Vancouver Mayor's Election Promises, Business Support

0:00It's April 9th. This is Vancouver News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Vancouver Mayor Kansim dropped his last state of the city speech for this term, straight in election mode. Speaking to over 700 business leaders, he promised if his ABC party wins another majority this October, they'll freeze property taxes for. The second year running and pump $400 million into rebuilding five community centers. The biggest such plan in city history. He highlighted three years of wins since taking council majority in 2022, like last year's 0% tax hike, quicker building, permits, and beefed up police budgets. Sim positioned his team as pro business all the way, saying they get the pain points and want everyone thriving in Vancouver. Council reactions were mixed, especially from challengers. One ABC turned independent counselor, called it disappointing for residents but energizing for her mayor run. The green candidate dismissed it as pure election season talk, questioning how another tax

1:01freeze handles inflation and aging infrastructure amid, polite but not wild applause. Meanwhile, the city's buzzing more than before. Rankings jump from 69th to 41st globally, crediting hotel booms, the Broadway subway, and new hospital openings, leaving behind the old. No fun city label. Sims dial back pass fights like scrapping the cardboard and federal bail reform gripes, striking an upbeat note now. With October votes looming, Sims laying out his vision clear as day, betting big on business support to keep the momentum rolling.