The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) says its working with the provincial and federal governments to help local communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Maja Tait says she has raised matters about income tax deadlines, property tax deadlines, and how to proceed with council meetings and public hearings, among other things.

The City of Vancouver has taken the step on its own to defer property tax payments for an extra six months. Several cities like Kamloops, meanwhile, have postponed council meetings until further notice.

“So how can we can address those legislative barriers, and still move our business ahead in a timely matter? And in terms of property tax payments, we still have municipal operations that need to continue to run, but at the same time we understand the financial impact on our constituents.”

Tait says when it comes to federal government’s $82-billion-dollar relief package, she says that can be delivered much quicker with municipal governments in the conversation.