’No Fun City’ No More: Mayor Sim promises policy changes for hospitality sector
New City of Vancouver hospitality working group to address longstanding policy issues
“I am very pleased to see that the City of Vancouver is committed to real change for the hospitality industry. It is an honour to be a part of this working group and I look forward to the collaborative effort to streamline processes and eliminate costly delays. We are all committed to seeing progress and advancement with antiquated laws and regulations that need to be updated. I wish to thank Mayor Ken Sim and the Vancouver City Councillors for their support in taking a hard look at longstanding policy issues that have challenged so many of our clients.” – Bert Hick, President & Founder – Rising Tide Consultants
For Immediate Release
June 14th, 2023
Vancouver, BC – On Friday, Mayor Ken Sim was joined by members of Vancouver City Council and representatives from the hospitality sector to announce the creation of a new City of Vancouver hospitality sector working group.
“With today’s announcement of a new hospitality working group, we have an opportunity to help create a better, more vibrant, and prosperous future for our local economy,” said Councillor Lisa Dominato. “We’ve heard a clear demand for policy change from local businesses and this working group is an important first step.”
The working group is a City-staff led initiative, overseen by the Development, Building, and Licensing department. Its members include city staff and representatives from the hospitality sector. The working group’s goals are to identify, adjust, and eliminate red tape that present challenges to businesses in the sector.
“The hospitality sector is critical to the local economy,” continued Dominato. “That’s why the City is inviting members of the hospitality industry to participate in this collaborative working group, with a clear goal of making life easier for our local businesses.
While certain recommendations from the working group may require Council approval, the direct link between industry and City staff will allow policy change to occur at a faster rate.
“Vancouver is open for business and its time for our City to lose its “no fun” reputation once and for all,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “We all want to see these businesses succeed and we want the City of Vancouver to play a big role in helping make that happen.”
The working group has informally met once already and will continue to meet throughout the summer with the goal of providing an update in the Fall on progress being made.
Media Contact:
Taylor Verrall
Director of Communications, Office of the Mayor