This is Vancouver OneCity debate: Which candidate should challenge Ken Sim?
Jan 15, 2026
In a spirited debate, Amanda Burroughs, Executive Director of First United with a focus on non-market housing, and William Azaroff, CEO of Brightside Community Homes specializing in affordable housing, lay out their visions as they vie for OneCity Vancouver's mayoral nomination. They tackle crucial issues like making housing more affordable through strategies like community land trusts, and discuss the balance of policing and social services for public safety. Both emphasize the need for collaborative governance, addressing neighborhood concerns, and enhancing women's safety in the city.
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Leadership Means Listening And Hiring Experts
- William admits he lacks deep DTES expertise and says he'd recruit experienced leaders like Amanda to lead on issues.
- He frames leadership as assembling experts rather than pretending to know every detail.
Protect Tenants During Redevelopments
- William says developers must take tenant relocation seriously and avoid replacing older affordable apartments without protections.
- He would judge projects case‑by‑case and reject forms that truly don't fit neighbourhoods.
Density Belongs At Transit Hubs
- Both candidates defended saying 'yes' to contentious Safeway redevelopment, seeing transit hubs as right places for density.
- They framed replacement of commercial parking with housing as acceptable when no tenants are displaced.