Metro Vancouver Regional District’s (MVRD) outgoing board has shuffled some of its key votes to the incoming team in November.
Following this October’s election, Metro Vancouverites will be represented by a new group of people who have their work cut out for them— including a major decision on the budget vote.
RELATED:
- Higher Grocery Costs Are Forcing Young Canadians To Extreme Measures
- Vancouver’s New Council Takes Office Monday And Here’s What They Promised
Deferred Budget
On Friday, MVRD’s proposed $1.7-billion 2027 budget plan was deferred. By an overwhelming vote of 89 in favour of deferral versus 36 against, it was made clear that the budget would now fall on the shoulders of the next board.
Included in the delayed budget decision is MVRD’s draft solid waste management plan, which could lead to an increase in garbage disposal fees by 5% a year. Adding that up equals to a 63% increase over a decade, compounded over time.
Garbage Bills in Metro Vancouver
According to a letter from the Business Council of B.C. (BCBC), the costs will “ultimately reach residents through household bills and the prices businesses charge.”
The letter, addressed to MVRD, called for the October 30 vote to be postponed. Moreover, they asked for a 90-day public comment period on the new financial projections.
Metro revised the plan in response to feedback, but our central concerns about rising costs, competition and independent oversight remain unresolved. Metro still runs waste facilities and sets the rules for competing providers. The federal Competition Bureau warned in 2019 that Metro’s approach could reduce competition and increase fees. These concerns should be addressed before the plan is approved.
Regardless, the vote will now be handed off the MVRD’s incoming board as they decide if Metro Vancouver will pay more on garbage bills. The next board meeting is scheduled for November 27, 2026.
