About Vancouver
Vancouver and Stanley Park
In the province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver is unique. It is governed by a provincial statute called the Vancouver Charter , rather than the Local Government Act. The Charter contains the rules that govern how the City operates, what by-laws City Council can create, and how budgets are set. Under the Vancouver Charter, Vancouver City Council has authority to pass by-laws to regulate such things as noise and land use, buy and sell property, collect certain taxes, approve expenditures, take on debts, give grants, and hire and discharge employees. Other Provincial legislation, such as the BC Police Act, determines the responsibilities of other City boards and commissions.