City’s “zero means zero” budget lacks detail, says Green Councillor, growing infrastructure deficit, lack of asset management framework, suggest need for independent oversight.

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Green City Councillor and mayoral candidate Pete Fry has introduced a motion to establish an independent oversight officer to strengthen financial accountability, improve asset management, and ensure greater transparency in how public funds are spent.

The proposal responds to growing concerns about the complexity of the City’s finances and infrastructure deficit, rising costs, and the need for stronger oversight of major public investments.

“Vancouver taxpayers want to know how their money is being spent," said Fry. “Right now, we see a growing infrastructure deficit, we don’t have a cross-departmental asset management framework, and gimmicks like Mayor Sim’s ‘zero means zero’ budget have left us with zero accountability.”

Vancouver’s Auditor General, responsible for audits and accountability, recently recommended the city establish an asset management framework. There is currently no independent role providing ongoing financial oversight and coordination across departments.

If approved, the motion directs staff to report back on a by-law to establish a City Comptroller as an independent officer reporting to Council, with responsibilities including:

• Monitoring expenditures and breaking down departmental silos

• Overseeing the development of a citywide asset management framework

• Improving transparency and public reporting on infrastructure and investments

• Ensuring compliance with Council-approved financial policies

The proposal also aims to address gaps identified in recent reviews of the City’s asset management practices and growing infrastructure funding pressures.

“This isn’t about adding bureaucracy,” Fry said. “It’s about making sure City Hall is working as well as it should with appropriate independent oversight of our fiscal operations – no surprises, no duplication, no politicization, but operational coordination, building better, and being accountable to the taxpayers of Vancouver.”