

This is Vancouver
CBC
Your connection to the issues and stories shaping life in Metro Vancouver. Hosted by Stephen Quinn, with new episodes every Tuesday and Wednesday, plus a Thursday dive into city politics with Justin McElroy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 29, 2025 • 15min
How Indigenous entrepreneurs are shaping the future of tech at Web Summit
As Vancouver hosts the Web Summit, Indigenous leaders are pushing the boundaries of innovation. Stephen Quinn speaks with three changemakers bringing Indigenous wisdom into the world of AI, infrastructure, and startups.

May 27, 2025 • 17min
How many governments does Metro Vancouver need?
Metro Vancouver’s regional government is facing growing scrutiny after a $3.86 billion wastewater project went off the rails. So what would it take to make the system work better? Stephen Quinn speaks with Metro Board Chair Mike Hurley and former B.C. Premier Mike Harcourt about the calls for change.

May 23, 2025 • 11min
Who is Steve Rai, and what will he bring to the VPD?
Vancouver has a new top cop. Chief Constable Steve Rai steps into the role with decades of experience — and big challenges ahead. Sergeant Steve Addison of the VPD joins Stephen Quinn to talk about what’s next for the city’s police force.

May 22, 2025 • 12min
Why are school districts across Metro Vancouver so broke?
It's the time of year that school districts are approving their budgets for next year. But many are seeing a shortfall. Story producer Caroline Chan spoke with stakeholders about why that is.

May 21, 2025 • 8min
How hard is it to compete on the popular game show Jeopardy?
UBC graduate Brendan Liaw talks to Stephen Quinn about competing on Jeopardy and what it meant to him.

May 20, 2025 • 7min
Does Vancouver need a permanent city sign for tourists?
Vancouver city councillor Peter Meiszner put forward a motion to put up a permanent sign at Canada Place that bore the city's name. City of Vancouver staff released a report detailing the costs to install and maintain, which adds up to more than $300,000 and $50,000 per year to maintain. Along with contributions from private partners, the overall cost of the sign is between $550,000 to $1 million.

May 16, 2025 • 17min
B.C. Ferries says they are ready for another busy summer and have announced a new schedule
B.C Ferries is ramping up for another busy long weekend and summer to follow. We hear from ferry goers at the Horseshoe Bay terminal in West Vancouver. Then, we speak with Gibsons Mayor Silas White about a meeting with Premier Eby over ferries. Lastly, Stephen speaks with Diana Mumford, a Sechelt resident and former Southern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee chair, about the new summer schedule.

May 15, 2025 • 18min
Why was Michael Bryant hired to advise on the Downtown Eastside?
A former Ontario attorney general has been appointed to help fix issues in the Downtown Eastside. But his role as a consultant is raising questions. He was installed in the position in February with little public announcement and a six-month contract worth $150,000. We speak to Conservative MLA Trevor Halford and First United’s Amanda Burrows about his appointment.

May 14, 2025 • 12min
Is Vancouver’s former mayor the right pick for housing minister?
Former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson is back in the spotlight — this time as Canada’s new federal housing minister. But critics say he helped drive up housing costs in Vancouver. So can Robertson help fix the crisis on a national scale? Urban design professor Patrick Condon weighs in.

May 13, 2025 • 9min
Can Surrey schools keep up with the city’s rapid growth?
With 28 new residents arriving every day, Surrey is on track to become B.C.'s largest city. However, its school board is warning of deep cuts and overcrowding. We talk to the board chair about budget shortfalls, the impact on students, and what's being done in response.


