Creativity and Innovation

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“A world-class city needs to foster entrepreneurial and artistic creativity, and attract innovators from all sectors around the world. It’s time we ditched the red-tape, ‘no-fun city’ label and embraced a culture of creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation, to help our artistic and small-business sectors thrive in a competitive economy.”

Gregor Robertson

 

Supporting our Creative Artists and Entrepreneurs

Despite forming the backbone of Vancouver’s economy, small businesses and individuals have been ignored at City Hall too often. By eliminating red tape, and creating a tax system that works with our creative business people and artists, Gregor Robertson and Vision Vancouver will ensure that our city fulfills its creative potential and becomes a centre of innovation in North America. 

Our Record

  • Vision Councillors took the lead in supporting the 901 Main Street artists in their bid to retain affordable studio space.
  • Vision stood up for small businesses by calling for City Hall to support Cambie Street businesses in seeking compensation from the provincial government for loss of business from the Canada Line construction.
  • Vision has opposed the wasteful spending projects of the NPA, including $13 million on the 3-1-1 phone system, $800,000 on the Downtown Ambassadors Program, and $600,000 on EcoDensity.
  • Vision has driven the expansion of more patio space in Vancouver, as well as expanded and permanent licensing for Farmer’s Markets
  • Vision has directed staff to review the expansion of Car Free days around the city including monthly events in Davie Village, Commercial Drive, and Punjabi Village.
  • Vision pushed for the inclusion of local artists and supporters when Vancouver hosts the Junos
  • Vision opposed the NPA administration’s cutting of $300,000 from the arts budget in 2006 and openly opposed arts funding cuts in the 2008 federal budget.
  • Vision supported investing more in cultural tourism, as well as increasing funding for Gay and Lesbian tourism initiatives
  • Vision pushed for staff to report back on how the City could support small businesses in the city.