Metro Vancouver is holding an assent vote (referendum) on October 17, 2026.
Metro Vancouver intends to establish a new clean-up service for Electoral Area A's water-access communities, including:
-
Bowyer Island
- Passage Island
- Indian Arm (including Boulder Island and Carraholly Point)
- Pitt Lake
The service would provide barge and bin collection through the proposed Metro Vancouver Regional District Electoral Area A Clean-Up Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1433, 2026.
Service area
Public notice
Background
Historically, Metro Vancouver organized barge clean-up events every two years using reserve funds and a provincial grant. However, this funding approach is no longer sustainable due to growing demand for the service and increasing operational costs. The proposed bylaw would create a dedicated service to support ongoing clean-up efforts in these communities.
The proposed bylaw would fund the coordination, transportation, and disposal of solid waste from water-access properties in the service area using an annual cost-sharing model. It would use $30,000 from the annual provincial grant and source $20,000 through taxes based on assessed improvement values.
Assent voting question
“Are you in favour of the Metro Vancouver Regional District adopting MVRD Bylaw No. 1433, 2026 to establish within portions of Electoral Area A, a service for the purpose of the coordination, transportation, and disposal of waste items generated from water-access properties within the area, and to authorize a maximum annual taxation of $20,000 or $0.6/$1,000 of net taxable value of improvements, whichever is greater?”
Advance voting
General voting
Vote by mail
Voting in the assent vote
Only residents in the service area are eligible to vote in the assent vote.
Eligible voters may register on the same day during advance voting, general voting day, or when applying for a mail ballot.