This is Vancouver

In a gripping discussion, Rob Blackwell, EVP of Anthem Properties, warns that rising development fees could stymie housing projects and exacerbate affordability issues. Farhan Chauter, of Misan Developments, shares insights on how these costs affect project viability and potential delays. Metro Vancouver's Heather McNeill explains the rationale behind the fee increases, emphasizing their necessity for regional infrastructure. The trio navigates the complex interplay between developer costs and government support, making for an eye-opening analysis of the housing market.

Mike Klassen, a Vancouver City Councillor, dives into the pressing issue of public washroom access in the city. He discusses the city's new Washroom Strategic Framework aimed at improving signage and maintenance for facilities. Klassen highlights the critical need in the Downtown Eastside and introduces the Portland loo design as a potential solution. He also examines the lack of washrooms in transit planning and emphasizes the importance of collaborating with private businesses. This conversation sheds light on a vital yet overlooked service for all residents.

In a spirited debate, Amanda Burroughs, Executive Director of First United with a focus on non-market housing, and William Azaroff, CEO of Brightside Community Homes specializing in affordable housing, lay out their visions as they vie for OneCity Vancouver's mayoral nomination. They tackle crucial issues like making housing more affordable through strategies like community land trusts, and discuss the balance of policing and social services for public safety. Both emphasize the need for collaborative governance, addressing neighborhood concerns, and enhancing women's safety in the city.

Solomon E. Kieran, Vice President of External Affairs at UBC's AMS, and Dennis Agar, Executive Director of the local transit advocacy group Movement, dive into the long struggle for a SkyTrain extension to UBC. They discuss the stalled commitments and mounting frustrations of students relying on overcrowded transport. Economic and healthcare benefits of completing the SkyTrain are highlighted, alongside the challenges of funding and political hurdles. Advocating for a strong student voice, they explore innovative cost-saving designs and the urgency for momentum to finally realize this transit dream.

In this enlightening discussion, Pedro da Silva, Associate Superintendent at the Vancouver School Board, and Mark Permain, Superintendent of Surrey School District, tackle the challenges of AI and misinformation in education. They explore Vancouver and Surrey's innovative digital literacy strategies, emphasizing critical thinking and student engagement. With unique programs for grades 4–9, they highlight the importance of teaching students to evaluate information sources and the active role students play in shaping their own learning. Both guests express optimism about the future of media literacy in schools.

Justin McElroy, a CBC civic affairs reporter specializing in Vancouver's urban issues, dives into the recent data showing declines in crime, rental costs, and toxic drug deaths. He reveals specific statistics highlighting these trends while addressing the unsung caveats like rising homelessness and persistent affordability challenges. The conversation also explores the political implications of these changes and contrasts the data with the reality many residents experience daily, making for a nuanced look at the city's transformation.

Tamir Israel, Director of the Privacy, Surveillance and Technology Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, dives into the heated debate over Surrey police gaining 24/7 access to traffic cameras. He highlights the potential for abuse in centralized surveillance and the erosion of public trust if cameras are repurposed. Tamir cautions against deploying facial recognition due to significant error rates and inherent racial biases. His insights emphasize the need for strict oversight and alternative solutions to enhance safety without compromising privacy.

In this discussion, Peter Waldkirch, a pro-housing advocate and Director of Abundant Housing Vancouver, joins Michael Geller, a former property developer and city planner, to unpack the startling 20-year low in Metro Vancouver home sales in 2025. They dissect the reasons behind buyers' hesitation, like economic uncertainty and changing market psychology. Geller emphasizes the need for family-sized units while Waldkirch calls for systemic planning reforms to alleviate the housing shortage. Both agree on the importance of pre-zoning to expedite housing approvals.

2025 ended in Metro Vancouver politics with mayors pointing fingers at the province and federal government on housing and transit issues, while battling governance issues of their own. The CBC’s Justin McElroy and the Globe and Mail’s Frances Bula join Stephen Quinn to talk the year that was in local politics, and what to expect in 2026. 

Christmas is days away, and many people are still scrambling to finish their shopping — with storms adding to the stress. The CBC's Rachel Adams shares last-minute gift ideas you can find in the Lower Mainland.