top
• power politics, rivalries and betrayals
• infrastructure challenges & resource shortages
• toxic behaviours in the public square
• illness and weakness
• plagues and destabilizing uncertainty

Includes Q&A for elected officials & senior staff of local governments.

Send in your questions for Donald Roberts to info@kalenconsulting.com or during registration below.

FREE RESOURCES included for all participants, including a Stoic Resiliency Tool Kit.

DONALD ROBERTSON is a renown cognitive-behavioural therapist, trainer and writer. He's the author of six books on philosophy and psychotherapy. The latest, "How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius", was recently reviewed in The Wall Street Journal and became the #1 best seller in philosophy throughout the United States.

Donald has been writing about and lecturing on Stoicism for roughly 25 years and is one of the founding members of the global Modern Stoicism organization. He is currently spearheading a project in Athens, Greece to restore Plato's Academy, the location of the Western world's first university, and make it an active center for philosophical discussion and learning once again.

Register early. Space limited.

BOOK HERE.
 

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Kalen Academy Fall 2021 Masterclass Series Schedule

Location: Online

Registration 

• Member: $349.00 + GST
• Non-member: $479.00 + GST

Registration Deadline: Sep 20, 2021

Learning Objectives 

• Understand the full scope of the water and wastewater Sector (Source to Tap to Environment)
• Be familiar with the regulatory environment of the water and wastewater sector. This includes developing an understanding of the independent and interconnected jurisdictions of Municipal, Provincial, and Federal and Indigenous governments relating to all aspects of the sector. 
• Understand the role of various professional associations in supporting the sector.
• Feel comfortable with the broad scope of regulations that govern the water and wastewater sector (Source to Tap to Environment)
• Be familiar with various funding bodies and sources, and procurement practices typically used by Municipalities / Utilities. 

Who Should Attend 

You should take this course if you:

• New to working in or with the water and wastewater sector, and 
• Want to gain or deepen an understanding of how and why the sector is regulated
• Want to improve your ability to navigate the sector to better serve your customers or clients
• Are a certified Operator interested in better understanding the regulatory environment surrounding your profession. 

Location: Online

CAGFO 2021 Conference Delegate Fees (pre-tax)

Early Bird - $275
Single Registration after date - $350
Cohort (3-4 from any organization, registered and paid together) - $750
Group (5-6 from the same organization registered and paid together) - $1025
Organization (7 or more from the same organization registered and paid together) - $1300

Location: Online

Maintaining Mental Fitness Webinars

Back by popular demand! Maintaining Mental Fitness returns for season 2 with 12 new episodes. Join Dr. Bill Howatt every other Tuesday at 10 am (GMT) for a 15 minute overview of key skills to help maintain and improve your mental fitness both at home and in the workplace. Each session will conclude with a 10-15 minute Q&A session to ask your mental fitness questions.

Maintaining Mental Fitness season 2 is a free resource presented by AMHSA, AUMA, and Howatt HR. Visit MaintainingMentalFitness.com for more information.

Season 2 includes 12 biweekly episodes - register for all 12 or for individual webinars:

S2 Episode 11: Sept. 28, 2021 - Blending demands of home and work
S2 Episode 12: Oct. 12, 2021 - Setting social media boundaries

Location: Online

BCFit® is BCRPA's premier fitness conference, providing a high-quality, virtual, live and on-demand educational opportunity to fitness leaders employed by local governments across British Columbia.

BCFit’21 brings together fitness professionals, industry experts and influencers, and individuals interested in advancing their career in fitness.

Support your fitness employees to bring leading-edge training and information into programs and classes in your community.

Three half-days include interactive sessions, product demonstrations, COVID-19 adaptations and learnings, the latest trends and innovations in fitness, and more. Conference registration also includes full complimentary access to the BCFit'21 virtual Marketplace, Awards Ceremony and Networking Event.

Location: Online

The use of permeable pavements for stormwater management is gaining rapid acceptance across North America.  While permeable pavements have been around for a long-time, poor performance is not unusual.  This webinar highlights best practices for the design, construction and long-term maintenance of asphalt, concrete and interlocking concrete permeable pavements.  Lessons learned from the preparation of a new ASCE Standard for the Design of Permeable Pavements is presented.

Guide construction specifications, construction and maintenance guidelines are provided via checklists. A key tool for assessing surface infiltration and subsequent vacuum cleaning is adoption of an ASTM surface infiltration test for PICP.  The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the key features of design, construction and maintenance of PICPs to assist agencies and other owners to implement permeable pavement system for economical stormwater management. 

Webinar Benefits

The learning objectives for this webinar include:

• Understand methods to cost-effectively construct and maintain permeable pavements including porous asphalt, pervious concrete and interlocking concrete paving stones
• Understand structural and hydrologic design
• Identify appropriate specifications for permeable pavements
• Recognize key design and construction features to ensure success
• Optimize water quantity management and quality benefits

Location: 4863 Stanley Street, Radium Hot Springs, BC  View Map

Join us for the 2021 convention where sessions will reflect the immense impact of the pandemic with a focus towards revisioning the future as we knew it.

All sessions will take place at the Radium Hot Springs Centre (4863 Stanley St.) unless otherwise stated.
 

Location: Online

Join us for a discussion on the ins and outs of municipal fossil fuel divestment!

This summer has come with harrowing news surrounding the latest IPCC climate science, devastating impacts felt across Canada, and reports of the level of support banks give to the fossil fuel industry. In fact, Greenpeace's latest report states, banks have been fuelling climate change through $700B in loans to, and $125B in investments in, fossil fuel companies since the Paris Agreement was signed.

This signals the need to better understand fossil fuel divestment and impact investing. As such, we have pulled together this webinar for locally elected officials to develop their understandings of what is possible at a municipal level. It will be structured with three presentations followed by a Q&A.

This webinar will begin with a presentation from Peter Urbanc from the Municipal Finance Authority of BC. He will provide an overview of what is possible, a discussion of market trends, and challenges and opportunities.

This will be followed by Anthony Tia and Tim Leung from the City of Vancouver, who will discuss Vancouver's approach to divestment and best practice.

We will wrap up the presentation side of the webinar with George Benson from the Vancouver Economic Commission, with a conversation around engaging banks and others financial systems to decarbonize and standardizing ESG disclosure across the world.

Please feel welcome to bring along a friend and to pass this invite to your staff!

Zoom webinar links will be sent out prior to the event.

Location: Online

TRANSIT KEEPS CANADIANS MOVING

Already, more than two million Canadians rely on public transit every day. And as we reopen, they’ll rely on it even more—to get to work or school, to see family and friends at last, and attend cultural or sporting events.

But transit does more than keep us moving. It also fosters social inclusion, reduces urban sprawl, and helps us fight climate change. To show all that transit offers our communities, we are excited to virtually welcome you to our Annual Conference and Transit Show from October 4-6.

Review the Conference Program

October 4 - October 6, 2021

Location: Online

Professionals working in British Columbia are increasingly aware of the need for adaptation strategies but may be unsure where to start. This 4-module, instructor-led online course will provide learners from a range of disciplinary and professional backgrounds with an overview of the current state of knowledge on climate science and a grounding in the core concepts supporting climate change adaptation. Participants will gain an understanding of regional climate trends, risks, and their implications for human and natural systems, the role of adaptation in risk reduction, and an understanding of how science-based information and tools can be used in strategic adaptation planning.

Learning Outcomes:
After completing the course you will be able to:

• Explain the core concepts of climate science
• Distinguish between weather, climate variability and climate change
• Describe current climate trends, regional impacts and the role of adaptation
• Analyse different regional climate change scenarios, impacts, and opportunities for adaptation and mitigation
• Develop a high-level plan for integrating climate change adaptation into practice.

Learner Effort:
2.5 hours per week

Location: Online

The Joint Annual Conference and Trade Show is presented as a partnership between the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA) and the Public Works Association of BC (PWABC). Combining the key strengths and areas of expertise of each of our associations elevates the quality and value of the conference experience.

The British Columbia Municipal Safety Association is an independent, non-profit organization committed to improving worker health and safety in all industries throughout the province. Safety is our business. We work to improve safety programs and implement effective occupational health and safety management across the province with specialized knowledge in local government. Our onsite, virtual and online courses equip employers and employees with invaluable health and safety training that serves to reduce human injury and financial costs, along with continuing to be the largest training organization within BC.

The Public Works Association of BC represents individuals working for municipalities, utility companies and engineering consulting firms, in BC and Yukon. They represent approximately 350 members who all share the same dedication to improving the quality of life for citizens.

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Our conference is a two-day event of presentations and panels featuring over 50 presenters from across North America, attended by up to 500 municipal leaders and decision makers in Public Works and Occupational Safety complemented by a dynamic trade show with 100+ exhibitors.

The education program at the conference provides a dynamic forum for information exchange and it is divided into four streams: Public Works, Occupational Health & Safety, Utilities and Leadership. Our goal is to provide delegates with a diverse range of topics to optimize their learning experience, take advantage of emerging technologies, understand and prepare for challenges that lie ahead, and provide better services to their organizations and communities.

2019 proved to be our largest year yet with over 500 delegates, exhibitors, speakers and guests representing over 105 Municipalities, Districts, Towns, First Nations, government agencies, and private companies. 2021 we are transitioning the event to a virtual platform. We are excited about the diverse range of engagement opportunities this platform provides our organization, delegates, sponsors and exhibitors. Sponsors are an integral part of this premier professional development and networking opportunity for safety and public works professionals in British Columbia.

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Registration

Sponsor & Exhibitor Registration Open Now!
Delegate Registration Opens May 1, 2021. First 200 passes only $195!!!
 

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For More Information: Christine Zielke
Operational Manager, BC Municipal Safety Association
E: czielke@bcmsa.ca
P:778-278-3435
a href="http://jac2021.pwabc.bcmsa.ca/en/conference ">jac2021.pwabc.bcmsa.ca/en/conference

Location: 101 Wyse Rd, Dartmouth, NS  View Map

We’re Celebrating 50 + 1 Years!
October 5 – October 8, 2021
Doubletree Hotel Dartmouth, NS

2020 marked AMA’s 50th year. Unfortunately, circumstances didn’t allow us to celebrate the way we wanted to in 2020 which means we’ll be celebrating 50 +1 this year. Come join us at the AMA’s 51st Annual Fall Conference at the Doubletree by Hilton in Dartmouth NS, October 5th to October 8th for an exciting lineup of speakers and celebration.

Location: Online

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021:  Webinar Hosted by RSM Canada

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST

 Speaker:  Ryan Duquette, Partner, Security and Privacy Risk Consulting, RSM Canada

 Who Can Attend this Webinar?: CAMA Members, Their Employees, and Elected Officials.  Non-Members are also welcome to attend.

Who Will Benefit from this Webinar: Executive Leaders of Municipalities

Registration Cost:  FREE but registration is required 

Registration Link

Location: Online

October 2021 – CAMA Professional Development – 50th Anniversary Webinar Series

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021:  Webinar Hosted by RSM Canada

Cyber Breach:  Choose Your Own Response

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST

 Speaker:  Ryan Duquette, Partner, Security and Privacy Risk Consulting, RSM Canada

 Who Can Attend this Webinar?: CAMA Members, Their Employees, and Elected Officials.  Non-Members are also welcome to attend.

Who Will Benefit from this Webinar: Executive Leaders of Municipalities

Registration Cost:  FREE but registration is required 

Registration Link

Location: Online

Date: Tuesday, October 5th, 2021
Time: 1:30 pm ET

Reopening safe, functional, and efficient community facilities is an important step in both local COVID-19 recovery efforts and meeting Canada’s net-zero 2050 emissions targets. As communities plan for a post-pandemic future, effective measures to prevent indoor disease transmission are a local priority to protect communities’ health – as are cost-saving energy efficiency solutions to sustain their finances and preserve their environment.  

Join our webinar to learn more about existing building recommissioning (EBCx). Hear about lessons learned from experts in recommissioning local facilities and learn the steps to help ensure your community’s building systems are working together at optimal levels for comfort and efficiency.

In this webinar, you will:

• Learn the basics of existing building commissioning (EBCx) for different municipal building types
• Understand the expected economic, environmental, and social outcomes of recommissioning an existing community facility, including:
  • Health benefits and resident comfort
  • Reduced energy consumption
  • Utility cost savings
• Identify how to integrate EBCx into the procurement process for renovations or as a standalone initiative
• Access information on available funding, online resources, training, and other support for your next project

Speakers

• Ian Meredith, Program Development Officer, Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada
• Anastasia Lukyanova, M.Eng., CEM, Sustainability Planner, City of Powell River, BC
• Graham Seaman, P.Eng., LEED AP, CEM, Director, Sustainability & Asset Management, City of Markham, ON
• Hans Schleibinger, PhD, Chair, Canadian Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CCIAQ) & Senior Research Officer, National Research Council
• Meg Sears, MEng, PhD, Senior research associate, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Moderator

• Émilie Marleau, Program Advisor, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Location: Online

We don’t have control over most change, but we do have control over how we respond to it. The key to this response is resilience – and the good news is that it can be developed. In this interactive and experiential four-week online course, you will learn practical techniques for strengthening resilience, including the use of mindfulness practices which has been proven to be one of the most effective techniques.

During this four week online course, you will receive your personal resilience profile which will provide valuable insight into how you emotionally “show up” during times of turbulence and more importantly, where to focus to achieve your optimum level of resilience. You will learn practical techniques for strengthening resilience, including the use of mindfulness practices which has been proven to be one of the most effective techniques.

Topics Covered:
Neuroscience:

• The Neuroscience of change
• Why our brains are not wired for change
• Our emotional reaction to change

Resilience:

• 7 Characteristics of Resilient People
• Identify personal strengths and gaps

Mindfulness:

• What is Mindfulness
• How it works
• Mindfulness practices to strengthen Resilience

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the root cause of our emotional response to change
• Describe the characteristics of highly resilient people
• Identify personal strengths and areas of opportunity for optimizing resilience
• Gain the confidence and agility to manage through change & disruption better
• Increase your self awareness to consciously choose winning behaviours and mindsets for greater performance and productivity
• Strengthen your emotional well being and stamina to bounce back quicker and absorb higher levels of disruption
• Adopt the mindset that allows you to not only survive through change and disruption, but thrive through it

Learner effort:
2-4 hours per week

Synchronous Sessions:
While the majority of this course Is delivered asynchronously, there will be weekly 60-minute synchronous session held weekly. Tuesdays at noon.

Location: Online

Topic: Streets for Everyone – Ways to Encourage Walking and Cycling to Help Communities Thrive

Description:  Advice for small and medium sized communities on programs and infrastructure improvements that make our streets safer and more livable

Time: Oct 6, 2021 11:00 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Location: Online

Local governments play a key role in protecting Canadians from the worsening impacts of climate change, such as flooding and droughts, forest fires and extreme heat. Whether you’re a senior leader hiring new staff, or a new member of the municipal climate change team, you can benefit from learning how to be prepare yourself and your staff for success.

Sign up to join us at 1:00 p.m. ET on October 6, 2021, for our webinar, How to prepare municipal climate staff for success, where an expert panel of local sustainability champions will be offering advice and best practices for emerging climate action teams from small and medium sized municipalities. You’ll discover how to overcome challenges related to establishing a team of climate experts, how to communicate with your council and the public, and more. French translation to be offered simultaneously.

In this webinar, you will:

• Hear first-hand from municipal staff on their experiences navigating local governance and climate action
• Discover tips and tricks for your first year working at a municipality on climate action
• Learn what are the key factors for success when setting up your climate action team and/or staff if you are a senior leader (e.g. placement of climate staff in the organization) and what role senior leadership can play (e.g. advocating for climate staff)

Speakers:

• Trevor Donald, Climate Action Coordinator, Township of Georgian Bluffs, ON
• Rachel Mitchell, Climate Change and Sustainability Manager, Town of New Glasgow, NS
• Lily Morrow, Climate Change and Energy Specialist, County of Huron, ON
• Shannon Fernandes, Climate Change Coordinator, Town of Lincoln, ON

Location: Online

Communication and Financial Skills, the second of three courses in the BCWWA Management Skills Certificate Program, teaches communication and financial skills required in the water sector. REGISTRATION

Before you register, make sure to purchase a BCWWA Membership first ($109) - you will then receive a $130 discount on ALL courses and other select products for 1 year! Click here for Membership information.

• Member: $999.00 + GST
• Non-member: $1,129.00 + GST

Registration Deadline: Oct 11, 2021 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, you will be able to: 

• Develop accurate and effective budgets.
• Effectively communicate with your team and stakeholders.
• Deliver oral reports.
• Create and deliver engaging presentations.
• Develop succinct and relevant business plans.
• Prepare clear, peer-reviewed reports.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

You should take this course if you:

• Were recently promoted into a supervisory or management role;
• Are interested in pursuing a supervisory or management role in the future;
• Want to "brush-up" your management skills or take them to the next level; or
• Require continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain your Environmental Operators Certificate Program (EOCP) certification.

CERTIFICATION AND CEUS

This course provides 3.0 related CEUs for the following Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) certifications:

• small wastewater systems (SWWS)
• small water systems (SWS)
• wastewater collection (WWC)
• wastewater treatment (WWT)
• water distribution (WD)
• water treatment (WT)

Location: Online

We all dread them – having to confront a challenging co-worker, customer, or friend about a difficult and uncomfortable issue. Often we handle the situation very poorly, and it is impossible to completely avoid the person or people involved. This workshop offers insights into the multiple layers beneath each conversation and provides advice for handling these difficult exchanges in a manner that addresses the core issues. If you’re interested in improving your communication skills and reducing conflict, this four-week online course will provide strategies to make challenging conversations calmer and more productive.

Topics Covered:

• Why conversations are so difficult
• Consider the sub-text that underlies all difficult conversations
• Examine the role feelings, identity, and intentions play in our challenging conversations
• Explore the “learning conversation” and how it makes a difference
• Examine strategies to successfully negotiate difficult conversations

Learning Outcomes:

• Competencies developed include: communication, relationship & team building, and self-development
• Learn how to better deal with your emotions and anxiety
• Develop greater self-awareness and how one contributes to conflict
• Learn strategies for disarming the impulse to lay blame
• Practice new strategies for influence
• Prepare a plan of action for future difficult conversations

Learner Effort:
3-5 hours per week

Synchronous sessions:
While the majority of this course Is delivered asynchronously, there will be three 60-minute synchronous sessions at 8 am PT, Tuesday, Oct 12, Mondays, Oct 18 & 25, 2021.

Location: Online

The purpose of the Northern BC Solid Waste Management Forum is to provide a networking venue to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas surrounding challenges and opportunities for improvements within solid waste management in north-central BC, from prevention through to disposal. 

The forum will bring together locally elected officials and waste management/recycling staff from local governments in the NCLGA region, stewardship organizations, industry professionals, and other interested parties. Currently, there are gaps and unrealized opportunities within solid waste management in the North, and this forum will provide a place to address them through solutions-oriented presentations, dialogue, and networking.

 

Location: Online

Free Webinar: Plan your First Nations’ Financial Future
 
Plan beyond the 7th generation.
 
Join us on October 12th, 2021 for a free 60-minute webinar and learn about the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB), and the free services we provide to support First Nations governments. During this session, we will be joined by a First Nations leader and hear their story of success working with the FMB and how they enhanced their Nations Financial Management Systems.
 
Attendees will also:
•            Discover free tools and capacity development services that First Nation governments can use to plan their financial future.
•            Learn how to build or enhance strong finance and administrative governance practices.
•            And find out how to access affordable long-term capital with FMB Certifications.
 
If you have any questions regarding the event or registration, please email Events Coordinator Paris Grover at paris_grover@fnfmb.com. If you are interested in learning more about First Nations Financial Management Board, visit our website at https://fnfmb.com/en
 
Register here: https://events.eply.com/FMBWebinar20213363606 

Location: Online

Maintaining Mental Fitness Webinars

Back by popular demand! Maintaining Mental Fitness returns for season 2 with 12 new episodes. Join Dr. Bill Howatt every other Tuesday at 10 am (GMT) for a 15 minute overview of key skills to help maintain and improve your mental fitness both at home and in the workplace. Each session will conclude with a 10-15 minute Q&A session to ask your mental fitness questions.

Maintaining Mental Fitness season 2 is a free resource presented by AMHSA, AUMA, and Howatt HR. Visit MaintainingMentalFitness.com for more information.

Season 2 includes 12 biweekly episodes - register for all 12 or for individual webinars:

S2 Episode 12: Oct. 12, 2021 - Setting social media boundaries

Location: Online

Publishing Date
September 29, 2021

UBCM and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General will be delivering a webinar on October 13 at 1:00 PM to discuss provincial priorities with respect to policing and public safety modernization. Local government elected officials or staff members interested in attending the webinar are asked to RSVP to Bhar Sihota, UBCM Senior Policy Analyst.

This 1-hour webinar presents an opportunity for provincial representatives to discuss the Province’s policing and public safety priorities as well as the process that will be used to gather input on those priorities. BC’s Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act is also examining public safety modernization, and is expected to present a final report by April 28, 2022. This webinar will provide insight into how the Ministry’s work relates to the mandate of the Special Committee. UBCM representatives will also provide a brief overview of a submission delivered to the Special Committee earlier this year.

Location: Online

If you understand that writing, speaking, and presentation has the power to engage, move, and transform, then join us for this two-day synchronous course in professional writing, public speaking, and presentation skills. Learn the tools and principles of writing, speaking and presenting through the 5 C’s of effective communication. With practice, overcome performance anxiety and learn to speak (pitch and interview), write (letters, essays, reports, proposals) and present (PowerPoint, demonstration, and instruction) professionally and using media enhanced communication.

Topics Covered:

• The tools and principles of writing, speaking and presenting
• The 5 C’s of effective communication
• Overcoming performance anxiety
• Media enhanced communication
• Professional writing (letter, essay, report, proposal)
• Professional speaking (speech, pitch, interview)
• Professional presentation (PowerPoint, demonstration, instruction)

Learning Outcomes:

• Learn and apply the tools and principles of writing, speaking and presenting
• Generate clear, cogent writing using the power of focus, structure, and flow
• Structure and focus your talk to ensure maximum engagement and retention
• Penetrate anxiety barriers to reveal your most powerful personal style
• Design effective and memorable presentations utilizing a variety of media

Location: Online

This housing focused presentation and discussion will explore the inequities in the housing market and options for addressing housing variety and affordability. The session will go beyond the standard approaches and explore bold new ways to approach the affordability crisis. The session will also be interactive and will provide opportunities for participants to share ideas and solutions.

Click here to register.

Presented by: Cleo Corbett RPP, MCIP
Senior Planner – Housing and Community Development, City of Campbell River

Cleo Corbett is a dynamic speaker who prides herself on creative policy development and action-based planning. Corbett is passionate about housing and has 18 years experience that encompasses all aspects of planning including development, long-range and social. She is currently is the Senior Planner with the City of Campbell River focusing on housing, homelessness and anything else they throw at her. Cleo balances a busy career and family life with tennis, skiing and rock and roll.

Please join us by computer or phone on October 14:
- from 11:30 am –  12 noon for an optional informal virtual networking opportunity; and
- from 12 noon - 1: 00 pm for presentation and Q & A. 

Prior to the presentation, the Zoom link will be active at 11:30 am for anyone who is interested in an informal “check-in” with other local planners in attendance. This is meant to be a way to connect with colleagues and meet new planners in the area through the form of a virtual pre-presentation mingling session. Cleo Corbett will begin her presentation on the Affordability Quest at 12:00 pm.

Location: Online

This is an online info session.

BCIT and the Community Energy Association have partnered to develop a new series of courses in the emerging field of community energy management. Community energy management spans the traditional silos of current and long range planning, policy, operations, engineering, transportation, finance, and others. Community Energy Management education will provide the knowledge and resources you need to manage the art and science of saving energy, emissions, and money across the community. This inter-disciplinary sequence of six on-line courses provides a unique opportunity to refresh disciplines that you are already familiar with by viewing them through an energy lens while introducing new tools and concepts.
Register for the online information session now, and we will send you the Zoom details closer to the date.  For more information, visit the BCIT Community Energy Management web page.

Location: Online

Instructor: Elicia Elliott
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

Transportation involves the myriad multimodal ways in which goods and people move. How and why are some modes chosen over others and who gets to decide?

Designed for professionals or community members who want to understand the role of transportation in urban planning, this course provides an accessible overview of transportation planning. You’ll explore the planning process, governance in Metro Vancouver and beyond, and best practices in planning and design for transit, active transportation, driving and parking, goods movement, and new mobility.

Location: Online

AMBC and LGLA have teamed up to bring you a unique Masterclass in Asset Management for local gov elected officials. Join us on Oct. 15th for this informative, engaging and interactive session. Former- Mayor Christina Benty will lead you through a series of questions for discussion, to help you how to create a legacy of sustainable service delivery for your community.

Location: Online

Experience a rich day-long exploration of British Columbia’s Indigenous Cultures, a heritage spanning thousands of years and deeply rooted in the natural world. This gathering will serve to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the governance structures, cultural practices and traditions of B.C.’s First Peoples. This course explores the sustainable living practices and cultural protocols associated with traditional land use; students will garner appreciation for traditional connections to the earth and environment; and, will discover how Indigenous ways of being and knowing can enhance our contemporary culture in beneficial and encouraging ways.

Learning Outcomes:

• Garner an appreciation for the cultural diversity within British Columbia’s Indigenous territories
• Learn how to approach and/or reach out to Indigenous communities to establish and maintain respectful relationships.
• Gain an understanding of how the term ‘education’ in not limited to a euro-academic lens
• Recognize and appreciate the complexities of British Columbia’s Indigenous civilizations

Location: Online

Approving Officers Upcoming Learning Opportunities Fall 2021
 
Statutory Approving Officers Fundamentals
October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2021

Statutory Approving Officers require foundational training to understand the duties and responsibilities of the role of Statutory Approving Officer, establish best practices for carrying out this function, and to form a strong network of peer supports.

Participants will join once a week over 6 weeks to learn from seasoned Approving Officers, legal professionals, and experts from partner organizations to identify and establish best practices that will help guide the legal authority under which the Approving Officer operates. Participants will access foundational training designed by Approving Officers, for Approving Officers that combines live, interactive webinars with self-paced recordings and reflective learning activities to solidify key learnings. Participants who complete all 6 modules will receive a certificate of completion.
 
This unique 6 module, blended learning opportunity has been designed with the working professional in mind and is being offered this year in lieu of MATI School for Approving Officers due to ongoing communicable disease protocols.  Review the program brochure and eligibility requirements, and register online by October 11, 2021. Space is limited to 50 participants.

6 weeks online course fees: $875 +GST LGMA Member, $1,100 +GST Non-member

Location: Online

This is an online info session.

Energy Management is the practice of energy conservation, in short making sure that industry is only using the energy it needs while meeting the goals of comfort and production.
Sustainable Energy Management Advanced Certificate (SEMAC) and Building Controls and Energy Management (BCEM) programs are completely online part-time studies programs. These two programs consists of nine courses each (with four in common) that cover the technical aspects of energy management or controls along with the business aspects and human behavior aspects. These holistic programs provide graduates with a well-rounded base for succeeding in the energy management and controls industries.
Register now for the online information session on Monday October 18 at 3:30pm. Get your questions answered by the Program Head. Zoom details will be emailed to registrants. For more information, email semac@bcit.ca.

Location: Online

FCM’s 2021 Sustainable Communities Conference will be held from October 19-22. Like last year, it will be a fully virtual event featuring inspiring speakers, thoughtful discussions, interactive workshops and a variety of networking opportunities. Last year's conference had over 500 attendees, and we're hoping our 2021 edition will bring together even more sustainability champions from across the country.

If you have any questions, please contact us at events@fcm.ca.

If you would like to present at SCC 2021, please fill out this presentation request form. Once received, we will share your submission with our colleagues for review and consideration.

In the meantime, sign up for FCM Connect and get the latest news, funding opportunities and deadlines and sustainability resources in your inbox.

Location: Online

Instructor: Margaret Eberle
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

Housing policy in Metro Vancouver can be a maze of complicated terminologies and confusing characteristics, face a vacuum of empirical data, and become prone to misunderstanding and misinformation. Amongst the most contentious have been debates on what constitutes “affordable housing”, who should be responsible, and how and where to make affordable housing happen. In this course, you will learn about the foundational concepts and debates of housing Metro Vancouver.
The course will lay the foundation for explaining the local and regional housing landscape, survey the strengths and weaknesses of different housing policy responses and, in particular, the affordability crisis. It will look specifically at some of the innovative policy-making coming out of BC.

This three-evening course introductory course will transform the way you view housing and offer new opportunities to understand the affordable housing crisis. It will be of interest to community leaders, students of urban issues, housing providers, land use planners and related professionals, and anyone interested in elevating the discourse surrounding this complex problem.

Location: Online

Presentation Topic: Overview and Comparison of IAS Building Department Accreditation and Recognition Programs

Date: October 20, 2021

Time: 9:30 – 11:30 am (PST)

Registration Fee: No Charge

You will receive a confirmation email after submitting your registration.  Further details about the event, including a meeting link, will be sent to you two days before the event.

Member Registration: Click here to register

Non Member Registration: Click here to register

CPD Eligibility: 2 points – Category A4

Presentation Overview:

This presentation will provide an overview and comparison of the Building Department Accreditation (BDA) and Building Department Recognition (BDR) Programs of the International Accreditation Service (IAS).  The benefits of each program will be discussed, and the process, costs, and time required for achieving Accreditation or Recognition will be presented.  The presentation will also include a discussion of the Quality Management System requirements applicable to both programs.

Presenter:

Michael Bouse is the current Program Manager for the Building Department/Fire Prevention Department/Third-Party Providers Accreditation Program for the International Accreditation Service (IAS).  Prior to joining IAS, Mr. Bouse was employed in the building code administration and enforcement profession in southern California and southern Nevada for 42 years.  Mr. Bouse retired as Building and Safety Manager with the City of Las Vegas, NV Building Safety Department responsible for providing managerial oversight of Permitting, Plan Review, Inspections, and Code Enforcement services.  During his tenure as the Building & Fire Safety Department Director with the City of Henderson, NV., he led the department in the attainment of IAS Building Department Accreditation (BDA)—becoming the second jurisdiction in the US to achieve IAS BDA accreditation.

Mr. Bouse is a Certified Building Official and holds 12 technical certifications issued by the International Code Council.  Mr. Bouse also holds a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Redlands, California.  He is past president of the California Building Officials (CALBO); the San Diego Area ICC Chapter; the Southern Nevada ICC Chapter; and the Southern Nevada Building Officials.  Mr. Bouse also served as the 2009-2010 Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Accreditation Service.

Mr. Bouse is the author of Establishing Building Permit Fees co-published by the International Code Council and the International Accreditation Service.  In addition, Mr. Bouse is a recipient of the CALBO Building Official of the Year Award; the Service, Integrity and Responsibility Award of the Associated General Contractors Association of Las Vegas; and the Henderson Development Association Public Sector Award.

Organization Overview: 

Location: Online

Hour-long sessions every Wednesday from 11am to 12pm PST on Zoom from Oct. 20 to Dec.15.

Free webinar series for water utilities, local and provincial government staff, elected officials, conservation groups and water professionals who are interested in or responsible for protection of drinking water sources. Webinar topics are centred around a new Source Water Protection Toolkit designed to simplify source protection planning and inspire a more holistic and collaborative approach to drinking water management. Webinars will consist of short presentations by a variety of speakers, followed by a moderated Q&A and discussion.

Free registration and session details here. For more information, contact Kasey at k.moran@alumni.ubc.ca.

Location: Online

The design, construction and long-term stability monitoring of MSE walls continues to evolve as designers, researchers and specifiers push the leading edge of the technology and use more advanced geosynthetic materials and systems.

At present, MSE walls represent more than half of all retaining walls used for transportation applications. MSE walls can offer some fairly significant advantages for the construction of transportation infrastructure. They are used to reduce or eliminate the need for the improvement of poor foundations where piles, caissons or other soils stabilization techniques would be required for the use of conventional reinforced concrete retaining walls.  They are most commonly used as cost-effective solutions where the cost of fill, right-of-way or other restrictions require a steeper slope than is practically possible. 

There are many type of MSE wall types categorized by the geometry of the reinforcement, mechanism used to transfer stress, the type of reinforcement material (metallic or non-metallic) and the type and geometry of the wall facing. 

This webinar provides a basic understanding of the type of MSE walls, their primary uses, key factors in their design and lessons learned from construction. A series of case studies provides the “good” the “bad” and the “ugly” experiences with the use of MSE walls along with key lessons learned for their long-term success.  

The learning objectives for this webinar include:

• Recognize potential MSE wall applications for transportation facilities
• Understand the primary design considerations and select appropriate parameters for design
• To be able to check contractor submitted designs for MSE walls
• Select appropriate specification and contracting methods
• Identify appropriate construction inspection activities to confirm compliance with design

Location: 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC  View Map

This course provides an introduction to sources of renewable energy for heat and power and how they can support sustainability, energy and greenhouse gas management goals across the community. Students will be able to identify sources of renewable energy for heat and power and how they fit into the community energy and emissions planning process. Students will be able to move from project concept to implementation and work with consultants to develop pre-feasibility and feasibility studies. Students will be able to explain factors affecting project viability, outline issues that may arise during project planning and implementation and identify project planning and construction funding sources.

 

Location: Online

Dispute Resolution professionals from Alaska to California and all points in between coming together for two exciting days of knowledge sharing!

Opening Night Presentation:  Wednesday, October 20, 2021
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm via webinar

Thursday and Friday, October 21 and 22, 2021
9:00 am – 8:00 pm (Day 1) via webinar
9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Day 2) via webinar

REGISTER HERE

All DR professionals and anyone wishing to transform their practice by engaging in a more collaborative approach to conflict
Learning level: All levels

Join us for a future-focused, cross-border conference organized with partnering organizations including: Mediate BC, Mediate.com, CoRe Conflict Resolution Society, and the ADR Section of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). Scheduled during Conflict Resolution Week 2021, this conference will explore the wide range of ways in which individuals, organizations, and nations create artificial borders that lead to, intensify, and prolong conflict. Presenters will be drawn from both sides of the Canada/US border as we seek commonalities and opportunities for greater knowledge exchange across practice areas and lived experiences.

Come prepared for a wide-ranging exchange of ideas and perspectives on the ways in which lawyers and other conflict resolution professionals can break down patterns of dichotomous thinking that lead to intransigent conflict—whether in interpersonal conflict or in nation-to-nation conflict.
The event will kick off with an opening night presentation on Wednesday, October 20th at 6:00 pm followed by two full days of dynamic and engaging speakers.

In line with the conference theme of deconstructing artificial borders, the conference format itself will challenge the divide between virtual and in-person conferences. The entire conference will be available to all attendees online and recorded segments will allow participants to view (or re-view) sessions that run concurrently for two weeks. As a consequence, the entire 32+ hours of content will be available to everyone: you do not have to choose between learning about the mediation of environmental disputes, approaches to  trauma-informed conflict resolution practice, Indigenous law, and the impacts of geopolitical and metaphorical borders on a wide range of practice areas. You will have access to all topics that interest you.

We will be offering Mediate BC Roster members and CoRe members a discount of 20% off the full fee. Contact Customer Service to receive the 20% discount.

This course will meet the minimum 6 hours of Dispute Resolution CPD required by the Law Society of BC for family dispute resolution professionals.
                                
Law Society of BC CPD Hours:nbsp;18 hours (will include a minimum of 2 hours pertaining to professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations, and/or practice management)

Course Chairs
Sharon Sutherland — Mediate BC, Vancouver
Darsey Meredith — CoRe Conflict Resolution Society, Vancouver

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Location: Online

Thursday, October 21st, 2021:  Webinar Hosted by CAMA

CAO/Council Relations

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST

Speaker:  Dr. Gordon McIntosh

Who Can Attend this Webinar?: CAMA Members, Their Employees, and Elected Officials.  Non-Members are also welcome to attend.

Who Will Benefit from this Webinar: CAOs, Department Heads, Elected Officials, Senior Management

Registration Cost:  FREE but registration is required (see link below)

Link to Register

Location: Online

November 2, 9 and 16, 2021
10 - 11:30 a.m. PST

Change Management is so much more than training people or communicating what's new. It requires significant preparation and critical leadership skills to both implement a desired initiative and empower people to embrace the change within their current environment. Understanding the ways in which managing change can reduce barriers to adaptation to change and lead to a more fluid, dynamic organization and is a key leadership competency. 

In this brand-new online course, local government leaders will:
Enhance their understanding and increase their impact when it comes to managing change within local government,
Build change resiliency within their organization,
Help teams more effectively identify, adapt to and thrive within an ever-changing environment,
Apply a framework for effective change management to better identify the stages of change,
Effectively support teams through planned and unplanned change,
Mitigate resistance and empower individuals to embrace a new path forward.
Guiding your team through change can be challenging. Using self-paced activities combined with virtual webinars, this online course will provide local government leaders with the strategies they need to identify and plan for the stages of change, recognize and evaluate the impact of change, and apply change strategies that support strategic priorities and put the structures in place to foster lasting change.

October 26      Pre-work available on Moodle
November 2    Module 1: Introduction to Change Management (and assignment)
November 9    Module 2: Designing and Executing Change (and assignment)
November 16  Module 3: Reinforcing Change (and assignment)

Final assignments to be completed by November 23.

Course Format: This online course includes three x 90-minute facilitated online webinars with Q&As and an overview of the assignments. Participants attend the webinars; review additional resource documents; and will have five days to complete their assignments for each session; submit their assignments for review and receive coaching and direct feedback before the next assignments are due. Participants should plan for 1-2 hours of self-paced activities per Module. This course also includes additional coaching support from our roster of local government volunteer HR coaches who can assist participants with applying course learning to the local government context.

Review the course brochure and register online by October 26, 2021

Cost: $590 +GST LGMA members, $675 +GST non-Members

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be provided after October 26, although substitutions within your organization are permitted.

Instructors: Karen Jackson, BSc, MSc, Jackson Consulting Group
Deanna Foukal, BA(Psyc), MPM, PROSCI Certified, Associate Consultant, Jackson Consulting Group

Location: Online

Description

Collectors' Forum occurs every three months on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Agenda: Topics to be Confirmed 

1. BC Assessment Updates
2. Ministry of Finance Updates
3. Guest Presentation
4. Roundtable Q&A

 Please contact Doug Stein doug.stein@shaw.ca or office@gfoabc.ca if you would like to submit a topic idea or question

Location: Online

Save the date! Registration opens October 6th!

Event Summary
The economic, social, and environmental costs of climate change impacts are substantial and cities all over the world are taking decisive action to achieve ‘net zero’ before it is too late.  What is a net zero city and how can we achieve it? What does this mean in practical terms and exactly how different would our communities look if they were net zero? 

This webinar will present an integrated approach to achieving net zero at the community level.  Speakers will examine how efficient buildings and infrastructure, zero emission transportation and clean (and renewable) energy sources can all work together to create livable and healthy communities that minimally impact the environment.  Special consideration will be given to the unique challenges of rural and remote communities of BC. 

Location: Online

Wednesday, October 27th, 2021:  Webinar Hosted by ICEsoft Technologies

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST

Speaker:  Brian McKinney, President & CEO, Voyent Alert! by ICEsoft Technologies

Who Can Attend this Webinar?: CAMA Members, Their Employees, and Elected Officials.  Non-Members are also welcome to attend.

Who Will Benefit from this Webinar:   CAOs/City & Town Managers, Communications Team, Fire Chief, Elected Officials, Public Works Staff, Emergency Management Personnel

Registration Cost:  FREE but registration is required (see link below)

Registration Link

Location: Online

This is an online info session.

The BCIT Civil Technology Part-time Studies (PTS) programs and courses provide continuing education and professional development opportunities for individuals in various civil technology, municipal and public works fields. Courses are offered during weekday evenings. In addition, there are a number of Distance Education (DE) courses available.
Register for the online information session now, and we will send you the Zoom details closer to the date.
For more information, visit the program page.

Location: Online, Online, BC  View Map

The 2021 OMAA Fall Workshop while a regular part of the OMAA annual programming, has been reformatted this year in order to address pandemic health and safety requirements. 

Location: Online

Corporate Officers Virtual Forum 2021

October 28, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
October 29, 8:30 a.m. - Noon

Please note, this forum is for Corporate Officers and Deputy Corporate Officers only.
Since 2006, this educational offering has focused on emerging trends and legal and legislative changes of relevance to BC local government Corporate Officers. The 2021 virtual forum will feature local government experts to support you as a key trusted officer, tasked with safeguarding information and providing service to elected officials, staff, and the public. Take this opportunity to come together to connect and learn as a community during these unprecedented times. 

Please note the change in times for each day:

• Wednesday, October 27 from 2-3 p.m. First timers meet and greet
• Thursday, October 28, 1-4:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 29, 8:30 a.m. - Noon

The virtual forum will include the following topics:

•  Forging the Path to Responsible Conduct in Your Organization - How to Introduce a Code of Conduct to your local government
• Strategies to Cope and Work Towards Wellness
• Committee and Commission Review - Getting Started and Implementation Best Practices
• Legal Update

Early Bird LGMA Member Rate before September 3: $500 +GST
Forum Regular Rates: $550 +GST LGMA Member / $600 + GST Non-Member
 

Review the forum brochure and register online by 4:30 p.m. October 21, 2021

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be provided after October 21, 2021

Location: Online

This course starts with a broad overview of the different levels of government, their inter-relationships and influence on local city operations. Weekly sessions then provide broad information on roads, drainage, sanitary sewers, water distribution, and solid waste collection, with emphasis on public works operations. The course will conclude with concepts of asset and maintenance management of municipal infrastructure. On completion, students will be eligible to continue with additional courses in wastewater collection, water distribution, stormwater management or roadworks maintenance.
 

Location: Online

In spring 2021, UDI Capital Region's Housing Needs Report Webinar Series connected with the Mayors and Directors of Planning from five key municipalities building housing in our region. We discussed their individual reports, future plans, and what the projected housing means for their municipality and those who live there. Lastly, we welcomed Minister David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, to the UDI to address the housing needs of the region and how the provincial government plans to assist and encourage the municipalities to reach their housing goals. If you missed these sessions, recordings are available below. 

This fall, UDI Capital Region welcomes Minister Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, to deepen the discussion around housing in our region. We look forward to hearing about the 30-Point Plan for Housing Affordability in BC, improving local government development approvals processes, and more.

Location: Online

Climate change is one of the biggest risks facing governments, businesses, societies and ecosystems around the world. Project managers, through their effective direction of complex projects, occupy a critical role in the successful transition to a resilient, low carbon world. This four-week online course is designed to prepare professionals with project management responsibilities to add a climate change lens to their projects.

The course is suitable for individuals in management roles and above who have significant project management responsibilities. “Projects” could include examples as diverse as infrastructure development, deployment of new technology, ecosystem restoration, or public engagement campaign, for example. The course will attract a diversity of professionals who enjoy multidisciplinary learning environments. Familiarity with general climate change issues and science is recommended.

The course will be delivered in a blended synchronous/asynchronous mode. Each module will run for a week with the expectation that participants complete readings, contribute to discussion forums or other exercises Monday to Thursday, in preparation for a synchronous session Friday afternoon. This session will be recorded for those who cannot attend. Guest speakers and case study practice will enrich the course.

Module Overview:
Module 1: Perspective
In this Module you'll have an opportunity to consider your perspective on climate change as a project manager, recognize valuable perspectives that others bring, and consider when and how an interdisciplinary approach can enhance project management for a changing climate.

Module 2: Engaging
In this Module, you'll have an opportunity to consider the people affected by climate change and your project's response to it. This includes people internal to your organization and others, such as neighbouring communities or Indigenous people. You will also start applying your learning in a case study situation.

Module 3: Planning
In this Module you'll have an opportunity to integrate climate change implications with standard project management planning considerations. You will also continue to apply them in a case study situation.

Module 4: Applying
In this module you will pull together all your learning from the course so far to apply them to a real project you are managing, with feedback from peers. This module will also address some of the challenges with securing organizational support for your climate change lens.

Learner Effort:
2-3 hours per week

Location: Online

Monday, November 01, 2021 - Thursday, November 04, 2021

We attract over 500 delegates from Canada’s water utilities, our private sector partners, provincial and federal governments, academia and the not-for-profit sectors.

While CWWA has hosted specialized events for over 30 years, this ‘consolidated’ event has merged all of the former events into ONE, all-encompassing national event focused on what the senior water manager needs to know.

This annual conference offers a wide-ranging technical program covering almost all aspects of the municipal water sector, while offering the best networking environment for Canada’s water leaders.

As THE national conference for the water utility sector, this event offers the best opportunity for sponsorship and exhibiting your products and services to Canada’s most senior water managers.

The 2021 event will be hosted virtual. We’re still working with our technical committees to figure out exactly how that will look, but we guarantee it’ll be the excellent technical content you’re used to seeing from CWWA.

Location: Online

In 2018, the Public Sector Accounting Board approved the final Handbook Section PS 3280, Asset Retirement Obligations, which comes into effect April 1, 2022.

The implementation of a new standard is complicated and time-consuming. The intention of this workshop series is to provide local government finance teams with access to technical and peer support throughout the implementation process. Participants will be guided through key elements of the implementation project plan by a subject matter expert to ensure that everyone is progressing at the same pace as their peers, all while leveraging and learning from the shared experience.

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is suitable for local government finance staff, asset managers or any other staff who are involved in the implementation of PS 3280.

Benefits of Attending:

The workshop series ensures you will have access to technical and peer support as you progress from milestone to milestone. The subject matter expert will guide you through key elements of the implementation project plan, to ensure you are progressing at the same pace as your peers, while leveraging and learning from their experience.

Workshop Objectives:

Please note that the objectives of this workshop session are in the process of being drafted.

Workshop Fees:

	Early Bird	After October 1
GFOABC Member	$375	$415
Non-Member	$425	$465

We need a minimum of 15 people to move forward with each workshop. Your credit card will not be charged until the course is confirmed. It is highly recommended that you pre-register as early as possible to avoid programs being cancelled due to lack of enrollment.

You can pay with cheque, Visa, Mastercard

Requests for refunds and/or cancellations will be accepted up to October 15. No refunds after October 15. Program attendance is transferable.

Location: Online

This course is targeted at experienced inspectors, so it does not cover the "mechanics" of the inspection role, such as reading drawings, taking samples or doing tests. Rather, it is a presentation on the administrative aspects of the inspector's job with the intent of clarifying what obligations, rights and responsibilities the inspector has, particularly with regard to the contractor.

The MMCD requires a contract administrator be in place throughout the course of a contract and the contract administrator may delegate some of his/her responsibilities to one or more inspectors. While an inspector may perform additional duties for the contract administrator, those are separate from the obligations imposed by the contract. This course focuses on those distinctions from the contractor's perspective. The course presents some examples of where an inspector can get into trouble through misunderstanding, missing deadlines or by exceeding limits of authority. The course concludes by offering some tips on how to become a more effective inspector.

Who Should Attend?

1. Experienced Inspectors who want to better understand their roles within a MMCD contract.
2. Those who supervise inspectors on MMCD contracts.

Course Objectives

To explain the nuances of the inspector's role in a MMCD contract, specifically:

1. To illustrate how the contract sets up rights and obligations for all involved.
2. To explain how the contract administrator and the inspector receives their authority.
3. To clarify the limits of the inspector's authority and responsibility as distinct from the contract administrator.
4. To clarify the obligations of an inspector while on site and to the contractor.
5. To advise on how an inspector can be more efficient.

TIME

8:30 am: Course starts 
4:30 pm: Course ends

COST

$595.00 - Non Member 
$530.50 - Associate Member 
$480.00 - Supporting Member 
$422.50 - Sponsoring Member 
(plus GST)

Course fees include an electronic course binder and an electronic copy of the 2019 MMCD Edition

Registrations will be taken up until 4:30 pm on October 27, 2021

Cancellation Deadline: Registration deadline date at 4:30 pm. Payment for this course will be charged at the cancellation deadline. No refunds will be given after this point due to the fees involved in running the course.

Location: Online

Instructor: Jay Wollenberg, Bill Buholzer
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

This course is a comprehensive, detailed, and practical examination of the economic, legal, planning, and political dimensions of development levies, negotiated community contributions, and density bonusing as means of creating community amenities and infrastructure.

Location: Online

Asset Management BC is proud to present the November 2021 Conference Series: Risks and Rewards of Delivering Services Sustainably.  

The last 18 months have placed our assets under a powerful microscope. The need for sustainable service delivery has never been greater.   AMBC's November Conference Series will zero in on mitigating risk and augmenting rewards in three distinct asset groups: Human Capital, Natural Capital and Physical Capital.
Through a combination of keynote speakers, plenary discussions, and open information sharing forums, participants will leave informed of the latest trends, challenges, and risk mitigating measures to guide their work in both the private sector and local government work.

The conference series will be held over three Thursday morning dates in November. Each morning will be dedicated to a distinct asset group.  Delegates are encouraged to attend all three sessions, or alternately book the session that interests them the most:

Session One:  Human Capital - Thursday, November 4, 9:30-Noon

Session Two:  Natural Capital - Thursday, November 18, 9:30-Noon

Session Three: Physical Capital - Thursday, November 25, 9:30-Noon

Cost per session: $75 plus GST
Cost to attend the Three-Part Conference Series: $185 plus GST

Location: Online

BIG Difference BC 2021 Conference
November 5, 2021
 
BIG Difference BC is a highly anticipated regional conference celebrating behavioural science in all its forms. The annual event brings together behavioural insights experts and enthusiasts from government, academia, non-profit organizations, and industry to share case studies, best practices, and lessons learned.
 
This year we are excited to present a fully virtual and free program on Mobilizing Momentum in the Science and Practice of Behavioural Insights with a keynote address by Michael Hallsworth, Managing Director of BIT North America and author of the book Behavioral Insights. We’ll also feature a special session on “Behavioural Insights in the Workplace” as well as a stellar set of lightning talks and digital posters exploring how behavioural insights is used across sectors for positive social impacts.
 
Register now for a full and free(!) day of behavioural science on November 5, 2021.

Location: Online, Online, BC  View Map

Join economic development professionals from Western Canada at the premier program offering concentrated focus in the basic concepts, methods and strategies of local economic development. Whether you’re new to economic development or not, this course will provide you with fresh tools and ideas you will be able to implement in your community. Participants are eligible to earn credits towards EcD and/or CeCD Certification. 

Who Should Attend?

• Economic Development Staff
• Mayor/Chief & Council Members
• Board Members
• Department Heads
• Chamber of Commerce
• Planners/Development Services
• CAO
• Interns
• Students 
• Federal/Provincial Government Employees
• Those with an interest in economic development

Sessions Include:

• Basics of Community and Economic Development
• Strategic Planning
• Neighbourhood Development
• Business Retention & Expansion
• Economic Development Finance
• Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development
• Managing Economic Development Organizations
• Workforce Development
• Ethics
• Statistics

An online link for booking hotel reservations will be made available soon. We may also have an option to participate in the course virtually, depending on the number of participants interested in doing so. 

Register Now

View the Draft Agenda.

Location: Online

Course Objectives:

Location: Online

Location: Online

Instructor: Neal LaMontangne, Oliver Hartleben
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

Good urban design—from the building to the site to the neighbourhood—benefits from strong, clear and well-crafted design guidance, and many planners and urban designers are tasked to draft design guidelines.
This course will guide you through the challenge of drafting design guidelines in varied contexts—from the elements of urban design performance to structure and the drafting process. This course will also help you make a meaningful contribution to advancing the quality of your local built environment and the development approval process.

Location: Online

Location: Online

UDL for Workplace Training and Learning

In this session, participants will explore the use of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework as applied to workplace training and learning experiences. UDL focuses on using specific strategies for the design of instruction that are front-loaded rather than retro-fitted. These strategies can help reduce barriers and maximize learning opportunities by anticipating the needs of diverse learner populations.  
  
Learning outcomes: 
  
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

• Identify the history and purpose of UDL 
• Recognize the core principles of the UDL framework 
• Use a UDL lens to guide the practice of instructional design 

 
Facilitator bio:
Taruna Goel is a Learning and Development professional with over 22 years of experience in adult education, workplace training, and performance improvement. She has designed over 300 learning projects (classroom/e-learning/blended) for Fortune 500 companies, Government organizations, and Industry associations in Canada and abroad. She currently works with North Pacific Training Inc., in Vancouver, BC, Canada where she leads the design of qualification frameworks and competency standards for professional and technical occupations. She is deeply engaged with designing workplace Recognition of Prior Learning models and tools to facilitate recognition and assessment of existing competencies. Taruna is also an instructor with the University of Victoria and is currently teaching a foundational course in Instructional Design as a part of the Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education (CACE) program. 
 

Location: Online

Instructor: Christina DeMarco
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

Problems in urban sustainability, housing, transportation, land use, farmland security and infrastructure often go beyond the boundaries of a single municipality. Solving these problems requires an approach that brings various municipalities in a region together through shared strategies and action. Learning the “what”, “how”, and “why” of regional planning creates a powerful perspective on trying to solve some of the biggest urban problems facing cities and regions today.

This course will benefit anyone who wishes to learn how to solve common urban problems through mutual cooperation and negotiation. You will be introduced to the purpose, theory and practice of regional planning and how it applies to many current problems faced by cities. From viewing urban problems through a “regional lens” to learning about basic tools like regional population and employment forecasts, this course surveys how shared problems can be solved by municipalities working together.
The course will include a discussion of contemporary debates on urban and regional issues. Some key topics include: the tension between local and regional planning, industrial land protection, farmland security, environmental protection, regional housing markets, the effectiveness of regional planning and its limitations, and the relationship between regional land use and transportation planning. The emphasis will be on regional district planning in BC, with a focus on Metro Vancouver, but examples of best practices and case studies will be highlighted from around the world.

Location: Online

Registration Eligibility Requirements: You must be the CAO or Interim CAO for your local government organization in order 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. The first session is scheduled on Friday, July 16 from noon – 1 p.m. 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.

Registration is complimentary for CAOs only.  Attend one or all three sessions with one registration.

Registration will close 48 hours prior to each lunch session.

Review the CAO Connect Lunch Series or contact Candace Witkowskyj, Senior Program Manager at cwitkowskyj@lgma.ca

Location: Online


The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, "Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability."

Today, there is broad recognition that our country, our institutions - and we as citizens - have not always lived up to these ideals. Together, we can and must do better.  

What role can local governments play?  To start, we need to listen, and we need to trade ideas that can lead to positive change. As part of that process, we invite you to join us online for CivX 2021, Inclusive Local Government: Building Equality, Embracing Diversity, November 15 - 17, 2021, hosted by the Lower Mainland Local Government Association and CivicInfo BC.

Dates:    November 15, 16, and 17
Times:   12pm - 2:30pm each day (Speakers at Noon and 1:15pm)
Cost:      FREE

Registration:  https://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/event/2021/CivX

Each of our six speakers will have unique stories to tell, and useful resources to share. Our presenters include:

Kevin McCort
Kevin McCort is President and CEO of Vancouver Foundation.  With more than 30 years of service to the non-profit sector, both in Canada and around the world, he has earned a reputation as a smart, strategic leader who always puts community at the heart of his work.  Kevin has led his team in a transformation of Vancouver Foundation’s approach to community granting, focusing on supporting systems change work that address root causes of pressing social, cultural and environmental issues.

Dr. Jennifer Wolowic
Jennifer Wolowic is the project manager for Simon Fraser University's Strengthening Canadian Democracy Initiative. She brings 15 years of experience engaging marginalized communities including African American, First Nations, and LGBTQ communities to the initiative.

Gabrielle Peters
A disabled writer and policy analyst and a commissioner on the Vancouver City Planning Commission.  She is co-founder of Dignity Denied and the Disability Filibuster and has been a leading voice in applying a disability lens to local, provincial and national policy issues.

A full agenda, including information about three more speakers, will be posted in the coming days.

Location: 9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB  View Map

LOCATION: Edmonton Convention Centre

DETAILS: Join us for the 2021 AUMA Convention & Trade Show, taking place November 17 - 19 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. At this time, we are planning for an in-person event, but we will be closely monitoring the situation around COVID-19 and following all public health orders that are in place at that time.

HOTELS: All partnering hotel information will be posted in June. Please use the links/codes that will be provided to book your rooms to ensure you are receiving the best rates. It is the responsibility of the booking party to understand deposit and cancellation agreements with the hotels.

REGISTRATION: Registration will be opening in the late summer.

TRADE SHOW & SPONSORSHIP: Trade Show registration will be opening at the beginning of August. We are working on finalizing our sponsorship package and it will be posted at the beginning of July. In the meantime, of you would like more information on either Trade Show or Sponsorship, please email events@auma.ca.

Location: 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC  View Map

Join us this November for the 4th annual Operator Continuing Education (CEU) Day, featuring operations-focused education sessions, hands-on equipment demonstrations, and plenty of networking opportunities in a relaxed atmosphere.

This in-person event was designed specifically for operators and provides operators with relevant and interactive continuing education that helps fulfill CEU requirements, while also connecting them with others in their field.
 

REGISTRATION

Before you register, make sure to purchase a BCWWA membership for $109 to access the discounted member pricing. You will not only receive a $130 discount on this event, but on all education courses and select events and products for one (1) full year!

Rates:

• Member: $249.00 + GST
• Non-member: $379.00 + GST*
• Table top exhibitor: $449 + GST (includes one full-access registration in addition to table top exhibit space)
• Additional exhibitor: $149 + GST

*Event registrations are $130 extra if the registrant does not have an active membership. To secure the lower member pricing, ensure the registrant has purchased a membership prior to registering for this event.

Registration Open: September 8, 2021

Registration Deadline: November 10, 2021

If you are unable to register online, please contact our office for assistance. By registering for this class, you are agreeing to the terms of our customer policy.

Health & Safety Information and Requirements: By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) all attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination (two doses) and valid government identification to access and attend this event, as it will take place after October 24, 2021 and before January 31, 2022. Also by order of the PHO, masks are required in all public indoor settings with exemptions for people with health conditions or with physical impairments that prevent them from wearing a mask effectively, and people who need to remove their masks to communicate due to another person's hearing impairment.

Please ensure you are able to comply with these requirements prior to registering for this event, although the requirement to wear a mask may be rescinded by the PHO before this event once the proof of vaccination requirement is in effect.

To ensure the health and safety of everyone in attendance or working at this event, we will also abide by the requirements of the PHO order on gatherings and events dated July 7, 2021. We will update the information above as the PHO and regional health authority orders and guidelines are revised. Visit the Government of BC's website for more information. 
 

Location: Online

Every other year, GFOABC partners with CPABC for the biennial Local Government Accounting and Auditing Workshop. This workshop includes techincal accounting presentations on new and changing public sector accounting standards relevant to local government.

November 18 & 19, 2021 | Agenda Coming Soon

Location: Online

Instructor: Craig Jones, Sam Walker
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

Policy and practice in urban disciplines (housing, planning, real estate, transportation, demographics, etc.) are heavily informed by data. Experts in these fields use data to make claims about how cities are or how they should be. Factoids like “the Downtown Eastside is the poorest postal code in Canada” or “the world is now over 50% urbanized” have become a part of how people think about neighborhoods and cities. However, the ability to access and analyze urban data is often restricted to experts who may introduce bias into data collections and interpretation. This course attempts to democratize access to urban data by sharing some basic methods for accessing and analyzing urban data.

The main dataset you will explore in this course is the Canadian Census, as that is one of the few comprehensive national datasets everyone can access easily. You will also explore a few other housing-related datasets, and some basic tools like Beyond2020, CensusMapper, Esri ArcGIS, and Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets. The course is not designed to train you in using these tools, but rather to show you some of their functions. By the end of this course, you will know about a variety of techniques for accessing and analyzing urban data.

This course will benefit anyone interested in how data is used in urban policy and practice, but it is particularly relevant for professionals in the fields of housing, planning, real estate, transportation, and other urban disciplines who are interested in a very broad introduction to urban data.

Location: Online

Beginning in 2018, the Partnership for Water Sustainability and the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT) have co-produced “Watershed Moments, the Vancouver Island Water Stewardship in a Changing Climate Annual Symposia Series”. In November, the Partnership and NALT are hosting “Watershed Moments 2021 / Blue Ecology Virtual Seminar” as a bridging event. The next full-scale symposium will be in 2022.
 
Designed as a panel session, the 2021 bridging seminar has three objectives.

First, it will serve as the event of record for launching Michael Blackstock's Blue Ecology Institute. The initiative is guided by a vision to build a bridge between two cultures through a water-first approach.

Secondly, the seminar will introduce Blue Ecology the idea as a way of interweaving Western and Indigenous perspectives to achieve a vision for "water reconciliation" in British Columbia. Michael Blackstock, Independent Indigenous Scholar, will prime seminar participants for their future attendance at “Watershed Moments 2022: A Symposium on Blue Ecology and Water Reconciliation”. Looking ahead, the symposium will showcase and celebrate “Blue Ecology in action” in the Cowichan region.

Thirdly, the 2021 seminar will showcase watershed education initiatives for school children within three Vancouver Island regional districts. 
 
The four initiatives have a unifying thread - each addresses the “Nature-Deficit Disorder”, a term which is now widely recognized and understood. Nature-Deficit Disorder is the idea that human beings, especially children, are spending less time outdoors, and the belief that this change results in a wide range of behavioural problems. For this reason, a goal of watershed education initiatives for schools is to reconnect children with nature.
 

Location: Online

Ripple Effects is the cornerstone of aquatics professional development in western Canada. This year’s event will be hosted virtually, November 24 & 25, 2021.
Explore how the aquatics sector has successfully navigated the challenges of the global pandemic and is charting a course forward. 

Click here to register: https://bit.ly/30sX2gv

Register your aquatic staff to expand their knowledge, professional network, and best practices with the latest information from the sector. Delegates to Ripple Effects will enjoy 10 captivating and insightful learning sessions over two half-days, as well as a virtual Marketplace, and opportunities to connect with aquatics professionals across Canada at the Pool Party – Networking Social. One-day registration options are also available.

Post-event on-demand streaming is included with all registration packages - a great way to use Ripple Event learning sessions for professional development training on your own schedule.

November 24: 8:30am – 3:00pm, PST
November 25: 8:30am – 1:45pm, PST

For more information about Ripple Effects and to register: https://bit.ly/30sX2gv
 

Location: Online

This webinar begins with a background on pavement condition evaluation, examples of typical pavement distresses, overview of the life cycle of pavement assets and methods to establish maintenance and rehabilitation needs. 

Details on common flexible and rigid pavement maintenance techniques are provided along with program implementation steps. 

The life-cycle benefits of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation are discussed and finally key steps to ensure the success of program. 

Webinar Benefits   

• Understand the timing and implementation of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation techniques.
• Introduction to effective pavement preservation procedures and processes.
• Ability to evaluate the life-cycle benefits of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation.
• Understand the costs and benefits of timely preventive maintenance. 

Location: Online

Date: Thursday, November 25, 2021
Location: Virtual via Hopin
Cost: Free for all participants

Hosted by Ryerson University, City Building Ryerson and Queen's University, AIMday™ Future of Livable Cities aims to address ongoing challenges in multiple areas that affect quality of life in cities – including pollution, climate change mitigation, greener infrastructure, housing, transit and transportation, public administration and community health and safety.

As we begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations and universities have an unprecedented opportunity to work together to chart a new path, reimagining how cities can better support residents and sustain communities.

Location: Online

School Law 2021 - A brave new world of education for all stakeholders!

Who should attend: Lawyers, educators, school administrators, and school trustees
Learning level: All levels

It's back-to-school time as this course has not been offered since December 2011! The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 continues to have an impact on the face of education for all stakeholders: administrators, teachers, students, and their families.

This course is CLEBC's comprehensive one-day program on critical matters relating to public school education in BC. As with previous editions of this course, the program will examine an eclectic mix of student, teacher, administration, and board issues. This program will bring registrants up to date on current issues and emerging trends in education.

This comprehensive one-day course will be of interest to lawyers who represent students, educators, school administrators, and school board personnel alike.
Law Society of BC CPD Hours: 6 hours (this course will contain a minimum of 1 hour pertaining to professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations, and/or practice management)

Course Chairs
Lindsie Thomson — Harris & Company LLP, Vancouver
Sari A. Wiens — Harris & Company LLP, Vancouver

Click here for more information!

Location: Online

Instructor: Jessyca Fan
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

Architecture plays an important role in shaping our cities and directly affects our relationship with and understanding of the spaces we inhabit.
This course offers an introduction to the purpose, theory and practice of architecture that will allow you to begin engaging with architecture and converse using design language. You will learn about key architectural figures and styles, basic architectural terms, design tools and considerations. You will also learn how to read architectural drawings and discover the steps required to design and construct a building in British Columbia.
 

Location: Online

Instructor: Alyssa Schwann
Format: Online-supported remote delivery

How do landscape architects create both beautiful and functional urban and rural spaces?
This course will introduce you to the field of landscape architecture and its relationship with history, art and design, urban adaptation/re-use, ecological systems, climate change, Indigenous reconciliation, and spatial and social justice. You will explore how landscape architects design private and public spaces using ecology, culture, art, and fabrication, and delve into some of the profession's foundational ideas, basic tools and contemporary issues.

Location: Online

The Investors' Forum occurs every three months on the third Tuesday of the month.

The Investors' Forum Webinar is an opportunity to receive information on the current market environment for those responsible for investing public funds. We will feature guest speakers from the industry and local government practitioners, and discuss timely topics and best practices. This forum was designed to keep you informed, provide insights, and assist with the challenges and complexities that local government investors face.

Sponsored by:  

Location: Online

Location
Available for purchase immediately at the bottom of the page.

Online - purchase on demand $400.00 +GST

Description
LGMA and GFOABC have partnered to provide support for senior administrators who are responsible for managing their local government procurement practices. In response to the recommendations for capital and operational procurement from the Auditor General for Local Government, a Procurement Toolkit, First Edition 2016, has been created to provide practical tools such as sample bylaws, policies, forms and procedures to assist local governments in their procurement practices. This Procurement Toolkit is available for purchase below.

In addition to the Procurement Toolkit, a series of four webinars on the technical requirements for leading edge practices in procurement has been developed by procurement specialist, Ms. Cris Munro, SCMP, CPSM, CPM. The webinars will provide CAOs, CFOs, procurement officers and other local government staff with a solid understanding of the operational practices of procurement in British Columbia, including risks, laws, policy and trade agreements, procurement procedures and models, and performance measures. 

Includes:

• Procurement Toolkit 
• Forms
• Webinars

 Webinar 1

Policy, Laws and Trade Agreements

The objective of this webinar will be to understand the operational aspects of procurement, and its risks, together with moving your organization towards its goals.  In addition to aligning with your local government’s objectives, procurement must also fit within the broader public sector and legal objectives. We will cover only the basic elements. This webinar is the essential starting point for understanding the dynamic environment that procurement must work with in the public sector, and particularly local government. 

This webinar will cover the following:

• Policies
• Commercial Contract Law
• Laws of Competitive Bidding
• Canadian Legislation: Competition Act
• Trade Agreements: NWPTA, AIT
• The mandate of procurement and aligning to local objectives.

 Webinar 2

Procurement Procedures and Models

Regardless of the size or complexity of an organization, clear procurement policies and compliant practice will help ensure delivery of key business goals, objectives, and success. We will cover the basic elements needed in any local government procurement. Supporting the toolkit document, we will expand on those items in the toolkit and add particular situational issues. Time has been allowed for questions and answers on specifics from the participants.

This webinar will cover the following:

• Definition of Value for Money, Transparency
• Defining the requirements
• Purchase Goods, Services, Professional Services (non-construction)
• Shared Services Contracts
• Thresholds & Costs
• Timing
• Finding a Supplier
• Informal and Formal Processes; Communications during informal/formal processes;

Public Openings

• Contracts
• Particular situations and issues

Webinar 3

Performance Measurement and Contracting for Professional Services

Supplier performance measurement will allow local governments to take their procurement to a higher level. We will discuss how this action is designed to build better relationships with lear objectives between suppliers and local governments. Procurement performance will also be touched on, as it relates to measurement of Board/Council’s objectives.  In addition, we will discuss the need to attract Professional Consultants engaged for capital construction projects.

• Measurement starts with Policy
• Supplier Performance
• Procurement Performance
• Roles of Professional Consultants
• Value vs. Cost
• Limitation of Liability
• Field Reviews
• Constructability Reviews

 Webinar 4

The Nuances of Construction

Procurement for capital and construction projects is more complex than operational procurement. The risks are higher and projects usually attract higher visibility in the marketplace.  In this webinar, we will discuss some of the different marketplace organizations, the types of capital projects, and how best to procure them.

The webinar will cover the following:

• Capital vs. Operations
• Types of Capital Projects – nomenclature
• The marketplace
• Planning
• Bid Documents
• Bid Process
• Contract Documents

Location: Online

The University of Victoria's School of Public Administration offers both a 10-course diploma and 4-course professional specialization certificate in Local Government Management. 

These professional programs are offered entirely online - you can earn a diploma or professional specialization certificate from home while meeting your work and personal responsibilities. Your developing skills and expertise can be put to practice immediately, in your own work environment.

Our diverse group of students bring their wealth of experience to our online classroom, while building new skills and competencies. 

*Courses in UVic Local Government Management programs may also be eligible for professional accreditation in Local Government Administration by the Board of Examiners, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.  

Application Deadlines for January 2022 programs is September 30, 2021. Apply Now! 

Location: 8181 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC  View Map

The Electoral Area Directors' Forum focuses on issues of concern to electoral area directors and provides an opportunity to discuss common problems and share potential solutions to the problems identified. The conference is open to regional district chairs, electoral area directors and their alternates, and regional district staff.

The Electoral Area Representative on the UBCM Executive works with staff to build the agenda around matters of current concern to those representing electoral areas. In addition, electoral area directors submit their own ideas or examples of best practices for discussion at the forum.

Scheduled annually in February, the Electoral Area Directors' Forum takes place immediately before the Local Government Leadership Academy Forum, to help reduce costs and provide an opportunity for delegates to attend both learning events.
 

Location: 720 Douglas St, Victoria, BC  View Map

The 2022 Convention will be held in Victoria from Friday April 1 to Sunday April 3 at the Victoria Conference Centre. The City of Victoria will be our hosts, and we thank them for supporting the association.

Registration for the convention will open in early February 2022, and a brochure describing Friday morning pre-convention options will be emailed to our members.

Information on the process for suggesting workshops, submitting resolutions or nominating candidates for the Executive Committee will be posted on the website and sent out to members in fall of 2021.

AVICC would like to thank the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation for welcoming our members to their territories for the upcoming convention, and we look forward to their involvement throughout.

AVICC has set up room blocks with hotels close by the conference centre. Information will be posted to the website and emailed out to members in spring of 2021.

Location: 1171 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC  View Map

Cost: Pre-Conference Only (includes lunch) $75
Conference Only - Members $225
Conference Only - Non-Members $260
TOLGMA Members (full conference)* $300
Non-Members* (full conference)* $335
 
*includes pre-conference and lunch on Wednesday; welcome dinner on Wednesday night; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thursday; and breakfast and lunch on Friday (plus all nutrition breaks).
 
Registration Deadline:     April 26, 2022

Refund Policy:    Any cancellation resulting from COVID-19 will result in refunds processed automatically.  Request for refunds must be made by April 26, 2022 – otherwise refunds cannot be provided.

For information about sponsoring the 2022 TOLGMA conference, please contact:
tolgma.info@gmail.com

Location: Online

The BC FireSmart Committee is holding a Collaboration and Community Conference in Kamloops on May 11 and 12, 2022. The conference will focus on community-led initiatives, wildfire management, prevention, ecology, and wildfire resiliency research in British Columbia.

The conference will bring together wildfire practitioners from all over BC and beyond. Speakers and workshops will investigate how to make BC homes, communities, and the landscape more wildfire-resilient in the future. BC has a diversity of fire-prone environments that bring a unique perspective to wildland fire challenges and opportunities.

This conference is open to all participants, but will be of special interest to firefighters, First Nations, and local government staff who are implementing FireSmart initiatives within their communities using Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) funding. Wildland-urban interface (WUI) specialists (e.g. RPFs, RFTs, consultants, contractors, and other land specialists), landscape management agencies, rural or urban planners/managers, Office of the Fire Commissioner staff, emergency management staff, wildfire management staff, Local FireSmart Representatives, and Wildfire Mitigation Specialists will also find the conference useful and informative.

Registration for the conference will open mid-January 2022 and the cost to attend is $425.00 (plus GST) per attendee*. Register early to take advantage of the special early bird registration rate of $350.00 (plus GST). 

*Funding to assist with the costs to attend the conference for local governments and First Nations is available through the 2022 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Program. Refer to the 2022 Program and Application Guide for more information.

Further details will be posted to the FireSmart BC website.

Location: Online

Uncertain and turbulent times call for ethical and resilient civic leadership.
 
In this 5 week (2 sessions a week) interactive program, learn to cultivate the values and leadership skills required to enhance empirical and ethical decision-making and increase personal, social and environmental well-being.
​
Examine ways that civic leaders can shift their political, organizational and community culture from reactive and short-term to proactive and long-term decision-making and operations. Align your municipality behind a shared purpose the enhances the wellbeing of all and fosters sustainable service delivery.
​
Are you a Mayor, Councillor, Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Staff person and/or Asset Manager wanting to join a national cohort of resilient civic leaders who are fostering this culture at the Council/Board table, in their organizations and in their community?
​
Learn from distinguished civic leaders including Mayors of communities big and small to servant leader champion CAO Steve Kanellakos of the City of Ottawa to asset management and planning experts to leaders like Mary W. Rose, CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute.
​
The course is hosted and delivered by educator, author, culture transformation expert and asset management champion Diane Kalen-Sukra, MA, CMC of Kalen Academy.
​
By covering a range of skills from self-regulation, relating to others ethically and with compassion to engaging with complex systems, this training builds towards compassionate integrity: the ability to lead in accordance with one's values with a recognition of our common humanity, fostering trust and social cohesion―the key to resilient workplaces and communities.
 

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​Compassionate Integrity Training® is based on cutting-edge developments in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, trauma-informed care, peace and conflict studies, and contemplative science. It builds off of work done by Daniel Goleman (author of the book Emotional Intelligence) and Peter Senge, initiatives in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and other areas. Its development has been aided by the collaborative work of a team of experts with both academic and applied backgrounds.

• Graduates of this online program will receive a certificate from Life University's Center for Compassion, Integrity & Secular Ethics based in Georgia, USA. Participants must attend a minimum of 8 of the 10 online sessions to receive their certificate.
• Participants include diverse civic and community leaders, from Mayors, Councillors, Board members and senior municipal staff to culture/well-being organizational representatives, non-profit directors and community builders.
• The time commitment for this course is 2 hours via Zoom twice each week for the 10 sessions (20 hour total). While there is no formal homework, participants are asked to spend time in between sessions reflecting, journaling & engaging in personal practice of the skills learned.
• Ongoing membership in alumni learning community upon graduation.

FOCUS AREAS INCLUDE:
​
​SERIES 1: SELF-CULTIVATION
Calming Body & Mind
Ethical Mindfulness
Emotional Awareness
Self-Compassion
Reactive/Proactive Thinking
Resilience Zone
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SERIES 2: RELATING TO OTHERS (ETHICS)
Impartiality & Public Servant Ethos
Civic Values & Ethics
Psychological Safety & Inclusion
Transformational Leadership
Empathetic Concern & Compassion
​
SERIES 3: ENGAGING IN SYSTEMS
Appreciating Interdependence
Systemic Violence, Injustice, Culture
Long-term stewardship
Engaging with Discernment
Culture Change/Transformation
​

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Dates:  May 17, 2022 - June 16, 2022 (5 weeks)
Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10am PST to 12 pm PST

Register early. Space limited.

BOOK NOW. 
 

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Kalen Academy 2021/2022 Civic Leadership Training Schedule