Programs & Training

CAO Connect Lunch Series 2026 dates to be confirmed 12 – 1:00 p.m. 2026 registration now open Registration Eligibility Requirements: You must be a CAO or board/council-appointed Deputy CAO for a local government organization in order to register for this complimentary lunch series. A complimentary LGMA-hosted lunch hour discussion is being offered to CAOs who want an informal space to connect with peers and gain support and advice for the challenges faced on a day-to-day basis. This virtual opportunity is inspired by the historical efforts of local government leaders who have sought to create informal opportunities for CAOs, by CAOs. Bring your own lunch and take advantage of the wisdom of your peers while you strengthen your professional networks in a safe, supportive environment. The CAO Advisory Committee, with the support of the LGMA, has identified the need to build on previous efforts by local government leaders to strengthen informal networking opportunities for CAOs by hosting a virtual space for CAOs to connect with their peers and engage in collaborative problem-solving. The CAO Advisory Committee and the LGMA acknowledges the incredible work that has been done by past leaders to hold space for these important gatherings and recognizes that this work would not be possible without such a solid foundation upon which to build. The Committee noted CAOs are faced with significant challenges and mounting stressors and would benefit from a virtually accessible peer discussion network. The accessibility and technological familiarity gleaned over the past year affords CAOs the opportunity to connect with their peers for informal discussion without travel constraints or significant commitment. Submit your suggested discussion topics, questions, or challenging scenarios in advance on the CAO Lunch Hour Connect Series form . Complimentary registration is online for all sessions, for CAOs or board/council-appointed Deputy CAOs. Attend one or all with one registration. Registration will close 5 days prior to the scheduled lunch series date. For more information contact Candace Witkowskyj, Executive Director at cwitkowskyj@lgma.ca

November 23-28, 2025 Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Island At this week long residential program participants work with top planners to learn how the planning system really works in BC. Specific course topics include planning law, the planners’ toolkit including OCPs and zoning, Approving Officer’s role, sustainable and complete communities, community engagement on planning issues and what you need to know about hiring planning consultants. At the course you will work on a planning challenge from your community and leave with solutions you can implement! Registration Information: (registration will open May 12, 2025) * please note, there is two step registration process and applicants must complete the Intake Form Register online by November 10, 2025. Payments will not be processed until November 10. Please note, registration fills up quickly and is on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants must complete the intake form to confirm their registration into the course. Fees: $3,129 + GST (LGMA Member), $3,412.50 + GST (Non-member) Please note : to be added to the waitlist, you will register and provide your credit card, however, you will not be charged until you have been accepted into the program. This is an all-inclusive fee, which covers tuition, course materials, accommodation, all meals and refreshment breaks, and all special recreational activities. All meals and accommodations are for registered students only. Visit Capilano University's webpage for course information. NEW! Travel Grant Available for LGMA In-Person Programs Through financial support from Lidstone & Company Law Corporation, grants in the amount of $500 are available for eligible local government and First Nation professionals travelling to this program. To be eligible, applicants must be currently employed by a municipality, regional district, or a First Nation with membership in the LGMA. Limited funding is available and grants will be awarded based on financial need. Consideration will be given to the distance from the applicant’s community to the program venue (minimum 300 km), with priority given to applicants from smaller and/or rural communities. LGMA assumes that applicants will have the approval and endorsement of their organization to apply. LGMA will contact successful applicants only for the purpose of confirming financial assistance. To respect recipient confidentiality, LGMA will not name or publicize travel grant recipients. Grants will be made payable to the applicants’ organizations once the program is completed. Submit your travel grant application by completing this form. Thank you to Lidstone & Company for providing this funding to support local government and First Nations staff to access in-person training. If you would like to be added to the MATI Community Planning’s early notification list for the next offering of this course, please email localgovernment@capilanou.ca . Visit Capilano University for further MATI program information.