Podcasts about Vancouver City Council

Next week Vancouver City Council will consider Mayor Ken Sim's controversial proposal to fast-track a new Filipino Cultural Centre without community consultation. Also on the agenda, Vancouver's Social Housing Initiative, plans to radically change the current plan for the Downtown Eastside and much more. We speak with Redeye's Ian Mass.

In today's episode, Ian Mass with City Beat for Nov 22. Vancouver City Council has just gone through a gruelling 4-day public process focused on the 2026 city budget. On Tuesday Nov 25, we'll see if any of the comments have made a difference to this controversial zero-means-zero budget. Council will also consider a proposal for a Filipino cultural centre, BC Housing's decision to move 300 low-income tenants out of a single-room-occupancy hotel on Granville Street and lots more.

Last week, the Vancouver City Council unanimously adopted a new flag for the city. The flag will be hoisted above city hall for the first time during a flag-raising ceremony on Nov. 28.    The new flag is a culmination of a months-long process that launched this spring to replace the city’s old flag that has flown for more than three decades, but one that some residents struggled to identify in a video the city released announcing the flag design competition. Nearly 140 entries were submitted for the competition using guidelines provided by the city that were informed by the North American Vexillological Association’s flag design principles.     For the winning design, the judges on Vancouver’s flag selection committee chose to combine elements from two of the finalists’ entries. The new flag features a white, V-shaped band designed by Nathan Hunter separating fields of green and blue that evoke the city and region’s natural landscape. There’s also an abstract object created by Brooke Nugent that can symbolize Fort Vancouver, other local landmarks or an arrow pointing to the city’s future.    Nugent and Hunter join us, along with city of Vancouver Communications Director Laura Shepard, to discuss the city’s new flag.  

The Vancouver City Council will hold a community forum on Nov. 24 at Vancouver City Hall, inviting residents to bring questions, concerns, and ideas for group discussion with council members; no registration is required, and interpretation services or accommodations are available through the City Manager's Office. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-to-host-community-forum-on-nov-24/ #VancouverWA #VancouverCityCouncil #CommunityForum #ClarkCounty #LocalGovernment #CityOfVancouver

The Vancouver City Council has officially adopted a new city flag created from designs by community members Brooke Nugent and Nathan Hunter. The flag's colors and symbols highlight Vancouver's natural beauty, history, and civic pride. It will be introduced during a Nov. 28 celebration at City Hall. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-adopts-new-flag-for-the-community/ #VancouverWA #CityCouncil #CommunityFlag #PublicArt #CivicPride #BrookeNugent #NathanHunter #VancouverFlag #LocalGovernment #ColumbiaRiver

The Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to support Proposition 5, a police levy that would raise property taxes by $0.15 per $1,000 of assessed value to fund new officers and resources. Hear what Mayor Anne McEnerney-Ogle said about the measure and how it could shape public safety in Vancouver. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-passes-resolution-supporting-proposition-5-police-services-levy/ #Vancouver #Proposition5 #PoliceLevy #PublicSafety #Elections #CommunitySafety #Washington #LawEnforcement #CityCouncil #ClarkCounty

Vancouver City Council approved a $9.38 million contract with Tapani Inc. to build the Bridge Shelter, a 120-bed facility providing safe, low-barrier housing and on-site supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. The project involves partnerships with Do Good Multnomah and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-of-vancouver-selects-contractor-for-bridge-shelter/ #VancouverWA #BridgeShelter #Homelessness #CityOfVancouver #DoGoodMultnomah #TapaniInc #CowlitzIndianTribe #SupportiveHousing #ClarkCounty #PublicFunding

Premier Eby has penned a letter to Prime Minister Carney on softwood lumber tariffs. Vancouver City Council is looking to expand potential locations for arcades and adult stores. A parent advocacy group is calling for new rules on kids' social media use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vancouver City Council approves mass Broadway-Cambie rezoning, at expense of public input (0:48) Guest: Mike Mangan, retired real estate lawyer Ken Sim promises ‘zero means zero' property tax increases, at what cost? (10:40) Guest: Tom Davidoff, Director of UBC's Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate Premier David Eby speaks on concerns about Danielle Smith's pipeline push (20:22) Guest: David Eby, Premier of B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vancouver City Council adopted a Cultural Access Plan Policy to launch a Cultural Access Program, which will provide $7 million annually beginning in 2026 for grants supporting arts, culture, heritage, and science nonprofits. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-sets-the-stage-for-7-million-annual-investment-in-arts-culture-heritage-and-science/ #Vancouver #Arts #Culture #Heritage #Science #Nonprofits #CulturalAccess #Equity #Education #CommunityGrants

This morning, the Bank of Canada announced a 0.25% interest rate cut, bringing the prime rate with most banks down to 4.70% from 4.95%. How will this affect our wallets? Vancouver City Council continues to accelerate and intensify development across Vancouver. Is it too much too fast? Several newly built or soon-to-be-built schools are including inclusive or ‘all-gender' washrooms among their designs, and some parents are raising concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Experts send letter to Vancouver City Council on Broadway Plan rezoning, Transit Oriented Areas, housing, & planning policies ahead of critical decisions. Stanley Park Drive, that iconic loop through Vancouver's green heart, might be getting a familiar sight once again: a dedicated bike lane. A Winnipeg man with a criminal record is now taking legal action against a local grocer, alleging he was brutally assaulted by staff after trying to steal a car from the store's parking lot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vancouver City Council will host its next Community Forum on Sept. 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Educational Service District 112, giving residents a chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and share ideas in small-group discussions with council members. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/quarterly-community-forum-set-for-sept-29/ #VancouverWA #VancouverCityCouncil #CommunityForum #PublicEngagement #CommunityDiscussion #EducationalServiceDistrict112 #CivicParticipation

The county manager is seeking Clark County residents to fill a volunteer opening on the city/county Telecommunications Commission, which advises the County Council and Vancouver City Council, monitors cable franchise agreements, and participates in renewal negotiations; the unfinished term runs to May 31, 2027, and the commission meets twice per year in a hybrid format at City Hall and online. Apply by 5 p.m. Oct. 10. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-seeks-volunteers-for-opening-on-telecommunications-commission/ #VancouverWA #ClarkCountyWA #Telecommunications #CableTV #PublicAccessTV #VolunteerService #LocalGovernment #CivicEngagement #AdvisoryBoard

Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi's letter criticizes the City Council's June 2024 decision to stop televising the new monthly Community Communication Forums, arguing the change reduces transparency and access, and urges restoring televised public comment. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-vancouver-city-council-lowers-standards-by-silencing-televised-public-comment/ #Opinion #VancouverWA #CityCouncil #Transparency #PublicComment #OpenGovernment #CVTV #CommunityForums

The Vancouver City Council has placed Proposition 5 on the November ballot. If approved, it would raise property taxes to hire 13 new police officers, fund support roles, and upgrade equipment. The levy is expected to generate $5.7 million per year. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/city-council-approves-resolution-to-place-police-services-levy-proposition-5-on-november-ballot/ #Vancouver #Proposition5 #PublicSafety #PoliceLevy #CityCouncil #TroyPrice #AnneMcEnernyOgle #VPD #CriminalJustice #PropertyTax

Guest: Jeannie Lo, President of the Canadian Dolphins Swim Club and Swim B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The League of Women Voters of Clark County will host a public forum on June 26 featuring candidates for Vancouver City Council Position 1, offering voters an in-person and online opportunity to hear directly from those running in the Aug. 5 primary. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/league-of-women-voters-schedules-vancouver-city-council-candidate-forum/ #Vancouver #CityCouncil #Elections #CandidateForum #VoterEngagement #LeagueOfWomenVoters #Primary2025 #Democracy #CivicAccess #ClarkCounty

Vancouver's new Economic Development Strategy outlines key priorities to grow local wealth, support innovation, and strengthen neighborhoods over the next five years. Learn more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-adopts-new-economic-development-strategy/ #ClarkCounty #localnews #Vancouver #economicdevelopment #smallbusiness #livability #workforce #innovation #PatrickQuinton

Vancouver is investing $11.5 million in affordable housing for seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. Learn more about the five projects and their impact. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-approves-11-15-million-to-help-create-or-preserve-330-affordable-rental-homes/ #ClarkCounty #localnews #affordablehousing #Vancouver

Vancouver businesswoman Pooneh Gray is running for City Council, promising solutions on homelessness, public safety, and justice. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/pooneh-gray-files-for-vancouver-city-council/ #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #Vancouver #citycouncil #homelessness #publicsafety #behavioralhealth #womeninpolitics

Why did Vancouver City Council approve the Jericho Lands development? GUEST: Pete Fry, Green Party Vancouver City Councillor PWHL expands to Vancouver: The rise of women's sports leagues GUEST: Donna Spencer, Sports Reporter for The Canadian Press based in  Calgary How will BC Ferries manage their aging fleet? GUEST: Rob Shaw, CHEK News Political Correspondent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clark County Matters is urging Vancouver city leaders to adopt seven ordinance changes to address growing concerns about public camping and homeless encampments. The group says the proposals would help improve safety, health, and livability in neighborhoods across the city. Read the full list at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-urged-to-adopt-seven-changes-to-limit-public-camping/ #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #VancouverWA #publiccamping #homelessnesspolicy #ClarkCountyMatters #cityordinance #communitysafety #urbanpolicy #AmyHarris

Big news at Vancouver City Hall this week with the election of Lucy Maloney from OneCity and Sean Orr from COPE as the new city councillors. They are jumping into a busy council agenda including public hearings about the massive proposed development on the Jericho lands in Point Grey and four more Broadway plan rezoning. Redeye collective member Ian Mass joins us to give us his thoughts on next week's goings on at Vancouver City Council.

Vancouver resident Justin Forsman voices concern over a city charter change he says strips council members of independent investigative powers. His letter highlights a call for reform, citing lack of transparency and a recent leaked recording involving city leaders. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-vancouver-city-councils-silent-power-grab/ on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #Vancouver #JustinForsman #CityCharterReform #Amendment7 #GovernmentTransparency #CityCouncilOversight #ErikPaulsen #MichelleBelkot #CTRAN #AnneMcEnernyOgle #EthicsCommission #lettertotheeditor

What are Lucy Maloney's plans for Vancouver City Council? Guest: Lucy Maloney, OneCity Vancouver City Councillor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is foreign interference shaping the federal election? Guest: Steven Chase, Senior Parliamentary Reporter for the Globe and Mail How will the stock market turmoil impact Canadians' finances? Guest: Allan Small, Senior Investment Advisor of the Allan Small Financial Group with iA Private Wealth The future of farming in BC Guest: Gagan Singh, Local Farming Advocate and Owner of Instaberry Top Canadian authors and titles we're loving right now Guest: Brandon Forsyth, Category Manager of Print Experience at Indigo How will social media affect the election? Guest: Andrew Buzzell, Doctor of Philosophy at Western University What are Lucy Maloney's plans for Vancouver City Council? Guest: Lucy Maloney, OneCity Vancouver City Councillor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Local legend Sean Orr comes on the ol’ srsly wrong pod to talk about running for office in the Vancouver City Council by-election. He’s cool, and we like him. Full disclosure: Shawn...

Vancouver's 2025 State of the City address will highlight progress on community safety, homelessness, affordable housing, and economic opportunity. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and the Vancouver City Council will also host the first Council Community Forum of the year. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with local leaders. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouvers-state-of-the-city-and-council-community-forum/ #2025StateOfTheCity #VancouverWA #VancouverCityCouncil #MayorAnneMcEnernyOgle #CommunityForum #CommunitySafety #Homelessness #AffordableHousing #EconomicOpportunity #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #LocalNews

Next week, Vancouver City Council will get its first look at the full plan for the massive redevelopment of the Jericho lands, the Park Board will try to make biking in Stanley Park safer and more accessible, the Vancouver School Trustees will consider restoring democracy at their meetings and lots more. Redeye's Ian Mass joins us with his City Beat report.

PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE:Rebecca Bligh is a twice-elected Vancouver City Councillor. She was first elected to Vancouver City Council in 2018, as part of the NPA, Vancouver's oldest political party. She left the NPA in 2019, to sit the remainder of her first term as an independent.In 2022, Rebecca was re-elected to City Council with ABC Vancouver and Mayor Ken Sim in their clean-sweep election victory. Last month, she was kicked out of the ABC Vancouver caucus, so she – once again – sits in Vancouver City Council as an independent.Recorded: March 3, 2025

Vancouver City Council has voted 6-3 to pause new supportive housing projects. Critics warn the move could worsen homelessness, while Mayor Ken Sim says the current system is not working.   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/vancouver-council-votes-to-pause-new-supportive-housing-developments   PODCAST INFO:

Welcome to UnSpun - your reliable source for current events. In this episode, Jody Vance and George Affleck go through a variety of key issues making headlines this week:

Next week Vancouver City Council will get updates on childcare, seniors' services and a healthy water plan as well as some interesting potential new developments. But the big story is Mayor Ken Sim's stunning announcements about the Downtown Eastside and they don't appear on any agenda. Redeye collective member Ian Mass joins us with his City Beat report for February 1.

Next week, Vancouver City Council will debate whether to spend $4M for yet another plan for South False Creek, $3M to continue cutting diseased Hemlock trees in Stanley Park, a motion to install water meters on all Vancouver buildings, Green Party Councillor Adrienne Carr's resignation and lots more. Redeye collective member, Ian Mass joins us with his City Beat report.

After Holborn Properties bought the Dunsmuir Hotel in downtown Vancouver, it allowed the property to deteriorate for nearly 20 years, and evicted all the tenants in 2013. Since then, it has sat empty. Now water damage has caused irreversible interior and structural decay such that Vancouver City Council was called into a special meeting a week before Christmas to deal with a potential imminent collapse of the hotel. Nathan Crompton joins us to talk about the Dunsmuir Hotel and the relationship between developers and City Hall.

Ken Vance explores TriMet's $21.8 million light rail subsidy demand and its implications for Clark County taxpayers. Radio host Lars Larson and Vancouver City Council member Bart Hansen discuss the contentious proposal. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/trimets-21-8-million-demand-for-light-rail-subsidies-continues-to-be-questioned on www.ClarkCountyToday.com. #ClarkCounty #WashingtonState #LocalNews #Transportation #TriMet #PublicTransit

Is B.C's housing market rigged against young people? (0:34) Guest: Ravi Kahlon, B.C's Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Can you join a Vancouver City Council meeting while driving? (12:52) Guest: Brandon Moscoe, Associate lawyer with Acumen Law How will Bank of Canada's 3.25% interest rate cut influence the housing market? (20:15) Guest: Adil Dinani, Founder of the Dinani Group of Real Estate Advisors at Royal LePage Canada Are we seeing the slow demise of walk-in clinics? (34:31) Guest: Dr. Kevin McLeod, Internal Medicine specialist at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, and Whitehorse Hospital in the Yukon Territory How exactly would Ken Sim's Bitcoin-friendly Vancouver work? (42:42) Guest: Andy Baryer, Tech and Digital Lifestyle Expert at HandyAndyMedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Brandon Moscoe, Associate lawyer with Acumen Law Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GUEST: Pete Fry, Green Party Vancouver City Councillor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Family Feud: Turmoil within the B.C Conservative caucus GUEST: Richard Zussman, Global BC Legislative Reporter Think Vancouver's budget is ballooning? New Westminster says  ‘hold my beer' GUEST: Daniel Fontaine, New Westminster City Councillor  Vancouver City Council approves 3.9% property tax hike in 2025 GUEST: Pete Fry, Green Party Vancouver City Councillor FIFA scores as Vancouver Park Board approves park use for training GUEST: Tom Digby, Vancouver Park Board Commissioner B.C after mega projects: is our economy facing an uphill battle? GUEST: David Williams, Vice President of Policy for the Business Council of BC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When will Vancouver City Council get serious with finances? GUEST: Paul Sullivan, Property Tax Agent, Principal & Regional Leader for Ryan LLC What was it like attending Taylor Swift's Eras Tour? GUEST: Talia Miller, Show Producer and Swiftie Correspondent & Steven Chang, Show Producer Can wind power help B.C meet growing energy demand? GUEST: Barry Penner, Chair of Energy Futures Initiative The overall impact of Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour phenomenon GUEST: Eric Alper, Publicist and Music Commentator at ThatEricAlper.com B.C author captures the height of the British Empire and its decline GUEST: John D'Eathe, author of Celebrities Who Have Met Me: A child of the lost empire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GUEST: Paul Sullivan, Principal & Regional Leader for Ryan LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear about the Vancouver City Council's recent decision to limit citizen comments to monthly, non-televised forums. Debra Kalz shares her concerns, questioning the accessibility of this move. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-vancouver-city-council-decided-to-do-away-with-being-able-to-address-the-council-as-a-whole on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #Opinion #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #LocalNews #GovernmentAccess

Next week, Vancouver City Council will debate the more than $3 billion City budget, which includes yet another increase in police spending, and determine the tax increase to pay for it. They'll also discuss the controversial Broadway plan as well as Mayor Ken Sim's enthusiasm for cryptocurrency. Redeye collective member Ian Mass joins us with his City Beat report.

Vancouver adopts its 2025-26 budget, addressing priorities like public safety, homelessness, and economic development. Learn more about the city's $2.1 billion budget at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-adopts-2025-26-biennial-budget on www.ClarkCountyToday.com. #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #VancouverBudget

Vancouver city council votes to keep natural gas heating OUT of new homes. Guest: Bill Tieleman - director of the B.C Coalition for Affordable Dependable Energy (CADE) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next week Vancouver City Council will debate the first three redevelopment applications under the Broadway plan, at least two of which are meeting with significant neighbourhood opposition. Council will also debate the use of fracked gas in new building construction, police body cameras and more. Redeye collective member Ian Mass joins us with his City Beat report.

Discover how Vancouver City Council is fostering civic engagement at its upcoming community forum on November 25. Learn more about this public event where residents can connect directly with city leaders. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/vancouver-city-council-to-host-community-forum-on-nov-25 on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #VancouverCityCouncil #CommunityForum #LocalGovernment #ClarkCountyWa #LocalNews

Next week Vancouver City Council will talk about the VPD and traffic cameras, earthquake-proofing rental properties, fracked gas heating in new construction and lots more. Redeye collective member Ian Mass joins us with his City Beat report.