August 2026: Listening, Leading, and Looking Ahead
August marked a transition from a remarkable summer into the final stretch of this Council term. After the extraordinary pace of the FIFA World Cup and July’s Council agenda, I welcomed a short break before returning to a full schedule of community events, stakeholder meetings, speaking engagements, and neighbourhood conversations.
More than ever, the month reinforced something I’ve always believed: the best ideas come from listening. Whether speaking with residents at their doorsteps, meeting with business owners, or attending community celebrations, those conversations continue to shape the work I do every day at City Hall.
Listening to Vancouver
One of the highlights of August was being back on the doorsteps with our outstanding ABC Vancouver volunteers.
From Renfrew Heights and Fraserview to Hastings-Sunrise and False Creek South, residents consistently raised the issues that matter most: public safety, affordability, housing, recreation, and reliable City services. Those conversations are invaluable, not only because they help inform Council decisions, but because they remind me that local government is at its best when it stays connected to the people it serves.
Throughout the month I also met with Vancouver’s homebuilding community to hear practical ideas for improving permitting and reducing unnecessary delays. Making it faster and more affordable to build housing remains one of our city’s biggest challenges, and constructive dialogue with those doing the work is essential.
Building a Stronger Economy
Growing Vancouver’s economy means supporting entrepreneurs, attracting investment, and ensuring City Hall helps rather than hinders opportunity.
I was pleased to attend discussions with the Vietnam Canada Business Association, the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women, and the Philippine Trade Recognition Awards, all of which highlighted the important role immigrant entrepreneurs and international partnerships play in strengthening our local economy.
Representing Invest Vancouver, I also participated in discussions with Polish business and government leaders exploring opportunities in technology, innovation, and defence industries. As global trade continues to evolve, Metro Vancouver is well positioned to attract investment and create high-quality jobs.
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Council’s efforts to reduce barriers for business are producing encouraging results. Vancouver now has record-low retail vacancy, reflecting the work being done to simplify approvals, activate vacant storefronts, and create an environment where businesses can succeed.
I was equally encouraged to see BC Hydro announce a $90 million expansion of the Mount Pleasant Substation, creating capacity to support tens of thousands of future homes and businesses as the Broadway Corridor continues to grow.
Safe Communities and Compassionate Care
Public safety remained front and centre throughout August. At a Special Council meeting, our ABC Vancouver Council majority approved two plebiscite questions for the October ballot, giving Vancouver voters the opportunity to weigh in on strengthening restrictions on open-air hard drug use in public spaces and asking the Province to establish a secure treatment facility, such as at the existing St. Paul’s Hospital campus, for people experiencing severe addiction and mental illness. The questions are intended to provide Council with a stronger public mandate to advocate for changes that largely fall within provincial jurisdiction.
On International Overdose Awareness Day, I joined Mayor Ken Sim, health experts, people with lived experience, families, and frontline workers for a Public Safety Roundtable. The message was consistent: Vancouver needs approaches that pair compassion with accountability by expanding treatment and recovery while ensuring our streets, parks, and public spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone. I continue to believe the City has acted within its authority, but many of the most important solutions require stronger provincial leadership, greater treatment capacity, and better mental health care.
Celebrating Community
August was filled with opportunities to celebrate the people and organizations that make Vancouver such a remarkable place to live.
I was honoured to attend the unveiling of the new Japanese Canadian Memorial at Hastings Park, a powerful tribute to those unjustly int during the Second World War and an important reminder that we must continue learning from our history.
Community celebrations also brought me to the Victoria Drive Summer Festival, the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Summer Regatta, the Fraser Street Plaza Anniversary, the British Columbia Military Tattoo, and the 50th anniversaries of Broadway Lodge and False Creek South. Each event reflected the diversity, volunteer spirit, and neighbourhood pride that continue to define Vancouver.
One particularly enjoyable visit was to the Museum of Vancouver’s Press Start exhibit, celebrating Vancouver’s pioneering role in Canada’s video game industry. Having worked at Electronic Arts earlier in my career, it was a nostalgic reminder of how our city’s technology sector has evolved into a major economic strength.
Looking Ahead
As summer draws to a close, I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve this city.
Over the coming weeks my focus will increasingly shift toward earning the confidence of Vancouver voters once again. I remain committed to the same priorities that have guided my work throughout this term: keeping Vancouver safe, making life more affordable, supporting local businesses, strengthening neighbourhoods, and ensuring City Hall delivers practical results.
Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me into your community, shared your concerns, and trusted me with your ideas. Those conversations continue to inspire me every day, and I look forward to many more in the weeks ahead!