Skip to main content

Featured

Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.

article

Your daily horoscope: January 18, 2024

 

HOROSCOPES IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY

A Mercury-Saturn link on your birthday will encourage you to think deeply and seriously over the coming 12 months. By all means enjoy yourself but don’t ignore that little voice in the back of your head when it sends messages that are clearly profound.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20):

While you may not approve of what a friend or loved one is up to you know there isn’t much you can do about it. You can either turn a blind eye to their efforts or criticize anyway knowing they will almost certainly ignore every word you say.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21):

You can and you must take the initiative and make things happen over the next 24 hours. Cosmic activity in the most adventurous area of your chart may not be as potent as it was but there is still plenty of scope to start making good things happen.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21):

Someone you have dealings with seems a little bit slow in the mental department and, to be frank, you would be better off without their ideas. Make an excuse to go off and do things by yourself today and don’t be in a hurry to come back again.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23):

Let someone know that you will no longer allow them to push you around. If you can find the courage to speak up today it won’t be long before they realize you are not the easy touch they took you for and will go off and harass someone else.

LEO (July 24 - Aug. 23):

It’s fine to have controversial views – you are free to think and speak as you please – but you need to bear in mind that if those views are too outrageous you could make enemies of people who can make life tough for you. Tone down your act a bit.

VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23):

What occurs over the next few days, and certainly when the sun changes signs at the weekend, could bring you down to earth with a bump. But in a way that’s good because you have been flying a little too high. Better to fall now than later on.

Comments