January 2025 Update: Taking action on affordable housing and public safety
January flew by with a mix of exciting milestones, meaningful gatherings, and community celebrations. It was a privilege to connect with so many Vancouverites this past month, and I’m excited to share some highlights.
Progress on Affordable Housing
One of the most significant developments this month was seeing long-delayed social housing construction finally moving forward at Little Mountain. Thanks to Council’s support, these much-needed homes are being built ahead of market developments—a big win for Vancouverites who need stable, affordable housing. This is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to seeing more progress in the months ahead.
Strengthening Community Bonds
I had the honour of visiting Fraserview Muslim Community Services and hearing from community leaders about their vision for a new Islamic Centre in South Vancouver. This centre will be an important hub for Muslim families, fostering connection and support. It was a privilege to join them before prayers and learn more about their goals.
Later in the month, Council also proclaimed the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia. On the anniversary of the Quebec City Mosque attack, we stood with our Muslim community to honour the six worshippers who lost their lives and reaffirmed our commitment to fighting hatred in all forms.
January was also a time for deepening relationships with Indigenous leaders. A meaningful evening with Squamish Nation leadership allowed Council to strengthen our understanding of the Protocol Agreement Principles, helping to build trust and reinforce our partnership. Reconciliation is ongoing work, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and grow together.
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A New Vision for the Downtown Eastside
For generations, the Downtown Eastside has faced challenges such as deteriorating housing, a health crisis, and growing gang activity. I fully support Mayor Ken Sim’s new direction for this community—investing in dignified housing and ensuring that services are not overly concentrated in one area. It’s time to uplift this neighborhood and support its residents with real solutions that keep residents safe and improve quality of life.
Celebrating Culture and Community
Lunar New Year brought incredible energy to Vancouver! From the lively Chinatown parade to celebrations across the city, it was inspiring to see our communities come together to welcome the Year of the Snake. I had the pleasure of celebrating with Vancouver’s vibrant Vietnamese community at a wonderful event hosted by several local organizations, as well as attending Gaia Cares’ Lunar New Year gathering, which brought seniors from the Downtown Eastside together for a joyful day of entertainment and connection.
Honouring the memory of Holocaust victims
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we stood with Vancouver’s Jewish community to honour the six million Jews and other persecuted groups who were murdered during the Holocaust. Remembering this history is critical in ensuring that we remain vigilant against antisemitism and all forms of hate.
Milestones and Looking Forward
January also saw exciting moments for our city’s future. I was honoured to help kick off the CLIA Pacific Northwest Symposium 2025, welcoming cruise industry delegates to Vancouver—an industry that plays a key role in our tourism sector.
Meanwhile, we also took a step forward in supporting our city’s seniors through the work of Cycling Without Age. Their trishaw bike program has been bringing joy to older adults across Vancouver, and I was thrilled to celebrate their efforts alongside co-founder Jennifer Chen and Executive Director Jake Winn. Seeing their dedication to fostering connection and mobility for seniors is truly inspiring.
As PNE Board Chair, I had the joy of announcing 28 lucky winners in the PNE Winter Lottery, with prizes ranging from $2,500 to $35,000 and a Grand Prize of a Chevrolet Equinox EV. Seeing these prizes bring excitement and joy to BC households was a great reminder of how the PNE continues to bring people together.
500 Day Countdown!
And speaking of looking ahead—Vancouver is just 500 days away from hosting the world’s biggest football event! The countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026 is on, and I can’t wait to see our city shine on the global stage.
January was a reminder of how strong and diverse our communities are, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to connect and support Vancouverites. Here’s to another month of progress, partnership, and celebration!