2026 MIABC Risk Management Conference - Schedule

9:00AM - 4:30PM

Building Resilience: Business Continuity Planning for Local Governments

Clive Lunn, Acredo Consulting

Member Local Government: $250, additional staff from same member $50

Non-member Local Government (if space allows): $400, additional staff from same member $50

Sign up for an optional pre-conference workshop to join Clive for an engaging overview on business continuity leading practices and program lifecycle. He will lead discussions on implementation opportunities, challenges, and solutions. 

You will receive pre-conference instructions to gather essential information and materials to bring with you.

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.

3:00PM - 5:00PM

On-Site Insight: Loss Control Inspection Workshop (Vancouver)

Location: False Creek, Vancouver – Meet at MIABC Offices 429 West 2^nd Avenue 

In this in-person workshop, MIABC staff will conduct a live inspection of a local government property, demonstrating the identification of potential liability and property risks. Participants will gain practical insights into recognizing and mitigating risks associated with public properties, facilities, and operations. Through this interactive session, attendees will not only observe but also engage in the inspection process, learning essential techniques and best practices to integrate into their existing inspection processes.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to:

• Identify common hazards and liability exposures on local government properties.
• Understand the steps required to conduct thorough and effective loss control inspections.
• Leave with questions you can add to your existing inspection and maintenance checklists.

This workshop is open to all levels of local government staff; this event is FREE OF CHARGE. Travel expenses can be claimed through your local government’s MIABC Risk Management Grant account, provided sufficient funds are available.

4:00PM - 6:00PM

Registration

Complete your conference check-in by picking up your attendee badge at the MIABC Office. 

For those attending the Wednesday morning pre-conference breakfast session, Risk Management 101, we highly recommend registering on Tuesday to avoid being late for the session.

4:30PM - 6:00PM

Join Us for a Pre-Conference Early Registration Pizza Social!

Location: MIABC Office - 200-429 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver

Heading to the conference? Start the experience early by joining us the day before at the MIABC offices for a casual networking event. Enjoy delicious pizza while you:

• Meet the MIABC team and learn more about the resources available to local governments. 
• Connect with colleagues from across BC in a relaxed setting. 
• Pick up your conference badge so you are ready to go on event day. 
• Build relationships that will make your conference experience even more valuable.

Do not miss this chance to kick off the conference with great food, friendly faces, and meaningful conversations. Register now and come hungry!

7:30AM - 9:00AM 

Attendee Check-In / Breakfast

Complete your conference check-in by picking up your attendee badge at the registration desk. Look for directional signage on the Confernece Level of the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre guiding you from the elevators to the registration area. 

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.

8:15AM - 8:45AM

Risk Management 101 PT 1

Lynda dos Santos, Insurance Services Representative & Broker, MIABC

Josh Brocklebank, Program Specialist & Broker, MIABC

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, Join Lynda and Josh as they 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 practical risk management strategies.

9:00AM  - 9:15AM

Welcome and Opening Address 

Sandra Mayo, Manager of Risk Management Services, MIABC

Join Sandra as she set the stage for a conference filled with insightful sessions, collaboration, and valuable connections, marking the beginning of an exceptional conference experience! Together they will highlight the key themes and opportunities for meaningful engagement.

9:15 AM - 10:15AM

Leading Without Authority: Thriving in Today's Leadership Landscape

Dr. Marvin Washington, Dean Beedie School of Business, SFU

The 2026 MIABC Risk Management Conference begins with an inspiring keynote from Dr. Marvin Washington, Dean of the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University.

Leadership today is more complex than ever. With multiple generations in the workforce, competing priorities, and a relentless pace of change, many leaders are expected to influence without the traditional authority that once defined leadership roles.

In this dynamic session, Dr. Washington will share practical strategies for leading yourself and others effectively even when formal authority is limited. Through real-world insights and a touch of humor, you’ll learn how to build trust, foster collaboration, and create impact in local government.

Start the conference energized and equipped to lead in today’s challenging environment.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Explain why leadership today requires influencing without traditional authority to identify strategies to success in this environment.
• Apply practical techniques to build trust and foster collaboration across multiple generations and competing priorities.
• Implement approaches for creating impact in local government even when formal authority is limited.

10:15AM - 10:30 AM

Break

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.

10:30AM - 11:45 AM

Rethinking Risk: Making Space for Outdoor Play in Canada

Mariana Brussoni, PhD, UBC 
Aron Bookman, Partner, Carfra Lawton LLP

Join Mariana and Aron as they provide a multidisciplinary session regarding the importance of facilitating and encouraging outdoor and what is now referred to as "risky" play in Canada.  Local governments are essential to providing access in the form of parks and programs.  The impact of regulation and litigation has been seen as having a chilling effect on what is made available to children and the day to day decision making of persons who are supervising children while playing.  Mariana will share her research on the developmental importance of outdoor and risky play, bust common myths, and provide practical strategies for change. Aron will focus on the implications of the "duty of care" and how a claim for damages can result from injuries due to access to play spaces and during programs provided by local governments. Aron will include an explanation of the case law which has evolved to instruct local governments and front line staff of what they ought to consider.

After this session, attendees will be able to: 

• Explain why providing access to and facilitating outdoor and risky play is essential
• Describe why the risk of injury in outdoor and risky play is quite low.
• Identify helpful guidance provided by the courts regarding outdoor and risky play.

10:30AM - 11:45 AM

Rising Waters: Managing Flood Claims and Municipal Risk

Jeremy Poole, Partner, Alexander Holburn Beaudin and Lang

Flood risk is evolving fast which creates challenges for local governments to adapt. Events once considered “1in500year” are now being reclassified as “1in200year” reshaping floodplain mapping, infrastructure design standards, and expectations for local government response.

At the same time, communities are seeing more complex flood-related claims and, in some cases, class actions that challenge traditional understandings of local government liability and policy decision-making. This session equips you to explore the shifting criteria behind flood event classification, examine recent legal and insurance trends affecting local governments, and discuss practical strategies to reduce exposure while supporting resilient community planning. Attendees will gain insight into where liability risks emerge, how to navigate claims effectively, and what proactive steps can help align policy, communication, and mitigation practices in a changing climate landscape.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize how changing flood event classifications impact municipal planning and standards.
• Identify key points of liability and exposure in flood-related claims and class actions.
• Apply practical risk reduction measures to strengthen policy, communication, and preparedness.

10:30AM - 11:45 AM

Fire Department Liability: Standards, Risk & Resilience in Municipal Practice

Steven Haakonson, Partner, Twining, Short and Haakonson Barristers

Scott Twining, Partner, Twining, Short and Haakonson Barristers

Cassandra Paterson, Associate, Twining, Short and Haakonson Barristers

Brandon Piva, Associate, Twining, Short and Haakonson Barristers

In the evolving landscape of municipal liability, fire departments face scrutiny over standards of care, operational decision making and special risk scenarios.  This session equips you to explore legal risks surrounding fire service operations.  We will examine the standards of care expected of volunteer and professional fire departments and address special risks unique to fire response and fire safety including procedural errors, building inspections, the role of fire departments in new construction, and overlapping jurisdictions.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Distinguish between legal standards of care for volunteer and professional fire departments.
• Identify high risk operational areas that expose municipalities to liability.
• Apply practical strategies to reduce fire service liability.

10:30AM - 11:45 AM

Insuring the Future: Innovative Coverage Solutions for Climate-Ready Communities

Megan Chorlton, Chief Executive Officer, MIABC

As climate change drives more frequent and severe weather events, traditional insurance models are under pressure. How can local governments protect assets and budgets when floods, wildfires, and infrastructure failures occur?

Join MIABC’s reinsurance partners for an interactive session exploring emerging insurance innovations. Learn about parametric triggers, natural asset coverage, and climate adapted underwriting strategies designed to strengthen resilience and close protection gaps.

You will have the opportunity to share input and help shape next-generation coverage solutions tailored to the realities of BC’s local governments

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand climate as one of many risks that need management
• Utilize a risk matrix to compare and prioritize risks
• Understand how to access training and tools through AMBC

11:45AM - 12:45PM

Lunch

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.

12:45PM - 2:00PM

Wildfire Resilience in Action: Practical Strategies for Prevention, Response and Recovery

Don Lidstone, Senior Partner, Lidstone & Company
Nathan LaFayette, Senior VP & Chief Insurance Officer, BCAA
Thomas Cook, VP – Professional Services, Wildfire Defence Systems
Marina Sen-Partridge, Manager of Member Engagement, MIABC
Dan Seguin, General Manager, Fire & Emergency Management Services, Regional District of Central Kootenay

Wildfire risk continues to grow across British Columbia, challenging local governments to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery.

This session equips you to explore practical strategies communities can apply throughout the wildfire cycle. We will begin with prevention tools, including FireSmart-aligned practices, local government wildfire checklists, and opportunities to access UBCM and risk management grant funding-highlighting emerging technologies such as AI-enabled detection sensors. We will then examine how land use planning and Wildfire Development Permit Areas can be introduced and implemented to reduce long-term exposure. The session will also share insights from communities that have worked with Wildfire Defense Systems through their contract with BCAA during active wildfire response, including integration with Emergency Operations Centres. We will conclude with lessons learned from recent fire seasons and key steps local governments can take now to prepare for the year ahead. You will leave with actionable approaches, examples, and tools to support community resilience.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand practical wildfire prevention measures, funding opportunities, and tools that local governments can implement.
• Learn how Wildfire Development Permit Areas support long-term risk reduction through land use planning and bylaw implementation.
• Gain insight into coordinating with WDS and integrating wildfire response partners into EOC operations, including lessons learned for future seasons.

2:00PM - 2:15PM

Break

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.

2:15PM - 3:15PM

Looking for the "Stench of Corruption": Liability for Misfeasance, Bad Faith and Abuse of Public Office

James Yardley, Partner, Lidstone and Company

Tom Zworski, Senior Counsel, Lidstone and Company

In the current climate of reduced faith in public institutions, it is increasingly common for dissatisfied applicants or residents to accuse public officials of improper conduct or corruption. This often manifests itself in the form of civil claims of misfeasance, bad faith, or abuse of public office. Even if unsuccessful, such claims can impose severe stress on public officials, whether elected or appointed, and their organizations. This session will discuss the legal elements of these claims and strategies to help public officials reduce the risks they face by avoiding conduct that may fuel the claims, while allowing them to continue to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. 

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Explain the legal framework applicable to civil claims related to malfeasance, bad faith, and abuse of public office.
• Identify circumstances that involve a risk of a civil claim alleging malfeasance, bad faith, or abuse of public office.  
• Describe basic stategies to avoid exposure to claims of malfeasance, bad faith, or abuse of public office.

2:15PM - 3:15PM

Signed, But Safe? Understanding the Limits and Value of Waivers in Local Government

Dana Romanick, Partner, Kennedy Romanick LLP

Robert Kennedy, Partner, Kennedy Romanick LLP

Waivers are a familiar tool for local governments used in recreation programs, facility rentals, and community events but their effectiveness depends on how they are written, communicated, and applied.

This session equips you to explore the evolving role of waivers within a broader municipal risk management framework, highlighting both their strengths and limitations. Using real-world examples and recent BC case law, you will learn what makes a waiver enforceable, where they fail, and how courts view fairness, notice, and participant understanding. The discussion will also address the doctrine of assumption of risk and its relationship to municipal duty of care under the Occupiers Liability Act. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for improving waiver design, administration, and policy integration-ensuring that waivers complement, rather than replace, sound operational practices and informed public participation.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand the legal principles that determine when waivers are enforceable under BC law.
• Identify common weaknesses and pitfalls in municipal waiver use and administration.
• Apply practical strategies to strengthen waiver processes within a broader risk management framework.

2:15PM - 3:15PM

Legal Confidence: Comparing the Casual Legal Advice and Legal Expense Insurance Programs

Nathan Cornale, Business Development Manager, ARAG

Rachel Vallance, Lawyer, Lidstone

Local governments often face legal questions about bylaws, policies, contracts, and governance decisions.

This session equips you to explore two complementary MIABC programs that help members navigate these matters  the Casual Legal Advice Program and the Legal Expense Insurance product. Presenters will explain how each program operates, the types of issues they address, and how they differ in purpose and level of support. Using practical examples, they’ll demonstrate when to seek quick informal guidance through the advice program and when to rely on the broader protection and structured process offered through legal expense insurance. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how these services work together to enhance confidence, consistency, and defensibility in local government decision-making.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• When and how to access each program effectively.
• Key differences in purpose, process and support level.
• How these tools strengthen proactive local government decision-making.

2:15PM - 3:15PM

Designing the MIABC Risk Education Platform: What Local Governments Really Need

Sandra Mayo, Manager of Risk Management Services, MIABC

To build a strong and future-ready risk education platform, MIABC needs a clear picture of what learning formats, tools, and supports work best for BC local governments.

This interactive session invites participants to help design the next generation of MIABC training shaping the structure, delivery, and focus of a provincewide learning program that builds everyday risk competence.

You will explore where training currently fits in their organization, surface barriers to participation, and identify practical mechanisms that make learning stick across departments. Through small group discussions, rapid polling, and member journey mapping, the session will clarify how MIABC can offer training that is accessible, repeatable, role appropriate, and directly tied to daily decision making.

The insights gathered in this session will directly inform MIABC’s evolving education roadmap: the programs we offer, how they are delivered, and how we measure impact.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe what makes training useful, accessible, and realistic within their organization.
• Identify which education formats best fit different staff roles (frontline, leadership, Council, operations).
• Contribute to MIABC’s roadmap for a scalable, member-driven risk education platform.

3:15PM - 3:30PM

Break

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.

3:30PM - 4:30PM

Beyond the Blueprint Hidden Risks and Obligations for Local Governments in Transportation Infrastructure

Josh Krusell, Partner, Stewart McDannold Stuart

As local governments work to build safer, more accessible transportation networks for all users across all ages, abilities, and modes of travel-they often face complex legal and reputational risks that aren't always visible at the outset. In this insightful session, local government and human rights lawyer Josh Krusell will unpack real world case studies and share a practical risk management toolkit to help local governments stay compliant, reduce liability and potential costs, and avoid common pitfalls under the Human Rights Code and beyond.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify at least three key legal obligations and potential risks faced by local governments when implementing multi-modal and accessible transportation projects.
• Analyze real-world case studies to recognize common pitfalls related to legal liability, human rights compliance, and reputational harm.
• Apply a practical risk management toolkit to assess and mitigate legal and reputational risks in current or planned transportation initiatives.

3:30PM - 4:30PM

Untangling Construction Costs: How Tariffs, Carbon Tax Repeal, and Code Changes are Shaping the Industry

Devin Baker, Manager Business Development, Suncorp Valuations

Construction costs are being reshaped by a complex mix of global and domestic policy shifts. This session equips you to explore how tariffs on imported materials, the repeal of consumer carbon tax, and evolving building code requirements are influencing project budgets, timelines, and planning decisions. Attendees will gain insight into the economic ripple effects of these changes, including supply chain pressures, regulatory compliance costs, and long-term sustainability considerations.  This session equips you to help you navigate the current insurable landscape and prepare for what’s ahead.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand the financial impact of recent tariff changes on construction materials, including specific cost increases and supply chain implications.
• Evaluate the effects of the consumer carbon tax repeal on project budgeting and long-term operational costs for new developments.
• Identify key updates to building codes and assess how these changes influence design decisions, compliance requirements, and overall construction expenses.

3:30PM - 4:30PM

Designing for Risk: Applying the Hierarchy of Risk Management Strategies in Public Spaces

Lynda dos Santos, Insurance Services Representative & Broker, MIABC
Francesca de Joy, Insurance Services Representative and Broker, MIABC

Local governments manage a complex mix of public expectations, environmental conditions, and operational realities when designing and maintaining shared spaces such as parks, trails, and waterfronts.

This session introduces the Hierarchy of Risk Management Strategies a practical framework for identifying, prioritizing, and controlling risk through thoughtful design, maintenance, and communication. You will learn how to apply each level of control from avoiding and reducing risk, to transferring, retaining, and communicating it in everyday local government contexts. Real world examples and scenarios will illustrate how design decisions, signage, and policy integration shape public behaviour and manage liability exposure.

The session emphasizes documentation, defensible decision making, and the importance of proportionality: managing risk without diminishing community benefit.

Attendees will leave with tools to embed this hierarchy into inspection policies, event permits, and asset management practices for more consistent, transparent, and resilient risk management.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand when and how to apply each level of the Risk Management Hierarchy.
• Apply risk-based design and communication strategies in public spaces.
• Integrate hierarchy principles into policies and operational practices.

3:30PM - 4:30PM

Elevate Risk Intelligence: Tools and Strategies for Future-Ready Local Governments

Samantha Boyce, Manager of People, Operations, and Strategic Innovation, MIABC

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop shaping the future of risk intelligence at MIABC. This session brings together local government professionals to collaboratively explore and assess the latest predictive analytics tools.

You will discuss innovative solutions and discover how these tools can strengthen risk management and enable smarter, data-driven decisions.

Your insights and experiences are vital. By sharing feedback, you’ll help guide the selection of tools that meet real-world needs and align with MIABC’s strategic objectives. This collaborative approach ensures solutions deliver tangible value to our members.

Don’t miss this opportunity to influence MIABC’s implementation strategy, enhance operational efficiency, and support proactive risk management. Your active participation will empower our organization to make smarter decisions, manage risk more proactively, and drive greater operational efficiency, benefiting both your own local government and the broader MIABC community.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand the role of elevating risk intelligence plays in the MIABC’s strategic plan. 
• Articulate how predictive analytics is shaping the spheres of local government and insurance. 
• Contribute feedback to shape tools that strengthen everyday risk decisions.

5:30PM - 9:00PM

Miami Vice

Get ready to turn up the neon and feel the heat at MIABC’s Miami Vice inspired evening, where tropical vibes, bold style, and nonstop fun take center stage. Join MIABC staff, service providers, and your amazing colleagues for an unforgettable night filled with energy, colour and pure retro cool.

Dress to impress by channeling your inner Miami icon. Think pastel suits, breezy dresses, bold prints, sunglasses and a little 80s flair. There is no mandatory dress code, but we encourage you to have fun with it and bring the vibrant spirit of Miami Vice to the night.

7:30AM - 9:00AM 

Breakfast

Join us for a delicious morning meal that will fuel your energy and set the tone for a day of learning and networking!

Attending Risk Management 101- Part 2 from 8:15am - 8:45am?  Grab a plate and take it with you!

8:15AM - 8:45AM

Risk Management 101 PT 2

Lynda dos Santos, Insurance Services Representative & Broker, MIABC

Josh Brocklebank, Program Specialist & Broker, MIABC

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. Join Lynda and Josh as they 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. 

9:00AM - 10:30AM

Insurance and Risk Management in the Face of Ransomware

Stephanie Duclos, Victor Canada
Milo MacDonald, CAO, City of Fort St. John
Lucas Panoulias, Chief Corporate Services Officer, City of Fort St John
Eric Good, IT Manager, City of Fort St John 
Josh Brocklebank, Program Specialist & Broker, MIABC

The City of Fort St. John’s ransomware attack revealed just how disruptive cyber incidents can be for local governments. This session takes a lessons-learned approach, exploring what happened, how recovery unfolded, and what other local governments can take away.

Victor Canada will provide guidance on the role of insurance in cyber risk management, highlighting coverage and services that support prevention, response, and recovery including legal, forensic, and crisis communication resources. The session also addresses the rising risk of social engineering fraud, one of the leading sources of financial loss in the public sector.
You will leave with practical strategies to strengthen cyber resilience, better protect critical systems, and ensure continuity of service in the face of evolving threats.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Gain insight into how insurance and expert services support cyber recovery and resilience.
• Learn practical tips to reduce exposure to ransomware and social engineering fraud.
• Identify strategies local governments can use to strengthen cyber defences and continuity of service.

10:30AM - 10:45AM

Break

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.

10:45AM - 12:15PM

Storm Risk Management in Parks

Jill Lawlor, Senior Manager of Parks, District of West Vancouver

Neal Aven, Director, Parks, City of Surrey

Tristan James, Legal Counsel, MIABC

Satvinder Kaur Sekhon, Insurance Services Representative and Broker, MIABC

Severe weather events are becoming more frequent across British Columbia, posing new challenges for local governments in managing storm risks in parks and public spaces.

This session brings together legal, insurance, and operational experts to explore how local governments can better anticipate, communicate, and respond to storm related hazards. Speakers will share practical strategies for signage, closure decisions, staff safety, and interdepartmental coordination, supported by case examples and interactive discussions. You will gain a clearer understanding of liability exposure, insurance implications, and on the ground practices that reduce risk and protect public safety. The session will also begin shaping a shared framework for consistent, defensible, and effective storm response protocols across the province.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Legal and operational best practices for signage and closures.
• How clear protocols reduce risk exposure and claims.
• Steps toward developing a Province-wide standard for storm-related park management.

10:45AM - 12:15PM

Behind the Curtain and Before the Bench: A Speed-Run Through Litigated Claims

Janet Kwong, Assistant General Counsel and Manager of Claims, MIABC
Jon Peters, Legal Counsel, MIABC
Elizabeth Wong, Legal Counsel, MIABC

Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes of defending a claim? This immersive, inperson workshop pulls back the curtain on how local government claims are handled. Working in small groups, you will navigate the evolving stages of a claimfrom initial notice to litigationwhile responding to shifting facts, legal challenges, and strategic dilemmas. Guided by legal counsel, each group will be challenged to pivot, reassess, and adapt. This Level 2 session emphasizes creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking in the face of uncertainty. Expect a practical, engaging experience that mirrors the real world complexities of municipal claims handling.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Claims handling is dynamic and requires strategic adaptability.
• Collaboration between stakeholders is critical.
• The Lifecycle of a Claim is structured--until it isn't

10:45AM - 12:15PM

Bridging Climate, Assets, and Insurance: Aligning Decisions for Resilient Communities

Lachlan MacLean, Product Manager, icInfrastructure
Arnold Schwabe, Executive Director, Asset Management BC
Jeremy Poole, Partner, Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP

Risk management is more than compliance it’s the foundation for sustainable services. This session equips you to explore how climate adaptation, asset management, and insurance intersect to shape long term resilience. Learn how to turn risk conversations into clear, actionable decisions. This interactive session introduces the risk matrix a one page tool that helps you compare and prioritize risks, from cyber threats to climate impacts. You’ll explore how risk connects to asset criticality and insurance, and practice mapping risks and treatments in small groups. Legal experts from Alexander Holburn will share what risks are landing communities in court and what happens when risks aren’t managed. Walk away with practical tools and training to communicate risk, justify investments, and strengthen your organization’s resilience.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand climate as one of many risks that need management
• Utilize a risk matrix to compare and prioritize risks
• Understand how to access training and tools through AMBC

10:45AM - 12:15PM

Your First AI Chatbot: Simple, Practical, Powerful

Claudia Chan, Manager of Digital Strategy and Technology, MIABC
Daphne Thomson, AI Consultant, Catch the Beat Digital Marketing

Transform knowledge management with a hands-on workshop focused on creating custom AI agents for local government to save time and share knowledge. This practical session provides a stepbystep roadmap for designing, building, and launching chatbots using opensource AI tools.

Learn how to define your chatbot’s purpose, organize documentation, and design conversation flows that improve efficiency and knowledge transfer. Through live demonstrations and realworld examples, discover how to train your bot on policies, FAQs, and procedures while maintaining compliance with privacy standards. Attendees will build a chatbot during the sessionbring a fully charged laptop and preapproved materials ready for upload.

Leave with a working prototype and actionable skills to enhance risk intelligence and operational effectiveness.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Define your chatbot’s purpose and content: Identify goals and select materials to train your AI assistant.
• Build a functional chatbot step-by-step:
  Create and configure a simple chatbot using open-source tools.
• Apply privacy and security best practices: Ensure compliance with local government standards when uploading data.

12:15PM - 1:45PM

Lunch and Awards

Join us for a sit-down awards lunch where we will celebrate and honor our community members and present the 2026 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.

1:45PM - 2:45PM

Claim Denied…Case Closed?

Kevin Travis, Claims Examiner, MIABC

Alex Wu, Claims Examiner, MIABC

David Hooper, Claims Examiner, MIABC

Closed Claim File Reviews (CCFRs) offer valuable insights into how everyday local government decisions translate into real world liability outcomes. In this interactive, scenario-based session, attendees will step into the role of claim reviewers to explore how policies, procedures, supervision, documentation, and day-to-day practices influence settlement and denial decisions. Working in table groups, you will review a series of past claims some denied, some settled and assess liability, identify strengths and weaknesses, and determine whether they would have denied or settled the file.

Facilitators will then share the actual MIABC position and walk through the corresponding CCFR recommendations provided to members, highlighting how those recommendations help reduce future risk, strengthen defensibility, and improve operational consistency.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how CCFRs support proactive risk management and practical strategies they can apply to strengthen compliance, close gaps, and improve outcomes in their own organizations.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate liability in common local government scenarios and identify key strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop practical recommendations to address gaps in policy, documentation, and compliance.
• Apply CCFR insights to reduce future risk and strengthen defensibility in local operations.

1:45PM - 2:45PM

Making Sense of Insurance: What Every Local Government Needs to Know

Francesca de Joya, Insurance Services Representative and Broker, MIABC
Sonali Pande, Insurance Services Administrator, MIABC
Alex Plamondon, Insurance Services Representative and Broker, MIABC

Insurance terminology can often feel like a different language  but understanding it is essential for managing local government risk effectively.

This session equips you to break down common insurance terms such as insured, additional insured, additional named insured, first-party, and third-party  clarifying what they mean in practice for local governments. Through real-world examples, presenters will explain how these terms apply in typical municipal scenarios, including distinctions between different types of coverage and entities. You will gain insight into how coverage applies in various situations, what responsibilities come with each designation, and how to ensure contracts and agreements reflect the right level of protection. Designed for both new and experienced local government staff, this session will demystify insurance language and strengthen understanding of how to manage risk with clarity and confidence.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand key insurance terms and their relevance to local governments.
• Distinguish between types of coverage and responsibilities in contracts and agreements.
• Apply core insurance concepts to practical municipal risk scenarios.

1:45PM - 2:45PM

Navigating Changes in the Construction Sphere

Sonia Sahota, LLB, P.Eng (Non-practising), Partner, Civic Legal LLP

Navigating Changes in the Construction Sphere: (i) updates to commonly used CCDC and MMCD contracts, (ii) inspired use of construction management contracts, (iii) interruption of performance bond claims, (iv) pronouncement on owner liability for worksite OH&S, and (v) recently tabled legislation to modernize payment regimes and dispute options for construction contracts. These are recent topics of transformation that all local government owners contemplating, administrating or reflecting on construction projects should know, and this session will help you do that!

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• Learn to mitigate risk in entering construction contracts due to changes in standard forms.
• Learn what changes to internal policy or practice may be needed due to recent changes/pending changes to law.
• Learn to limit risk in using non-traditional project delivery approaches.

1:45PM - 2:45PM

Abusive Members of the Public: Local Government Obligations and Rights

Sukh Manhas, Partner, Young, Anderson
Carolyn MacEachern, Partner, Young, Anderson

It is more and more common for local governments to experience inappropriate and sometimes abusive conduct from members of the public  whether it be defamatory or other inappropriate comments in the context of local government public participation processes, bullying and other intimidation tactics in local government forums, or attacks on elected officials and staff in social media. In this session, the session will discuss the obligations and rights of a local government when dealing with abusive members of the public from the perspective of protecting local government staff and meeting WorkSafe BC obligations while ensuring that the local government is meeting statutory and common law public participation requirements.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• The general requirements of WorkSafe BC for ensuring a respectful workplace for employees.
• What is and what is not defamation.
• What tools are available to local governments to manage abusive members of the public.

2:45PM - 3:00PM

Break

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.

3:05PM - 4:20PM

Managing Social Disorder: Legal Risks, Operational Realities, and Insights for Local Governments 

Jeff Locke, Litigation Counsel, Stewart McDannold Stuart

Social disorder  ranging from public drug use, disruptive behaviour, and property crime to escalating safety concerns in parks, streets, and civic facilities  remains one of the most complex risk and operational management areas for British Columbia local governments. These pressures increasingly intersect with mental health and addictions challenges and impacts of outdoor sheltering.

This plenary session will examine the legal, operational, and reputational risks that arise when municipalities respond to social disorder, with a focus on current developments in law and risk management practice. Topics will include Charter of Rights and human rights claims, the question of negligence exposure arising from enforcement decisions or failures to act, occupiers liability issues in disorder impacted spaces, and risks associated with seizing and handling abandoned or unauthorized property in public areas. The session will also situate the evolving caselaw on sheltering and encampments within the broader context of municipal responsibilities to maintain safe, accessible public spaces.

Led by Jeff Locke, a local government litigation counsel with extensive experience in community safety and encampments, this session will feature a panel discussion and provide practical insights from municipal practitioners working on the front lines of these challenges.

This plenary session will examine the legal, operational, and reputational risks that arise when municipalities respond to social disorder, with a focus on current developments in law and risk management practice. Topics will include Charter of Rights and human rights claims, the question of negligence exposure arising from enforcement decisions or failures to act, occupiers liability issues in disorder-impacted spaces, and risks associated with seizing and handling abandoned or unauthorized property in public areas. The session will also situate the evolving caselaw on sheltering and encampments within the broader context of municipal responsibilities to maintain safe, accessible public spaces.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• How recent case law and Charter decisions shape municipal authority and duties in managing encampments and social disorder.
• Strategies to reduce liability risks related to enforcement, property seizure, and site remediation.
• Practical approaches drawn from local government experience - to balance enforcement, legal obligations, and community safety 

4:20PM - 4:30PM

Closing Remarks

Sandra Mayo, Manager of Risk Management Services, MIABC

As our conference journey nears its end, we'll celebrate the insightful discussions, and meaningful connections that have shaped the last few days.