

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

Nov 11, 2025 • 19min
What's behind Vancouver's latest SRO closure?
Tenants at a social housing building in Vancouver's Granville Entertainment District have been told they need to move out by June. We hear from a resident, the nonprofit that runs the building, and B.C. Housing Minister Christine Boyle about why the closure is happening and what it means for the people who live there.

Nov 6, 2025 • 25min
Mayor Ken Sim talks budget with major cuts and $50 million more for police
Vancouver’s draft budget comes with spending cuts, a tax freeze, and a major boost to police funding. Justin McElroy joins us to unpack his interview with Mayor Ken Sim, the pushback from councillors, and what this means for voters next year.

Nov 5, 2025 • 9min
Is Vancouver finally getting a Filipino cultural centre?
The 2025 federal budget is finally here - and it affirms support for a proposed Filipino cultural centre in Metro Vancouver and other local community projects. We talk to Vancouver MP Taleeb Noormohamed about the budget, how much funding is available, and what it means for Lower Mainland communities.

Nov 4, 2025 • 17min
Is more policing the answer to Surrey’s extortion problem?
Surrey’s extortion problem is growing, and it’s not just a public safety issue — it’s affecting the local economy too. We speak with radio host Jinny Sims and longtime advocate Anita Huberman about how this is affecting daily life, whether police alone can fix it, and what real solutions might look like.

Oct 30, 2025 • 28min
With the West Coast Express turning 30, what's the future of light rail in Metro Vancouver?
What is the easiest way to get from city to city without a car? Well, if you lived in Europe or much of Asia, the answer would be obvious: a train. But in Metro Vancouver, it’s not that simple, even with our single passenger train service, which this week is turning 30 years old. On the Thursday edition of This is Vancouver, we dive into Metro Vancouver politics with Justin McElroy. Today, our main theme is regional transportation: why is it so limited here? What are the challenges to make it better? And could you one day take a train to Abbotsford, Chilliwack or Squamish?

Oct 29, 2025 • 11min
How are Vancouverites coping with rising grocery prices?
From food banks to smaller grocery baskets, working families are finding ways to get by as food prices keep climbing. The CBC’s Alison Cole has been speaking to shoppers, experts, and food bank leaders to explore how food inflation is reshaping daily life across the Lower Mainland.

Oct 28, 2025 • 12min
What does new ownership mean for Vancouver’s historic Park Theatre?
The Park Theatre was set to close — until a group of filmmakers stepped in to save it. Stephen Quinn speaks with Vancouver directors Zach Lipovsky and Chris Ferguson about the history of the theatre and why they're lending a hand.

Oct 23, 2025 • 30min
What went wrong with Ken Sim’s big housing idea?
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s plan to create a new housing corporation was blocked at City Hall — even though his ABC team had more votes. Municipal Affairs Reporter Justin McElroy breaks down what happened, why both sides are blaming each other, and what it means for the city’s next big budget fight. Plus, a conversation about the election campaign beginning in B.C.'s 4th largest city.

Oct 22, 2025 • 12min
Why is the Park Board adding parking fees at several Vancouver community centres?
The Vancouver Park Board has voted to add new parking fees at several community centres. Some residents say the change will make recreation less accessible. Park Board Chair Laura Christensen joins Stephen Quinn to explain the decision.

Oct 21, 2025 • 20min
What does the Cowichan title case really mean for Richmond homeowners?
A B.C. Supreme Court ruling has recognized Cowichan Tribes’ Aboriginal title to a stretch of land in Richmond — leaving some homeowners uncertain about their property rights. Richmond’s mayor explains what’s next and B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad shares his reaction. *Correction: At the 0:42 and 10:04 mark of this segment, there are incorrect statements that the B.C. Supreme Court decision covers 7.5 square kilometres of land in Richmond, B.C. In fact, the ruling applies to a portion of that area, meaning Quw’utsun Nation has Aboriginal title to between 300 and 324 hectares (or 750 and 800 acres) of land.


