Vancouver City Council |
7. Review of news box policy
MOVER: Councillor Green
SECONDER: Councillor Stevenson
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 give the City Engineer the discretion to relax the existing policy where additional newsboxes can be allowed without unduly interfering with competition in the newspaper industry, pedestrian movement, access to businesses and visibility of businesses, provided that news box owners make application and pay necessary fees for news box locations, and provided that news box owners agree to remove the boxes and participate in a multiple news box system when that is available.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council request 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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