The Southern Interior Local Government Association 2026 convention wrapped in Revelstoke May 2, with all five of Revelstoke’s sponsored resolutions gaining member support.
Despite the backing, the resolutions will not be debated on at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in September due to existing policies, however, the association will still advocate for the resolutions in conversations with the province.
“I believe we will have more strength in the Interior standing on our own as [The Southern Interior Local Government Association] than relying on going to [Union of BC Municipalities conference] every September and getting our 15 minutes with the ministers,” Bill Sarai, newly elected association president said.
The Interior’s economic impact on B.C., largely due to tourism and resource industries like forestry, should give the region a stronger voice with the province, he said.
The five resolutions Revelstoke sponsored include advocating for funding towards community-based acquired brain injury supports, creating a roundtable for municipalities to collaboratively develop housing policies, establishing a food recovery rebate program, improving provincial old-growth forest conservation commitments and advocating for forest service roads and Crown Land access.
The conference didn’t stay at the Revelstoke Community Centre, with tours to the BC Hydro Revelstoke dam and running drills with the Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services, guests got a chance to explore Revelstoke throughout the weekend.
“This is a beautiful town with beautiful people,” Sarai said, highlighting bowling at Cantina del Centro and seeing first-hand the crowds at Paramjit’s Kitchen as part of the city’s charm.
Visiting Revelstoke’s local businesses to understand how owners are navigating local, regional and international pressures gave the roughly 200 SILGA 2026 guests from 37 interior municipalities and regions strategies to use in their own communities, Sarai added.
That sharing of Revelstoke solutions was also part of the panels,with city staff such as Paul Simon, director of development services showcasing how Revelstoke is working with the province’s updated zoning bylaw requirements and infill development.
“I think Revelstoke nailed it out of the park,” Sarai said.
The 2027 convention will be hosted in Penticton.
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