Ken Sim’s Zero Sense property tax motion puts public services in grave danger

ABC rams through motion despite opposition from thousands of residents and local unions representing workers providing threatened public services  

VANCOUVER, BC – The ABC majority has passed a motion that throws out months of staff work, overrides Budget consultations with thousands of Vancouver residents, and will lead to massive uncosted cuts to the City Budget in 2026. 

“This is a cynical election gimmick that will cause serious harm to our city and all those who rely on fully-funded public services,” said COPE City Councillor Sean Orr. “This is chaotic and unserious governance. It’s no way to lead a city.” 

“ABC insisted that this motion will protect grants, libraries, and ‘core services’ - but what does the language of the motion actually say?” said COPE Co-Chair Shawn Vulliez. “Only that they’ll ‘prioritize’ core services and ‘maintain’ certain public services.”

Warren Williams, President of CUPE 15, spoke in opposition to Mayor Sim’s motion: “I'm really concerned about the services my members provide the public." The Vancouver & District Labour Council also wrote to Council urging them to defeat the motion. 

Over 2200 City residents emailed the Mayor and Council earlier this week to voice their opposition to Ken Sim’s motion.

Even speakers who spoke in favor of the motion couldn’t help but criticize Ken Sim’s leadership here. One criticized the “rollercoaster” tax increases of the last few years, while another said that “reasonable, reliable, ongoing increases” are preferable to these changes jerking back and forth. Another criticized the expensive “Vancouver” sign (which only COPE voted against,) and huge FIFA expenses (of which ABC has been the biggest booster.)

Before approving the motion, ABC Councillors defeated an amendment from Councillors Orr and Fry that would have prioritized cuts to the Mayor’s Office and communications budget, and an amendment to protect over a dozen specific vital public services from cuts. 

“This is a reckless and harmful move by ABC in the final year of its mandate, and it’s a reminder of how important it is that we defeat them next year and bring in a serious and progressive government at City Hall,” said Orr.