After receiving a majority of support at the May Southern Interior Local Government Association conference, Revelstoke’s four resolutions all passed at the 2025 Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention. From encampments on provincial land within city limits to reducing highway speeds through municipalities, Revelstoke saw support across the board from other B.C. municipalities sharing those concerns.
In an effort to streamline future sessions, UBCM put forward a special resolution that resolutions submissions from municipalities must affect a majority of the province instead of regional concerns. This change has some councilors concerned Revelstoke and other rural communities might be forgotten in future resolutions.
“It’s been something UBCM has been trying to address for a long time,” Coun. Tim Palmer said, noting his worry that all of Revelstoke’s resolutions this year could be classified outside that scope.
“Being in rural Interior there are issues that affect us and affect us only that are outside the scope of the Island and the lower mainland. I do fear that we may be overlooked in the future,” Coun. Matt Cherry added.
Advocating to ministries for transportation, housing and health care
UBCM offers municipalities a chance to connect with various provincial ministries to directly ask and advocate for projects and challenges.
“It’s kind of like speed dating in that you only have a short time,” Sulz said.
In a meeting with BC Transit, council and staff were assured Revelstoke is near the top of the list for new buses to help expand transit routes and schedules. Steve Black, director of engineering and public works proposed taking on old TransLink buses from Metro Vancouver until promised buses are delivered. Building regional routes connecting Revelstoke to other municipalities was also discussed, with BC Transit offering to weigh in on the project if Revelstoke and other municipalities work to set the system up.
One of the motions brought forward by Revelstoke at the SILGA conference requested more conservation officers for the region to help with overall conservation efforts. It was highly supported by a majority of SILGA members before being brought forward to UBCM. When discussing the matter with the Ministry of Environment and Parks, council and staff heard communities across B.C. are also seeking additional conservation officers and hours, but current staffing levels can’t meet the need.
“They just don’t have the staffing at this point and new members coming in is limited,” Sulz said.
Medical care was a point of discussion with the Ministry of Health and Interior Health, with Revelstoke asking for increased specialized care resources in town, to reduce travel for medical reasons.
BC Housing’s affordable housing project was the focus of a meeting with the Ministry of Housing with council and staff asking for clarification on what can be expected next. Utilities upgrades around the Fourth Street site have been paused in an effort to line up with construction work, scheduled to begin spring 2026. Coun. Aaron Orlando noted city staff received an update on budget plans the day after the meeting, thanking Revelstoke Community Housing Society staff who supplied briefings and background information about the project.
“I know, certainly we got grilled a little bit from ministry staff on the numbers that were available,” Orlando said.
Work to transfer the Revelstoke Airport back to city ownership and future expansion plans was discussed with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports, with the ministry offering a list of available funding opportunities the city could use.
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