Highlights of the Year

Goal 1: Strong, Safe and Healthy Communities

Local Government

New Deal for Cities and Communities

The New Deal agreement was signed in September 2005. It will ensure that British Columbia's local governments benefit over the next five years from $635.5 million in federal gas tax revenue. Disbursements handled by the Union of BC Municipalities will go towards projects leading to cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner water.

Local Government Elections

In preparation for the November 2005 municipal elections, ministry staff developed election related materials and provided advice to local government staff, elected officials, candidates and the general public. Some 4,500 copies of the Candidate's Guide to Local Elections in B.C. were distributed. As well, 12,000 copies of the Voter's Guide — available in Chinese, French and Punjabi, as well as English — were distributed to local governments.

Small Community Protection and Regional District Basic Grants

In September 2005, at the Annual Union of BC Municipalities meeting, the Premier announced the doubling of unconditional grants for small communities and regional districts from $27 million to $54 million over the next four years.

Incorporation of Village of Queen Charlotte

In July 2005, the 157th municipality in British Columbia — the Village of Queen Charlotte — was created when residents voted in favour of incorporation, following a two-year process.

Infrastructure Programs

From March to December 2005, the British Columbia Community Water Improvement Program funded 87 projects with a total program value of $127 million. The ministry allocated $80 million in provincial funding to local governments and regional districts for safe drinking water and waste-water management projects, to be implemented over the next three years.

Inner-City Partnerships

Urban Development Agreements

The Vancouver Agreement is an excellent example of federal, provincial and municipal governments working together and working with communities and the private sector to achieve positive results in economic revitalization, employment, and health and safety. The Agreement was renewed in 2005/06 for five years. Examples of initiatives that were completed in 2005/06 under the Agreement include: a pilot housing project which provided 86 units of affordable housing at the Silver and Avalon Hotel, to accommodate those at risk of homelessness in the Downtown Eastside; announcement in October 2005 of the Building Opportunities With Business Inner City Society to bring economic development and jobs to the Downtown Eastside by connecting business, community and government; and publication of a guide titled Measuring Up: A Guide for Accessible Cities, providing a tool for B.C. communities to determine how to be more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

In 2005/06, federal, provincial and municipal governments worked together to draft an urban development agreement for the City of Victoria. Public consultation included discussions with more than 400 people, leading to consensus around economic, social and environmental priorities. Also, an advisory council and working group were formed to develop a community engagement plan to begin development of an urban development agreement for the City of Surrey.

BladeRunners

In the February 2006 budget, the Province provided $2.4 million in funding over three years for BladeRunners — an industry-supported, proven employment program that trains at-risk youth for construction jobs in B.C. The new funding will support expansion of the BladeRunners program to Prince George and Kelowna and increased participation in its current locations of Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet. Over half of the program participants are Aboriginal, with the Aboriginal participation rate in Vancouver at about 90 per cent. After taking part in the program, approximately 80 per cent of youth are still employed in construction and trades-related jobs after one year.

Community Transition

Port Alice Transition

The Village of Port Alice had worked with Community Transition staff since 2002 to craft a vision for its future. After prolonged negotiations, agreement was reached in the past year to re-open the Port Alice specialty cellulose mill, which had closed and filed for bankruptcy protection.

The Province provided interim transition assistance of more than $1.6 million. A Community Transition Plan was prepared to document the impact of renewed mill operation with reduced taxes and to outline further financial, taxation, operational and service adjustments that may be required.

Midway Transition

On October 28, 2005, Pope & Talbot announced the closure of its sawmill in Midway, potentially displacing 170 workers and decreasing the municipal tax base by over 40 per cent. Although the decision to close was rescinded in January 2006, the mill has reduced its labour force.

In response to the mill situation, the Province provided $45,000 to the Village for a Community Transition Study, which was initiated March 1, 2006.

Goal 2: Seniors' and Women's full participation in their communities

Women

Empowered to Work

In 2005/06, the ministry announced funding of $500,000 to support four pilot projects to provide mentoring to women. The pilots are intended to address challenges faced by women starting or changing careers, particularly due to lack of experience and training, an absence from the labour market or being new to Canada.

Community Action for Women's Safety

Just over $1 million in grants was provided to 53 organizations in 70 communities across British Columbia to support projects that build awareness, and focus on the prevention of violence and increasing the safety of women. The emphasis was on Aboriginal women, immigrant and visible minority women, older women and women with disabilities.

Healthy and Respectful Relationships

In 2005/06, the ministry expanded the award-winning Healthy and Respectful Relationships violence prevention program. Additional funding of $500,000 was allocated to Saltspring Women Opposed to Violence and Abuse, bringing the program to students aged 12-18 in nine B.C. school districts.

Violence is Preventable

In 2005/06, the BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses received $198,000 to expand the reach of the Violence is Preventable project for children who witness abuse to 25 B.C. schools.

Women's History Month

In October 2005, women and their contributions to the Canadian Forces, were honoured at the Legislature in recognition of Women's History Month and Persons Day.

Growing Your Business

Following the successful launch in 2004 of Starting your Business: A Guide to Resources for BC Women, a second publication, Growing Your Business: A Guide to Resources for BC Women, was released in October 2005, in partnership with the Women's Enterprise Centre, Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Seniors

The Premier's Council on Aging and Seniors' Issues

The Council's mandate is to examine how to support seniors' ability to continue as actively contributing members of society, and how to support seniors' independence and health. Recommendations from the council are expected to be presented to government in November 2006.

Premier's Congress on Aging and Seniors' Issues

In October, 2005, over 130 participants took part in the Premier's Congress on Aging and Seniors' Issues in Vancouver. The Congress was the first opportunity for the Premier's Council on Aging and Seniors' Issues to hear a wide array of presentations on seniors-related issues, including aging demographics, social connectedness, work and retirement.

Supports and Information for Seniors

A province-wide multi-media campaign to raise awareness of services for seniors was launched in November 2005. The campaign highlighted the BC Health and Seniors' Information Line, the Senior's Supplement and the SAFER program, and invited input to the Premier's Council on Aging and Seniors' Issues.

The BC Seniors' Guide was revised (7th edition) in 2005/06 to provide seniors, their families and caregivers with up-to-date information on government services and programs and was made available in English, French, Chinese and Punjabi. A more comprehensive version of the guide was also provided online.

The toll-free 1-800 Health and Seniors' Information Line and seniors' website were enhanced during 2005/06. The Info Line provides information about health programs and services, as well as a broad range of provincial and federal government programs and services, and helps callers complete government forms. The seniors' website contains a directory of government programs and services and includes links to the Premier's Council on Aging and Seniors' Issues.