COFI was proud to sponsor this year’s Association of Vancouver Island & Coastal Communities (AVICC ) convention in #Nanaimo. From Keith Baldrey and Vaughn Palmer’s sharp take on BC’s political pulse to UBCM President Trish Mandewo's reflections on the local impacts of the

A personal note. Today was my last day Today in BC after nearly 2 decades spread over 2 terms company has helped me grow as a journalist and a person; off to new adventures and challenges with Canadian Press but still covering the #bcpoli legislature

UBCM president Trish Mandewo spoke with local elected leaders from the Kootenay & Boundary region today. Her comments focused on the potential of stimulus spending on local infrastructure to boost employment and support economic growth #AKBLG

“Yes” to fast tracking the schools and hospitals growing communities need, but let’s do that by working together. Centralizing more power in Victoria is not necessary to achieve a common provincial & local government goal. northernbeat.ca/news/municipal…

Mayors & UBCM president Trish Mandewo join UBCIC Wilderness Committee Stand.earth & others calling on David Eby to halt Bill 15. Municipal leaders say it's too rushed, lacked consultation, with 'scary' overreach. northernbeat.ca/news/municipal…

Interesting, haven't heard any concern from the minister or premier re mayors & UBCM president, alarmed at overreach in Bill 15, and who've also called for a withdrawal or pause until local govt can be properly consulted.

B.C. NDP finally begins debate on controversial fast-track legislation as opposition continues to mount vancouversun.com/news/bc-ndp-fi… via The Vancouver Sun

UBCM president Trish Mandewo said that if the bill is passed in its current form, she anticipates "a lot of unintended consequences." cbc.ca/news/canada/br…

"You don't have to twist local government arms to say, 'you need hospitals, you need schools.,"  said UBCM President, Trish Mandewo. "It's how they're going about it that's problematic." globalnews.ca/video/11182660…

Concerns about Bill 15 remain unabated among local governments, who have raised questions about the powers it provides to the provincial cabinet and the lack of consultation prior to drafting the legislation. nanaimonewsnow.com/2025/05/21/b-c…

“In rushing the legislation so quickly and standing behind it so aggressively the province has failed to generate support and trust from local governments and First Nations. In fact, I believe this bill is eroding public trust," says UBCM president Trish Mandewo.

"This legislation is just the latest in a dangerous trend where the province is tossing aside key partners, institutions and policies designed to protect democracy and due process." Opaque Bill 15 steps on B.C.'s local governments vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/… via The Vancouver Sun

I don’t tune in to the BC Legislature often but I’ll be paying close attention to see how the vote on #Bill15 - Infrastructure Projects Act - aka drive by consultation- goes down today. Bowinn Ma quoted on the radio this AM that reconciliation isn’t for wimps. We’ll have to wait & see.

The recipients of this year’s International Awards are: ✨Trish Mandewo, Coquitlam City Councillor and President of UBCM receives the Pam McConnell Award for outstanding contributions to gender equality in international programs. ✨ Edwina Renaux, Procurement Officer and

Trish Mandewo, President of UBCM, councillor for the City of Coquitlam and president of Synergy On Boards, is a winner in the Diversity and Inclusion Champion category of the 2025 Women of the Year Awards.⁠ bcbusiness.ca/people/general…

former Burnaby Now, New West Record and Tri-City News reporters announcing a campaign to launch a cooperatively owned and run publication covering the communities that have lost their local news publications

The Bertram Multiuse Overpass in Kelowna #BC is complete! The enhanced active transportation network now provides an essential link between where residents work, live and play. Learn more: kelowna.ca/our-community/…

Through #CCBF investments, we’re delivering real, lasting benefits to growing communities like Sidney #BC. By supporting local priorities, we’re building more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive communities. Learn more: sidney.ca/news/town-of-s…