Legislation to change local elections from a three-year to a four-year cycle will be introduced during the current provincial legislative session, according to Coralee Oakes, minister of community, sport and cultural development.
In 2010, a joint BC government-UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) Local Government Elections Task Force presented a report with 31 recommendations to update local government elections in British Columbia. The move to four-year terms is part of a package of reforms planned for the current legislative session.
UBCM passed a resolution last year supporting extension of the term of office for elected local government officials to four years. Extending the term of office will apply to BC’s mayors and all elected officials serving municipalities, regional districts, parks boards, school boards and the Islands Trust. According to a press release from the ministry, the BC School Trustees Association also agrees with the change.
The ministry release states “Four-year terms will give local governments more time to consult, plan and achieve community goals.” It will also help to manage election costs. The change is proposed to begin with the 2014 elections in November.
“My experience as a municipal councillor convinced me that to succeed in today’s complex world, local governments need enough time to plan and complete projects that build strong, inclusive communities,” she said. “I’m confident this change will help local governments to continue to make BC’s communities great places to live and work.”
Further issues being addressed in advance of the 2018 elections are intended to tackle issues of accessibility and expense limits for local government elections.
