Kate Yurkovich
Associate
Guides
Publié09 novembre 2020
COVID-19: Municipal measures - The City of Vancouver
40
minutes de lecture
Municipal measures - The City of Vancouver
On March 19, 2020, the Vancouver City Council declared a local state of emergency.
The Province of BC has suspended local states of emergency specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, except for the City of Vancouver.
On May 25, 2020, Vancouver launched Restart Smart Vancouver as the City's phased approach to economic recovery in Vancouver. Vancouver is seeking input from residents and businesses in the Measuring Ongoing Impacts of COVID-19 Survey.
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Temporary Emergency Childcare Referral System for Essential Services |
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DESCRIPTION |
The City of Vancouver launched Temporary Emergency Childcare for Essential Workers in response to COVID-19. The referral system will connect Essential Service Workers meeting the program's criteria, with licensed childcare providers that are open and available for childcare during this public health crisis. |
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ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY |
Parents or guardians of children ages 0-12 who are eligible, should submit the Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre (WCCRC) online request form. |
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LINKS |
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Social Resilience Task Force Delivering Essential Needs for Vancouver Residents |
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DESCRIPTION |
Two emergency response centres are opening in Downtown Vancouver to create additional capacity and provide a safer place for those experiencing homelessness. In addition to the referral centres, the City's Social Resilience Task Force has deployed teams to work on the following areas:
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LINKS |
The March 26, 2020 news release can be found here. Information on the Emergency Response Centres and Locations can be found here. Information on the Food Security Task Force can be found here. |
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City Launches Office to Support Local Businesses |
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DESCRIPTION |
The City established the COVID-19 Business Communications and Support Office to assist local businesses. The office is a single point of contact for Vancouver's local business owners to get information from the City of Vancouver regarding business support programs, to learn what City-run business services are currently available, and to make suggestions to the City concerning business and the economy. |
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LINKS |
Local businesses seeking help can connect with the office by or calling 3-1-1, or emailing COVIDResponseforBusiness@vancouver.ca |
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Community Resilience Measures |
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DESCRIPTION |
The City of Vancouver has partnered with Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Housing on a multi-agency public partner task force to implement an immediate plan of action and information-distribution network that focuses on residents of the Downtown Eastside (DTES) and populations that are most at risk. |
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LINKS |
Information on the City of Vancouver's Community Resilience program can be found here. |
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Tax Measures for Businesses and Individuals |
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DESCRIPTION |
Property tax payments for both residential and commercial property taxes will be deferred for 60 days, moving the new tax payment deadline to September 30, 2020. |
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LINKS |
April 29, 2020, announcement on the Vancouver City Council approving the delay, can be found here. |
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Vancouver Improves Range of Grocery and Meal Programs for Downtown Eastside |
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DESCRIPTION |
The Food Security and Access team, which is part of the City's COVID-19 Community Resilience Branch, is working on a number of scalable programs that will improve access to healthy and regular meals on a daily basis. |
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ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY |
These programs will focus on residents who are marginalized and/or made more vulnerable through the crisis, including those who are in self-isolation, ill or can't have their needs met because services are diminishing. |
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Stanley Park and Beach Avenue Temporary Shared Roadways for Vehicles and Cyclists |
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DESCRIPTION |
The Vancouver Park Board passed a motion on Friday, June 19 to reopen Stanley Park with temporary measures to provide modified access to vehicle traffic to support businesses, individuals, and park partner needs. The reopen will see one lane of Park Drive designated for vehicles, while the other will be reserved for cyclists to allow for adequate physical distancing inside the park as the province readies itself to enter phase three of the BC Restart Plan. |
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LINKS |
The June 19, 2020, news release can be found here. Closure of roads information can be found here. |
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City Debuts Give a Hand Vancouver |
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DESCRIPTION |
The City launched Give a Hand Vancouver, an initiative dedicated to accepting community offers from businesses and organizations in support of continued efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. |
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City introduces new measures in the Downtown Eastside |
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DESCRIPTION |
The City is taking steps to help ensure residents can access essential services and information, and stay safe, during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include:
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Mobi by Shaw Go and City of Vancouver offers free bike share pass to essential workers |
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DESCRIPTION |
Mobi by Shaw Go, in partnership with the City of Vancouver, has launched the Mobi by Shaw Go Essential Services Membership Program today to provide COVID-19 essential service employees with a free 90-day pass. |
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ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY |
Designated essential workers who must travel at this time such as those working in healthcare, transit, and grocery stores, can obtain a free 90-day pass by signing up through their employers. Employers of essential services professionals should email mailto:grouprates@mobibikes.com to obtain enrollment information to distribute to staff. |
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LINKS |
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City Dashboard to highlight COVID-19 Issues and Responses |
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DESCRIPTION |
The City released an online dashboard for you to track our emergency response and efforts to curb to the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As the City takes unprecedented steps to adapt services and mobilize resources to help support everyone impacted by this public health emergency, this tool provides a snapshot view of integral services and will be updated regularly to keep people informed and up to date on the latest information. |
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LINKS |
The City of Vancouver's dashboard can be found here. |
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Map of Food Resources |
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DESCRIPTION |
The City created a map of food resources in order to direct people and organizations to resources across the city where they can find information on how to find, grow, buy, and donate food or volunteer and apply for grants. |
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LINKS |
The April 17, 2020, news release on the map of free and low-cost meals available can be found here. The City's COVID-19 food resource page can be found here. |
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Park Board to Reopen Golf Courses and VanDusen Botanical Garden |
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DESCRIPTION |
The Vancouver Park Board is reopening Fraserview and McCleery golf courses and VanDusen Botanical Garden for public use on Friday, May 1. The sites will operate with new physical distancing procedures for users and staff to ensure a safe experience. Langara Gold Course will reopen to public use on Friday, May 15. |
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LINKS |
The April 27, 2020, news release on the reopening of the golf courses and garden can be found here. The May 7, 2020, news release on the reopening of the Langara Golf Course can be found here. |
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Emergency Response Centres for People Experiencing Homelessness |
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DESCRIPTION |
The Vancouver Community Resilience team has partnered with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and B.C. Housing to temporarily use City facilities as emergency response centres. Roundhouse and Coal Harbour community centres were selected as centres to house people who are experiencing homelessness. |
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LINKS |
For the three-stage approach Vancouver has planned to meet urgent housing needs, announced April 29, 2020, see here. |
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Tennis Courts in Vancouver to Open |
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DESCRIPTION |
The Vancouver Park Board is reopening tennis and pickleball courts in neighborhoods across Vancouver this weekend, with a phased approach that will see 53 courts in action across seven locations beginning Saturday, May 9. |
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LINKS |
For the May 8, 2020, news release on tennis returning to Vancouver, see here. |
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City of Vancouver Offers Micro-Weddings Summer 2020 |
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DESCRIPTION |
The City of Vancouver is making the Helena Gutteridge Plaza outdoor venue adjacent to City Hall available for micro-weddings of up to 10 people total. |
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LINKS |
To book the space for your wedding, see here. For the May 8, 2020, news release, see here. |
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City of Vancouver to Provide Safer Washroom Facilities in the Downtown Eastside and Kingsway |
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DESCRIPTION |
Starting next week, porta-potties and portable handwashing stations, which were quickly installed weeks ago as an initial urgent COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emergency response measure, will be replaced with washroom trailers equipped with toilets, soap, and handwashing basins |
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City Rescinds Emergency Order to Shut Down Restaurant Table Service |
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DESCRIPTION |
The City is rescinding the order issued on March 20 that shut down all restaurant table service as a result of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The City is rescinding this order in order to provide clarity to Vancouver's business owners and operators under the Phase 2 orders issued by Dr. Bonnie Henry, which allows food service establishments to restart in-person service under new conditions as of Tuesday, May 19, 2020. |
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Approval of Public Alcohol Consumption |
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DESCRIPTION |
Vancouver City Council has approved a temporary pilot program allowing public consumption of alcohol in select locations from August 10 to mid-October 2020. The intent of the pilot program is to give people an opportunity to enjoy alcohol outside where physical distancing is easier. |
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LINKS |
For the July 30, 2020, news release on the public consumption of alcohol, see here. |
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Temporary Expedited Patio Program |
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DESCRIPTION |
Between now and October 31, 2020, businesses can apply online for their temporary small, large, curbside, or private patio permit Applicants who meet the mandatory requirements for public patios can expect to receive their permit within two business days of submitting their completed application. Since launched the Temporary Expedited Patio Permit Program on June 1, the City has received issued 280 temporary expedited patio permits and expanded the program to patios on private property. As part of Vancouver's efforts to expand the program and support more businesses, breweries with a manufacturing licence are now eligible to apply for a temporary expedited patio permit. |
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ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY |
Submit an application for the Province's temporary service area expansion here. Businesses intending to serve alcohol on their patio must also meet Provincial liquor licensing requirements, and obtain provincial approval for a temporary service area expansion. |
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LINKS |
For the July 24, 2020, news release, see here. For the July 17, 2020, news release, see here. For the July 3, 2020, news release, see here. For the June 19, 2020, news release, see here. For the June 12, 2020, news release, see here. For the June 4, 2020, news release, see here. |
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Outdoor Recreation Facilities to Open for Casual Use |
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DESCRIPTION |
The Vancouver Park Board will begin reopening more than 320 outdoor recreation amenities across the city on Friday, May 29 including skate parks, synthetic sports fields, basketball and volleyball courts, disc golf, roller hockey, multisport courts, and 166 playgrounds. |
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LINKS |
For the May 28, 2020, news release, see here. |
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The City of Vancouver Announced Plans for 50 km of Slow Streets and Use Roadways for Patios |
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DESCRIPTION |
Vancouver is introducing 50 kilometers of "slow streets" that will free up parking space and travel lanes for patio and sidewalk areas, allowing for easier adherence to physical distancing. |
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LINKS |
See the May 25, 2020, news release here. |
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Pop-Up Plazas and Parklets |
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DESCRIPTION |
Vancouver is installing its first temporary pop-up plaza, to help residents safely return to community life. Pop-up plazas are the latest measure Vancouver is taking to provide people with more space to resume everyday activities. The plazas will be designed with temporary seating to give people the opportunity to eat, visit, rest, and enjoy the weather while maintaining a safe distance from others. Four more plazas were installed on June 23, 2020. |
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LINKS |
The June 23, 2020, news release can be found here. The June 12, 2020, news release on pop-up plazas can be found here. |
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Outdoor Sport Facility Permits |
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DESCRIPTION |
Beginning July 1, the Vancouver Park Board will resume outdoor sport facility permits which allow groups, such as sports teams and childcare programs, to reserve:
All Park Board permits were initially suspended in March as part of the Park Board's response to COVID-19. |
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ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY |
To apply for an outdoor facility rental permit, see here. First, you must review the facility schedules for availability. Second, you must complete an online reservation request. This will require proof of insurance. |
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LINKS |
For the status of services and facilities impacted by COVID-19, see here. For the June 15, 2020, news release on outdoor sport facility permits, see here . |
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COVID-19 Recovery Committee |
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DESCRIPTION |
Vancouver City Council has created a special committee to gather advice and insight from experts and stakeholders, as it continues to push forward the city's recovery from the pandemic. The Council COVID-19 Recovery Committee (CCRC) is made up of all Council members and began work on May 22. The Committee will be hearing from experts and stakeholders on a range of issues, and has already received advice from leading economic advisors. |
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LINKS |
For the June 5, 2020, news release on the COVID-19 Recovery Committee, see here. |
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Day Camps for Children Offered this Summer |
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DESCRIPTION |
Day camps are set to begin operating this summer at 18 neighbourhood parks in Vancouver and VanDusen Botanical Garden. The Vancouver Park Board and Community Centre Associations will operate day camps in parks for seven weeks beginning July 20, while the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association will operate nature camps for eight weeks at VanDusen Garden beginning June 29. |
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Park Board to Resume Food Services at Concession Stands and Golf Courses |
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DESCRIPTION |
Beginning in July, the Vancouver Park Board will welcome diners to its concession stands and golf course restaurants throughout the city. Food services will resume with some changes. |
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LINKS |
For the June 30, 2020, news release on resuming food services, see here. |
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Childcare Services Returning to Community Centres in September |
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DESCRIPTION |
Licensed childcare and preschool services will be able to reopen at 20 community centres across Vancouver starting September 1. The majority of childcare services that operate out of Park Board community centres were closed in March in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, with the exception of Britannia, Creekside, Mount Pleasant, and Ray-Cam, which provided childcare to children of essential service workers. |
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ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY |
Some childcare and preschool services may already be filled as parents and guardians registered their children at the start of the year. |
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LINKS |
See the July 23, 2020, news release on childcare services here. |
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Priority Programs to Restart in September |
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DESCRIPTION |
Programs and services focusing on children, youth, seniors, and food security, are scheduled to restart September 8 at 24 community centres across Vancouver. Program offerings such as Happy Hearts, yoga for seniors, osteofit, seniors' social, Minds in Motion External website, opens in new tab, seniors' lunch, food hamper, and youth social and leadership activities might be limited due to new COVID-19 protocols, room capacity, and safety precautions. |
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Making Streets for People Initiative |
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DESCRIPTION |
As part of the "Making Streets for People" initiative, the City of Vancouver has supported and adapted to evolving needs, including:
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LINKS |
See the August 19, 2020, news release on Making Streets for People initiative. To offer feedback on these temporary changes, see here. |
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Vancouver Police Department Enforcement of COVID-19 Orders |
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DESCRIPTION |
As of August 21, 2020, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) will have the authority to enforce provincial health orders with specified penalties such as tickets.
$200 violation tickets for individuals will be for those who:
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ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY |
The City and the VPD strongly urge residents and businesses to report all complaints and concerns via VanConnect, online or by mobile app, or by calling 3-1-1. |
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LINKS |
For more information on penalties, see here. See the August 21, 2020 news release on VPD enforcement here. |
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Pandemic Recovery Funding |
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DESCRIPTION |
Province of British Columbia will provide more than half a billion dollars in funding to local governments and transit agencies, as part of the pandemic recovery program. |
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LINKS |
See the September 17, 2020 news release here For more information about the City of Vancouver's COVID-19 support and recovery efforts, see here. |
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Revised Capital Investment Plan |
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DESCRIPTION |
City Council proposed adjustments to the current capital plan, in response to an estimated $219 million in reduced development and partner contributions as a result of significantly decreased development activity and the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic. The $254 million reduction in the capital plan reduces the four-year capital investment from $2.9 billion to $2.6 billion. |
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ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY |
Examples of projects that have been scaled back or delayed to a future capital plan include:
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LINKS |
See the September 18, 2020 news release here. For a complete list of adjustments by program and by project, see here. |
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Reduced Fare Transit Pilot |
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DESCRIPTION |
The Reduced Fare Transit Pilot will be funded through $50,000 provided by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. The Reduced Faire Transit Pilot will seek to design, test, evaluate and make recommendations for free or subsidized single-zone transit passes in Vancouver for 50-100 people experiencing poverty, with Indigenous and racialized residents prioritized. |
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LINKS |
See the September 15, 2020 news release here. For a full Reduced-Fare Transit Pilot Project report, see here. |
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Cultural Impact Critical Assistance (CICA) Program |
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DESCRIPTION |
The COVID-19 Cultural Impact Critical Assistance (CICA) program aims to provide one-time funding for cultural nonprofit organizations that have been most impacted by COVID-19 and those who provide critical programs, services, and space to some of the most impacted artists and groups in the city. |
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ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY |
CICA grants are open to all Vancouver-based arts and cultural nonprofit organizations, including groups that already receive funding from the City of Vancouver and those that have never applied or received funding before. Most of these one-time grants will be up to $25,000. To apply, organizations must complete a brief Expression of Interest (EOI) form before November 4, 2020. These submissions are the first in a two stage process for consideration of funding, therefore we encourage organizations to submit their EOIs as early as possible in order to complete an application, where applicable, before November 18th. |
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LINKS |
For more information about the CICA program, see here.. For information on applying for the one-time grant, see here. |
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Renter Services Grant Program |
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DESCRIPTION |
The Renter Services grant program is intended to augment and enhance an organization's capacity to support and advocate for Vancouver renters, and aim to address three main priorities and outcomes for renters in Vancouver:
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ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY |
Application closes for 2021 Renter Services grant on October 23, 2020 |
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LINKS |
For more information about how to apply for the Renters Services Grant Program, see here. |
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