This Week at City Council: Opposing Budget Cuts & Standing up for Social Housing
Vancouver's 2026 draft budget is 300 pages shorter than the 2025 budget––and residents have a lot to say about a budget that ultimately says very little.
Despite rising costs to deliver public services, city council pushed for a 0% tax increase, which means $120 million in cuts. What exactly is being cut? We don't know––and neither will council before they're asked to vote.
That's why we're demanding a transparent budget. We want a line-by-line breakdown of all proposed cuts before Council approves the 0% tax increase. We're also calling for no service cuts and no increases to user fees (which only shift costs to those who are already struggling the most).
A record-breaking 600+ residents registered to speak to council at the "people's filibuster," which just wrapped up its fourth day. Thousands have emailed council in opposition. Council will debate, move amendments, and vote on the budget on November 25th. Learn how to add your voice to this movement below.
Want To Skip Straight To Action?
JOIN the diaper change-in at City Hall on November 25th. Reach out to info@womentransformingcities.org to let us know if you can join, and we'll share the link to our WhatsApp group!
AMPLIFY the change-in on Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Text a few friends to join you, or print the poster to share at your local library, community centre or drop-in space.
SIGN the open letter to council from WTC, CAPE BC, and CANE about the health and equity impacts of proposed budget cuts.
SPEAK up for non-profit, co-op, and supportive housing at the public hearing on Vancouver's Social Housing Initiative or send in a supportive comment.
ATTEND the Watch Council Drop-In session on November 24th for personalized advocacy support.
Join the Diaper "Change-In" at City Hall
City staff revealed that cuts to facilities management could lead to removal of baby change tables and period product dispensers in high vandalism areas.
People who menstruate and people who have babies need to access civic facilities in high-vandalism areas, too. Civic buildings should be places where all residents feel welcome and dignified. It's the city's job to maintain them, regardless of what neighbourhood they're in.
That's why we're partnering with grassroots parent advocates for a diaper "change-in" at city hall on November 25th from 9-10:30 am as council begins debating the budget.
Removal of change tables is just one example of how budget cuts will harm women and gender-diverse people:
12% cuts to the department leading on childcare, the women's equity strategy, gender-based violence, sex worker safety, food security, and more.
Increased fees for parks and recreation users and small businesses.
A next-to-nothing increase for public libraries while they're asked to do more with less.
Eliminating the team responsible for creating a climate-resilient future for our kids and protecting residents, especially pregnant people, infants, and seniors, from extreme heat.
Freezing grants that connect vulnerable residents with social and mental health supports and help keep our neighbourhoods safe.
Slashing 400 jobs (while reducing flexible work arrangements that allow caregivers to remain in the workforce).
We believe this budget (and this city!) should be designed for everyone and for our shared future––not just for wealthy residents in an election year.
Join us at the diaper change-in to tell council we can't afford a budget that short-changes working women, gender-diverse people, and families.
Here's what you should know:
Gather on Tuesday, November 25th from 9-10:30 am. We'll meet in the lobby of City Hall (453 West 12th Ave, enter on West 12th), but keep an eye on our Instagram for updates in case plans shift.
All are welcome––you don't need to be a parent or have a baby in diapers to attend.
We'll have a selection of free diapers, tampons, and pads on hand (while supplies last) as well as colouring pages for little ones. Bring anything else you need to keep yourself and loved ones comfortable.
Bring your babies, toddlers, and friends. Expect to meet new neighbours, share the joys and struggles of raising a family in an unaffordable city, lively commentary on the council meeting, and yes, some dirty diaper changes!
Stand Up for Social Housing
The City of Vancouver's infographic shows how these changes will help streamline social housing.
The budget isn't the only important decision council will make next week. They'll also vote on important land-use changes to enable more non-profit, co-op, and supportive housing across Vancouver.
Through WTC's Hot Pink Paper Campaign, the mayor and all elected councillors pledged to reduce barriers to non-market housing by removing costly and convoluted rezoning requirements for some projects. Back in December 2022, we were thrilled that council unanimously supported a motion to do just that.
Almost four years later, Vancouver's Social Housing Initiative is coming to a public hearing on November 27th.
Councillors have an opportunity to follow through on their commitment and enable more of the types of housing Vancouverites need. But this proposal will likely draw significant pushback. We need to speak up for more non-profit, co-op, and supportive housing in every neighbourhood, so council doesn't get cold feet!
Key Dates:
The public hearing is on Thursday, November 27th, starting at 6 pm.
The deadline to register to speak is 5:00 pm on November 27th, but the earlier you register the easier it will be to predict your speaking time.
Written feedback should be sent in by November 26th.
Speak at the Public Hearing. We know that opponents to this proposal will be lining up to speak to council, so let's make sure our voices are heard too. You don't need to be an 'expert' to speak to council––you just have to care about your community and neighbours.
WTC's resource on how to speak to council can help you get started.
Write to Council. If public speaking isn't your thing, a brief written comment goes a long way. Don't overthink your feedback. When it comes to public hearings, done is better than perfect, so keep it short and simple.
Whether you write in or speak, here are some points you may want to emphasize:
This proposal cuts the time to approve and build affordable housing in half, saving non-profit housing providers millions and translating to cheaper rents for tenants.
We need to integrate non-market housing within every neighbourhood. People living in social housing deserve access to quiet streets close to transit, healthcare, schools, shops, and parks.
Neighbourhoods that have been welcoming low-income residents with open arms need other areas of the city to step up as well.
We're in a housing crisis, and all levels of government need to take action. Land-use is municipal jurisdiction – this is one step Vancouver can take to help us get the most out of federal and provincial housing investment.
We have a serious lack of childcare, and this proposal will also make it easier to build new childcare spaces.
Join a Watch Council Drop-In Session. Let's chat about how you can participate in these important decisions at our upcoming Drop-In Session on Monday, Nov. 24th at 12:00pm.
We can help you prepare your remarks or written submission for the public hearing, unpack this proposal, or strategize around the upcoming budget vote!
Hearing from so many incredible speakers and seeing the flood of opposition to this council's disastrous cuts has given me renewed hope. Thanks for taking action and showing up in solidarity for one another.
Let's keep the momentum going and fight for a city that's built for everyone,
P.S. If you appreciate our budget advocacy, chip in to help us sustain and expand this work with a tax-deductible donation.
