Local Government Awareness Week (LGAW) is an ongoing initiative of the Union British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to generate awareness and educate the public about the roles and responsibilities of local government. It is also a time to encourage public participation in local government processes.
Join Us!
What’s happening for Local Government Awareness Week in New Denver?
Check out our event poster, HERE.
- Council meets on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. This is a Regular Meeting of Council. The community is welcome to attend in person, or remotely. The Webex link for remote viewing will be made available on the May 14 Meeting Agenda once it is published, and posted HERE. You can read more about New Denver’s Council Meetings online HERE, and find out more about Mayor and Council HERE.
- Mayor and Council are inviting community members to a BBQ at the bottom of the Kootenay Street Stairs (the sidewalk across from New Market Foods) on Thursday, May 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join them for a meet & greet and to learn more about what’s happening in local government here in New Denver.
Infrastructure Theme
Infrastructure is a significant part of local government service delivery but is often underappreciated or overlooked by the public. Infrastructure includes things you see like roads, trails and buildings, and things you don’t see like water lines, drainage systems and connectivity.
CHECK BACK HERE for more information about local infrastructure in New Denver – coming tomorrow!
Levels of Government
Municipal (ex. New Denver)
Responsible for things like drinking water, solid waste collection, road maintenance, cemetery, community halls (Knox Hall), parks & playgrounds (Centennial Park & Greer Park), Village trails (Mori Trail), fire protection, local planning, business licensing, dog licensing, building permits, and local bylaws.
Regional District (ex. Regional District of Central Kootenay)
Responsible for things like regional transit, landfills, regional parks & recreation (Bigelow Bay Regional Park, the Galena Trail), and rural planning and bylaws.
Provincial (ex. Province of BC)
Provincial Governments in Canada, like the Government of BC (or Province of BC) have the authority to make decisions which affect the entire province or territory, but not the rest of Canada. They are responsible for things like provincial taxes, education including post secondary, health care and social services, highways, justice, police, affordable housing and homeless supports, the age of majority, and more.
You can learn more about BC’s Provincial Government on their website(s) – HERE is a good place to start with an overview of topics.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how government works, HERE is a Government 101 page provided by the Government of BC.
Federal (Canada)
The Federal Government, or the Government of Canada, oversees things that affect the entire country. It is responsible for things like criminal law, international law, military, federal income tax, employment insurance, child care benefits, the postal service, passports, national security, national environmental policies and programs, international indigenous relations, international immigration, defense and trade, and more.
First Nations
Across the country, band councils govern First Nations communities. Band councils are similar to municipal governments, electing a band council which makes decisions that affect their local community.
