June 2025: A Month of Celebration, Advocacy, and Civic Progress

June in Vancouver brought a dynamic mix of community celebration, national advocacy, cultural recognition, and forward-looking policy work. As your City Councillor, I had the privilege of engaging in events that showcased the vibrancy of our neighbourhoods, the strength of our partnerships, and the ambition our city carries into the future.

Following the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference held in Ottawa, I joined Mayor Ken Sim and Councillor Lisa Dominato for meetings on Parliament Hill to meet with MPs, ministers, and policy leaders to advocate for Vancouver’s top priorities. From securing funding for the UBC SkyTrain extension, to pushing for meaningful action on public safety and housing, we made our city’s case directly to decision-makers. It was encouraging to be received so thoughtfully by federal ministers and Vancouver-area MPs across party lines.

Back home, the month was packed with powerful moments of connection. We kicked off June by proclaiming it Filipino Heritage Month, and I had the honour of attending the Pinoy Festival—B.C.’s largest outdoor celebration of Filipino culture. This year’s theme, “We Rise (Pagbangon),” held deep meaning, as the community continues to heal in the wake of April’s Lapu Lapu tragedy. The leadership of over 70 grassroots Filipino organizations continues to inspire.

In the heart of the city, festivals like Italian Day on The Drive, Greek Day, and the Strathcona Blocks Party brought thousands of people into our streets for music, dancing, food, and family fun. These celebrations highlight Vancouver’s incredible diversity, and the community spirit that defines us.

June also marked National Indigenous Peoples Day, where I joined the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) community for the unveiling of šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm Street—the first in Vancouver to feature hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the Musqueam language. This historic renaming reflects our city’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and respectful partnership. Later in the month, we were welcomed by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation at Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park) for an evening of connection and shared community.

I was also honoured to speak at the National Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation at Carnegie Community Centre, where I danced with residents in a joyful celebration of culture and tradition in the Downtown Eastside.

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Throughout June, I continued my advocacy for housing and childcare. At Public Hearing, I supported the approval of 138 new homes in Mount Pleasant, near transit and amenities. In Champlain Heights, we advanced plans for 118 new modular childcare spaces—but as I’ve said publicly, we urgently need provincial funding to bring these projects to life. I was proud to support the $10 A Day Child Care campaign and join long-time advocate Sharon Gregson in calling for bold action.

Another key highlight was my visit to Intelligent City’s mass timber facility, where innovative prefab construction methods are helping us build sustainable, lower-carbon housing faster. The future of housing is being built right here in Vancouver—and I’m committed to scaling these solutions.

The month also brought exciting momentum as we prepare to welcome the world to Vancouver in 2026. I joined the unveiling of the FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock at Terry Fox Plaza and toured the Freedom Mobile Arch Amphitheatre construction site at the PNE, which will become a new centrepiece for live entertainment. Both projects are symbolic of our growing global presence—and of how smart, inclusive planning can leave lasting legacies for our city.

Arts, culture, and care were also in focus this month. I attended the Chinese Canadian Museum’s Spark Dinner, joined the Eastside Arts Society for their community raffle, and celebrated Fair Haven Homes Society’s 80th Anniversary of supporting seniors in Vancouver.

And as a longtime supporter of sustainable transportation, I was thrilled to help launch Lime’s new shared e-scooter system downtown—a playful and practical step forward for urban mobility.

June reminded me that city-building is as much about community as it is about policy. From joyful festivals to strategic meetings in Ottawa, I’m proud to continue this work on your behalf.