Kick off attendance at our conference with a hands-on workshop focused on liability and property risk identification.
Our team will share our approach to inspections and guide participants through a live inspection of a local government property, highlighting real-world examples of common hazards and liability exposures. You will leave with enhanced knowledge of how to conduct thorough and effective inspections, with actionable ideas to improve your existing processes.
Why Attend?
- Gain practical, hands-on experience in risk identification during live inspections.
- Learn from experienced MIABC staff and industry experts.
- Network with local government colleagues.
- Enhance your risk management skills and apply them to your day-to-day operations.
The inspection will be held outdoors at a local park within a 10 minute walk of the hotel, rain or shine, so dress for Vancouver weather.
Meeting point: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, South Tower @ Starbucks
Complete your conference check-in by picking up your attendee badge at the registration desk.
After checking in, grab a plate, mingle with fellow attendees, and enjoy the most important meal of the day. Alternatively, take your breakfast along with you to the 'Risk Management 101' session, where you'll lay the groundwork for your understanding of risk management.
Are you attending the MIABC Risk Management Conference for the first time or are you new to risk management? Have you ever found yourself questioning what risk management entails and how you should approach it? Perhaps you're unsure if it's even a part of your job responsibilities.
In this session, Jacinta will introduce you to risk management – its definition, evolution, principles, and common (mis)conceptions. Throughout the presentation, she will present key considerations and offer practical strategies for local governments to consider when confronted with a potentially "risky" situation.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Define and understand risk management.
- Address common misconceptions about risk management.
- Develop pratical risk management strategies.
Description of Target Audience:
Everyone
Level:
101
Join us as we set the stage for a conference filled with insightful sessions, collaboration, and valuable connections, marking the beginning of an exceptional conference experience! Together we will highlight the key themes and opportunities for meaningful engagement.
Join artificial intelligence pioneer Andrew Arruda as he explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for local governments. This session will highlight the opportunities AI presents in enhancing public services, improving decision-making, and driving efficiency. Attendees will also gain a real, practical understanding of how artificial intelligence actually works, how AI is already being used by other industries, and how AI could be harnessed to benefit local governments while addressing potential challenges.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Explore the potential of AI for Local Governments
- Learn how AI works in practice.
- Identify opportunities and address challenges
Description of Target Audience:
Everyone
Level:
101
Rejuvenate your energy by grabbing a beverage or snack. Want some quiet time? Head over to the Recharge Lounge to catch up on emails or relax for a few minutes.
This session explores the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in local government, focusing on how to establish an AI policy and leverage data insights to improve decision-making. Attendees will gain a broad understanding of how AI can streamline workflows, enhance services, and address complex challenges. Key topics will include integrating AI tools, applying predictive analytics, and using data-driven insights to support effective policy development.
The session will also highlight examples of AI in action, offering real-world perspectives on its benefits and potential obstacles. Participants will receive flexible strategies and practical tips for starting or expanding their use of AI in ways that align with their unique goals and priorities. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking for innovative ways to apply it, this session will equip you with actionable insights to drive meaningful improvements in your operations and services.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the foundational steps for integrating AI in local government.
- Analyze the benefits and challenges of AI applications.
- Apply actionable strategies to leverage AI tools.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Level:
101
In this session we will explore the basics of your coverage offered by the MIABC through its Liability Protection Agreement (LPA) and Property Insurance Agreement (PIA). Attendees will learn about the various coverage included, and the specific conditions, sub-limits, and exclusions that apply to these coverages. Participants will gain a better understanding of how the LPA and PIA can help protect against potential claims.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the coverage provided by MIABC.
- Identify key conditions and exclusions.
- Enhance your claims protection knowledge.
Description of Target Audience:
Everyone
Level:
101
With members of the public increasingly commandeering Council and Board meetings, local governments are caught between a rock and a hard place – how can they balance freedom of political expression, as enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, while providing staff with a safe workplace that is free from bullying and harassment? In addition to dealing with an unruly public in municipal facilities and out in the field, local governments are increasingly dealing with outspoken elected officials who at times direct their ire towards local government employees.
In this session, we will:
- identify the friction points on this issue through a discussion of the law relating to free speech and workplace safety;
- refer to real-world examples and recent court decisions for illustrative purposes; and
- provide strategies and tools for local governments to navigate these delicate situations.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify the risks created by outspoken members of the public or elected officials, as it relates to the duty of the local government to provide a safe workplace.
- Understand the limits of what the local government may do to silence or stop tirades in Council/Board chambers, in local government facilities and in the workplace generally.
- Employ specific strategies for ensuring that their workplace is reasonably safe, while limiting the risk of liability for infringing upon the right of free speech.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Bylaw Enforcement
Human Resources
Level:
201
301
Recharge and refuel with a delicious meal while enjoying the company of your fellow attendees. Whether you're discussing the morning's insights or making new connections, our lunch hour is a vital part of your conference experience. Seize this time to nourish both your body and professional network.
This session will discuss how local governments, the BC Wildfire and FireSmart BC can collaborate to make communities more resilient to wildfire. Attendees will gain insights into how we can work together through all four pillars of emergency management: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. The panel will share information about existing funding programs, how to engage and interface with BC Wildfire Service and FireSmart BC, and what local governments can do today to manage risk and build resiliency into their planning processes.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand how to access information about wildfire prevention and preparedness.
- Leverage funding for local government to build capacity and improve wildfire resiliency.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of the many partners who support wildfire. response in B.C.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Emergency Response/Preparedness
Level:
101
Rejuvenate your energy by grabbing a beverage or snack. Want some quiet time? Head over to the Recharge Lounge to do a puzzle, catch up on emails, or relax for a few minutes.
The Canadian construction market has just navigated through the most inflationary market in modern history. As we return to more stabilized times, we look to explore where construction costs landed now that all the dust has settled. The session will discuss where we are at as a starting point for Municipal construction values in the post-inflationary market and will look to provide insight as to the new benchmarks for values and what to expect in the future.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the state of construction costs in a post-inflationary market.
- Have tangible benchmarks for values for property types.
- Have knowledge of the areas of concern when reviewing insurable values.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Level:
101
This session will explore the potential legal risks associated with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in local government operations. Attendees will gain insights into the complexities of data privacy, regulatory compliance, and liability issues that may arise with the use of AI technologies. The discussion will focus on how local governments can navigate these legal challenges while leveraging AI to enhance public service delivery. By examining real-world case studies and best practices, participants will learn strategies to mitigate legal risks and ensure responsible AI implementation.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand legal risk of AI in Local Government.
- Navigate legal challenges in AI implementation.
- Apply best practices and case studies.
Description of Target Audience:
Everyone
Level:
101
In this session we will explore the critical role that policy plays in managing risks within local governments in British Columbia. Attendees will gain insights into how effective policy frameworks can mitigate potential risks, enhance your defence of claims and ensure you include core policy decisions in the policy. By examining real-world examples and discussing best practices, participants will learn how to develop and implement robust policies that address the unique challenges faced by their own local government.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the role of policy in risk management.
- Develop robust policy frameworks.
- Apply real-world insights.
Description of Target Audience:
Everyone
Level:
101
Rejuvenate your energy by grabbing a beverage or snack. Want some quiet time? Head over to the Recharge Lounge to do a puzzle, catch up on emails, or relax for a few minutes.
A core function of municipalities is the collection of property taxes from ratepayers. However, in some cases, a municipality might find that it is obliged to pay money out to ratepayers because taxes have been improperly imposed by council, miscalculated in the tax notice or applied to the wrong folio. Ratepayers might also seek refunds because of problems with automatic bank payments or the adjustment of taxes after sale. This presentation will discuss these risks and other liability concerns that can arise with municipal tax collection.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify important statutory provisions regarding tax refunds.
- Cite core principles of tax collection in responding to ratepayer complaints.
- Better understand the municipality’s role in disputes between over past and future owners over tax payments.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Level:
101
In this session we will explore practical strategies for local governments to transfer risk using certificates of insurance, waivers and assumptions of risk. Attendees will learn how to effectively utilize these tools to mitigate liability and ensure compliance with contractual requirements. The discussion will cover key aspects such as verifying coverage, understanding policy limits, and implementing best practices. By examining real-world examples, participants will gain insights into managing and utilizing these risk transfer methods to protect their organizations and facilitate smoother operations.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Master risk transfer tools.
- Understand key risk management practices.
- Apply real-world examples.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Parks & Recreation
Level:
101
This session will give participants an in-depth overview of the key equipment and assets typically inspected in municipal facilities. Attendees will learn how conducting loss prevention inspections can significantly reduce the likelihood of costly equipment failures, minimize downtime, and extend the overall lifespan of their assets. The session will explore identifying potential equipment risks while offering practical strategies to address and eliminate these risks. By the end of the session, participants will have a solid understanding of our approach to loss control inspections and how the application of these principles can protect their operations.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Generally, understand HSB Canada’s approach to loss prevention and control
- Be aware of the equipment that HSB Canada typically inspects
- Be aware of the recommendations that we can provide to mitigate risk and loss
Description of Target Audience:
Everyone
Level:
101
Get ready to step into the dazzling world of Golden Chips and Gatsby Dreams, where the glamour of the Jazz Age meets the thrill of the casino! Join the MIABC staff, service providers, and your fabulous colleagues for an unforgettable evening filled with excitement, opulence, and roaring twenties charm.
Dress to impress by embracing your inner flapper, dapper gent, or high-stakes gambler. While there's no mandatory dress code, we encourage you to channel the spirt of the Gatsby era and bring your own flair to this spectacular event!
Jumpstart your day with a satisfying breakfast! Connect with fellow attendees, grab your morning caffeine fix, and prepare for an energizing start to the final day of the conference.
As a continuation to Part 1, this session will explore the risk management process and highlight the importance of not only developing, but also following, a clear risk management decision-making process. Jacinta will share some practical application tools that will assist local governments in assessing and prioritizing potential “risky” situations. When implemented, these tools and practices can reduce the implications of risk that may arise and, ultimately, allow local governments to have better and more control.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the risk management process with some practical examples.
- Apply risk management tools to identify threats and opportunities.
- Enhance control over risk while identifying risks as opportunities.
Description of Target Audience:
Everyone
Level:
101
This session will cover the nature and sources of PFAS chemicals - a class of chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. You will learn about the health effects of these chemicals and remediation strategies. We will also explore the risk and liability exposures for local governments, particularly in relation to fire departments, airports, water supply, landfills and wastewater treatment plants. We will address seeking accountability and recovery through legal actions and engage in a discussion on effective remediation and recovery strategies as well as risk management including the use of environmental insurance. Each of our panellists will speak about their experiences in dealing with PFAS chemicals which will be followed by a facilitated Q and A session.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the scope and impacts of PFAS chemicals in our environment.
- Assess the risk to municipal operations posed by PFAS chemicals.
- Identify risk management and remediation strategies relating to PFAS chemicals.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Public Works/Operations/Engineering
Emergency Response/Preparedness
Level:
201
Rejuvenate your energy by grabbing a beverage or snack. Want some quiet time? Head over to the Recharge Lounge to do a puzzle, catch up on emails, or relax for a few minutes.
In Part One of a two-part series of related presentations addressing the ongoing and expected impacts of climate change on local governments, Kris Holm, Lauren Hutchinson and Michael Porter of BGC Engineering will lead a presentation exploring BC’s exposure to landslide, steep creek and flood hazard and risk, and opportunities for risk reduction.
The presentation will open with discussion of some of the more damaging types of geohazard processes encountered in BC, uncertainties in predicting the location, magnitude and timing of these events and the damage they might cause, and ways in which climate change is anticipated to increase these hazards.
Next, the panel will review some of the key data used by engineers and geoscientists to assess geohazard risk, and ways in which local governments can access and use this information for risk reduction.
The panel will conclude with examples of geohazard risk reduction that are being carried out, and how the effects of climate change are being addressed through planning, monitoring, and mitigation design.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Learn which geohazard processes affecting local governments will continue to be exacerbated by climate change, and the patterns engineers anticipate will unfold province-wide.
- Gain awareness of the work that geotechnical engineers do to understand these hazardous events and the risks they pose, including how local governments can access this information themselves to inform their risk management decisions.
- Discover real world examples of geotechnical engineering solutions at work in BC, reducing the risk of harm from climate change-exacerbated events.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Parks & Recreation
Building Regulation/Planning/Land Use/Development
Public Works/Operations/Engineering
Emergency Response/Preparedness
Level:
101
201
This session will cover two critical topics relating to construction projects: a Builders Risk claim involving water damage, and, a municipality's experience with a social engineering scam targeting contractor payments. We will explore how AI can facilitate scams and discuss preventative measures municipalities can implement to enhance cybersecurity. Additionally, the Builders Risk claim will highlight the effectiveness of risk control measures using IoT technology, such as water sensors and leak detection equipment. This session aims to equip participants with knowledge on both cybersecurity and risk management as they relate to construction projects.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Enhanced Cybersecurity Awareness: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how social engineering scams, particularly those facilitated by AI, can impact construction projects, enabling them to recognize and mitigate these threats.
- Practical Risk Management Strategies: Attendees will learn about effective risk control measures, including the use of IoT technology for water damage prevention, equipping them with actionable strategies to implement in their own projects.
- Informed Decision-Making: By understanding the intersection of cybersecurity and Builders Risk, participants will be better prepared to make informed decisions regarding risks related to construction and especially the scope of coverage provided by the Builders Risk and Cyber policies.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Building Regulation/Planning/Land Use/Development
Public Works/Operations/Engineering
Level:
101
201
Join the MIABC legal team as they delve into how to survive the Civil Resolution Tribunal (the “CRT”) process. This session will shed light on the what and the why behind the CRT. The team will discuss how the CRT works and how it varies from other levels of court. The discussion will explore recent CRT decisions involving local governments, as well as engage in a Q&A to address your specific questions and challenges. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn best practices for navigating the CRT!
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) Process.
- Explore recent CRT decisions.
- Learn best practices for CRT navigation.
Description of Target Audience:
Everyone
Level:
101
Join us for a sit-down awards lunch where we will celebrate and honor our community members and present the 2025 Terry Pile Effect Award. Don't miss this chance to be a part of the warmth of recognition and applaud the remarkable efforts that truly make our community exceptional.
In Part Two of a two-part series relating to the ongoing and expected impacts of climate change on local governments, experienced local government liability defence counsel, Jeff Locke, will lead off by discussing how phenomena exacerbated by climate change (including geohazard processes, forest fires, flooding and erosion) are manifesting in risks to local government lands, infrastructure and decision-making processes. Jeff will explore the difficult questions which lie at the intersection between the ongoing manifestations of these risks and local government liability law. Jeff will complete the discussion with an overview of current thinking on the climate change-related risk management toolbox.
In the second segment of this session, Jeff will lead a panel of experts and local government leaders on the front lines of climate change impacts in a broader discussion of real-world experiences, strategies and outcomes.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify climate change influenced risks to local governments.
- Understand local government legal duties and possible sources of liability arising from climate change-related risks and events.
- Navigate risk management strategies and responses to climate change-related risks and events.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Parks & Recreation
Building Regulation/Planning/Land Use/Development
Public Works/Operations/Engineering
Emergency Response/Preparedness
Level:
201
301
Homeless encampments present numerous risks for local governments. While many of these risks are found with all encampments, others vary according to the specific encampment and can call for special or targeted responses. This session will discuss potential risks facing local governments, including claims for torts occurring during decampment, loss of possessions, claims of theft, and claims based on breaches of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Human Rights Code and other statutes. The session will then outline potential approaches for identifying, managing, and defending these and other matters arising from encampments.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the legal framework governing encampments.
- Identify potential risks associated with encampments.
- Develop approaches for managing encampments, including instances in which encampments are to be removed, and instances in which they are not removed.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Parks & Recreation
Bylaw Enforcement
Building Regulation/Planning/Land Use/Development
Public Works/Operations/Engineering
Police
Level:
201
301
In recent years, there has been a rising number of challenges to local government action based on an alleged breach of common law procedural fairness. Through this session, delegates will learn when common law procedural fairness is owed, how to avoid or limit common law procedural fairness, and how to identify the common law procedural fairness owed in given circumstances. This session will provide delegates with the information they need to limit risk from such a challenge.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify circumstances where procedural fairness is required.
- Identify the degree of procedural fairness owed.
- Develop and implement a process that is procedurally fair and defensible.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Bylaw Enforcement
Building Regulation/Planning/Land Use/Development
Level:
101
While property boundaries are usually drawn in bold black line on subdivision plans, they’re not always readily discernable on the ground. This can lead to situations where an owner inadvertently (or deliberately) encroaches onto the property of their neighbour, or onto the adjoining property of a local government such as a street or park.
This session will cover basic principles of property law, including how easements and rights of way are acquired and recorded/registered in British Columbia. We will also discuss:
- Whether and when local governments should get involved in property boundary issues between private owners.
- The remedies available to a local government that discovers an unauthorized encroachment onto its land, and the risks and potential liabilities associated with those encroachments.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand basic legal principles concerning easements and rights of way, and how the law of trespass addresses unauthorized encroachments onto private land.
- Understand the circumstances in which local governments should (and should not) get involved in property boundary issues between private owners.
- Understand how to make use of the remedies available for unauthorized encroachments onto public land.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Parks & Recreation
Bylaw Enforcement
Building Regulation/Planning/Land Use/Development
Public Works/Operations/Engineering
Level:
101
Rejuvenate your energy by grabbing a beverage or snack. Want some quiet time? Head over to the Recharge Lounge to do a puzzle, catch up on emails, or relax for a few minutes.
Join Nancy for an insightful session on the Calgary Bearspaw South Feeder Main break. This significant event disrupted city operations on June 5th 2024, cutting Calgary off from 60% of its treated water, impacting both residents and businesses. This session will delve into the immediate effects of the break, highlighting the challenges faced and the swift actions taken to mitigate the impact. Nancy will explore the strategies implemented by the City of Calgary to manage the crisis, including communication efforts, resource allocation, and collaboration with various stakeholders. Additionally, the session will cover the long-term measures being put in place to prevent future occurrences and enhance the city's resilience. Learn from Calgary's experience and gain valuable insights into effective asset management, crisis management and continuity planning.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Increased understanding of the impact of infrastructure breaks.
- What effective crisis management strategies are and the role of communications.
- The importance of asset and continuity planning in local government.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Parks & Recreation
Bylaw Enforcement
Public Works/Operations/Engineering
Emergency Response/Preparedness
Level:
101
As our conference journey nears its end, we'll celebrate the insightful discussions, and meaningful connections that have shaped the last few days.
This optional one-day workshop is included with your conference registration. Choose your preferred day for participation and indicate this during registration. You will receive pre-conference instructions to gather essential information and materials to bring with you. You can still attend all plenary sessions on your workshop day, and Clive will guide your food and coffee breaks!
Sign up for one day to join Clive for an engaging workshop on business continuity leading practices and program lifecycle. He will lead discussions on implementation opportunities, challenges, and solutions. Participants will use provided resources to create tailored documents, including:
- A draft program framework
- Impact metrics
- A strategic Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
- A Crisis Management Plan
- A roadmap for operationalizing the business continuity program
- A high-level crisis management plan and
- A Scenario Playbook.
Ensure you bring the pre-workshop information using the forms and templates provided to ensure you maximize the workshop’s effectiveness.
Attendance is initially limited to members only, with a maximum of 10 local governments to ensure a productive experience with Clive (multiple attendees from each local government are welcome). This workshop will help you kickstart your business continuity journey and move closer to complying with the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA).
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Develop a tailored business continuity program for your local government.
- Learn how to measure impact and plan for a crisis.
- Create an operational roadmap for continuity.
Description of Target Audience:
Administration/Finance
Public Works/Operations/Engineering
Emergency Response/Preparedness
Level:
101
201
