Ken Sim's ABC platform promises property tax freeze, end to parking permit fees | Daily Hive

Ken Sim's ABC platform promises property tax freeze, end to residential parking permit fees

ABC Vancouver

A second consecutive annual property tax freeze in 2027, an end to parking fees at beaches and community centres, and new public swimming pools are among ABC Vancouver’s new promises, as Mayor Ken Sim’s party seeks another term in the civic election on Oct. 17, 2026.

Released yesterday, the party’s platform combines pledges for Vancouver City Council, Vancouver Park Board, and Vancouver School Board, ranging from tougher restrictions on public drug use to swimming lessons during the school day and improvements to aging community centres.

ABC is campaigning under the slogan “Let’s Keep Vancouver Moving Forward,” with an emphasis on closer cooperation among the three elected bodies. Its proposals include both new commitments as well as projects or programs the party says have already been approved.

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In a statement, Sim pointed to public safety spending, infrastructure improvements, efforts to simplify business approvals, and major events such as the FIFA World Cup as reasons to return his team to office.

“We are proud of our progress, but there is more to do. Our focus is clear: keep Vancouver moving forward,” said Sim.

This includes a promised zero per cent property tax increase in 2027, the elimination of residential parking permit fees, and the removal of paid parking at beaches and community centres. The Park Board platform specifically identifies Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks Beach, and all community centres.

ABC also wants a new parking smartphone app that can be used citywide, along with further efforts to speed up permits and reduce administrative costs.

ABC would increase check-ins with department heads to once a week through the VANSTAT program. The party asserts it would also limit taxpayer spending to core municipal responsibilities.

On public safety, ABC proposes banning the use of hard drugs in public spaces, simplifying the process for police to seize those drugs, and pushing for at least 100 involuntary care beds in Vancouver. Last month, ABC’s majority in City Council approved two non-binding advisory plebiscite questions that will be part of the civic election, with one question asking voters whether they support turning a portion of the old St. Paul’s Hospital campus or a similar site into a care facility with involuntary and voluntary care beds, and the other question relating to taking new enforcement measures against hard drug use in public spaces.

The party also wants to require provincial drug consumption sites to be located away from public schools and parks. Other commitments include closer oversight of non-profit organizations and good neighbour agreements for public housing properties affected by street disorder.

A major infrastructure component, called Restoring Vancouver, centres on $400 million for community centre improvements. According to ABC, that funding has already been approved through the City’s 2027-2030 capital plan.

The party identifies Dunbar, Kerrisdale, Hastings, Roundhouse, and Kensington as the five priority community centres for rebuilding or upgrades. It also proposes addressing another five centres in the following capital plan.

ABC is also promising to fulfill the River District Community Centre. As well, its infrastructure plan includes $104 million for roads and sidewalks.

Aquatic recreation facilities feature prominently across the party’s City Council and Park Board platforms. ABC would build new aquatic centres in the Sunset and Marpole neighbourhoods, and in the process provide the city with a new 50-metre lap pool.

The party also proposes a covered public pickleball facility that could operate year-round, along with expanded recreation and youth programs. Its broader family policy outlines calls for more pools, rinks, and available ice time.

For dog owners, ABC is promising to double the number of dog parks and expand off-leash areas, with the goal of providing access in every neighbourhood. It also pledges more attention to park maintenance, including mowing, cleaning, and keeping public spaces free of discarded needles.

The Stanley Park Train is another priority. ABC says it would permanently repair the attraction and make the return of Bright Nights and the Halloween train an immediate priority.

The party also promises to restore what it calls “open access” at Kitsilano Pool — essentially, ending the booking slot session system that has been in place since the pandemic.

For children learning to swim, ABC says it would implement the Joe Fortes Learn-to-Swim program, which it describes as already approved by City Council. The program would make the first three levels of lessons free for children aged three to 12, while increasing lesson capacity so more children can participate.

Separately, its Park Board and School Board candidates would work together to introduce swimming instruction during school hours. The school platform proposes making it part of physical education, with help from community partners.

ABC’s education commitments also include retaining the School Liaison Officer Program and strengthening cooperation among police officers, schools and families.

Its school platform calls for teaching assistants in every classroom, with more assistants and specialized support staff to help students with different learning needs. It also proposes additional staff training, classroom resources and individual support for students.

School funding is another focus, with ABC arguing that provincial school taxes collected in Vancouver should be directed to Vancouver schools.

The party says the provincial government will collect about $659 million in school taxes from Vancouver in 2026, while the Vancouver School Board received approximately $598 million in provincial grants for its 2025-26 budget. ABC describes the difference as a roughly $60 million shortfall and wants that money directed to schools within this jurisdiction.

On the economy, ABC wants to attract more technology companies and jobs, continue improvements to Granville Street in Downtown Vancouver by implementing efforts that further advance the pedestrian zone over the long t erm, and establish a new funding model for major public events, which have been struggling due to rising costs and lower support from corporate sponsors and the federal and provincial governments.

Further policies are expected to be unveiled on Sept. 28, when the party plans to launch the second part of its platform, called Raising Vancouver.

The initial platform outline includes a pledge to double the 2,000 new childcare spaces, create a fund for playground improvements, and expand after-school programs.

ABC is also highlighting the scale of its campaign, sharing that, as of Sept. 18, it had raised more than $2 million from over 4,000 donors since January and knocked on 67,285 doors since early July. The party says it attended 308 events, including 17 pop-ups, since May 1, organized 80 meet-and-greets, and sent out 1,147 lawn signs during September.

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