While challenges exist, Vancouver’s economy continues to exhibit many positive trends. Employment has reached 30 year highs and construction continues to drive growth to 2010 and beyond.
Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Peter Ladner have worked to ensure Vancouver maintains a strong financial position by supporting the development of tight fiscal controls and freezing business taxes.
Other accomplishments over the past 18 months include:
- secured significant financial investments from BC & Canada for municipal priorities – including additional $110 million for Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games facilities & infrastructure
- invested millions to support strategic infrastructure improvements
- established guiding principles for economic development
- supported our tourism sector by approving a 50% increase in the number of Vancouver taxis by 2010
- supported amalgamation of three Lower Mainland Ports
- supported our restaurant & tourism industries by increasing the number of licensed patios throughout the city
- supported development of $1.5 million cultural tourism strategy & $1.1 million BC accessible tourism plan
- initiated $300,000 design of Downtown Street Car network connecting Granville Island to Science World — and eventually Chinatown & convention centre
- supported the development of improved ferry system in False Creek & Coal Harbour
- proceeding with development of “311 Access Vancouver” to provide a new 24/7 municipal service to citizens & businesses in multiple languages
- worked with neighbouring municipalities & federal/provincial elected officials to address regional transportation, emergency preparedness & water quality issues
- created Mayor’s Task Forces on the film industry, immigration & the creation of a more competitive business climate
- supported the development of a new downtown soccer stadium
- initiated discussions on a regional business license for mobile businesses & development of an industrial lands strategy
- delivered one-stop registration for new business licenses
- supported funding for “Blade Runners” training program for at-risk youth in the Downtown Eastside
