Cambie Report
Vancouver's local politics podcast. Hosted by Matthew Naylor and Ian Bushfield. Email us cambiereport@gmail.com | Support the show at https://patreon.com/cambiereport
Tue, April 01, 2025
E3a-4 People are definitely bringing their D-game
“I’m sorry” – Ken Sim about five times in the last month. Also featuring Annette Reilly of the Vancouver Green’s statement. Links Vancouver byelection: Seven candidates from five parties make their pitch Vancouver sees 2,876 ballots cast on first day of advance voting for byelection Byelection candidates question ABC Vancouver’s debate absence ‘Oops’: Vancouver mayor apologizes for series of recent slip-ups Vancouver municipal council by-election candidate forced to apologize for e-mail outreach to police officers A Police Union Leader’s Controversial Run for Vancouver Council | The Tyee Audio leaked of Vancouver byelection candidate discussing running mate – BC | Globalnews.ca Ken Sim Bitcoin video (Bitcoin) ABC Vancouver’s ‘repudiation of the rule of law’ shows gap in B.C.’s municipal oversight, Ombudsperson says Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim gets booed at Juno Awards | News Candidates for Vancouver Municipal Party Say They Attended Multiple Events with Conspiratorial Far-Right Groups By Accident Policies/platforms ABC Vancouver COPE Vancouver Greens OneCity TEAM Vancouveratta Bure once helped pull off the ultimate Vancouver Canucks April Fools’ prank | Sports
Tue, March 25, 2025
E3a-11 Hear from the candidates
We turned the mics over to the candidates for the Vancouver byelection so you can hear directly from them. Featuring Lucy Malone (OneCity), Colleen Hardwick (TEAM), Sean Orr (COPE), Jaime Stein (ABC) and Theodore Abbott (TEAM). Unfortunately, we didn’t receive clips from Ralph Kaisers (ABC) or Annette Reilly (Greens) by our deadline.
Wed, February 26, 2025
E3a-38 Not a core value fit
With 38 days until the Vancouver by-elections, we delve into the DUI allegations against Mayor Ken Sim, which were reportedly dismissed by police investigations. We discuss Task Force Barrage, a new initiative targeting organized crime and public safety. As well: Rebecca Bligh and is out of ABC, Adam Palmer is out of the VPD – the latter by choice. ABC announces its byelection candidates. And, Surrey withdraws from the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy, community newspapers close and our Vancouveratta. Links Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, police, cleared of ‘baseless’ DUI allegation – BC | Globalnews.ca OPCC says allegations against Vancouver mayor ‘baseless’ but won’t publish report Vancouver mayor, police to roll out plan to tackle crime, public safety concerns After four decades of policing in Vancouver, Chief Adam Palmer retires ABC Vancouver Introduces By-Election Candidates VDLC Endorses Vancouver City Council Byelection Candidates Vancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh kicked out of ABC caucus | CBC News Leaked document shows new plan by Vancouver city council to alter the Downtown Eastside – The Globe and Mail Vancouver council gets update on efforts to ‘uplift’ Downtown Eastside – BC | Globalnews.ca ABC Vancouver park board politicians violated policy on open meetings, watchdog finds Integrity Commissioner Report PBIC-003: Complaint against Vancouver Park Board Commissioners Bastyovanszky, Christensen, Haer, H City of Surrey to withdraw from Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/11030427/tax-dollars-subsidized-ikea-brick-electric-vehicles-metro-v
Thu, February 06, 2025
E3a-58 The mayor is a petulant child
Byelection candidates, supportive housing pause, Metro Van boycott and the Delta Police spark an international incident. Links OneCity candidate – Lucy Maloney: OneCity Vancouver By-election Candidate COPE – COPE Nominates Local Housing Activist and Writer Sean Orr as By-Election Candidate — COPE Vancouver Greens – Annette Reilly – Green Party of Vancouver beats Pamela Dudas – Green Party of Vancouver TEAM – Colleen Hardwick and Theodore Abbott Vancouver mayor rejects new supportive housing projects, promises ‘crackdown’ on gangs – CTVNews Two ABC Vancouver councillors question Ken Sim’s plan to ‘freeze’ new supportive housing B.C. housing minister says Vancouver’s plan for Downtown Eastside could increase crime | CBC News Downtown Eastside at ‘tipping point’ as London Drugs considers leaving Woodward’s building Vancouver mayor to boycott Metro Vancouver meetings over ‘broken’ governance – BC | Globalnews.ca B.C. fires Victoria School Board over ban on police in schools | CBC News End to public access at some Vancouver school fields has neighbourhood group frustrated | CBC News This is the proposed car-free transformation of the Granville Entertainment District Summer boozing allowed at 7 Vancouver beaches on ‘permanent basis’ – CTVNews Shelter is Survival – BC Civil Liberties Association <a href="https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelow
Fri, January 24, 2025
E3a-72 Democracy isn’t free
Two byelections at the same time folks. With Vancouver’s longest-serving councillor, Adriane Carr, stepping down and Christine Boyle’s election to the BC Legislature, Vancouver needs two new councillors. We look at the race and everything else that’s happened recently. Links Vancouver Coun. Adriane Carr resigns, setting up 2-seat byelection | CBC News Vancouver council confirms details of 2-seat byelection on April 5 | CBC News Team promises 2 candidates Hardwick confirms her interest Vote Socialist takes a pass But Sean Orr seeks COPE nomination Bob Kronbauer: The NPA is gone and nobody gives a crap VANCOUVER POLITICAL PARTIES UNITED IN DEMANDING ELECTIONS BC DISCIPLINE FOR KEN SIM PARTY’S CAMPAIGN FINANCE IRREGULARITIES Opposition parties demand Elections BC complete investigation before Vancouver by-election You may have to pay to spray as Vancouver considering water metering for all homes, buildings Vancouver city council votes to look into residential water metering – BC | Globalnews.ca Vancouver property tax to increase by 3.9% in 2025 Vancouver City Council approves 2025 operating and capital budget with 3.9% property tax increase No, Vancouver is not that unsafe, actually – Ian’s article on crime Bur
Thu, November 07, 2024
E3-709 Summer and Chip Wilson Day
Two-years of Ken Sim, Crab Park residents evicted, some upcoming byelections, Burnaby affordable housing requirements axed, New West mayor chastised and Surrey gets its first weed store. Links Q&A: Ken Sim reflects on two-year anniversary as Vancouver mayor Chip Wilson Day Vancouver’s CRAB Park residents left with few options as eviction looms | CBC News 13 local politicians were elected to the B.C. Legislature. Not all are giving up their municipal roles | CBC News Christine Boyle announces resignation from Vancouver city council Burnaby eliminates affordable rental requirement in low-income neighbourhood New West mayor’s all-expenses paid trip to Dubai breached ethics rules: Commissioner Green light: Surrey council approves 12 new pot stores across the city Metro Vancouver approves 25.3% increase to regional tax bill in 2025 Metro Vancouver sells land set aside for Bowen Island Campground Paradox Hotel Vancouver – Wikipedia
Fri, October 25, 2024
E3-721 The Wild West of Fucking Procedure
Sarah Kirby-Yung is mad at Rebecca Bligh. Pete Fry is mad at Ken Sim. Everyone is acting like children. It’s the council we know and love. But at least with a majority, they passed most everything they wanted (for better or worse). And at least Vancouver’s mayor hasn’t been deemed likely to leak confidential documents via Staples print centres again. Links F-bomb dropped in heated Vancouver city council exchange The video (shoutout Spencer Powell) Pete Fry told to “live with it” On procedure Just a very busy meeting Gastown pedestrian pilot staff report Vancouver’s non-ABC councillors set to be stripped of extra roles and pay Vancouver passes motion granting police traffic camera access Amendment to subject camera plan to charter review passes with ABC split Vancouver councillors call for lobbyist registry at city hall MOTION – Establishing a Community Policing Centre in Gastown and Area to Enhance Safety and Security Sim amends his own motion MOTION – Protecting and Enhancing Greenspace for the East End, Chinatown, Hogan’s Alley and Strathcona – Standing Committee on ABC Vancouver’s promise to hire 100 mental health nurses sits at 35 No rezoning: Vancouver could expedite new social, supportive housing | Urbanized Vancouver city council allows developer to delay major Oakridge project <a hr
Mon, October 07, 2024
E3-741 A feather made of helium
ABC backtracks on the city’s integrity commissioner, while ending City Hall lighting for (foreign) national holidays. Burnaby signs a gag order with TransMountain. Police in the region are over budget and saying some wildly bigoted things. A quirky by-election in Harrison Hot Springs. The Park Board’s existential plea, legal battles over tree removal in Stanley Park, and the return of the ghost train serve as the lighter notes. Timestamps and Links 01:20 Integrity Commissioner Controversy ‘Pause the pause’: ABC Vancouver reversing course on integrity commissioner freeze 04:46 City Hall Lighting Policy Changes Vancouver council limits groups from lighting up city hall, Burrard Bridge 09:39 Public Opinion on Mayor and Council Majority of Vancouverites feel Mayor and city council are out of touch: CityNews poll 12:22 VPD Budget Overrun and RCMP Accountability Vancouver Police department overspending by millions: report ‘Atrocious’ comments by RCMP officers alleged in internal probe | CBC News 17:07 Victoria Citizens Assembly on Amalgamation Victoria-Saanich amalgamation report begins after years of delay 20:29 Burnaby’s Gag Order with Trans Mountain Burnaby barred from ‘negative public communications’ about Trans Mountain under $20M deal – BC | Globalnews.ca 22:57 Vancouver Park Board’s Fight for Existence Vancouver Park Board votes to remain an elected body 26:01 Stanley Park Tree Removal Lawsuit and SCC Rejects Vancouver’s SRO Vacancy Control Appeal B.C. court rejects attempt to stop tree removal in Stanley Park | CBC News Supreme Court of Canada – SCC Case Information – Summary – 41198 <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sro-vacancy-control-vancouver-1.7203
Thu, September 12, 2024
E3-765 Lisa Southern is not an airplane
Pete Fry foils Ken Sim’s effort to put the Integrity Commissioner’s office into a medically-induced coma. The Park Board releases a legal opinion suggesting a mid-term abolition may be unconstitutional. Surrey wants a Charter. A North Van chemical company runs an astroturf campaign. The People’s Park defeats the fire station. And lots of housing – and little parking – coming to Vancouver’s east end. Links Vancouver council defers vote on integrity commissioner’s review | CBC News Vancouver Park Board seeks legal advice over dissolution motion | CBC News PRIVILEGED LEGAL OPINION – Memo to B. Bastyovanszky 4 Sept 2024.pdf Surrey, B.C., council votes unanimously to request city charter | CBC News Mayor Brenda Locke calls for more control, exemptions with proposed Surrey Charter Campaign against B.C. chlorine plant was secretly funded by rival | CBC News Vancouver pauses plan to build temporary fire hall on Strathcona green space East Village: Over 900 rental homes and social housing units in towers up to 39 storeys to transform East Hastings Street in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside This Week in History, 1935: A “religious cult” run by “a charlatan” bamboozles a wealthy housewife | Vancouver Sun
Fri, July 26, 2024
E3-814 Did a Global News question kill the Park Board?
Council controversies: Brian Montague’s integrity commissioner review, Vancouver’s rollback on climate action policies, and the city’s purchase of an almost completed market rental building. Delayed suicide prevention barriers on Granville Bridge, TransLink’s funding crisis, and the debate over Vancouver’s view cones. Cities try to meet the deadline to pass multiplex bylaws, except West Vancouver. City council and the park board battle over bike lanes in the West End. And we dig into a heavily redacted FOI on when Ken Sim decided to move to abolish the Park Board. Links 01:57 Integrity Commissioner Review 05:05 Climate Action Report and Natural Gas Debate 09:47 Granville Bridge Suicide Barriers Delayed (see also re debris ) Vancouver to get new dedicated bus lanes on these key routes 13:43 TransLink Funding Crisis and Potential Cuts 21:08 View Cones Debate 26:43 City Purchases Market Rental Building 30:36 Ken Sim’s Quick Fix for Kits Pool 33:37 Bike Lane Battle: Park Board vs. Council 36:06 FOI Requests and Park Board Abolishment FOI fight 43:01 Provincial Housing Compliance and West Vancouver’s Defiance 45:55 Surrey’s Push for a City Charter 48:33 <a href="https://bc.ctvnews.ca/this-is-a-vital-community-hub-temporary-fire-hall-prompts-oppos
Fri, June 28, 2024
E3-842 Cribs city hall
Ken Sim expropriated a City Hall boardroom for a personal gym because that’s what winners do. Meanwhile, the cops are using their extra budget to tackle the chaos that is people watching the sunset from the beach. Mandatory upzoning is progressing, with some notable squeaky wheels that are playing chicken with the province. And a new audit is being launched into the ill-fated North Shore Waste Water Plant. Links Pete Fry’s tweet of the gym Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim explains why he turned a boardroom into a gym Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim defends converting city hall room into a gym Here’s how many times Vancouver’s mayor has been absent from a vote at council $80K staff position added to Vancouver mayor’s office | CBC News Carol Reardon tweet on Sim math Blair’s tweet of cops clearing the beach Vancouver police English Bay beach sweep prompts questions Mayor Ken Sim out as Vancouver Police Board chair | CBC News Surrey policing transition saga over, mayor accepts judicial review More than 4,000 homes built for people, thousands more on the way through housing targets Vancouver to allow more density at all SkyTrain stations beyond legislation | Urbanized Vancouver council votes to densify upscale Shaughnessy neighbourhood Vancouver scraps minimum parking requirements citywide – BC | Globalnews.ca Cities ask for more time to comply with B.C.’s zoning laws | CBC News <a href="https://www.biv.com/ne
Sat, June 01, 2024
E3-869 Surrey as performance art
At some point Brenda Locke should get tired of losing, but today is not that day. It does inspire us to think of Surrey as a grand collective delusion that we’re all experiencing. Importantly though, voting isn’t speech and the constitution still doesn’t recognize municipalities. In Vancouver, Council wants to keep property taxes low, there are squabbles at the Park Board but maybe we can sell off naming rights to our parks to solve our budget woes (spoiler: we can’t). Ken Sim will continue to operate on vibes, however. Throughout that, Vancouver is behind on its housing targets but it has plenty of company from municipalities still grumbling about the province forcing them to upzone all residential zones. George Harvie is still in hot water over travel expenditures, Port Moody mulled a lobbyist registry, Langley City is banning daycares and Coquitlam nearly banned joy. And you should all go save the WISE Hall. Links Surrey loses court bid to keep RCMP As Brenda Locke’s policing losses mount, mandate argument weakens – CBC BC Supreme Court ruling Max tax increase agreed Integrity Commissioner Ruling Vancouver plans to give corporate names to city and park board assets ‘Decline in completions’: Vancouver misses housing targets ordered by B.C. Oof, A Deep Dive – The Bind Sim’s got the feels ‘Not my job to crunch numbers,’ Vancouver mayor says as expert questions FIFA’s economic benefit Vancouver votes to move ahead with pod hotel pilot project Cities ask for more time to comply with B.C.’s zoning laws <a href="https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/05/28/metro
Wed, May 08, 2024
E3-893 Small Petty Bullshit
No fun city? Unless you want to gamble. Surrey policing drama. Mayors behaving badly. Links John Coupar runs for BC Conservatives Vancouver mayor cautious about organizing Canucks watch parties | CBC News Vancouver mulls viewing area for ’amazing’ Canucks’ fans | The Province Roxy Fever…the Podcast! (@roxyfever) / X Investigations Initiated into Potential Contraventions of the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act Vancouver council considers ‘modifying’ moratorium on gambling expansion Date set for Surrey Police Service to take over from RCMP: Farnworth Bombshell hidden provincial report confirms SPS costs to skyrocket by $750M | City of Surrey Surrey Police Deloitte report Surrey mayor’s ‘withdrawal of service’ complaint about SPS officers called ‘hurtful’ B.C. judge refuses to seal documents alleging RCMP bullying against Surrey police UPDATE: RCMP union says its officers can’t work under Surrey Police without federal law changes Delta council votes to remove Mayor Harvie as Metro chair Jas Johal on George Harvie Thread on Kamloops mayor <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/new
Fri, April 12, 2024
E3-919 Charts on a podcast: It’s all about the money
Christine Boyle defeats Andrea Reimer in the battle of Little Mountain, meaning we’re likely headed to a council byelection later this year. Last year’s annual report fundraising gives us some insight into how well each party might do. Surrey meanwhile, doesn’t want money. Vancouver will be saying goodbye to public hearings. An overdose prevention site draws controversy, as do new rules around sheltering in parks. The City hopes to go to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Olympic Village school is finally coming. And Vision Zero wants you to take a brick to cross the street. Links Vancouver Coun. Christine Boyle secures B.C. NDP nomination | CBC News Andrea Reimer’s thread on her loss ABC raises most while OneCity has largest supporter base – Cambie Report Local party fundraising beyond Vancouver in 2023 Minister’s statement on Surrey policing transition | BC Gov News Surrey police chief sees path now to completing transition | Vancouver Sun Proposed changes to Vancouver Charter will help build more homes faster Health authority secures ‘discreet’ location for Vancouver overdose prevention site Vancouver mayor disappointed by new location for overdose prevention site Vancouver Park Board tightens rules on homeless encampments – BC | Globalnews.ca Vancouver SRO vacancy control to be heard in Supreme Court New school coming to Olympic Village | BC Gov News Granville Island crosswalk users urged to pick up a brick | CBC News About Granville Island – Granville Island – Vancouver, BC <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wi
Tue, March 12, 2024
E3-950 Unforced errors
The municipal becomes the provincial as two friends-of-the-pod compete in the race to replace an outgoing MLA. Mike Klassen asks the city for money for a Junos trip, Ken Sim asks a park board commissioner for forgiveness and the MST Nations are going to ask the province for everything. We also get into BIA expansion controversies, calls to make the red Vancouver sign permanent, and the history of neon signs in Vancouver. B.C. NDP nomination battle brewing between former and current Vancouver city councillors Vancouver councillor withdraws application for city cash to cover Junos trip with mayor Integrity investigation finds Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim discriminated against Park Board commissioner Vancouver Host First Nations support Park Board dissolution Letter from MST nations Dan Fumano: Vancouver park board abolition not coming before B.C. election, Premier Eby says Community associations ask B.C. not to eliminate Park Board Dan Fumano: Psychedelics are illegal — and Vancouver police say criminal charges could be coming Richmond, B.C., council approves drug consumption site motion | CBC News Richmond won’t seek approval for drug consumption site: mayor | CBC News A supervised consumption site for Richmond, B.C., was ditched. Why are critics still so furious? 24-07 BCPS announces appointment of Special Prosecutor Gordon <
Fri, February 09, 2024
E3-982 We elected fifth graders
Park board abolition, budget task force and naming rights, car-free gastown and more.
Fri, January 26, 2024
E3-995 Join the Movement
Denis Agar tells us about Movement: Metro Vancouver Transit Riders
Sat, December 09, 2023
E3-1044 The break up on your behalf service
RIP Park Board, upzoning stress dreams, cop math and drink suggestions
Sat, November 25, 2023
E3-1058 Manufactured wood arcologies
What's the point of a city council given the province's new housing laws?
Fri, November 03, 2023
E3-1080 Pray Holborn doesn’t alter the deal further
No to Little Mountain social housing. No to red light cameras. Yes to VPD and golf courses.
Sat, October 14, 2023
E3-1100 Frustration after frustration after frustration
Everything is madness and local politics is stumbling its way through a crowded room.
Fri, August 25, 2023
E3-1149 Density is necessity
The latest threat to neighbourhood character: Young children
Fri, July 21, 2023
E3-1184 Government by complaint
We can't have nice things. We can't have a spa, we can't have the polar bears, we can't have a mural, we can't have the RCMP in Surrey, we can't have temporary modular housing and we can't have water. But we can have a beer at Khatsalano.
Fri, July 07, 2023
E3-1198 Who among us
Surrey policing drama, disqualifications, ethics issues, car-free pilots and mean girls.
Thu, May 18, 2023
E3-1250 Trapped in John A Macdonald’s fever dream
Cops. Huh. What are they good for?
Thu, April 13, 2023
E3-1283 A rathaus of mayor brains
Ken Sim clears Hastings Street and has thoughts on housing. Brenda Locke stands by her interpretation of a meeting.
Thu, March 30, 2023
E3-1298 Vancouver the group art project
China alleged to have interfered in the 2022 Vancouver election and Broadway comes back to a vote
Tue, March 07, 2023
E3-1322 Community Charter obscura
Budget day in Vancouver and fun facts about the Community Charter
Sun, February 19, 2023
E3-1337 This City Council could’ve been an email
Election spending data, climate inaction, procedural shenanigans, social housing, bike lane consultations forever, police funding and school board culture wars.
Mon, January 30, 2023
E3-1357 Happy News Years
Victoria and Vancouver look at missing middle upzoning. ABC is in on Chinatown but out on UBC SkyTrain, the renters office, VANDU and eco fees. And Kennedy Stewart wrote a book.
Fri, December 16, 2022
E3-1401 ABCs of party discipline
Governing is easy when you have a majority
Sat, December 03, 2022
E3-1415 Shrub of reasonable doubt
Doug McCallum walks, Sim in Doha and libraries should be free
Sat, November 12, 2022
E3-1436 Scaly Faced Motherfucker
The trial of Doug McCallum, the police and Vancouver's new council
Tue, October 18, 2022
E+1 SimCity
The results are in. There's 1,462 days to go until the next one.
Fri, October 14, 2022
E-2 Surrey you must be joking
Our last look before election day, including the races to watch
Fri, October 07, 2022
E-8 The Endorsement Show
A recap of how the campaigns have gone and who we think deserves a vote in Vancouver.
Sat, October 01, 2022
E-16 The North
Brent Richter brings us the News from the North Shore
Sat, September 24, 2022
E-23 I, Me, Myself, Individual
The candidate lists are finalized and Vancouver voters once again have over a hundred names to choose from.
Sat, September 17, 2022
E-29 Hot Pink Podcast
Breaking down the race through rose coloured glasses
Fri, September 09, 2022
E-36 (Almost) everyone wants more houses
Mario Canseco talks his latest poll and a look at competing YIMBY housing plans
Sat, September 03, 2022
E-43 We just want a better city
NPA chaos, court rulings and a look to the burbs
Sat, August 27, 2022
E-50 Everyone is coming unhinged
Doug McCallum is promising unicorns.
Sat, August 20, 2022
E-57 Things are getting out of hand in Surrey
Competing policies to deal with the situation in the DTES, details about Senakw and lots of changing nomination news
Fri, August 12, 2022
E-65 Nowhere to go
The removal of tents began on Hastings but ended with a clash between activists and police. Kennedy releases donors and Progress announces 2 candidates.
Sat, August 06, 2022
E-71 Coupar quits
Coupar quits and Chip Wilson pays money to stop socialism
Fri, July 15, 2022
E-93 Not a sleepy summer
Wiebe loses at the Court of Appeal, PoCoexit, Beach Logs, Pools, candidates and so much more
Tue, July 05, 2022
E-103 Eternal hearings
Just make them stop
loading...