Vancouver mayor promises another zero increase budget in state of the city address

Ken Sim says that his ABC majority is planning for another zero per cent tax increase next year.

During his State of the City address on Wednesday, the Vancouver mayor looked back at his tenure and gave insights into what he is still planning to do before this year’s municipal election.

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Sim argues that failed strategies and underinvestment by previous administrations have put Vancouver in a bad place.

He adds that his ABC slate has been trying to change track, but that has been taking longer than expected.

“I underestimated how much had to change and how long it would take,” Sim said.

“Some of that was to be expected as a new mayor coming from outside politics, but some of it was a system we inherited that had stopped working long before we arrived at City Hall.”

He says that the so-called ‘Zero Means Zero’ budget is part of his effort to improve the city’s financial standing.

“We can’t have low taxes without a strong economy, and we can’t have a strong economy without safe, thriving communities.”

The budget, which was passed by the City Council in November last year, puts a freeze on property tax increases and was attacked by critics for potentially cutting hundreds of full-time jobs and public services.

“We have a vision that is already delivering results, but to see it through, to build on this momentum and to secure the future we all want, we need to stay on course,” he said.

“Because we are proving something important, local government can be disciplined, accountable, and effective even in challenging times.”

Looking ahead, Sim announced that his ABC slate has plans to put money aside for multiple Vancouver community centres in the next ten years.

“My ABC Council team is committing $400 million to new funding for rebuilding and large-scale renovations of five Vancouver community centres.”

Recently, a city report suggested that 72 per cent of recreation facilities in Vancouver were in poor or very poor condition.

The civic election is scheduled for October this year.

Ken Sim has been serving one term as mayor.

– With files from Maria Vinca.