September 2025: Progress, Partnership, and Civic Pride

September in Vancouver always marks the last golden weeks of summer, and the start of a busy civic season. This year was no different, with moments of joy, progress, and connection that reminded me how deeply people care about their city and one another.

We began the month by celebrating Labour Day, honouring the dedication of workers who keep our communities strong — from healthcare professionals and first responders to the people who power our schools, small businesses, and essential services. Their commitment truly anchors Vancouver’s resilience.

Marking Cultural Milestones in Our City

As summer came to a close, the PNE Fair wrapped up another successful season. Serving as Board Chair continues to be one of my greatest privileges — it’s a front-row seat to the passion, creativity, and history that make this institution so special. From the SuperDogs and agricultural exhibits to headline concerts and the life-changing Prize Home and 50/50 draws, the Fair’s spirit of fun and community never fades. Congratulations again to this year’s big prize draw winners — and to CEO Shelley Frost and the entire PNE team for an extraordinary season.

In early September, I had the pleasure of attending the Vancouver Fringe Festival’s opening on Granville Island — a vibrant showcase of creative voices and daring ideas. With more than 600 performances city-wide, the Fringe remains a cornerstone of Vancouver’s arts and culture calendar, reminding us why creativity is essential to a thriving city.

I also met with Barry Mowat, the driving force behind the Vancouver Biennale, to discuss how we can strengthen the process for bringing more public art into our neighbourhoods. Art in public spaces helps define who we are — it connects people, sparks conversation, and gives every community a sense of identity and belonging.

Building Healthier, More Connected Communities

September brought a meaningful conversation about loneliness — not just as a feeling, but as a growing public health concern. Meeting a group of neighbours who transformed a South Vancouver park bench into a pollinator garden — and, in the process, built a friendship circle that now sustains them — was profoundly inspiring. Their story is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful solutions are rooted in simple, local acts of connection.

That same spirit of community came through at events like Flats Fest, which celebrated the innovation and creativity of Mount Pleasant’s South Flats, and at Recovery Day BC in New Westminster, one of the world’s largest gatherings for addiction recovery and mental health awareness. Seeing more than 50,000 people come together in hope and solidarity was unforgettable.

Progress on Public Safety and City Infrastructure

Back at City Hall, we saw major progress on Task Force Barrage, launched earlier this year to improve safety and wellbeing in the Downtown Eastside. Since February, violent crime has dropped 18%, robberies by nearly half, and serious assaults by more than 20%. These results show what can happen when governments, law enforcement, and community partners pull together toward a shared goal.

Council also toured the BC Hydro Mount Pleasant substation and several new multiplex projects under construction — a fascinating look at how clean energy and housing innovation are advancing hand-in-hand. This kind of collaboration ensures Vancouver can grow sustainably while keeping the lights on for residents and businesses alike.

Honouring Leadership and Local Heroes

One of September’s most memorable moments came at Vancouver City Hall, where we presented the Freedom of the City Award to Ryan Reynolds — one of Vancouver’s most recognized and generous sons. Ryan has used his global platform to lift up our city’s name while giving back to local causes from Covenant House to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

It was a joy to meet him in person and share a lighthearted moment as he signed a photo of the late John Candy — a Canadian legend we both admire. It was a perfect, personal reminder that even our biggest stars stay rooted in where they come from.

Supporting Families and Seniors

One of my ongoing priorities on Council is supporting families and advocating for childcare. It was great to visit the new Tamim Academy daycare, which opened just in time for the school year thanks to close collaboration between the City, provincial partners, and the school’s leadership team. Together, we’re helping to make high-quality childcare more accessible for working parents across Vancouver.

Engagement, Advocacy, and Leadership

In mid-September, I joined my Council colleagues at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Victoria — a crucial opportunity to meet directly with provincial leaders and advocate for Vancouver’s top priorities: housing, public safety, childcare, and infrastructure. Our 16 meetings with ministers and officials reinforced Vancouver’s leadership role in driving economic growth and improving quality of life for residents.

We closed the month with Truth and Reconciliation Day, wearing orange shirts to honour Survivors, families, and the children who never came home. Vancouver continues to walk the path of reconciliation in partnership with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, including through my work on the City’s UNDRIP Intergovernmental Committee.

As we move into fall, I’m filled with gratitude for the people and communities I’ve met over these past months — people who prove daily that civic pride and compassion are at the heart of Vancouver’s success.

Thank you, as always, for your engagement, feedback, and support. Together, we’re building a city where everyone belongs.