This is Vancouver

Longtime Vancouver journalist Frances Bula spent decades covering city hall. Now she wants to sit on council herself. Stephen Quinn speaks with Bula about why she’s making the jump into politics, and Justin McElroy breaks down what it could mean for the next municipal election.

Several major decisions are about to land at Vancouver City Hall. Council will debate a long-awaited city-wide development plan, revisit Ken Sim’s push into cryptocurrency, and face new questions about the future of the downtown Aquatic Centre. Stephen Quinn speaks with CBC reporters Justin McElroy and Karin Larsen about what’s coming up and why it matters.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is apologizing after accusing Councillor Sean Orr of handing out illegal drugs on Christmas Day — a claim he now says he never verified. But the apology has raised new questions. Where did the accusation come from? Why did the Mayor repeat an unverified claim? What does this mean for trust and relations at city hall? Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy break down how we got here and what could happen next.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is apologizing after accusing councillor Sean Orr of distributing illegal drugs — a claim Orr denies. Sim repeated the same apology to reporters but would not say why he made the accusation or where it came from. We break down what happened, what the city’s code of conduct says, and what could come next.

A video is making the rounds that shows Mayor Ken Sim accusing Councillor Sean Orr of handing out illegal drugs. Orr strongly denies that allegation and critics say the claim may break city rules. In this bonus episode, we talk to Councillor Orr about what happened and what could come next.

A controversial video posted by Vancouver councillor Lenny Zhou sparked backlash this week. In it, he accused fellow councillors of drug use and dealing — claims he later apologized for and withdrew. Stephen Quinn speaks with Justin McElroy about what happened, what could come next, and what this says about trust and tone at city hall. In the second half of this epieosde, Stephen and Justin discuss how the mayor’s race is taking shape in Richmond.

Extortion attacks have hit cities across Canada, including now Vancouver. Meanwhile, newly obtained records from immigration hearings are shedding light on the suspects, their alleged connections, and how these cases stretch across provinces. Stephen Quinn talks to CBC reporter Jason Proctor about what he uncovered.

It's a question some Black and mixed folks hear often: Where are all the Black people in Metro Vancouver? The CBC's Ashley Moliere looks into why that question comes up, what the numbers actually show, and how Black communities in the region are growing and connecting in 2026.

Why is a push to repurpose the Pattullo Bridge gaining buzz? And will Vancouver’s left-leaning parties join forces to challenge Mayor Ken Sim in the next election? Those are two questions about very different local topics. Stephen Quinn talks with Justin McElroy about the viral campaign to keep the Pattullo open, and the political push to unite parties on the left in Vancouver.

The province just released its new budget. Finance minister Brenda Bailey says it’s about "stepping back from many of the things we’d like to do and focussing on what we have to do.” To that end, the budget has sparked a lot of debate. But what does it mean for communities in the Lower Mainland? Stephen Quinn loks at what's set to change and why it matters.

The Pattullo Bridge is being town down after nearly 90 years. We look at why it closed, what it meant to locals, and what the new Stalewasem Bridge brings instead. 

A school promised for Olympic Village is close to approval after decades of delays, yet some residents still oppose it. Justin McElroy breaks down why it’s taken so long and what the fight is about. We also look at a big result in the OneCity mayoral race and what it means for local politics.

Vancouver will host seven matches at the FIFA World Cup, but politics are creeping into the picture. City councillors want clarity on whether U.S. immigration agents could be present, while some fans worry about travel rules and rising tensions south of the border. We break down the odds, the unknowns, and what it all means for the tournament here at home.

Forty years after Expo ’86, a large stretch of False Creek waterfront remains undeveloped. We look at Concord Pacific’s housing proposal, the rising cost of removing the viaducts, and why those delays matter for housing, Hogan’s Alley, and Chinatown. Later in the pod, the audit of 16 land sales by the City of Vancouver has found the City could not demonstrate that it got the best price from those transactions. The report also raises significant questions about whether Councillors were properly informed by staff about these high-value deals. We speak with the city of Vancouver's auditor general Mike MacDonnell, and former Vancouver City Councillor Geoff Meggs.

After a catastrophic flood in 2021, the federal government promised to help protect Abbotsford’s Sumas Prairie. But years later, Ottawa was accused of inaction and failing to prevent a similar disaster. And now, local politicians are travelling to Ottawa to find out what happened and call for more support. 

Three men have arrested in connection with an extortion-related shooting in Surrey have now been charged. Meanwhile, concerned residents are holding protests to raise awareness about the rise in extortion-related incidents. Some are calling on the federal government to do more to tackle the violence. Jodi Martinson hears from residents and local politicians about what should happen next.

Vancouver councillor Pete Fry has entered the mayoral race. In this bonus episode, host Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy look at why he’s running, his priorities for the city, and the risks of a split vote. 

With the 2026 Vancouver election approaching, Mayor Ken Sim is beginning to frame his case to voters. This episode looks at his stated priorities, recent polling, and the themes likely to dominate the campaign.

A four-month closure on East Broadway is adding new pressure to businesses already strained by years of subway construction. Restaurant owners say they are losing revenue, but the provincial government say direct compensation is not on the table. So how did we get here? What are the potential solutions? What might happen next? We hear from restaurant owners, residents, the Mount Pleasant BIA and the provincial government. 

Extortion threats and shootings continue to shake Surrey, with dozens of cases reported in January alone. Stephen Quinn hears from residents, a criminal defence lawyer, an MLA, and Mayor Brenda Locke about calls for tougher laws, why city council wants federal emergency powers, and what it will take to stop the violence. 

TransLink is planning its next big transit project. It wants to create dedicated bus-only lanes for corridors around the region. But can this plan succeed where other transit ideas have failed? Stephen Quinn looks into that question and more with Justin McElroy. 

Development fees just went up across Metro Vancouver, and builders say the timing could not be worse. We hear from developers who warn the higher costs may slow housing starts, then from Metro Vancouver on why the increases happened. 

As complaints about street cleanliness grow, Vancouver city council is debating a new plan to make public washrooms easier to find and keep open. We look at why access to toilets has become such a big issue and whether the city’s strategy will bring about change.

With Vancouver’s 2026 municipal election approaching, two candidates are competing to become OneCity Vancouver’s mayoral nominee. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy host a debate between Amanda Burrows and William Azaroff.

UBC students are rallying at City Hall, marking 18 years since Gordon Campbell's government first committed to building a SkyTrain to campus. 

Fake news isn’t new — but AI has made it much more difficult to spot. We talk to educators about what is being done in Metro Vancouver schools to teach kids about misinformation.

The data suggests Vancouver is seeing declines in crime, rental costs, and toxic drug deaths. So why aren't more people celebrating? What is the data missing? Justin McElroy breaks down what’s actually changed and what it says about the city. 

An idea has been proposed to give Surrey police round-the-clock access to the city’s 500 traffic cameras to help respond faster to crime. But critics are warning about privacy and surveillance creep. We break down what’s being proposed and what other options the city could consider.

Metro Vancouver home sales fell to their lowest level in more than 20 years in 2025, despite lower prices and more listings on the market. We look at why buyers are holding back, what last year revealed about the market, and what to watch for in 2026.

2025 ended in Metro Vancouver politics with mayors pointing fingers at the province and federal government on housing and transit issues, while battling governance issues of their own. The CBC’s Justin McElroy and the Globe and Mail’s Frances Bula join Stephen Quinn to talk the year that was in local politics, and what to expect in 2026. 

Christmas is days away, and many people are still scrambling to finish their shopping — with storms adding to the stress. The CBC's Rachel Adams shares last-minute gift ideas you can find in the Lower Mainland. 

Severe storms are flooding farms, roads, and homes across the Fraser Valley - and not for the first time. We hear from Sumas Prairie residents who lived through the 2021 disaster and are dealing with rising water now. We also ask what governments are doing to reduce future risks. 

Virtually everyone in Metro Vancouver’s large Filipino community wants a cultural centre. The CBC’s Justin McElroy and Johna Baylon joins Stephen Quinn to talk about why the approval of one is proving so contentious, and the politics involved in cultural centres across the region. 

The Broadway Subway Project aims to fix a busy transit corridor - but efforts to build it have created new challenges. Since 2020, businesses and residents have faced noise and disruptions. Now some fear an upcoming roadway closure could make things worse. We hear from people in the community about what daily life is like and what could happen next. 

The Hastings Racecourse has been part of Vancouver for more than a century. Now, the operator says thoroughbred racing will end because of major funding changes. Stephen Quinn speaks with historian Aaron Chapman and the Vancouver Humane Society about how we got here and what the change means for the city. 

This week, Vancouver’s next mayoral election added one more candidate and one more political party. CBC’s Justin McElroy joins Stephen Quinn to talk about who’s in the race now — and if there is danger of the left-wing in this city splitting the vote.

With the FIFA World Cup draw taking place this week, the CBC's Laurence Watt and Zameer Karim break down how the process works and explain which teams could be facing Canada on home turf. Plus, we'll ask Vancouver city councillor Mike Klassen who's on the hook for the ballooning budget at the new venue that will host the FIFA Fan Festival. 

Vancouver firefighters answered a record 54 overdose calls in one day in November. Stephen Quinn speaks with front-line responders and overdose prevention workers about what’s driving the surge, what’s changing in the drug supply, and what still isn't working. 

Vancouver’s Celebration of Light fireworks festival has been cancelled, and organizers are blaming increased costs and decreased government funding CBC’s Justin McElroy joins Stephen Quinn to do a little fact checking — and to explore the culture behind one of Vancouver’s most infamous nicknames 

Vancouver has passed a budget with a freeze on municipal property taxes - and $50 million for police. Stephen Quinn speaks to Mayor Ken Sim about what the budget really means for life in Vancouver.

Aritzia is taking over the old Nordstrom space on Robson with a new flagship store. Stephen Quinn hears from customers, a retail expert and stylist about how the company grew, why this move matters, and what it might mean for the city. 

In a series of interviews, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has defended his city’s cuts to arts and culture while boosting the VPD budget by $50 million as necessary. The CBC’s Justin McElroy joins Stephen Quinn to talk about what he’s said in those interviews — and does a little fact checking. 

Interest in soccer is expected to skyrocket next year with seven FIFA World Cup games being held in Vancouver in2026. However, the North Vancouver Football club says it is already struggling to find space for youth players to train. So what will they do when demand for the sport increases? The CBC's Zameer Karim speaks to Stephen Quinn about the demand for soccer in Metro Vancouver and the challenges facing local sports groups.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is defending a 23-page draft budget that’s drawing pushback. Councillor Pete Fry says the plan lacks key details while some residents are concerned about cuts to services. Stephen Quinn speaks to Mayor Sim about what’s in the budget and what's missing.

West Vancouver is falling short of its mandated housing targets — and the province is warning it might take action. The CBC’s Justin McElroy joins Gloria Macarenko to talk about what’s behind the standoff and what it means for housing supply in Metro Vancouver. 

Stephen looks forward to the upcoming Northern Super League final between the Vancouver Rise FC and AFC Toronto. He speaks to NSL founder Diana Matheson about about the innaugural season and what is needed for the popularity of the league to continue to grow. Stephen also talks to Mel Bostrom from the Vancouver Rise supporters group, the Crow Collective as they get ready to travel to Toronto for Saturday's final.

Tenants at a social housing building in Vancouver's Granville Entertainment District have been told they need to move out by June. We hear from a resident, the nonprofit that runs the building, and B.C. Housing Minister Christine Boyle about why the closure is happening and what it means for the people who live there. 

Vancouver’s draft budget comes with spending cuts, a tax freeze, and a major boost to police funding. Justin McElroy joins us to unpack his interview with Mayor Ken Sim, the pushback from councillors, and what this means for voters next year.

The 2025 federal budget is finally here - and it affirms support for a proposed Filipino cultural centre in Metro Vancouver and other local community projects. We talk to Vancouver MP Taleeb Noormohamed about the budget, how much funding is available, and what it means for Lower Mainland communities.

Surrey’s extortion problem is growing, and it’s not just a public safety issue — it’s affecting the local economy too. We speak with radio host Jinny Sims and longtime advocate Anita Huberman about how this is affecting daily life, whether police alone can fix it, and what real solutions might look like.