City of Vancouver lays off dozens of staff following property tax freeze

The City of Vancouver has notified approximately 30 non-unionized staff members that their roles will be ending, according to an email from the city manager.

It comes after the city’s direction to freeze property taxes next year.

On Thursday, Donny van Dyk called the changes significant, adding, “I know many of us are thinking about our colleagues who are no longer with the organization.”

Van Dyk’s email continued, saying the city leadership team will “review structures and staffing to align operations with the 2026 Budget,” adding, additional changes are expected early next year.

As for unionized positions, van Dyk said they have not confirmed details, but that conversations with the unions have started.

A virtual town hall will be held Dec. 8.

In an email, the City of Vancouver said termination notices were issued to staff across a number of departments, including engineering services.

In November, the unions representing city workers confirmed approximately 400 positions, two-thirds of which are expected to be unionized, would be cut.

The cuts stem from Mayor Ken Sim’s successful ‘Zero Means Zero’ motion, that directed staff to find around $120 million in savings