Cambie Report

William Azaroff wins the OneCity mayoral nomination and his first act is a “progressive primary” ultimatum to COPE and the Greens. The Liberals pick up another candidate and nominations for council seats are underway. Lucy Maloney wants councillors to attend in person, the Olympic Village school is further delayed, Langara Gardens is going ahead, and so is a city-owned development on the Main Street McDonalds. The City's Auditor General has two damning reports. Links Pete Fry announces candidacy for mayor William Azaroff chosen as OneCity Vancouver's mayoral candidate | CBC News William Azaroff Progressive Primary - OneCity COPE responds The Greens respond Vancouver Liberals add park board commissioner Brennan Bastyovanszky to team Run with Vote Vancouver Team For A Livable Vancouver To Run Candidates For Mayor, Council, School And Park Board In This Fall’s Election   Mayor Ken Sim Announces Re-Election Bid, Vows to Keep Fighting for Vancouver Former MLA launches Imagine Surrey mayoral run and city councillor

We're back and this time intend to stay back as this election is shaping up to be chaotic with Ken Sim seeking re-election, Pete Fry launching a bid for mayor and the Vancouver Liberals getting their first caucus members in 90 years. Sim is praising his zero percent property tax increase budget but city employees are not happy. Council can agree on one thing: Headlights are too damn bright. Housing looks shaky but we are building on industrial land. And the dump will continue to take your trash.LinksRanking how much Vancouver councillors have distanced themselves from Mayor Ken SimKen Sim 'pivots' from park board and bitcoin, pushes safety and affordability in re-election bid | CBC NewsCould Pete Fry soon announce a mayoral run?Green Party of Vancouver endorses Pete Fry for Mayor or Council in 2026 Municipal ElectionEx-ABC Vancouver politician joins new civic party to seek re-electionSchool Board chair to run for Vancouver City Council in civic election | UrbanizedNew civic Liberals party propose amalgamating

OneCity Vancouver is in the midst of their mayoral nomination contest, so we spoke to the two candidates: William Azaroff and Amanda Burrows about why they want to lead the city.Learn more:William AzaroffAmanda Burrows

Just one year to go until voters across Metro Vancouver go to the polls to elect their next mayors and city councils. New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone joins Ian to preview the races to watch across the region, and whether Vancouver is facing a referendum or not.Life After Cars event on Nov 8Vancouver residents will have say on park board’s futureMayor Ken Sim provides updated statement on Park Board referendum legislationVancouver mayor cites 'Indigenous title issue' in fight to abolish park board

Did you miss us? We're back to talk UBCM, the preponderance of parties that will participate in next year's election, the war of the Langleys and the wizard in the park.LinksUBCM convention shows drift from 'compassion fatigue' to concern over crime and disorder | CBC NewsCodes of conduct and transit: UBCM convention sees municipal priorities pitted against provincial power | CBC NewsVancouver city councillor kicked out of ruling party announces mayoral bid | CBC NewsVancouver mayor's former chief of staff starts new political partyVancouver LiberalsB.C. Conservatives launch new municipal party before 2025 elections | Vancouver SunFormer federal Conservative minister to steer B.C. municipal party - Castanet.netRegister of Elector OrganizationsFormer Vancouver mayor launching court challenge of B.C.'s 'at-large' electoral systemFormer Vancouver mayor to challenge B.C.'s voting system in court | CBC NewsFix City HallWar of the Langleys: governance tensions between township and city mayors spills into the open |

What's in: Finance reports and new parties.What's out: Speeding, garburators, disabled housing, Pride, Stanley Park Train and the Mayor's GymLinksByelection finance reportsAdministrative Monetary Penalties Posted Online | Elections BCVancouver has a new civic party — the Vancouver LiberalsVancouver Liberals30 km/h speed limits coming to local streets in VancouverGarburators will officially be banned in Vancouver for a pricey reasonMetro loses legal bid in feud over millions of documents in North Shore poo plant trialHousing for residents with disabilities put on hold due to lack of parkingVancouver Pride in peril? Parade will proceed despite losing nearly half its sponsorsStanley Park Train will be off the rails for 2025 | CBC NewsKen Sim's gym closesVancouveratta - Vancouver’s fractured left cracks again

An emergency motion for a Lapu Lapu Day tragedy memorial event surprises even Filipino BC. The Kitsilano Coalition is happy to see the city concede on the planned supportive housing project. The Vancouver Renters' Office also isn't coming back anytime soon. Metro Vancouver and the Langleys debate governance and policing. But with luck, we'll see a new worker-owned co-op news outlet in the Tri-Cities, Burnaby, and New West00:55 Strange Developments: Lapu Lapu Day Tragedy Memorial06:35 Kitsilano Coalition's Victory Against Supportive Housing09:20 Vancouver Park Board Controversy12:44 Vancouver Renter's Office Debate15:47 Ken Sim's Defamation Lawsuit17:24 Granville Street Entertainment District Plan27:43 Langley Policing Dispute32:09 Worker-Owned Co-op News Outlet34:42 Vancouveratta - Invasive Wall LizardsLinksCommunity Update l Tuesday, June 3 — Filipino BCB.C. Filipino community group upset with Vancouver city council's sudden Lapu Lapu Day memorial event decisionHave the Doors Closed on New BC Supportive Hous

We mourn with everyone who lost friends and loved ones at the recent Lapu Lapu tragedy. In the coming months, we'll be sure to follow the ongoing political fallout of the failures that led to this event. In the meantime, support the Kapwa Strong fundraiser.Looking back at the byelection, it should probably have been quite clear what was going to happen but few (besides Peter Meiszner) would have predicted Vancouver's elections to be run so poorly. Plus we have a trove of fundraising data from the 2024 annual reports and the VPD are in the news for all the wrong reasons.Plus we remember the McBarge.LinksFilipino BC - Kapwa Strong fundraiser‘Hard to accept’ festival attack suspect was under mental health care: Vancouver mayor - CTV NewsCity of Vancouver's Lapu Lapu festival planning called into question compared to other eventsHigh interest and 62% cut in staffing lead to major lines in Vancouver byelection | CBC NewsChief Election Officer declares candidates elected | City of VancouverBy-election resultsAnonym

"I'm sorry" - Ken Sim about five times in the last month.Also featuring Annette Reilly of the Vancouver Green's statement.LinksVancouver byelection: Seven candidates from five parties make their pitchVancouver sees 2,876 ballots cast on first day of advance voting for byelectionByelection candidates question ABC Vancouver’s debate absence'Oops': Vancouver mayor apologizes for series of recent slip-upsVancouver municipal council by-election candidate forced to apologize for e-mail outreach to police officersA Police Union Leader’s Controversial Run for Vancouver Council | The TyeeAudio leaked of Vancouver byelection candidate discussing running mate - BC | Globalnews.caKen Sim Bitcoin video (Bitcoin)ABC Vancouver's 'repudiation of the rule of law' shows gap in B.C.'s municipal oversight, Ombudsperson saysVancouver Mayor Ken Sim gets booed at Juno Awards | NewsCandidates for Vancouver Municipal Party Say They Attended Multiple Events with Conspiratorial Far-Right Groups By AccidentPolicies/platformsABC Vancouve

We turned the mics over to the candidates for the Vancouver byelection so you can hear directly from them.Featuring Lucy Malone (OneCity), Colleen Hardwick (TEAM), Sean Orr (COPE), Jaime Stein (ABC) and Theodore Abbott (TEAM). Unfortunately, we didn't receive clips from Ralph Kaisers (ABC) or Annette Reilly (Greens) by our deadline.

With 38 days until the Vancouver by-elections, we delve into the DUI allegations against Mayor Ken Sim, which were reportedly dismissed by police investigations. We discuss Task Force Barrage, a new initiative targeting organized crime and public safety. As well: Rebecca Bligh and is out of ABC, Adam Palmer is out of the VPD - the latter by choice. ABC announces its byelection candidates. And, Surrey withdraws from the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy, community newspapers close and our Vancouveratta.LinksVancouver Mayor Ken Sim, police, cleared of ‘baseless’ DUI allegation - BC | Globalnews.caOPCC says allegations against Vancouver mayor 'baseless' but won't publish reportVancouver mayor, police to roll out plan to tackle crime, public safety concernsAfter four decades of policing in Vancouver, Chief Adam Palmer retiresABC Vancouver Introduces By-Election CandidatesVDLC Endorses Vancouver City Council Byelection CandidatesVancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh kicked out of ABC caucus | CBC NewsLeaked documen

Byelection candidates, supportive housing pause, Metro Van boycott and the Delta Police spark an international incident.LinksOneCity candidate - Lucy Maloney: OneCity Vancouver By-election CandidateCOPE - COPE Nominates Local Housing Activist and Writer Sean Orr as By-Election Candidate — COPE VancouverGreens - Annette Reilly - Green Party of Vancouver beats Pamela Dudas - Green Party of VancouverTEAM - Colleen Hardwick and Theodore AbbottVancouver mayor rejects new supportive housing projects, promises ‘crackdown’ on gangs – CTVNewsTwo ABC Vancouver councillors question Ken Sim’s plan to ‘freeze’ new supportive housingB.C. housing minister says Vancouver's plan for Downtown Eastside could increase crime | CBC NewsDowntown Eastside at 'tipping point' as London Drugs considers leaving Woodward's buildingVancouver mayor to boycott Metro Vancouver meetings over ‘broken’ governance - BC | Globalnews.caB.C. fires Victoria School Board over ban on police in schools | CBC NewsEnd to public access at some Vancouver s

Two byelections at the same time folks. With Vancouver's longest-serving councillor, Adriane Carr, stepping down and Christine Boyle's election to the BC Legislature, Vancouver needs two new councillors. We look at the race and everything else that's happened recently.LinksVancouver Coun. Adriane Carr resigns, setting up 2-seat byelection | CBC NewsVancouver council confirms details of 2-seat byelection on April 5 | CBC NewsTeam promises 2 candidatesHardwick confirms her interestVote Socialist takes a passBut Sean Orr seeks COPE nominationBob Kronbauer: The NPA is gone and nobody gives a crapVANCOUVER POLITICAL PARTIES UNITED IN DEMANDING ELECTIONS BC DISCIPLINE FOR KEN SIM PARTY’S CAMPAIGN FINANCE IRREGULARITIESOpposition parties demand Elections BC complete investigation before Vancouver by-electionYou may have to pay to spray as Vancouver considering water metering for all homes, buildingsVancouver city council votes to look into residential water metering - BC | Globalnews.caVancouver property tax to incr

Two-years of Ken Sim, Crab Park residents evicted, some upcoming byelections, Burnaby affordable housing requirements axed, New West mayor chastised and Surrey gets its first weed store.LinksQ&A: Ken Sim reflects on two-year anniversary as Vancouver mayorChip Wilson DayVancouver's CRAB Park residents left with few options as eviction looms | CBC News13 local politicians were elected to the B.C. Legislature. Not all are giving up their municipal roles | CBC NewsChristine Boyle announces resignation from Vancouver city councilBurnaby eliminates affordable rental requirement in low-income neighbourhoodNew West mayor's all-expenses paid trip to Dubai breached ethics rules: CommissionerGreen light: Surrey council approves 12 new pot stores across the cityMetro Vancouver approves 25.3% increase to regional tax bill in 2025Metro Vancouver sells land set aside for Bowen Island CampgroundParadox Hotel Vancouver - Wikipedia

Sarah Kirby-Yung is mad at Rebecca Bligh. Pete Fry is mad at Ken Sim. Everyone is acting like children. It's the council we know and love. But at least with a majority, they passed most everything they wanted (for better or worse). And at least Vancouver's mayor hasn't been deemed likely to leak confidential documents via Staples print centres again.LinksF-bomb dropped in heated Vancouver city council exchangeThe video (shoutout Spencer Powell)Pete Fry told to "live with it"On procedureJust a very busy meetingGastown pedestrian pilot staff reportVancouver's non-ABC councillors set to be stripped of extra roles and payVancouver passes motion granting police traffic camera accessAmendment to subject camera plan to charter review passes with ABC splitVancouver councillors call for lobbyist registry at city hallMOTION - Establishing a Community Policing Centre in Gastown and Area to Enhance Safety and SecuritySim amends his own motionMOTION - Protecting and Enhancing Greenspace for the East End, Chinatown, Hogan’

ABC backtracks on the city's integrity commissioner, while ending City Hall lighting for (foreign) national holidays. Burnaby signs a gag order with TransMountain. Police in the region are over budget and saying some wildly bigoted things. A quirky by-election in Harrison Hot Springs. The Park Board's existential plea, legal battles over tree removal in Stanley Park, and the return of the ghost train serve as the lighter notes.Timestamps and Links01:20 Integrity Commissioner Controversy'Pause the pause': ABC Vancouver reversing course on integrity commissioner freeze04:46 City Hall Lighting Policy ChangesVancouver council limits groups from lighting up city hall, Burrard Bridge09:39 Public Opinion on Mayor and CouncilMajority of Vancouverites feel Mayor and city council are out of touch: CityNews poll 12:22 VPD Budget Overrun and RCMP AccountabilityVancouver Police department overspending by millions: report'Atrocious' comments by RCMP officers alleged in internal probe | CBC News17:07 Victoria Citizens Assem

Pete Fry foils Ken Sim's effort to put the Integrity Commissioner's office into a medically-induced coma. The Park Board releases a legal opinion suggesting a mid-term abolition may be unconstitutional. Surrey wants a Charter. A North Van chemical company runs an astroturf campaign. The People's Park defeats the fire station. And lots of housing - and little parking - coming to Vancouver's east end.LinksVancouver council defers vote on integrity commissioner's review | CBC News Vancouver Park Board seeks legal advice over dissolution motion | CBC NewsPRIVILEGED LEGAL OPINION - Memo to B. Bastyovanszky 4 Sept 2024.pdfSurrey, B.C., council votes unanimously to request city charter | CBC NewsMayor Brenda Locke calls for more control, exemptions with proposed Surrey CharterCampaign against B.C. chlorine plant was secretly funded by rival | CBC NewsVancouver pauses plan to build temporary fire hall on Strathcona green spaceEast Village: Over 900 rental homes and social housing units in towers up to 39 storeys to t

Council controversies: Brian Montague's integrity commissioner review, Vancouver's rollback on climate action policies, and the city's purchase of an almost completed market rental building. Delayed suicide prevention barriers on Granville Bridge, TransLink's funding crisis, and the debate over Vancouver's view cones. Cities try to meet the deadline to pass multiplex bylaws, except West Vancouver. City council and the park board battle over bike lanes in the West End. And we dig into a heavily redacted FOI on when Ken Sim decided to move to abolish the Park Board.Links01:57 Integrity Commissioner Review05:05 Climate Action Report and Natural Gas Debate09:47 Granville Bridge Suicide Barriers Delayed (see also re debris)Vancouver to get new dedicated bus lanes on these key routes13:43 TransLink Funding Crisis and Potential Cuts21:08 View Cones Debate26:43 City Purchases Market Rental Building30:36 Ken Sim's Quick Fix for Kits Pool33:37 Bike Lane Battle: Park Board vs. Council36:06 FOI Requests and Park Board Ab

Ken Sim expropriated a City Hall boardroom for a personal gym because that's what winners do. Meanwhile, the cops are using their extra budget to tackle the chaos that is people watching the sunset from the beach. Mandatory upzoning is progressing, with some notable squeaky wheels that are playing chicken with the province. And a new audit is being launched into the ill-fated North Shore Waste Water Plant.LinksPete Fry’s tweet of the gymVancouver Mayor Ken Sim explains why he turned a boardroom into a gymVancouver Mayor Ken Sim defends converting city hall room into a gymHere's how many times Vancouver's mayor has been absent from a vote at council$80K staff position added to Vancouver mayor's office | CBC NewsCarol Reardon tweet on Sim mathBlair’s tweet of cops clearing the beachVancouver police English Bay beach sweep prompts questionsMayor Ken Sim out as Vancouver Police Board chair | CBC NewsSurrey policing transition saga over, mayor accepts judicial reviewMore than 4,000 homes built for people, thousand

At some point Brenda Locke should get tired of losing, but today is not that day. It does inspire us to think of Surrey as a grand collective delusion that we're all experiencing. Importantly though, voting isn't speech and the constitution still doesn't recognize municipalities.In Vancouver, Council wants to keep property taxes low, there are squabbles at the Park Board but maybe we can sell off naming rights to our parks to solve our budget woes (spoiler: we can't). Ken Sim will continue to operate on vibes, however. Throughout that, Vancouver is behind on its housing targets but it has plenty of company from municipalities still grumbling about the province forcing them to upzone all residential zones.George Harvie is still in hot water over travel expenditures, Port Moody mulled a lobbyist registry, Langley City is banning daycares and Coquitlam nearly banned joy.And you should all go save the WISE Hall.LinksSurrey loses court bid to keep RCMP As Brenda Locke's policing losses mount, mandate argument weak