Stay updated with breaking news from Budget Task. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s external advisors seeking efficiencies and new funding for the city’s budget is advising the city narrow its scope of work, consider divesting itself of “non-core” assets and get philanthropic, business, and non-profit help for municipal priorities.
According to Mayor Ken Sim's Budget Task Force, Vancouver faces two "urgent challenges." The first is a "staggering" $500-million annual infrastructure funding deficit.
Vancouver homeowners will pay an extra 7.5 per cent property tax next year. That's down from the 10.7 per cent hike last year, but still the second highest in the last decade.
While the budget didn't stray far from the draft brought forward by staff last month, there were a number of amendments put forward Tuesday that made slight adjustments to different departments — including the mayor's office.
Vancouver's mayor could be setting the city on a path to greater centralization while working with a reduced scope based on current moves, political watchers say.