Delegates at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention last week in Victoria passed a resolution forwarded by Comox council regarding the renewal of federal infrastructure programs.
Council is seeking a broader range of eligible projects for which it could apply gas tax money.
"Right now it's restrictive to projects that are going to help with clean air, clean water and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions," Mayor Paul Ives said. "With the UBCM's help and working on the new deal with the feds, we're hopeful to see a broader range of projects."
Also relevant to Comox are resolutions concerning proposed closures of coast guard marine traffic stations. One resolution calls for a stop to reductions in the number of officers at stations. Another calls on the federal government to stop planned closures of stations in Comox and Tofino.
Delegates also endorsed resolutions from the Comox Valley Regional District that:
• Urge the provincial climate action secretariat to enable local governments to invest in blue carbon projects in order to meet carbon neutral commitments under the BC Climate Action Charter;
• Urge the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to improve its approach for the effective management of stormwater and drainage in electoral areas;
• Request the federal minister to reconsider decisions to eliminate funding to the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program.
The latter was referred to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the national equivalent of the UBCM.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com