Prince Rupert, the North Coast Regional District, and the District of Port Edward are co-hosting the 2025 North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) convention from May 12 to 15 at the North Coast Hall Meeting and Event Centre.
Local government representatives from across northern and central British Columbia, spanning from 100 Mile House to the Yukon and from Haida Gwaii to Alberta, will gather in Prince Rupert for this annual meeting. The event brings together delegates from more than 42 local and First Nations governments to connect, share knowledge, and advocate on issues of common interest.
“We are proud to be welcoming delegates from across BC next week for the first time since 2011. Co-hosting the annual NCLGA conference is an opportunity for us to spotlight our region, and also to generate economic benefit for local businesses,” said Prince Rupert’s mayor Herb Pond.
The Honourable Janet Austin, the 30th Lieutenant Governor of BC, will deliver the keynote address. Austin, who served from 2018 to 2025, brings decades of public and non-profit leadership experience to the forum.
In a key feature of this year’s event, the Healthy Communities Forum will address urgent health sector issues, including recruitment and retention, community-driven innovation, and strategies for meaningful local involvement.
Prince Rupert’s city staff will also present on successfully redeveloping the Watson Island site after removing the former pulp mill. The City says this transition may soon become a shared challenge for several interior communities within the NCLGA.
There will be plenary panel sessions on updates from the Municipal Insurance Association of BC, Northern Development Initiative Trust, and Northern Medical Programs Trust, alongside expert panel discussions on topics such as:
- Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” – Haida Title Lands Agreement
- Taking Stock of the Trade War – Impacts on Local Governments
- Building Bridges – Climate Adaptation, Housing, and Reconciliation in Partnership with Indigenous Communities
- Regional Districts – Legislative Reform
- CN – Moving the Economy Safely
- RoadSafeBC and ICBC – Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) Program
Concurrent panel sessions will also cover firefighting sector challenges, discussions on the mental health of elected officials, BC’s healthcare crisis response, and the role of AI in local governance.
Additionally, delegates will have opportunities to network and visit various tradeshow booths.
“We remain committed to working in partnership to strengthen local governance, advocate for our communities, and build a more connected and resilient future,” said Judy Greenaway, NCLGA President.
