ABC Vancouver to fast-track business licensing in the City of Vancouver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 22, 2022

VANCOUVER — ABC Vancouver announced today that an ABC Majority on Council would reduce business license wait times from 8.2 months to an absolute maximum of three weeks.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Vancouver’s economy,” said ABC Council candidate Lenny Zhou. “We want to ensure that Vancouver is a place where businesses can thrive and create good paying jobs.”

The ABC plan would explore best practices to reduce existing license wait times.

“The City of Vancouver’s business license wait times are among the worst in the region, that’s completely unacceptable,” continued Zhou. “Nobody should have to wait over half a year just to be able to open their business.”

Excessive wait times for business licensing can cause significant negative consequences on local communities and the ability to access neighbourhood services and amenities.

“A strong local economy benefits everyone,” concluded Zhou. “Businesses, workers, and residents alike will benefit from this policy shift.”

ABC Vancouver has nominated nineteen candidates for the October 15th municipal elections; Ken Sim for Mayor; Lenny Zhou, Peter Meiszner, Brian Montague, Mike Klassen, and incumbent City Councillors Rebecca Bligh, Lisa Dominato, and Sarah Kirby-Yung for Council; Brennan Bastyovanszky, Laura Christensen, Angela Haer, Marie-Claire Howard, Scott Jensen, and Jas Virdi for Park Board; Alfred Chien, Preeti Faridkot, Victoria Jung, Christopher Richardson, and Josh Zhang for School Board.

-30-

Media Contact:

Taylor Verrall
604-968-3067 | taylor@abcvancouver.ca

Previous Ken Sim criticizes lacklustre public safety proposals from Stewart, Hardwick

Sign Up for the ABC Vancouver Newsletter

Sign Up for the ABC Vancouver Newsletter

We acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the Unceded Territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

ABC proactively seeks to support and elevate those from traditionally marginalized and underrepresented communities including women, members of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community, indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons living with a disability, immigrants, and those who experience or have experienced economic hardship.

Authorized by the Financial Agent for ABC Vancouver

ABC Vancouver
PO Box 95043
Vancouver RPO Kingsgate
Vancouver BC V5T 4T8
info@abcvancouver.ca