Vancouver City Council is the governing body of
Vancouver
Vancouver ( ) is a major city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the ...
, British Columbia. The
council consists of a
mayor
In many countries, a mayor is the highest-ranking official in a municipal government such as that of a city or a town. Worldwide, there is a wide variance in local laws and customs regarding the powers and responsibilities of a mayor as well a ...
and ten councillors elected to serve a four-year term. Monthly, a deputy mayor is appointed from among the councillors. The
current mayor is
Ken Sim, who leads the party
ABC Vancouver
ABC Vancouver is a municipal political party in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is led by Vancouver businessman and incumbent mayor Ken Sim.
History
Formation
ABC Vancouver was established by former members of the Non-Partisan Asso ...
. City council meetings are held in
Vancouver City Hall
Vancouver City Hall is home to Vancouver City Council in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Located at 453 West 12th Avenue, the building was ordered by the Vancouver Civic Building Committee, designed by architect Fred Townley and Matheson, and ...
. The
most recent election was on October 15, 2022.
Structure
Unlike many other cities of its size, all Vancouver city councillors are elected
at-large, rather than being elected to represent
municipal wards. A proposal to move to a conventional ward system was rejected by voters in a 2004 referendum. The mayor chairs council meetings and appoints members to regional boards, such as the
Metro Vancouver
The Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD), or simply Metro Vancouver, is a Canadian political subdivision and corporate entity representing the metropolitan area of Greater Vancouver, designated by provincial legislation as one of the 28 ...
Board of Directors.
The
Vancouver Charter
The Vancouver Charter is a provincial statute that incorporates the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The legislation was passed in 1953 and supersedes the ''Vancouver Incorporation Act, 1921''. It grants the city different powers tha ...
outlines the structure, powers and responsibility of the city council. Under the charter, the mayor and City Council have the power to:
* Pass by-laws regulating such things as businesses, building, noise, and land use
* Buy and sell property
* Collect property taxes and other taxes
* Approve major spending for all parts of the City government
* Take on debt
* Allocate funds for special activities, such as arts and community services
* Set up departments and offices for City services
* Hire staff for City departments and offices
Council also maintains a number of standing committees which meet to deliberate on specific topics and hear from speakers. Examples include the City Finance and Services Committee and the Policy and Strategic Priorities Committee. Each committee consists of the entire City Council. City Council also holds public hearings for spot rezonings.
Membership
Since 2022
2018–2022
2014–2018
2011–2014
2008–2011
2005–2008
2002–2005
Notes
References
External links
Vancouver City CouncilVancouver's elected representatives, by Wayne D. MaddenA compilation of election results for Vancouver, British Columbia at the municipal, provincial and federal levels through 2002. Available on Internet Archive.
{{Authority control
Municipal councils in British Columbia
Municipal government of Vancouver