FCM Conference a Success

The 2011 FCM Convention just concluded and it was a success. The 2000 delegates were able to hear and work on policy issues that are critical to local governments, such as infrastructure management and funding, economic development, sustainability, climate change, social and affordable housing and so on.

We also had a number of federal political leaders addressing the delegates and recognizing that local governments need more attention from the federal government and that money needs to be set aside to assist municipalities with the delivery of services to their residents.

One interesting session dealt with integration of immigrants within municipalities. Local governments recognize that a key to Canada's future is successfully integrating new Canadians into our society and economy. It was clear, by the many examples presented during the session, that municipalities play an essential role in attracting, retaining and supporting immigrants and their families. The Okanagan has a program, through the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, to attract foreign workforce, which is becoming critical to the viability and success of many businesses in our area.

Another highlight of the conference was the session on the foundation of sustainable infrastructure. This presentation looked at the integration of the urban forest, oxygen-rich moist soils and rain water management as a single integrated approach, to develop and maintain sustainable green infrastructure in a dense urban environment. The concept of integration included creation of 'green' walls, 'green' roofs, streetscape and parking lot retrofits, and other innovative elements for the integration of trees, soil, and rainwater. Although Lake Country is not a dense urban environment, the adoption of sustainable practices and policies around age-friendly community living will make a difference to our community that will benefit our future generations.

Finally, I was really impressed by the quality of the presentation and discussion on breaking the costly cycle of chronic homelessness. Let's face it, chronic homelessness takes a terrible toll each year on thousands of Canadian families and lowers our communities' quality of life. Short-term solutions have proven ineffective and expensive. Our efforts, even in a more affluent community like Lake Country, need to focus to make attainable housing more available to both younger and older generations which cannot afford the costs of the current real estate market.

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