This is Vancouver

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.

Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, on business, agriculture and flood mitigation in the Fraser Valley. Brenda Locke, Mayor of Surrey, on public safety, policing and the region's extortion response. They discuss tax changes, impacts on small businesses, long-term care pauses and the need for federal-provincial coordination.

Alexa Liptak, who grew up crossing the Pattullo Bridge, shares personal memories and its cultural meaning. Justin Smith, a Fraser River steward training for a 1,000 km walk, recounts his farewell walk and observations. They discuss the bridge’s final public walk, mixed feelings about its safety versus iconic status, and what the new Stalewasem Bridge offers.

Justin McElroy, municipal affairs reporter covering Vancouver politics and the long-running Olympic Village school saga. He outlines why the school still isn’t built after 19 years. He explains rezoning triggers, residents’ worries about size and green space, alternative funding ideas, and the school board’s push for a larger facility amid overcrowding. He also touches on local political fallout and upcoming municipal races.

Lawrence Watt, CBC reporter and show director who covers local politics and events, walks through concerns about ICE presence, council motions to block U.S. immigration agents, fan travel worries and boycott talk. He also outlines existing cross-border enforcement ties, First Nations travel advisories, and how FIFA and officials are responding to the uncertainty.

Geoff Meggs, former Vancouver city councillor and municipal politics commentator; Mike McDonnell, City Auditor General who audited 16 land sales; Gurpreet Kambo, CBC reporter on Vancouver land-use. They unpack why a prime False Creek waterfront stayed empty for 40 years, Concord Pacific’s stalled Concord Landing plan, viaduct removal costs and delays, and an audit finding potential millions left on the table in past land deals.

Ross Siemens, Mayor of Abbotsford pressing Ottawa for federal funding to protect Sumas Prairie; brief bio: local mayor focused on infrastructure and food security. Chad Pawson, CBC reporter covering regional politics and floods. They discuss the 2021 flood promises, Abbotsford’s trip to Ottawa, federal inaction, cross-border Nooksack challenges, specific mitigation asks and the economic stakes of doing nothing.

Doug McCallum, former Surrey mayor urging rapid measures like helicopters and deportations. David Eby, BC premier pushing legislative changes and coordinated resources. Linda Annis, Surrey councillor calling for more officers, cameras and a permanent helicopter. Rasinder Kaur, community organizer conveying residents’ fear and business impacts. They discuss arrests, protests, policing tools, surveillance and calls for tougher laws.

Pete Fry, a long-serving Vancouver city councillor known for his opposition voice, explains why he’s running for mayor. He discusses community services, housing focused on modest mid-rise projects, approaches to street safety that prioritize diversion and supports, and the politics of a crowded progressive field with risks of vote splitting.

Justin McElroy, CBC civic reporter who covers Vancouver politics, walks through Mayor Ken Sim's pivot as the 2026 race nears. He spotlights media interviews that signal re-election messaging. Short threads cover Sim's focus on public safety, affordability, FIFA positioning, stepping back from the park board fight, and toning down Bitcoin and swagger to appeal to voters.