This is Vancouver

The Bishnoi gang has taken credit for a spate of extortions, shootings, and arsons in British Columbia - many of them in Surrey. Now CBC News has obtained a letter the gang sent to Canada's "defence minister, army and police" that outlines their ambitions to "rule Canada." Stephen Quinn speaks with the CBC's Jason Proctor for more.

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 West Vancouver. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy host a debate between current mayor Mark Sager, and his challengers, Sharon Thompson and Kirk LaPointe.

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.

To be fair, we know someone who has collected a lot of data on Vancouver renters and homeowners. And all of that information is gathered in the Homes of Tomorrow survey by Rennie Intelligence, a Vancouver-based real estate, marketing and brokerage firm. We take a deep dive into that survey with Elaina Cowley, Rennie's senior product development manager. 

Forty years later, we take a look back on the legacy of Vancouver hosting the world. Stephen reminisces with Claude Richmond, the province's minister of tourism at the time. We hear from Canadian photographer Michael de Courcy about the 2,000 photos he took at the world's fair. And our Fraser Valley reporter looks back at the opening of the Coquihalla Highway.

Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver and Spanish Banks in Vancouver have raised their parking fees for the summer of 2026. And now people have to pay much more for parking than then they did a few years ago.

But why are all these parking hikes happening? Could there be a backlash to bumping up beach fees? And what does it say about how we treat our access to some of the most beautiful places in Metro Vancouver?

Metro Matters columnist Justin McElroy also examines the simmering issues between Vancouver City Council and the Park Board.

Last week, after years of study and extensive public input, North Vancouver city council voted unanimously to move ahead with a 20-year plan to transform Lonsdale Avenue into a "Great Street." Sandy James is a former Vancouver city planner and the current managing director of Walk Metro Van. She talks about what makes a great street.

A major retail space in downtown Vancouver has been empty since Nordstrom closed in 2023. Now, Simons plans to move in, marking its first store in the city and its second in B.C. So what kind of retailer is Simons, and why expand into Downtown Vancouver now? Amy Bell speaks to President and CEO Bernard Leblanc about the strategy, the timing, and what shoppers can expect.

The Township of Langley is borrowing heavily to build parks, roads, and more — all at once. Mayor Eric Woodward says it will save money and improve services, whilt critics say it’s a risky bet with long-term costs. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy break down what's happening and discuss whether other municipalities will take notice.

One year after the Lapu-Lapu Day attack, Vancouver’s Filipino community is gathering to reflect, heal, and remember. Some say it’s too soon to host another event, while others see the activities as a meaningful step forward. We hear from organizers, police, and artists about grief, safety, and what comes next.

The Vancouver Whitecaps have called this city home since 1974. But concerns are growing that the club could relocate to another city. So - how severe are the challenges? And could the club really leave Vancouver? We hear from sports journalist Simon Fudge and Vancouver Southsiders member, Peter Czimmermann.

Vancouver’s three left-wing parties have agreed to cap the number of candidates each will be running in the upcoming civic election. They say the goal is to replace Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC majority on council. Stephen and Justin look at their agreement and what it means ahead of October's local elections. Plus, could Major League Baseball actually come to Vancouver?

It’s been 10 years since B.C. declared a public health emergency over toxic drug deaths. But the crisis is still claiming lives every day. We hear from Health Minister Josie Osborne and addictions expert Gabor Maté on what’s working, what isn’t, and what comes next.

Doug McCallum explains what's driving him to put his hat in the ring, once again, at age 81. And, what do Surrey residents think? Two community advocates break down what issues will be driving their votes in the upcoming municipal election.

CBC’s Justin McElroy breaks down the complaint, investigation and sanctions processes behind the B.C. government’s mandatory code of conduct for local elected officials. He discusses concerns surrounding the amendments and its effectiveness in handling dysfunctional municipalities.

Easter weekend travel brought long waits, cancellations, and frustration for passengers across the South Coast. Sailings are back to normal now, but communities are still looking for solutions to address the chronic problems facing the service. In this episode, we hear from travellers, politicians, and the ferry workers' union. 

A busy Easter weekend turned chaotic for BC Ferries, with cancellations, delays, and long lines across the South Coast. Stephen Quinn speaks with CEO Nicolas Jimenez about what caused the disruptions and what needs to change before the next travel rush.

Sometimes, city councils in B.C. have to decide things as specific as whether a single property owner can have one more dog. Justin McElroy reports on how Chilliwack council turned into a People’s Court-style debate.

In September, former Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell was appointed Downtown Eastside adviser by the province. He was tasked with convening and co-ordinating partners in the struggling neighbourhood, in order to improve the quality of life for people living and working there. We're checking in with organizations on the ground to see how he's doing, and we'll hear from Larry about what he plans to do now that his contract has been extended another six months.

Some international students say they’ve been approached by organized crime groups that want to recruit them for extortion-related crimes. In this episode, Stephen Quinn looks into how these interactions happen, how students respond, and what it means for safety in the Lower Mainland. We also hear from UBC student Mohkam Singh Mallik who shares what he’s hearing from students on campus.

A proposal for a floating sauna near Vancouver’s Maritime Museum is drawing pushback from some Kitsilano residents. We look at why this idea has people divided, and what it says about how the city uses its waterfront. Plus, a look at Burnaby’s quiet but shifting election race, as key councillors step aside.

International student numbers are falling fast — and schools in the Lower Mainland are feeling it. In addition to that, a new federal report suggests the system meant to manage them isn’t working well. Thousands of potential rule breaches were flagged, but only a small fraction were investigated. Stephen Quinn looks at what’s driving the decline, and how schools and governments are responding.

Multiplexes are spreading across Vancouver as the province pushes for more housing. Supporters say it will fix the “missing middle,” but some residents argue these buildings present numerous challenges, including concerns around privacy and parking pressures. Stephen Quinn speaks to Stephanie Hungerford and Bryn Davidson about what’s happening and how it could reshape the city’s streets.

Vancouver council just rejected two major housing projects, breaking a pattern that rarely changes. So why now? And what does it mean for the upcoming election? Plus, Stephen and Justin talk about a fight over lifeguard cuts and who’s really in charge at the park board.

A murder case leads to a strange discovery inside the Vancouver Police property office. Two key phones don’t match, and a note hints at something bigger. CBC’s Jason Proctor explains what Project Loyalty found — and why the case is still unresolved.

With less than 90 days to go, Vancouver is getting ready to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But it's not the first time Vancouver has welcomed the world for a major event. So what can the city learn from Expo 86 and the 2010 Olympics? Does Vancouver feel ready this time? In this episode, Stephen Quinn and Zameer Karim speak to former Vancouver mayor Mike Harcourt, who led the city during Expo 86, and former city councillor Andrea Reimer, who was in office during the 2010 Olympics. 

There are rumours that an aging community centre on Vancouver's east side could be the site of a deal between the Vancouver Canucks and the City of Vancouver for a practice facility. Justin McElroy and Patrick Johnston from The Province join Stephen Quinn to talk about how possible the plan is.

Vancouver city councillor Sean Orr is suing Mayor Ken Sim for defamation after Sim said Orr handed out illegal drugs on Christmas Day — a claim Sim later apologized for. But how does a defamtion lawsuit work? What might it entail in this case? Defamation lawyer Daniel Coles joins us for that discussion.

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.