A Vancouver program that helps residents repair broken household items, whether it’s bicycles or laptops, is now at risk after the city cut its funding for 2026.

The Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC), which runs the city’s Repair Café program, says city staff told them there wouldn't be any funding for the program next year as a result of Vancouver’s new budget.

Council passed the 2026 budget with a property tax freeze last month. It includes an additional $50 million for police, but cuts to arts , culture and sustainability departments.

The repair cafés, which began in Vancouver in 2023, are monthly community events where volunteer fixers help residents repair items for free. The goal, organizers say, is to reduce waste, extend the life of everyday products and shar

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