INFORMATION RELEASE

The 2026 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Convention is taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre from September 14 to 18, 2026.

The UBCM Convention is an important opportunity for local governments from across British Columbia to come together, share experiences, discuss common challenges, and advance priorities that matter to their communities. It is also the primary forum for UBCM policy development and advocacy.

Directors from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) attend the convention each year to meet with provincial representatives, advocate for regional priorities, and build relationships that support local communities. The event also provides opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, and networking sessions alongside elected officials and local government leaders from throughout the province.

To support these discussions, RDOS staff have prepared several briefing reports for meetings with provincial representatives. Topics include direct property taxation, Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) decommissioning, the Similkameen Trail gap, Chain Lake Dam assistance, regional dam infrastructure, encampments on Crown land, the private utility acquisition process, establishing a new school district for the Similkameen Valley, and provincial sales tax (PST) relief related to the impacts of the Bald Range Wildfire.

The following directors are scheduled to attend the UBCM convention on behalf of the RDOS and Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District (OSRHD):

• Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair/Electoral Area “A” Director
• Campbell Watt, RDOS Vice-chair (Penticton Councillor)
• Martin Johansen, OSRHD Chair (Oliver Mayor)
• Irwin Chahal, Electoral Area “C” Director
• Matt Taylor, Electoral Area “D” Director
• Adrienne Fedrigo, Electoral Area “E” Director
• Riley Gettens, Electoral Area “F” Director
• Tim Roberts, Electoral Area “G” Director (OSRHD Vice-chair)

 For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

 To learn more about the 2026 UBCM convention, please visit ubcm.ca.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:
RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

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