This is Vancouver

William Azaroff and Stephanie Allen are out, but who are the main candidates still in the race to unseat Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim? Justin McElroy breaks down the other candidates, what they stand for and the race is shaping up. 

William Azaroff is out of the race for Vancouver mayor. He's backing Green candidate Pete Fry. Stephen Quinn speaks with Vancouver Sun columnist Dan Fumano and political strategist Nicole Brassard about what Azaroff’s exit means for Fry, Ken Sim and the race ahead.

It’s municipal election season, and every Tuesday we’ll be holding a different mayoral debate from a different Metro Vancouver city. In this episode, we focus on the candidates running to be mayor of Langley City. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy host a debate between curreny mayor Nathan Pachal and city councillor Delaney Mack. 

Stephanie Allen is out of the race for Vancouver mayor, leaving the Greens and OneCity as the main self-described progressive options. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy discuss what happened and what it means for the mayoral race. Plus, Stephen Quinn talks to OneCity candidate William Azaroff about whether a progressive deal is still possible before the nomination deadline. 

On Monday Braeden Caley won a seat for the federal Liberals in the riding of North Vancouver-Capilano. His is one of three ridings to go the Liberals in byelections this week. MP-elect Caley speaks with Stephen Quinn in studio about what the results. 

We are launching a new debate series for municipal election season. First up, we're looking at the race for mayor in New Westminster, where incumbent Patrick Johnstone is facing off against challenger Daniel Fontaine. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy ask them about the pressures and why voters should choose their approach.

Vancouver’s election campaign is taking shape as parties prepare to lock in their candidates. Justin McElroy looks at the latest names entering the race, the deadlines ahead and how the Broadway Plan could factor into the campaign.

Voters in North Vancouver–Capilano head to the polls Aug. 31 to choose a new MP. But with the Liberals one seat short of a majority, this byelection also carries national stakes. Dan Burrit and Laurence Watt break down the issues, the candidates, and why the result could matter far beyond the North Shore.

The province has cancelled plans for a new overdose prevention site in downtown Vancouver after pushback from the city and some nearby residents. Justin McElroy breaks down why the plan fell apart, whether another site could open, and how the issue is shaping the race for mayor.

The deadline to get your name on the upcoming municipal election ballots is only a few weeks a way. Justin McElroy joins guest host Dan Burritt to break down what political candidates are doing to get voter's attention in the lead up to the campaign.

Vancouver voters will face two questions this fall on public drug use and involuntary care. We look at why Mayor Ken Sim wants a plebiscite, what his critics are saying, and what could actually change if voters support it.

After 25 years as Richmond’s mayor, Malcolm Brodie is stepping down. Jason D'Souza and Justin McElroy look back at Brodie’s long run at city hall and break down the race to replace him.

Vancouver is joining Google’s Project Green Light, which uses AI to suggest changes to traffic signal timing. The company says the initiative could help reduce traffic and emissions. But critics have questions about privacy and whether the city is giving too much control over city planning to big tech. Jason D’Souza hears from a cybersecurity expert and former city planner.

The races are starting to take shape ahead of B.C.'s municipal elections. With ten weeks to go, Justin McElroy has put together a list of his top 10 races to watch.

After 26 years, the Richmond Night Market is set to close after its 2026 season. The news raises questions for businesses and city officials who saw it as an important meeting place that brought families, cultures and flavours together. So - what is Richmond really losing? What comes next? And how might this influence the upcoming municipal election? Jason D'Souza and Justin McElroy examine the big questions. 

Wildfire smoke is hanging over the Lower Mainland and raising concerns about air quality. Health researcher Stephanie Cleland explains the risks, what symptoms to watch for and when families should stay indoors.

Pollsters are starting to survey Metro Vancouver residents ahead of the October elections. The CBC's Jason D'Souza and Justin McElroy discuss the latest polling data, the limits of surveys, and what to watch as the campaign heats up. Plus, the search is on for B.C.'s best roadside attraction. Will it be a lake? A waterfall? A giant gnome? Something totally different? We talk about which locations are involved and how you can get involved. 

Metro Vancouver wants a smaller board after years of criticism. But Surrey wants no part of it. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy look at why Surrey opposes the plan, whether the changes will fix the regional government and how the dispute could shape October’s local elections. They also cover the latest developments at Vancouver City Hall and the city’s push for a major league baseball team.

Vancouver council has rejected a plan to bring more housing to neighbourhoods dominated by detached homes. Stephen Quinn speaks with former councillor Gordon Price and OneCity councillor Lucy Maloney about what happened and what comes next.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim faces six main challengers in the upcoming municipal election. In this episode, Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy hear from Kareem Allam, Rebecca Bligh and Colleen Hardwick. They discuss their visions for Vancouver and their positions on the big issues facing residents. 

Former Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum is running again and his bold election promise is to take the City of Surrey out of Metro Vancouver. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy give the latest on the state of the election in Surrey.

For five weeks, the World Cup brought a new energy to downtown Vancouver. But now the crowds are gone, and questions are mounting about what it all meant. What was the public cost for hosting seven games? What does the future of Granville Street look like? And which stories flew under the radar? We discuss that and more in this episode of This Is Vancouver. 

With less than three months before local elections the race is opening up. Perfect time for Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy to stir the pot. This episode is the first of two exclusive candidate mini-forums. Stephen and Justin interview the three main progressive candidates running for the city’s top job: Pete Fry, Stephanie Allen and William Azaroff.

The province has changed how new housing is approved in cities — but public hearings are still sometimes required and regularly tense. Justin McElroy and Stephen Quinn talk about Vancouver's most recent public hearing, and how they've evolved. 

Vancouver council has just weeks to vote on major housing plans, a new downtown tower and other key issues before the election campaign begins. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy break down the biggest decisions ahead and the latest twist in the fight over the Vancouver Park Board.

The cost to keep the Granville strip car-free through Labour Day weekend breaks down to about $700,000 per week. Justin McElroy and Liam Britten break down the why of those numbers with Stephen Quinn.

Lawrence Bishnoi, the leader of the Bishnoi gang, has been charged along with dozens of others, while 24 suspects linked to two other India-based criminal organizations have been arrested, across Canada, the U.S. and Europe in connection with Operation Hard Ball. 

Vancouver council approved a six week extension of the popular car-free Granville strip last week — but will it work when the World Cup is over? Justin McElroy and Stephen Quinn break down the big debate it's caused.

Local politicians are acting like influencers, doing short-form videos and talking to strangers with tiny mics. But why? Justin McElroy breaks down the latest trends in politicial comms with Stephen Quinn.

Vancouver City Hall has lost several senior, non-partisan staff in recent months. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy look at what we know, what we don’t, and why some councillors say the departures should alarm the public.

Critics say a new plan for the province and federal governments to work together to acquire and convert empty condos amounts to nothing more than a bailout for developers. In this episode, we ask developers what they think. And B.C.'s Housing Minister Christine Boyle defends the plan. 

Canadian soccer fans are getting behind their team. One way that pride is showing? Jerseys. So much so that merchandise retailers are getting behind in their own right. But how could that be, given the advance notice the city's had about the World Cup? CBC's Laurence Watt speaks with sellers to find out why jerseys are so hard to find right now.

Billions of federal dollars are going to housing in British Columbia. But the new money isn't for social or rental housing. It's for converting empty condo units owned by developers that aren't selling. And to provide tax breaks to future developer projects. Critics are calling it a bailout. Why has the federal government taken this strategy? 

More data released this month shows a growing number of young people going to the hospital because of e-scooter injuries. But why has the government been studying the issue for four years without making any permanent laws? 

The B.C. NDP says the $4.15-billion George Massey Tunnel replacement project is still on track... even though this week Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth announced they are terminating their deal with the design-build consortium the government had selected to do the bulk of the work. So where does that leave the project? And what will it mean for the tens of thousands of people waiting for a fix?

After months of questions and debate, Vancouver’s first weekend as a men's World Cup host has seen big public energy with few problems. Stephen Quinn talks with CBC's Justin McElroy, Dan Burritt and Laurence Watt about what worked, what still needs fixing, and whether Granville Street’s car-free zone could last beyond the tournament.

Mayor Ken Sim has been a major booster of the World Cup coming to Vancouver. But new Angus Reid polling shows that not all residents are fully on-board. The mayor sits down with Stephen Quinn to make his case for what he's calling the biggest sports event, ever. And municipal affairs reporter Justin McElroy discusses the costs, economic impact and disruptions associated with the event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has arrived — and while millions of fans will be eagerly tuned in to the action, many others are questioning whether the tournament will live up to the hype. Stephen Quinn hears from Murray Mollard and Jules Boykoff on what the tournament could mean for Canadian soccer, and why some critics say the real winner is FIFA.

When it comes to Artificial Intelligence in schools - parents certainly have a lot of questions. On today's episode we talk to some people with answers, and concerns. You'll hear about the AI school plans from Pedro da Silva, the Associate Superintendent and Chief Information Officer with the Vancouver School Board. And Mark Pearmain, the Superintendent of Surrey Schools.We'll also hear from Parents for AI Caution in Educational Spaces co founder, Ben Humphreys, Violette Baillargeon, vice-president of the Surrey Teachers Association, and Francis Syms, our CBC Technology columnist.

There's been a dramatic leadership change at the Surrey Police Service. Chief Const. Norm Lipinski has left the force but few details surrounding his departure have been made public. On today's episode we try to make sense of the story with former B.C. attorney general Wally Oppal, Surrey city councillor and mayoral candidate Linda Annis and the now-former SPS board chair Harley Chappell. He resigned after learning of Lipinski's departure.

The projected costs for hosting World Cup games in Vancouver have increased. Again. And yet, so have the projected revenues, according to government officials. On today's epiode, we talk about the shifting numbers with Jarrett Vaughan, an adjunct professor at UBC Sauder School of Business, and Anne Kang, B.C.’s minister responsible for tourism, arts, culture and sport. Plus, Laurence Watt joins us with a look at how to watch the World Cup matches without paying stadium prices. 

According to the city's website: "Richmond is experiencing a pivotal year of growth, long-term planning, and a highly-anticipated municipal election." On today's episode, the CBC's Steve Zhang takes a close look at the five candidates who have entered the race to be Richmond's next mayor. They'll replace Malcolm Brodie, the city's longest-serving mayor, who has been at the post for 25 years. And we also hear from Cathy Yan, a member of the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition, about addressing the needs of Richmond's low-income residents.

CBC reporter Jason Proctor brings us the story of the Burnaby Eclipse Building. It concerns a group of pre-sale buyers at a financially-troubled condo tower applying to get out of their purchase agreements. It raises new questions about the health of BC’s condo industry — and the rights of pre-sale buyers when the market goes soft.

With the soccer world descending in just a few weeks, Zameer Karim looked into how the city is preparing, and whether people think the Parliamentary Budget Officer's estimate of roughly $82 million per game is an appropriate price tag. 

Translink is planning to make changes to bus stops along the Hastings corridor, which will affect bus riders in the Downtown Eastside. Translink is looking to remove seven stops in the neighbourhood and replace them with five others in more spaced out locations. UGM spokesperson Nick Wells says the changes could further marginalize their clientele and Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle says he hopes the changes will make it safer for transit operators on various Hastings bus routes.

The City of Vancouver has made some bylaw changes when it comes to accomodating the FIFA World Cup 2026.On this episode of This is Vancouver, Lawrence Watt brings us up to date on the changes around the city. He's a CBC Associate producer and director and co-producer of a series called The Pitch - Vancouver's Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We also hear from Penny Gurstein, a UBC Professor Emeritus of Community and Regional Planning about public spaces becoming less public and the needs of the city's unhoused population. 

Vancouver hosted the global tech conference Web Summit this week. Municipal affairs reporter Justin McElroy and CBC business reporter Kyle Bakx run down the event's highlights and explain what Mayor Sim meant about his use of artificial intelligence, which he clarified was strictly for personal use.

This is Vancouver takes you out to the high seas today, or at at least from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay — a route that, at one time, could have meant rough waters. The CBC's Johanna Wagstaffe takes us inside the high-tech command centre where the call is made on when to cancel a ferry sailing due to bad weather.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has linked the murders of a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old to the ongoing gang conflict in B.C., much of which has played out in Surrey. We hear from Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke about resourcing at the Surrey Police Service. We also hear from Kal Dosanjh. He's worked in law enforcement for decades and personally knew one of the victims through his foundation, KidsPlay. 

Civic elections across the province are still months away, but we're getting more of an idea of who will run for mayor in Lower Mainland cities.