NPA’S Ken Sim vows to protect independent businesses
Vancouver: Ken Sim and the NPA team have released Building A Strong Local Economy, a plan to keep and attract businesses in Vancouver’s neighbourhoods. In addition, the plan will also focus on driving economic growth to raise wages.
“As Mayor, I’ll protect independent businesses and help them grow, by speeding and simplifying business approvals, and addressing property tax challenges so that businesses can thrive and our neighbourhoods can be vibrant,” says Sim, the co-founder of successful, locally based businesses Nurse Next Door and Rosemary Rocksalt.
Sim and the NPA will address the pressing challenges threatening Vancouver’s small businesses – including unresponsive permitting processes, skyrocketing property taxes, and preparing the city for the impacts and opportunities that come with rapid, disruptive technological change.
Sim also notes the link between economic prosperity and affordability: “Vancouverites are paying New York housing prices, but only making Vancouver wages – and that needs to change.” “Strengthening our economy is critical to addressing one half of the affordability crunch that too many Vancouverites are facing.”
“Having started and grown two businesses here in Vancouver, I know there’s an urgent need to build a strong, resilient local economy and get housing built that’s within reach for Vancouverites,” Sim says.