Following a new proposal from the mayor, Vancouver city council has approved a move to explore integrating Bitcoin (BTC) into the city’s financial strategy.
This decision represents a forward-thinking strategy focused on diversifying the Canadian city’s financial portfolio while addressing issues related to fiat currency volatility and inflation. .
Vancouver Becoming a Bitcoin-Friendly City
Propose Led by Mayor Ken Simwhich includes creating a Bitcoin reserve and allowing the use of BTC as a payment option for taxes and municipal fees. Mayor Sim sees this initiative as a measure to enhance financial stability.
Specifically, Sim said it would be irresponsible for the City of Vancouver not to consider the benefits of adding Bitcoin to its strategic assets. As of this moment, the city council has approved this proposal.
“Vancouver City Council Passes Motion No. 3. Preserving the City’s Purchasing Power Through Diversifying Financial Reserves – Becoming a Bitcoin Friendly City,” shared the city clerk on social networks.
This initiative marks a significant shift from previous city policies. In 2019, former Mayor Kennedy Stewart attempted to ban Bitcoin ATMs within Vancouver, despite the city being home to the world’s first Bitcoin ATM. This latest development, therefore, reflects Vancouver’s evolution into a potentially Bitcoin-friendly city.
The council directed city staff to evaluate the feasibility and impact of adopting Bitcoin. The report on this feasibility study is expected to be ready in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025. The proposal highlights the potential of Bitcoin as a hedge against the loss of value of fiat currencies determined. Specifically, it will protect the city’s purchasing power.
“Diversifying the City of Vancouver’s financial reserves and payment options to include Bitcoin not only strengthens the resilience of the city’s financial portfolio but also ultimately benefits taxpayers ,” the move explains.
The move comes amid rising global optimism in the cryptocurrency sector, especially after the re-election of pro-crypto candidate Donald Trump in the US. Market watchers predict this political shift will support regulatory clarity and increased adoption. Vancouver’s Bitcoin-friendly stance could put the city at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption on a municipal level.
Mayor Sim, a strong supporter of Bitcoin, described it as “the greatest invention in human history” in an interview. This further emphasizes his passion for integrating digital assets into public finance. The proposal has also attracted the attention of cryptocurrency advocates globally.
With this approval, Vancouver will join the ranks of other progressive cities experimenting with Bitcoin. Once implemented, it will create a precedent for municipalities to modernize their financing strategies.
However, for now, the success of this initiative will depend on the results of the upcoming feasibility report. The report will assess potential risks, implementation challenges and long-term benefits as part of the discovery phase.
“Excited to see what happens in the discovery phase,” said one user comment.