City of Vancouver to offer ‘separation program’ for staff

The City of Vancouver will be offering some staff members the opportunity to retire early, or leave their roles of their own accord.

The directive is from city manager Donny van Dyk and is called the Exempt Voluntary Separation Program.

It comes following a virtual town hall held Thursday for staff to ask questions regarding the 2026 budget.

In a statement to CTV News, the City of Vancouver confirmed it shared this information with staff today, and that it is considering a conditional voluntary separation program for exempt or non-unionized staff.

“This may mean regular full-time exempt employees (with some exceptions) have a choice and incentive to leave their employment voluntarily,” the statement continued.

Staff will receive more information next week, the city added.

Earlier this month, Vancouver City Council voted to advise staff to prepare a draft budget for 2026 to identify around $120 million in savings in order to freeze property tax rates.