March 2025 Update: Honouring Women, Music, and the Power of Community

Spring has officially arrived, bringing with it renewed energy and a wide range of celebrations and city-building milestones. As your Vancouver City Councillor, I’m excited to share some of the work in community during March to help make our city stronger, safer, and more connected.

The month started with a quick blast of cold water, as I took the Polar Plunge into the frigid waters of Kits Beach! Freezing for a reason, I was joined by Vancouver Police Department members and Councillor Brian Montague to support Special Olympics BC. Events like this remind me how powerful community spirit can be when we rally around a great cause.

Recognizing the Women Behind the Sound

In celebration of JUNOS Week and International Women’s Day, I was proud to co-lead the City’s first-ever Women Behind the Sound Day proclamation alongside Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung. This initiative shines a light on the many women who work behind the scenes in Vancouver’s music and live event sectors—roles that are essential but often go unrecognized.

Investing in Vibrant Neighbourhoods

One of the most exciting announcements this month was the City’s investment in the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood through the Uplifting Communities Fund. As the first area to benefit from this initiative, Hastings-Sunrise will see $2 million in targeted street-level improvements—everything from sidewalk repairs and new litter bins to enhanced bike infrastructure and beautification upgrades.

I’m especially thrilled about the construction of the permanent Kamloops-Hastings Neighbourhood Plaza, starting this spring. Originally created as a pandemic-era pop-up, the space has become a beloved local gathering place. With $3.2 million invested through our Capital Plan and support from the Province’s Growing Communities Fund, this upgraded plaza will feature integrated seating, trees, a rain garden, and even event-ready electrical infrastructure. These investments reflect our Council’s commitment to creating thriving, inclusive public spaces where communities can come together and feel proud of where they live.

Strengthening Relationships and Celebrating Diversity

This month offered many opportunities to deepen connections and celebrate the diversity that defines Vancouver. Our Mayor and Council had a meaningful meeting with Chief Wayne Sparrow and the Musqueam Indian Band Council to advance our shared priorities and partnerships. These relationships are key as we work together on projects that support reconciliation, community building, and economic opportunity.

I also had the honour of proclaiming Nowruz in the City of Vancouver, a celebration of spring and renewal marked by Persian, Kurdish, Afghan, and Central Asian communities. And as the holy month of Ramadan concluded, I joined Muslim neighbours in celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a time of gratitude, joy, and generosity.

Events like Breaking Bread, Building Bonds 2, which brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, continue to move us forward in truth and reconciliation.

Celebrating Leadership and Community Spirit

It was a true pleasure to open the Black Women Business Exhibit and Professional Convention 2025 at the Vancouver Convention Centre—a showcase of excellence, creativity, and entrepreneurial leadership.

Keeping Our Promises on Public Safety

Due to a lot of misinformed comments about our pledge to hire mental health workers, I want to set the record straight about our investments in mental health supports. In 2024, our Council unanimously approved $8 million in new funding for crisis response teams—an initiative supported by the Province and developed in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health. This includes 49 new mental health workers (with 38 hired to date) helping lead a shift toward compassionate, targeted support in moments of crisis. It’s a game-changing investment that prioritizes care over enforcement and reflects our commitment to real progress on public safety.

JUNO Awards: Vancouver in the National Spotlight

March ended on a high note with the 2025 JUNO Awards bringing incredible excitement and national attention to our city. I was honoured to attend industry receptions and engage in meaningful conversations with leaders from across Canada’s dynamic music industry. These discussions were an important reminder of the creative energy and potential that lives right here in Vancouver.

Attending both the JUNO Awards Gala and the live national broadcast was a true joy. The event not only celebrated our most talented musicians and performers—it showcased Vancouver as a world-class host city. Canadians across the country were proud to see our local talent recognized on the national stage, and I couldn’t be prouder of how Vancouver shone throughout the week.

Other March milestones

What’s next for The Hudson Bay’s iconic downtown Vancouver store? I need media interviews with CBC TV and CKNW to discuss the future of the iconic heritage Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Vancouver. Is a transformation in the future of this important landmark?

Happy birthday to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on your 65th Birthday! It was my honour to attend a celebration hosted by Japan’s Vancouver Consul General Takahashi Yoshiaki and Mrs. Takahashi. A wonderful evening recognizing the strong ties between Japan and the City of Vancouver.

Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement and support. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you and to help shape a city where every resident feels connected, safe, and hopeful about the future.