Review of news box policy

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MOTION ON NOTICE

MOVER: Councillor Green
SECONDER: Councillor Stevenson

5. Review of news box policy

WHEREAS the City of Vancouver's policy and guidelines on news boxes must balance the rights of a free press with the need to keep sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic and free of litter; and

WHEREAS the launch of three new newspapers in the city, at least two of which will be daily, raises the prospect of intense competition for sidewalk locations as well as the risk of increased litter; and

WHEREAS it is important to achieve an outcome that protects access for a full range of publications, including those aimed at smaller audiences in the gay and lesbian, youth and ethnic communities; and

WHEREAS the city is awaiting the arrival of multiple publication news boxes as part of its street furniture program that may offer a partial solution;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that council impose a moratorium on enforcement of the existing policy, provided that news box owners make application and pay necessary fees for news box locations;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the moratorium continue until Council has received a full staff report on the issues raised by the new situation, including measures to allow reasonable access for all publications and to control litter.

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