Mayor Linda Buchanan, with Councillor Lisa Muri, proposed a motion at the Metro Vancouver Board meeting to cap the 2025 budget tax increase at 7% and implement zero-based budgeting to cut inefficiencies. The motion, which aimed to review expenses line by line, was mostly defeated, although a 72-72 vote on zero-based budgeting reflected strong support for fiscal change.
Buchanan has expressed concern that public feedback on tax relief was disregarded, urging the Board to take community consultations seriously in guiding decisions. She vowed to continue advocating for a new budgeting approach that balances growth, affordability, and accountability to build a sustainable future.
Linda Buchanan’s letter in full
Today I, along with District of North Vancouver Councillor Lisa Muri, brought forward a motion at the Metro Vancouver Board meeting that sought to reduce the proposed tax increase in the 2025 Metro Vancouver budget. This motion spoke to the need to limit the tax increase to 7%, to go line by line through the budget to identify waste and inefficiencies in Metro Vancouver departments, and to move towards zero-based budgeting—a practice used by public sector agencies and jurisdictions across Canada to eliminate unnecessary spending and reduce costs.
“Sadly, the Board defeated all but one of the recommendations. In a 72-72 vote, we came very close to carrying the recommendation that we move to zero-based budgeting. While this is a disappointing result, it speaks to the growing consensus that we cannot continue down this same path Metro Vancouver has been on for a number of years now. I look forward to continuing these important conversations with my colleagues at the Board. “I have never been more optimistic that members of the Board share in my desire to shake up the status quo and look to how we can build a better, more fiscally disciplined, and sustainable organization for future generations. It is clear in a 72-72 vote that there is appetite for the change.
“In a motion I brought to the Board in the spring, I advocated for enhanced public consultations on the budget. This summer, public consultations occurred and we heard clearly that we must find ways to reduce the tax burden of Metro Vancouver on families, seniors, and businesses. The public consultation process ended just 10 days before Metro Vancouver committees received the draft budget. I am therefore left with the impression that the feedback from community was not given the due it deserves. Today I asked my colleagues what good is it to ask the public for input if we do not listen. Public consultation is not a box to tick, rather it is an evolving conversation that we use to guide decision-making. “I am committed to continuing to advocate for increased transparency, engagement, and good governance.
“Budgets are about choices—they reflect our priorities, our values, and the future we want to build together. My vision for the region is one where people and businesses can afford to not just survive, but get a head. I believe we can be a region of growth, prosperity, and investment. However, we cannot reach this vision if we carry down this same path.
“I believe that as people and businesses tighten their spending so to should Metro Vancouver. Costs add up quickly for people, and Metro Vancouver has a responsibility to ask if people afford what they are proposing. Committing to a smaller budget increase will give families just that little bit extra that can go a long way. As a mother of four, I know the difference that money can make.
“Together we can build the infrastructure we need and deliver the core services we all rely on. We can do this without creating untenable burdens on household budgets. Together we must continue to use our voice to demand better. With an eye on the future, we can do better today. “I will not give up on moving towards an alternative budgeting process, such as zero-based budgeting. It is the right thing to do and it will bring renewed transparency and fiscal discipline to how we govern Metro Vancouver. The time is now for a new financial framework.”
Remember CNV Mayor Buchanan WAS co chair of Metro Vancouver board from 2018 to 2022 while the NSWTF cost was skyrocketing out of control AND she pocketed $200,000.00 as a personal side hustle…hypocrisy on steroids!
And now there’s a renovation to the water supply line to feed Vancouver with water… with the Northshore water treatment plant cost offloaded to residents, we should be protesting that we won’t pay a cent towards this!!! Turn off the tap to Vancouver!