Municipal governments within Canada serve two primary functions. First, they act as a political mechanism through which local communities can express their collective objectives. The municipality is seen as an extension of the community, representing local views and concerns, which seeks to represent local sentiments in the decision making process. Second, local government provides a variety of services and programs to local residents.

In British Columbia, local government is considered the most accessible level of government:

• Local citizens are elected by the community to serve on the Council or Board;
• All meetings are open to the public and public can speak directly to the Council or Board;
• Citizens can participate directly by volunteering on committees or commissions.

The citizens of the Village of Port Alice became a municipality in 1965 and upon incorporation elected their first Mayor and Council. This first Council began the ongoing task of establishing bylaws and policies for the planning for the community’s future and for the provision of services.

Local government is a community effort! For more information, see: