Think City Minute Archive

By Think City Staff

Do you know that Vancouver city council is drawing up the 2010 budget with the probability of significant cuts or increased charges and user fees next year?

Across British Columbia, municipal budgets have grown beyond the rate of inflation and population growth. As residential properties exceed 90 per cent of total properties in many cities, the issue of the property tax load on the remaining commercial properties becomes increasingly critical.

Vancouver, like every other municipality in BC, has a long way to go when it comes to addressing the democratic deficit at the local level.  But recent news from Victoria may herald change for the better, at least when it comes to reforming civic elections.

With the launch of Google Street View this week, Vancouver residents can now see our city through new eyes. The technology is impressive, offering up-close 360 degree views of the city’s streets and lanes, and is searchable with Google maps.

By Doug McArthur

Municipal governments all across the province are busily developing their budgets for the next tax year, which starts January 1, 2010. Most will be trying to restrain their budgets.

By Think City Staff

What do citizens want from Mayor Gregor Robertson and Vancouver city council? According to a newly released Think City survey of 2,249 residents, Vancouverites want increased electoral powers for neighbourhoods, more bicycle and transit lanes on city streets and more options for affordable housing development.

By James Fletcher

After two weeks of operation, the new Canada Line from Vancouver to Richmond will see an increase in the number of passengers this week as people return to regular school and work schedules.

It is also time to offer a review of the new rapid transit service, while recognizing that some of the bugs are still being worked out of the system.

by Dimitri Roussopoulos

The premise held by many citizens is that democracy is flawed and needs major repairs. This view is accompanied with the recognition that democracy is a politically neglected subject.