This is Vancouver

4.9 (24)
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UPDATED DAILY

Your connection to the issues and stories shaping life in Metro Vancouver. Hosted by Stephen Quinn, with new episodes every Tuesday and Wednesday, plus a Thursday dive into city politics with Justin McElroy.

21 HRS AGO

Could US politics disrupt Vancouver’s World Cup?

Vancouver will host seven matches at the FIFA World Cup, but politics are creeping into the picture. City councillors want clarity on whether U.S. immigration agents could be present, while some fans worry about travel rules and rising tensions south of the border. We break down the odds, the unknowns, and what it all means for the tournament here at home.

15 min
1D AGO

Why is a prime piece of Vancouver’s waterfront still empty after 40 years?

Forty years after Expo ’86, a large stretch of False Creek waterfront remains undeveloped. We look at Concord Pacific’s housing proposal, the rising cost of removing the viaducts, and why those delays matter for housing, Hogan’s Alley, and Chinatown. Later in the pod, the audit of 16 land sales by the City of Vancouver has found the City could not demonstrate that it got the best price from those transactions. The report also raises significant questions about whether Councillors were properly informed by staff about these high-value deals. We speak with the city of Vancouver's auditor general Mike MacDonnell, and former Vancouver City Councillor Geoff Meggs.

27 min
FEB 4

Why is Abbotsford lobbying Ottawa over flood protection again?

After a catastrophic flood in 2021, the federal government promised to help protect Abbotsford’s Sumas Prairie. But years later, Ottawa was accused of inaction and failing to prevent a similar disaster. And now, local politicians are travelling to Ottawa to find out what happened and call for more support.

19 min
FEB 3

What tools are available to tackle extortion in Surrey — and will any work?

Three men have arrested in connection with an extortion-related shooting in Surrey have now been charged. Meanwhile, concerned residents are holding protests to raise awareness about the rise in extortion-related incidents. Some are calling on the federal government to do more to tackle the violence. Jodi Martinson hears from residents and local politicians about what should happen next.

30 min
JAN 30

Why is Pete Fry running for mayor?

Vancouver councillor Pete Fry has entered the mayoral race. In this bonus episode, host Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy look at why he’s running, his priorities for the city, and the risks of a split vote.

28 min
JAN 29

Has Mayor Ken Sim dropped the swagger as election approaches?

With the 2026 Vancouver election approaching, Mayor Ken Sim is beginning to frame his case to voters. This episode looks at his stated priorities, recent polling, and the themes likely to dominate the campaign.

27 min
JAN 28

Should B.C. compensate businesses hit by Broadway and Main closure?

A four-month closure on East Broadway is adding new pressure to businesses already strained by years of subway construction. Restaurant owners say they are losing revenue, but the provincial government say direct compensation is not on the table. So how did we get here? What are the potential solutions? What might happen next? We hear from restaurant owners, residents, the Mount Pleasant BIA and the provincial government.

13 min
JAN 27

Does Surrey need emergency powers to stop extortion?

Extortion threats and shootings continue to shake Surrey, with dozens of cases reported in January alone. Stephen Quinn hears from residents, a criminal defence lawyer, an MLA, and Mayor Brenda Locke about calls for tougher laws, why city council wants federal emergency powers, and what it will take to stop the violence.

27 min

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New to This Is Vancouver? Start here...

Your connection to the issues and stories facing people across Vancouver. Host Stephen Quinn is your guide. Episodes drop Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2025-07-24

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2 min

4.9

out of 5

24 Ratings

Great focus on Vancouver

2025-07-03

Nfland

I love the focus on Vancouver issues in a short interview style. Stephen Quinn is excellent: insightful and compassionate.
Great short snippets of interviews

2025-03-01

Droo Berg

Listening to this podcast every day keeps me informed on what’s going on in Vancouver . It’s short, to the point, and Stephen Quinn is a great host.

Your connection to the issues and stories shaping life in Metro Vancouver. Hosted by Stephen Quinn, with new episodes every Tuesday and Wednesday, plus a Thursday dive into city politics with Justin McElroy.