ABC Council Majority Takes Initiative to Improve Childcare Access and Support Our Most Vulnerable Communities
For Immediate Release
November 29, 2023
Vancouver, BC – Today, ABC Councillors tackled long-standing barriers that have prevented the necessary support for our most vulnerable and the delivery of childcare. These measures highlight your ABC Council Majority’s dedication to improving the lives of all Vancouverites and creating a better city.
New Actions to Support Our City’s Most Vulnerable
ABC Councillor Rebecca Bligh brought forward a motion today that aims to uplift the Downtown Eastside and create quality housing for our most vulnerable. ABC’s Council Majority is committed to building a brighter, more stable future for all residents in the city.
“Vancouverites who are experiencing homelessness, mental health, and addiction challenges require more support from all levels of government,” said Councillor Bligh. “It is important that we as a city leverage every tool we have at the municipal level to address these issues and I am grateful for the support of my fellow Councillors and the community.”
New Childcare Initiatives
Building on previous successes, Councillors Mike Klassen and Lisa Dominato brought forward a motion today directing staff to explore new policy options that will provide greater flexibility in residential childcare regulations and could significantly increase childcare spaces in residential areas.
“We know families are struggling to find childcare,” said Councillor Lisa Dominato. “Access to quality childcare is not only essential for the working parents of our community but is also a fundamental building block for the future success and prosperity of our city.”
Previous motions brought forward by Councillors Klassen and Dominato have already directed City staff to increase childcare spaces by harmonizing and aligning the City’s childcare policies and guidelines with the Province’s.
The specific steps ABC Councillors advanced today to create more childcare spaces, include direction to staff to explore and report back with options for:
- simpler application processes and lower upfront fees
- increasing the number of allowable childcare spaces, and
- zoning allowances where a main residence could be used for childcare, and the associated laneway home could serve as the occupied residence
“I am excited to see us keep pushing forward,” stated Councillor Mike Klassen. “We know there is more work to be done, but we are seeing great momentum. By working together with providers, we can make significant strides to address the childcare gap and create a city where families feel supported.”
Today’s initiatives demonstrate the compassionate and well-considered approach to core issues your ABC Council Majority is committed to.
– 30 –
“For media inquiries, please contact:
Christy Thompson
Executive Director, ABC Vancouver
christy.thompson@abcvancouver.
403-689-9669