West End participatory budgeting pilot

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Consultation has concluded.

Participatory Budgeting

How would you spend $100,000 in Vancouver's West End?

Participatory budgeting (PB) is a process used in cities around the world to involve citizens in government spending decisions that impact or benefit them. While the mechanics and processes of participatory budgeting can vary, they generally follow an agreed upon series of steps:

  • Community outreach and engagement
  • Proposal development for community improvement projects
  • Community vote
  • Report back.

In late 2017, the we proposed our first ever participatory budgeting (PB) process in the West End to distribute additional revenue collected through permit parking fees. A total of $100,000 of this parking revenue was approved by Council for the purpose of this pilot project.

In fall of 2018, we helped convene the WE Choo$e Impact Team, a community-led steering committee, to guide and oversee the process. The Impact Team has, since then, led the community idea collection and project proposal development.

Most recently, the Impact Team has completed the community vote and the Pilot is currently awaiting the next steps in implementation - which includes a report back to Council. For the results of the vote, please check our news release.

For more information on:

  • the voting process and the 14 shortlisted projects, please read the Voters' Guidebook
  • the process and how the community is involved, please read the Rulebook


How would you spend $100,000 in Vancouver's West End?

Participatory budgeting (PB) is a process used in cities around the world to involve citizens in government spending decisions that impact or benefit them. While the mechanics and processes of participatory budgeting can vary, they generally follow an agreed upon series of steps:

  • Community outreach and engagement
  • Proposal development for community improvement projects
  • Community vote
  • Report back.

In late 2017, the we proposed our first ever participatory budgeting (PB) process in the West End to distribute additional revenue collected through permit parking fees. A total of $100,000 of this parking revenue was approved by Council for the purpose of this pilot project.

In fall of 2018, we helped convene the WE Choo$e Impact Team, a community-led steering committee, to guide and oversee the process. The Impact Team has, since then, led the community idea collection and project proposal development.

Most recently, the Impact Team has completed the community vote and the Pilot is currently awaiting the next steps in implementation - which includes a report back to Council. For the results of the vote, please check our news release.

For more information on:

  • the voting process and the 14 shortlisted projects, please read the Voters' Guidebook
  • the process and how the community is involved, please read the Rulebook


Consultation has concluded.

  • Community Vote Results Announced

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    14 Feb 2020
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    On February 8, the WE Choo$e Impact Team shared the results of the community vote at a community celebration in Gordon Neighbourhood House. More than 8,500 individuals who live, work, or volunteer in the West End voted between January 25 and February 4 on their preferred projects from a shortlist of 14. The projects with the highest number of votes and top ranks, that fit within the $100,000 budget, will be put forward for implementation over the next 18 months.

    The three recommended projects are:

    1. West End Calisthenics Park - $50,000
    2. Sidewalk Improvements - $30,000
    3. Christine Fretwell and Kathryn Gibbons Memorial Gift to West End Students - $20,000 in grants (note: this grant will require a final City Council approval).

    Honorable Mention: The West End Food Hub - $50,000. While this project received the third highest amount of votes, it did not fit within the $100,000 budget allocated for this project. This selection process was predetermined by the Impact Team as a part of the voting process.

  • Community vote opens January 25 until February 4

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    12 Feb 2020
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    We've reached the final phase of the community projects development process with a community vote.

    How does the community vote work?

    • West End community members get to vote on how to spend $100,000 of public funds to improve their neighbourhood.
    • Voting is open to anyone aged 12 and up, with a clear connection to the West End (live, work, or volunteer).
    • There are 14 community improvement projects of various funding requirements. Read about the projects.
    • Voters may select and rank up to 4 of their favourite projects.
    • Votes will be counted, and announced on February 8 at the community announcement event.
    • Top ranked projects that fit within the $100,000 budget will be allocated funding and implemented within 18 months.