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.

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Thursday · 47 min
Will Vancouver’s progressive parties make a deal?
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.
Wednesday · 16 min
Why did this week's byelections go red?
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.
Tuesday · 39 min
Who will be the next Mayor of New Westminster?
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.
August 27 · 30 min
How much do council candidates matter in Vancouver?
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.
August 26 · 28 min
What’s at stake in the North Vancouver–Capilano byelection?
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.
August 25 · 38 min
What’s next for overdose prevention sites in Vancouver?
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.
August 20 · 34 min
What are civic campaigns doing to get people's attention before this year's municipal election?
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.
August 18 · 35 min
Will Vancouver’s plebiscite vote change anything?
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.
August 13 · 23 min
What's next for Richmond after 25 years of Malcolm Brodie?
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.
August 12 · 17 min
Should Vancouver trust Google to help cut traffic?
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.
August 11 · 28 min
10 weeks, 10 races
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.
August 6 · 27 min
What's next for the Richmond Night Market?
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.
August 5 · 20 min
When should wildfire smoke change your plans?
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.
August 4 · 22 min
Who is gaining ground in Vancouver’s mayoral race?
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.
July 30 · 37 min
Is Metro Vancouver finally ready to change?
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.
July 29 · 28 min
Did public backlash kill the villages plan?
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.
July 28 · 38 min
Mayoral candidate mini-forum: Colleen Hardwick, Rebecca Bligh and Kareem Allam
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.
July 23 · 29 min
Should (or could) Surrey leave Metro Vancouver?
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.
July 22 · 42 min
What did Vancouver actually get from the World Cup?
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.
July 21 · 45 min
Mayoral candidate mini-forum: the progressive candidate edition
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.

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