Vancouver Overcast

In Episode 20 we're joined by Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung. Now in her 2nd term, there are few portfolios Sarah hasn't taken on during her time on Vancouver City Council. Councillor Kirby-Yung is known as a fierce advocate for a livable, vibrant, and culturally rich Vancouver. In this conversation we gain insights into her work on behalf of the city, and what drew her into public life.

City councillors Mike Klassen (Vancouver) and Daniel Fontaine (New Westminster) break down some of the top issues they've been immersed in since being sworn into office late last year. Each discusses how they've adjusted to public life and what their goals are in the 2nd year of their term in office.

Mike speaks with housing policy expert and developer Michael Geller, who brings 5 decades of experience in the housing industry and has been an important voice on the 'missing middle' of housing. The tweet referred to by Michael in the golf club locker room is here: https://twitter.com/michaelgeller/status/1538319049754439680   Avi Barzelai (barzelai.ca) is @EastVanBuilder on Twitter. Avi has been sharing threads on the hard and soft costs of housing. Here is one of those threads: https://twitter.com/EastVanBuilder/status/1538279237047623680   Be sure to subscribe, like and rate Vancouver Overcast podcast. Visit https://www.overcastyvr.ca for more information.

Our podcast guest Daniel Fontaine is a longtime friend with a superlative background in politics and government. He is the Deputy Minster and CEO of Métis Nation British Columbia. Daniel has more than 15 years of senior management experience in public relations and governmental affairs, including serving as Chief of Staff to Mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan, where I had the pleasure to work closely with him. Fontaine was Chief Public Affairs Officer for Mitacs, an influential non-profit organization that links industries and post-secondary institutions to advance relevant industry research. He then took the post as CEO of the BC Care Providers Association, where we once again had the opportunity to work together in support of B.C. seniors and the people who care for them. It is our work together as co-founders of CityCaucus.com, a groundbreaking civic politics website that garnered over 5 million page views during its three-and-a-half-year run. Daniel continues his active interest in local government politics as the founding board president of the New West Progressives elector organization. SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE the podcast. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Listen to past episodes at https://www.overcastyvr.ca Want more of this programming? Consider supporting the podcast at https://patreon.com/overcastyvr Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @OvercastYVR Recorded on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples including the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh nations.   STORIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE August BC Opioid Crisis: Overdose awareness day shines light on more than 7,700 B.C. lives lost — and what's still at stake | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/overdose-awareness-day-shines-light-on-more-than-7-000-b-c-lives-lost-and-what-s-still-at-stake-1.6159224   September Vancouver council OKs court order against Sahota-owned SRO https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/vancouver-council-oks-court-order-against-sahota-owned-sro   October Former Vancouver mayor Philip Owen dead at 88 | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/philip-owen-dead-88-1.6196737   Wastewater project delay one of several billion-dollar questions facing Metro Vancouver | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/metro-van-budgets-wastewater-iona-north-vancouver-1.6201226   November BC Disaster Response: Flood management in B.C. is left up to municipalities. Should it be? | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/flood-management-province-bc-jurisdiction-1.6261541   FVRD's Jason Lum: The bureaucracy and the flood: disaster hits the valley's rural communities https://fvcurrent.com/article/fvrd-flood-funding-delay/   December Vancouver 6.53% tax increase: City taxpayers stuck with tab from Vancouver council's stratospheric spending - Commentary | Business in Vancouver https://biv.com/article/2021/12/city-taxpayers-stuck-tab-vancouver-councils-stratospheric-spending   CityCaucus 2021 Honourable Mention list Spencer Coyne, mayor of Princeton, B.C. Linda Brown, mayor of Merritt, B.C. Chief Arnold Lampreau, Shackan First Nation   CityCaucus Local Government Leader of 2021 Henry Braun, mayor of Abbotsford, B.C. https://biv.com/article/2021/12/abbotsford-mayor-henry-braun-proves-his-depth-flood-crisis  

Our podcast guest Daniel Fontaine is a longtime friend with a superlative background in politics and government. He is the Deputy Minster and CEO of Métis Nation British Columbia. Daniel has more than 15 years of senior management experience in public relations and governmental affairs, including serving as Chief of Staff to Mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan, where I had the pleasure to work closely with him. Fontaine was Chief Public Affairs Officer for Mitacs, an influential non-profit organization that links industries and post-secondary institutions to advance relevant industry research. He then took the post as CEO of the BC Care Providers Association, where we once again had the opportunity to work together in support of B.C. seniors and the people who care for them. It is our work together as co-founders of CityCaucus.com, a groundbreaking civic politics website that garnered over 5 million page views during its three-and-a-half-year run. Daniel continues his active interest in local government politics as the founding board president of the New West Progressives elector organization. SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE the podcast. Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Listen to past episodes at https://www.overcastyvr.ca Want more of this programming? Consider supporting the podcast at https://patreon.com/overcastyvr Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @OvercastYVR Recorded on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples including the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh nations.   STORIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE January Sadhu Johnston quits as Vancouver city manager https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-city-manager-sadhu-johnston-to-step-down-at-start-of-2021-1.5725102   February New West backs down on de-funding police proposal https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/new-west-council-police-budget-1.5897257   Vancouver: Kitsilano site may become home to six-storey rental building https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/courier-archive/real-estate/kitsilano-site-may-become-home-to-six-storey-rental-building-3116697   March Bike lane debate: Vancouver businesses aim to block motion proposing return of route to Stanley Park | CTV News https://bc.ctvnews.ca/bike-lane-debate-vancouver-businesses-aim-to-block-motion-proposing-return-of-route-to-stanley-park-1.5333790   April Vancouver's NPA picks John Coupar to run for mayor in 2022 | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/john-coupar-2022-candidate-1.5976740   Reaction from NPA councillors https://twitter.com/sarahkirby_yung/status/1379643853867651081   Marissen follows suit and announces mayoral run https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-mayor-race-2022-mark-marissen-1.5399419   Will Jody Wilson-Raybould run for mayor of Vancouver, or not? https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/local-news/will-jody-wilson-raybould-run-for-mayor-of-vancouver-or-not-3975473    Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum to face off against Coun. Brenda Locke in Surrey's 2022 election | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/surrey-mayor-2021-mccallum-locke-1.6115492   May Surrey police chief hopes for 'soft launch' this fall https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/surrey-police-chief-hopes-for-soft-launch-this-fall  via @VancouverSun   June Vancouver: Gas-powered sports cars, SUVs face higher street parking fees under Vancouver's anti-pollution proposal | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/city-vancouver-parking-climate-emergency-parking-proposal-1.6065135   Burnaby: Hillman / NWVDLC byelection split — Longtime federal Liberal breaks Big Labour's grip on Burnaby council https://www.burnabynow.com/local-news/council-byelection-marked-by-low-voter-turnout-burnaby-mlas-shot-at-one-candidate-3917583   New West: Downtown business group and new political party clash over Together New West name https://www.newwestrecord.ca/local-news/downtown-business-group-and-new-political-party-clash-over-together-new-west-name-4870048   July Metro Vancouver: Hundreds died during B.C.'s heat dome. Who is responsible for deaths caused by extreme heat? | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/heat-death-accountability-1.6093966?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar   Lytton burns: No state of emergency yet for B.C. as hundreds of wildfires burn, provincial officials say | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/horgan-press-conference-bc-wildfire-1.6092142?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar   Metro Vancouver: Number of sudden deaths during B.C.'s heat dome revised up to 815 — and more hot weather is on the way | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-heat-dome-sudden-deaths-revised-1.6118351?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar  

Welcome to Vancouver Overcast with Mike Klassen Episode 15. On this edition we have brought together a group formally known as the Wine Roundtable. As listeners will discover as I introduce them, each of our 4 guests have a strong involvement in British Columbia's dynamic wine scene. Harry Hertscheg is Executive Director at Vancouver International Wine Festival. Harry has led North America's largest wine conference for most of the past 2 decades. After a record-setting year in February 2020, the festival's future was shaped by the pandemic, requiring a new date and a new approach to this popular gathering. Harry is an old friend from time at college radio station CiTR at UBC and a well-known figure in B.C.'s wine scene. More info: https://vanwinefest.ca Karen Graham is based in the Okanagan and is the founder of Wine Drops, a website where she puts her expertise as a senior public policy analyst to work, discussing the Canadian wine sector's potential and key milestones. Her writing has also been featured in the Globe and Mail. Karen is also vice-chair of the Vancouver International Wine Festival board of directors. More info: https://winedrops.ca Mark Hicken is a lawyer now retired from law practice who has long served the wine and beverages industry. Mark led an industry review on behalf of the provincial government, resulting in the widely praised Hicken Report recommendations. Mark has begun a new venture called Through the Grapevine Advisors (TTGV), in partnership with our next guest. More info: Consultant and advisor to the liquor industry — Alca Intelligence (https://www.alcaintel.com). Former wine/liquor industry lawyer (https://www.winelaw.ca).  Tania Tomaszewska is a former banking and finance lawyer who found her calling in the wine sector as an independent wine advisor to individuals & corporations. She brings “on the ground” experience from our province's wine regions and is lately our most seasoned wine traveler after many trips to the BC Interior region. Tania works alongside Mark at TTGV Advisors providing advice on winery operations and acquisitions. More info: https://www.ttgvine.com and https://ttwinecounsel.com. TOPICS Reflections on BC Vintage 2021 National Wine Award results Is wine consumption fading with Millennials and Gen Z, and should wineries be worried? Is the future of Canadian wine at risk from a business standpoint? The Wine Festival is BACK, baby! (Update from Harry) Links referenced by our guests. David Lawrason on the National Wine Awards https://www.winealign.com/articles/2021/11/24/canadian-wine-insider-november-2021/ UBCO research explores next generation of wine appreciation https://news.ok.ubc.ca/2021/10/19/equipping-the-next-generation-for-sipping/

We welcome to the podcast Dr. Sylvain Moreno, Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director at Digital Health Circle, as well as being a tenured faculty at SFU's School of Interactive Arts and Technology, and Special Advisor to the Office of the VP Research and International. Moreno's research focuses on neurotechnologies and their implications for education and rehabilitation. He is the recipient of numerous national and international awards, and his work has been featured in a variety of media, including television and newsprint. Dr. Moreno led a team of researchers to produce a report that they argue will show the direct correlation between physical activity, and engaging in art in music activities and the onset of dementia. The study titled “Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity, Music and Art Activities Preserved Cognitive Health in Older Adults: An Argument for Social Prescribing Solution” is linked in the show notes. Research available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.693791/full Digital Health Circle: https://www.digitalhealthcircle.ca   SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE the podcast. Listen to past episodes at https://www.overcastyvr.ca Want more of this programming? Consider supporting the podcast at https://patreon.com/overcastyvr  Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @OvercastYVR Recorded on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples including the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh nations.

On Episode 13 of Vancouver Overcast with Mike Klassen the guest is Vince Taylor, president of Pilothouse Project Marketing. Vince brings experience from both the developers and marketers' side of the table and founded Pilothouse over 20 years ago to meet the new demands of local and international real estate sales and marketing. He has a self-published book out now titled, Beyond the Blindfold, which explores the power of context to unpack echo chambers, examine entrenched views and tackle familiar, but controversial topics—and how it applies to real estate and his approach to business. Find his book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Blindfold-Harnessing-Secret-Context/dp/199927850X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Beyond+the+Blindfold&qid=1634618074&sr=8-1  During their conversation, Vince describes himself as a 'free market guy' when it comes to real estate. He dismisses government policies to reduce the cost of housing in Vancouver as ineffective and somewhat futile. City dwellers here rarely have savings or pension plans to afford retirement, which is why a housing investment is critical.  Vince takes a different, more pragmatic view on supporting the social needs of those who cannot care for themselves. He thinks caring for people by providing food and housing is just good business sense, if not just the right thing to do. Vince and Mike talk about the demographic curve that has preceded the housing affordability challenges, citing the writing of Canadian author David Foot (Boom, Bust and Echo). See that book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Boom-bust-echo-profit-demographic/dp/0921912978/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=boom+bust+and+echo&qid=1634618453&sr=8-1 Fact check: Vince claimed that there were 50,000 people migrating to Metropolitan Vancouver annually prior to the pandemic. A quick check on the numbers shows that number is between 30,000 and 40,000. http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/PlanningPublications/OverviewofMetroVancouversMethodsinProjectingRegionalGrowth.pdf  

With the 44th Canadian federal election (#Elxn44) concluded, we bring in the sharp-eyed political perspectives of Vancouver city councillor Lisa Dominato and community leader Rob McDowell to assess what comes next for Metro Vancouver in return for electing so many government (Liberal) seats. Will issues like affordable housing, climate change, the opioid crisis get the attention they deserve? How will the Canadian Green Party reinvent itself and will it affect municipal Greens? And how to politicians on the centre-right Conservative party revive their fortunes in our cities after a loss of 4 suburban ridings? Plus we discuss the fortunes of the Vision Vancouver party. Learn how to support this podcast at our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/overcastyvr Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @OvercastYVR Listen to past episodes at https://www.overcastyvr.ca  Recorded on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples including the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh nations.

Peter Meiszner, a digital strategist who audiences will know from his previous on-air work with Global TV. Peter is a passionate urbanist and the publisher of Urban YVR — a popular architecture website that showcases new housing, office commercial, and industrial developments in Metro Vancouver. His website is https://www.urbanyvr.com​ and you can find him on Twitter @PeterMeiszner.

Legendary broadcasters JB Shayne and John Tanner join Mike to share a lifetime of reflections on their respective careers which began in the “golden age” of Top 40 radio, leading to album-oriented FM radio, underground early music video programming and pioneering alternative rock music stations. Between funny anecdotes spanning 5 decades, and their overall punk-like irreverence we meet 2 people who helped shape Vancouver’s contributions to pop culture and broadcasting.

Margareta Dovgal (@Margare7a) is our guest on episode 9. She’s the Director of Research at Resource Works Society (www.resourceworks.com), a small BC-based non-profit providing information on responsible resource development. She has spent the past 2 weeks in the Bulkley Valley, home of the Wet'suwet'en nation and ground zero for the dispute over the Coastal Gaslink pipeline. From her current base in Smithers, B.C., Margareta shares her insights from her conversations from locals on both sides of the conflict, and her hopes for a positive resolution in the face of ongoing protests roiling Canadian communities.

Bob Mackin is a journalist from TheBreaker.news and host of TheBreaker.news podcast with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which began 10 years ago this month. In this second part of our 2-part conversation, Bob describes the "pressure cooker" days as the Games get underway, and the huge logistical and personal challenges Olympics organizers faced. Finally, we ask the most important question: can or should Vancouver ever invite the world back for a global competition again? The answer may surprise you.

Bob Mackin is a journalist from TheBreaker.news and host of TheBreaker.news podcast with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which began 10 years ago this month. Bob takes us on his personal journey reporting on the very beginnings of the dream of hosting an Olympics in Vancouver, to the dousing of the torch. In part one this 2-part conversation, we discuss the amazing years, months and weeks leading up to the Olympic Torch arriving in Vancouver, which was described by one of its organizers as a "pressure cooker" of epic proportions.

Podcasters who bring both the experience and the dynamism of this rapidly growing medium are the guests in the first Vancouver Overcast episode of 2020. Joseph (@Planta) and Mo Amir (@vancolour) join Mike in studio to talk about why they run podcasts, and how to keep them compelling for their audiences. Listen, share and give your feedback on this conversation between Mike, Joe and Mo @OvercastYVR (Instagram, Twitter & Facebook).

Longtime collaborator Daniel Fontaine is my guest on episode 5 of Vancouver Overcast. Daniel brings decades of experience and insight from municipal, provincial and federal politics. He is also starting a new podcast in 2020 with co-host Bill Tieleman called #BCPoliTalk. We break down Top 10 stories of B.C. municipal politics from 2019 and why they matter. 

Architect Arno Matis is bringing new ideas to excite the image of Vancouver as a hub of urban design innovation. In his conversation with host Mike Klassen, Matis speaks to Vancouver's future as a design Mecca and the "missed opportunities" of some our emerging neighbourhoods. Learn more about his work at https://www.arnomatisarchitecture.com.Recorded on 2019-12-08 at Thinking Cap Studios in Vancouver, BC.

Aldyen Donnelly is an energy industry consultant and expert on climate policy who has advised major companies, First Nations, and senior government officials in Canada and the USA. She can be found on Twitter @AldyenDonnelly. Visit Nori.com for more about their carbon capture initiative.

Executive director of Resource Works Stewart Muir brings a message of hope to those who are anxious about the wedge issues that drive Canadians apart by geography, economic status and age group. A lively discussion from London, UK to our studio in Vancouver, BC, Muir explains why Canada is poised to lead the world in having a sustainable, clean, natural resources economy. Muir also give his take on where the struggling newspaper industry is headed.

Host Mike Klassen sits down with George Affleck and Rob McDowell to talk about Vancouver's thorniest political challenges. Column on Mayor Stewart Jack Webster Awards Ma Murray Awards