Community amenities will be acquiring much needed funds after the City of Vancouver approved significant amendments to its 2023-2026 capital plan this week. Other key changes focus on public spaces, transportation safety, road infrastructure and uplifting local neighbourhoods.

The City has allocated an additional $1 million for the maintenance of Vancouver’s Civic Theatres, while $200,000 was allocated for the Italian Garden Fountain repair, $100,000 for pump replacement at Hastings Park, and $60,000 for Sunset Beach Park Activation.

To support a healthy and active lifestyle,  Trout Lake Score Shack and Batting Cage will receive $100,000 for upgrades and $540,000 for the renewal of ball diamonds and playfields.

In an amendment from Mayor Ken Sim, City Council established the Uplifting Communities Fund with a $6 million allocation from the capital plan. This fund will focus on sidewalk repairs, bin renewal, and other key infrastructure upgrades.

Building on the successes in Chinatown and Gastown, Council aims to replicate the positive changes in other Vancouver neighbourhoods across the city. The City’s engineering team and city manager will prioritize projects based on neighbourhood need.

Since safer streets are a top priority, $5.5 million will further safety improvements, such as Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) and flashing beacons to enhance driver awareness.

Council also allocated an extra $3 million for local roads and $3.5 million for arterial roads to boost accessibility and connectivity across the city.