Vancouver city manager warns job changes could start next month

Vancouver City Hall is seen in Vancouver, on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Following Vancouver city council’s approval of a budget that will freeze property tax increases next year, the city’s manager says some workforce transitions may be required in December.

In an email sent to staff Tuesday, Donny van Dyk wrote: “We know that some teams will experience adjustments in the coming weeks, and we are very committed to supporting you through this process.”

The changes may occur in December, Van Dyk added, “as departments align their operations with the approved budget ahead of the 2026 fiscal year starting in January.”

The city will communicate clearly and regularly as decisions are made, he added, and another virtual town hall for staff will be held on Dec. 8.

On Tuesday, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC party majority voted to approve his ‘Zero Means Zero’ motion to pause property tax increases next year.“

If we maintain the status quo or if we were on the path that our opposition would like us to be on, this place will be less affordable,” Sim said.

Due to the zero per cent property tax increase, staff were tasked to find about $120 million in savings. Part of the reductions include 400 positions, two-thirds of which are expected to be unionized jobs.

Santino Scardillo, the acting president with CUPE 15, which represents staff at various departments at the city, said the announcement was “deeply disappointing, especially given the strong opposition from the community.”

In an email to employees, Scardillo wrote: “While we did not get the outcome we hoped for, your efforts in opposing this budget are appreciated.”

His email to employees continued, “Our fight is not over. We will continue to fight back in every way we can.”