January 2026: Starting the Year Focused on Safety and Affordability

January marked a purposeful start to 2026 at City Hall. While it’s traditionally a quieter month, the work underway set a clear tone for the year ahead. From public safety and affordability to economic resilience and housing delivery, my focus has been on addressing the issues residents and businesses tell me matter most.

As Vancouver prepares for a pivotal year, including the arrival of the FIFA World Cup this summer, Council’s work is increasingly about getting the fundamentals right: safe streets, a strong local economy, reliable services, and a city that works for people in their daily lives.

Supporting Safe, Inclusive Communities

Public safety remains a top priority. Early in the month, I joined community members, labour leaders, and representatives from all levels of government at the commemoration of the Bentall Tragedy. Standing with families and first responders was a powerful reminder that workplace safety and vigilance must never be taken for granted. Honouring those lost means recommitting to a culture of safety across every job site in our city.

Council also marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia, reaffirming Vancouver’s commitment to standing against hate and ensuring every community feels safe, respected, and protected. These moments matter, especially at a time when many residents are concerned about rising intolerance and disorder. Public safety is not only about enforcement, but about building trust, dignity, and shared responsibility.

On the ground, I continued meeting directly with residents and business owners, including site visits in Kerrisdale and the Downtown Eastside, where hosts shared their concerns and asked for help navigating city processes. Listening and responding at the neighbourhood level is essential to restoring confidence that City Hall is present, accountable, and willing to act.

Making Life More Affordable for Families

Affordability remains one of the defining challenges facing Vancouver. This month, I highlighted new data showing improvements across several indicators, including easing housing pressures and declining crime rates. These trends reflect targeted investments and policy choices made over the past term, and reinforce the importance of staying the course.

Progress on childcare continued with a visit to a former duplex now transformed into 32 new childcare spaces. Thanks to updated regulations and close collaboration with City staff, more childcare is being delivered in residential neighbourhoods, closer to where families live and work. Making childcare more accessible is one of the most practical ways we can reduce costs for working families.

Housing delivery was also front and centre. January included a full schedule of public hearings focused on new housing proposals and regulatory changes designed to get more homes built faster. Streamlining approvals while maintaining strong public oversight is critical if we want to improve affordability without sacrificing quality or safety.

Growing a Stable, Job-Creating Economy

A strong economy underpins both affordability and public safety. This month, I met with Invest Vancouver and key stakeholders to focus on how the FIFA World Cup will showcase Vancouver innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders on a global stage. Major events only succeed if local businesses and workers are positioned to benefit.

I also participated in regional discussions on destination tourism, including meetings on the future of Granville Island and plans related to the Port of Vancouver. These assets play an outsized role in job creation, economic diversification, and the vibrancy of our city. Supporting them means supporting thousands of livelihoods.

At the annual mineral exploration and mining convention, I spent time learning how this globally connected sector contributes to Vancouver’s economy, innovation ecosystem, and clean-energy future. Understanding how City policies intersect with these industries helps ensure Vancouver remains competitive while creating well-paying jobs.

Preserving Culture While Planning for the Future

January also brought a meaningful moment of cultural stewardship. I was present for the careful removal of the iconic Mushroom Studios sign, and played a role in ensuring this landmark of Canadian music history is preserved for future generations. Honouring our creative legacy is part of what makes Vancouver a city people want to live in, visit, and invest in.

The month concluded with continued Council work on housing, infrastructure, and service delivery, all with a clear focus on outcomes that residents can see and feel.

Looking Ahead

As 2026 gets underway, my priorities remain clear: keeping neighbourhoods safe, making life more affordable, and supporting a strong, job-creating economy. I will continue to listen, engage, and act on the issues you raise, whether at City Hall or in your community.

Thank you for staying engaged. I look forward to the work ahead and to continuing to build a Vancouver that is safer, more affordable, and ready for the opportunities before us.