Accessing City of Vancouver services during the Canada Post strike

The City of Vancouver is notifying residents and businesses of disruptions to mail services due to the Canada Post strike. 

Businesses or residents may experience delays in receiving:   

• Advance property tax and utility bill notices 
• Business licence notices 
• Delivery of parking permit decals 

Property Tax and Utility Payments 

The postal strike will delay the delivery of City documents, including Empty Homes Tax and advance property tax notices, and other time-sensitive correspondence.

Residents and businesses are reminded they are still required to make payments by due dates.

To avoid late fees, interest charges or penalties, residents and businesses are encouraged to use alternative methods to make payments on time. Payments can be made: 

• Through online banking
• In-person at 515 West 10th Avenue (Development and Building Services Centre) 
• At your bank or ATM

Contact 3-1-1 for assistance with tax payment information. Residents and businesses can create or log in to their online account for information on tax deadlines and payment penalties.  

The City encourages residents to plan ahead and use one of the alternative payment methods to ensure timely processing. For more details on how to pay your taxes, visit vancouver.ca/pay-taxes. 

Business Licences 

All business licences expire on December 31 each year. Renewal notices are sent out in November by email or mail. 

Due to the Canada Post service disruption, many business licence holders in the City of Vancouver who opted to receive their renewal notices by mail may not receive them in time. Consequently, they may not be able to renew their licences on time if they usually mail their payments and renewal notices. 

As a result, we highly recommend all business licence holders renew their licences online. This is the simplest and fastest way to renew.

Licence holders who do not have access to a computer or printer may renew in person at our Service Centre, located on the Ground Floor at 515 West 10th Avenue. Renewals with no changes can be paid with any cashier at the Service Centre. Licence holders can call 3-1-1 if they need assistance renewing their licences online.

The City’s Business Licence Office is working to ensure all licence holders receive their renewal notices in time through other means, such as email, as the Canada Post service disruption continues.   

Parking Permit Decals 

As a result of the Canada Post strike, delivery of Residential Permit Parking Decals will be delayed. 

If you recently purchased a residential parking permit but have not yet received the decal, please note that your licence plate has been entered into the system and you are able to park in your residential parking permit zone.  Your decal will be mailed when the strike is resolved.

Impact on Rezoning Application Notifications

Due to the ongoing mail strike, we are currently unable to send out postcard notifications to inform the public about active rezoning applications. To ensure that you remain informed, we have created a dedicated web page where you can view all rezoning applications that are open for comment and/or scheduled for Public Hearings through the end of the year.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Please visit Shape your City to stay updated on the latest rezoning applications.