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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.

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C$ falls to a four-week low against the US dollar as investors watch the economy's reaction to rate hikes

 


The Canadian dollar (C$) has slipped against the US dollar as investors are keeping a close eye on the economy's reaction to rate hikes. The C$ fell to a near four-week low against the US dollar, trading 0.4% lower at 1.3395 to the greenback, or 74.65 US cents. The Bank of Canada (BoC) has said that a slowdown in the domestic economy is an indication that its monetary policy is working. Money markets expect the central bank to cut its benchmark interest rate in April after holding it at a 22-year high of 5% for a third straight policy meeting in December. Canadians borrowed heavily during the pandemic to participate in a red-hot housing market. The BoC has said that the domestic economy is particularly sensitive to higher borrowing costs. 



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