Vancouver city staff propose fee increases to offset property tax increases

City councillors in Vancouver are considering increasing fees for services like dog licensing and Uber rides, as a way to reduce the proposed 9% property tax increase for the 2024 budget. The proposed fee increases include a $450 short-term rental license fee, a 25% increase to parking permits, a $250 business license fee, and doubling the 30-cent ride-hailing fee. The fees are meant to bring Vancouver in line with other cities and generate new revenue, but some councillors are concerned it will be too regressive and put a burden on already struggling residents and businesses.