The 2020 budget includes funding for 35 new police hires and 30 new firefighters.

"We're hearing loud and clear that the increase is too high," said NPA Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung.

A $1.6 billion draft budget, including a 9.3 per cent combined hike in taxes and fees, is under the microscope at Vancouver City Hall this week.

Keeping a home empty in Vancouver is about to get more expensive.

The figure is included in the city's Draft 2020 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan, set to be considered on Dec. 3.

With the property tax deadline arriving in Vancouver, a group of businesses says they're being stretched to the limit.

Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung wants to shift two per cent of the fixed property tax levy from business to residential, citing the tough small business market.

The city says 1.7 per cent of the proposed hike is needed to offset rising costs linked to the new Employer Health Tax.

Jens von Bergmann has created a new school tax calculator he says could help add perspective to the debate.

"We're seeing the heart and soul of a lot of communities across the city losing those basic things that they need."