---
title: "Ken Sim says he will freeze property taxes and points to 23-year crime low"
description: "Mayor Ken Sim told a Vancouver Sun interview series that he will hold property taxes at zero per cent increase and cited violent crime falling to a 23-year low."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/news/ken-sim-conversations-that-matter-october-10"
last_updated: "2026-10-11T03:05:08.034Z"
---

In an interview published by the Vancouver Sun on 10 October 2026, Mayor [Ken Sim](/candidates/ken-sim) said he will hold property tax increases to zero per cent for a second year if re-elected and pointed to violent crime falling to a 23-year low as evidence his administration has improved public safety.

The interview is part of the Conversations That Matter series hosted by broadcaster Stuart McNish, which sat down with five leading mayoral candidates in the week before the 17 October election.

## Property taxes and business environment

Sim told the series that ABC Vancouver delivered a zero per cent property tax increase this year and is committed to the same for next year. He said this certainty helps businesses plan and stay in the city.

He also said his administration cleared over 2,000 pages of regulatory rules and has sped up the building permit process. Sim described this as part of a broader effort to support both housing construction and local businesses, arguing that the cost of housing and the level of incomes in the city are equally part of the affordability problem.

## Public safety

On public safety, Sim cited the 23-year low in violent crime and said the city is in a better position than it was four years ago. He also cited the federal bail reform introduced under Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying the change shifts the burden so the person being detained now has to show why they should be released, rather than the Crown having to argue for detention. Sim said this helps stabilize neighbourhoods with persistent offending.

On involuntary care, Sim said he believes about 400 people account for 80 to 90 per cent of the public safety challenges the city sees. He said getting this group off the streets and into health care for mental health and substance use challenges is a priority. Involuntary care is a major point of difference between ABC Vancouver and other parties in this race.

## Infrastructure

Sim said his administration inherited a 500 million dollar a year capital and infrastructure deficit. He said prior governments had not made the necessary investments and that his administration is now doing so, including in community centres and underground pipes. He apologised for the traffic disruption this causes.

Voting day is 17 October 2026. Advance voting is open at multiple locations across Vancouver until 15 October. Voters can find their local voting place at [vancouver.ca/where-to-vote](/where-to-vote).

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.