Vancouver City Council has directed staff to prepare three potential property tax scenarios for the 2026 operating budget: a 0% increase, 1.5%, or 2.5%, plus an additional 1% dedicated to infrastructure renewal . This follows a 3.9% increase in 2025 and comes amid rising demands on frontline services and continued cost downloads from provincial and federal governments. Mayor Ken Sim emphasized balancing...
Uncategorized
A new modular housing project in Toronto is offering hope in the fight against homelessness. Built in just eight months, this 25-unit affordable complex now provides safe housing for people who were previously in shelters or living in tents. Using mass timber modular construction, the project saved time and costs, with the building completed in just 21 working days on-site. Each compact studio...
According to a recent TD survey, over 50% of B.C. residents who are prospective homebuyers say they’re cutting back on non-essential spending—everything from dining out and travel to subscriptions and entertainment—to save up for a home purchase. 🏠 Highlights:Mortgage relief vs. cost squeeze: Lower interest rates have made homeownership more plausible—but not without some hard choices.Tight...
A great read from @BIVnews highlighting why Northern B.C.—especially the Northeast—is critical to our province’s future. 🔑 Key points:• The path to B.C.’s economic autonomy depends on responsible development of its energy-rich Northeast.• Reconciliation, clean energy, and economic growth must work hand in hand—not in silos.• Indigenous-led partnerships are key to building long-term,...
The Bank of Canada is keeping the key interest rate steady at 2.75% for June 2025, reflecting caution amid global trade uncertainty and persistent inflation concerns. 📉 Why it matters:Interest rates influence mortgages, loans, and investment returns—so this decision affects more than just headlines. 📊 Understanding these trends helps Canadians make smarter financial decisions in uncertain...
With interest rates easing, some condos in Metro Vancouver are now cheaper to buy than to rent, according to real estate data firm Zonda Urban. Just two years ago, buying cost nearly double what renting did. But with lower mortgage rates and slight price adjustments, the numbers are shifting. In some developments, like The City of Lougheed in Burnaby, mortgage payments are now less than monthly rent for...
The federal government has unveiled a major income tax cut set to take effect July 1, 2025. The lowest personal income tax rate will drop from 15% to 14%, potentially saving two-income families up to $840 a year by 2026. This change could benefit nearly 22 million Canadians, especially those earning under $114,750 annually. The goal? Help ease the cost of living across the country. But will this move make...
Exciting changes are coming to Vancouver’s neighborhoods! The city is transforming temporary street plazas into vibrant, permanent spaces, starting with Kamloops-Hastings in Hastings-Sunrise. 🌳🚶♂️With new seating, green infrastructure, and event-ready designs, these plazas aim to become community hubs. What do YOU think about these car-free spaces? Could this be the future of urban...
Exploring the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian cities: From Saint John's high exposure to Vancouver's resilience, see which areas are most at risk. Southern Ontario and Alberta face significant challenges, while cities like Toronto and Vancouver are better insulated. Dive into the data and understand the economic stakes. How Will Your City Fare in the Face of Rising Trade Tensions? #TradeWar...
The Bank of Canada has lowered its key policy rate by 25 bps to 2.75%, its 7th consecutive cut in nine months, as trade tensions and U.S. tariffs weigh on growth and inflation. #Economy #BankOfCanada #InterestRates #TradeWar #Inflation #CanadaEconomy Click here for the...