DAWSON CREEK, B.C.- Members of Dawson Creek city council are taking a series of infrastructure, healthcare and workforce issues to provincial officials, at the second day of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Vancouver.
Councillors Apolonio, Kaempf, MacDonald, Parslow and Sudnik are representing the city at this year’s conference, meeting directly with several provincial ministries to discuss issues affecting Dawson Creek and the wider Peace Region.
Among the city’s key priorities is long-term water security. Dawson Creek is scheduled to meet with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship to discuss long-term water security and shared resource stewardship.
A separate meeting with the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs will focus specifically on securing the community’s future water supply.
Council is also raising transportation concerns with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. Discussions will center on improving safe and reliable transportation corridors across Northeast B.C.
It is an issue local officials have repeatedly identified as critical for residents, industry and regional economic development.
Healthcare and workforce development are also on the agenda. During meetings with the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, city representatives plan to advocate for stronger northern training opportunities, improved healthcare pathways and workforce readiness initiatives aimed at addressing ongoing labour challenges in the region.
Mental health services will be another focus during discussions with the province’s Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions, where council will seek improved access to publicly funded mental health supports.
The UBCM convention brings together local government leaders from across British Columbia to meet with provincial officials, discuss policy priorities and advocate for community-specific concerns.
Nearly 2,000 delegates are expected to attend this year’s convention in Vancouver.
For Dawson Creek, day two of the conference is largely focused on securing provincial support for long-term infrastructure, transportation and healthcare priorities that council says will help support the city’s future growth and quality of life.