CBC

This is Vancouver

News EN ↓ 289 episodes

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.

Author

CBC

Category

News

Podcast website

www.cbc.ca

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Hey Vancouver, we know what your next home will look like 06.05.2026

To be fair, we know someone who has collected a lot of data on Vancouver renters and homeowners. And all of that information is gathered in the Homes of Tomorrow survey by Rennie Intelligence, a Vancouver-based real estate, marketing and brokerage firm. We take a deep dive into that survey with Elaina Cowley, Rennie's senior product development manager. 

What was the lasting impact of Expo 86? 05.05.2026

Forty years later, we take a look back on the legacy of Vancouver hosting the world. Stephen reminisces with Claude Richmond, the province's minister of tourism at the time. We hear from Canadian photographer Michael de Courcy about the 2,000 photos he took at the world's fair. And our Fraser Valley reporter looks back at the opening of the Coquihalla Highway.

Should parking be free at Metro Vancouver beaches? 30.04.2026

Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver and Spanish Banks in Vancouver have raised their parking fees for the summer of 2026. And now people have to pay much more for parking than then they did a few years ago. But why are all these parking hikes happening? Could there be a backlash to bumping up beach fees? And what does it say about how we treat our access to some of the most beautiful places in Metro...

What makes a great city street? 29.04.2026

Last week, after years of study and extensive public input, North Vancouver city council voted unanimously to move ahead with a 20-year plan to transform Lonsdale Avenue into a "Great Street." Sandy James is a former Vancouver city planner and the current managing director of Walk Metro Van. She talks about what makes a great street.

Simons takes over old Nordstrom space 28.04.2026

A major retail space in downtown Vancouver has been empty since Nordstrom closed in 2023. Now, Simons plans to move in, marking its first store in the city and its second in B.C. So what kind of retailer is Simons, and why expand into Downtown Vancouver now? Amy Bell speaks to President and CEO Bernard Leblanc about the strategy, the timing, and what shoppers can expect.

Why is Langley taking on so much debt? 23.04.2026

The Township of Langley is borrowing heavily to build parks, roads, and more — all at once. Mayor Eric Woodward says it will save money and improve services, whilt critics say it’s a risky bet with long-term costs. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy break down what's happening and discuss whether other municipalities will take notice.

Healing one year after Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy 22.04.2026

One year after the Lapu-Lapu Day attack, Vancouver’s Filipino community is gathering to reflect, heal, and remember. Some say it’s too soon to host another event, while others see the activities as a meaningful step forward. We hear from organizers, police, and artists about grief, safety, and what comes next.

Will the Whitecaps leave Vancouver? 21.04.2026

The Vancouver Whitecaps have called this city home since 1974. But concerns are growing that the club could relocate to another city. So - how severe are the challenges? And could the club really leave Vancouver? We hear from sports journalist Simon Fudge and Vancouver Southsiders member, Peter Czimmermann.

Will Vancouver’s left-wing parties unite — and should the city get its own baseball team? 16.04.2026

Vancouver’s three left-wing parties have agreed to cap the number of candidates each will be running in the upcoming civic election. They say the goal is to replace Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC majority on council. Stephen and Justin look at their agreement and what it means ahead of October's local elections. Plus, could Major League Baseball actually come to Vancouver?

Are we any closer to ending the toxic drug crisis? 15.04.2026

It’s been 10 years since B.C. declared a public health emergency over toxic drug deaths. But the crisis is still claiming lives every day. We hear from Health Minister Josie Osborne and addictions expert Gabor Maté on what’s working, what isn’t, and what comes next.

Doug McCallum wants to be Surrey's mayor for the fifth time 14.04.2026

Doug McCallum explains what's driving him to put his hat in the ring, once again, at age 81. And, what do Surrey residents think? Two community advocates break down what issues will be driving their votes in the upcoming municipal election.

Metro Matters: B.C. introduces province-wide code of conduct rules for municipalities 09.04.2026

CBC’s Justin McElroy breaks down the complaint, investigation and sanctions processes behind the B.C. government’s mandatory code of conduct for local elected officials. He discusses concerns surrounding the amendments and its effectiveness in handling dysfunctional municipalities.

What’s the fix for BC Ferries’ recurring breakdowns? 08.04.2026

Easter weekend travel brought long waits, cancellations, and frustration for passengers across the South Coast. Sailings are back to normal now, but communities are still looking for solutions to address the chronic problems facing the service. In this episode, we hear from travellers, politicians, and the ferry workers' union. 

Why do problems keep hitting BC Ferries on long weekends? 07.04.2026

A busy Easter weekend turned chaotic for BC Ferries, with cancellations, delays, and long lines across the South Coast. Stephen Quinn speaks with CEO Nicolas Jimenez about what caused the disruptions and what needs to change before the next travel rush.

Dog dispute between neighbours spills over to Chilliwack council 02.04.2026

Sometimes, city councils in B.C. have to decide things as specific as whether a single property owner can have one more dog. Justin McElroy reports on how Chilliwack council turned into a People’s Court-style debate.

Has Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Advisor Larry Cambell earned an extension? 01.04.2026

In September, former Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell was appointed Downtown Eastside adviser by the province. He was tasked with convening and co-ordinating partners in the struggling neighbourhood, in order to improve the quality of life for people living and working there. We're checking in with organizations on the ground to see how he's doing, and we'll hear from Larry about what he plans to do...

How organized crime groups are targeting Metro Vancouver students 31.03.2026

Some international students say they’ve been approached by organized crime groups that want to recruit them for extortion-related crimes. In this episode, Stephen Quinn looks into how these interactions happen, how students respond, and what it means for safety in the Lower Mainland. We also hear from UBC student Mohkam Singh Mallik who shares what he’s hearing from students on campus.

Why is a floating sauna causing waves — and is Burnaby politics about to change? 26.03.2026

A proposal for a floating sauna near Vancouver’s Maritime Museum is drawing pushback from some Kitsilano residents. We look at why this idea has people divided, and what it says about how the city uses its waterfront. Plus, a look at Burnaby’s quiet but shifting election race, as key councillors step aside.

What’s behind the steep drop in international students — and who’s paying the price? 25.03.2026

International student numbers are falling fast — and schools in the Lower Mainland are feeling it. In addition to that, a new federal report suggests the system meant to manage them isn’t working well. Thousands of potential rule breaches were flagged, but only a small fraction were investigated. Stephen Quinn looks at what’s driving the decline, and how schools and governments are responding.

Should multiplexes be allowed across all Vancouver neighbourhoods? 24.03.2026

Multiplexes are spreading across Vancouver as the province pushes for more housing. Supporters say it will fix the “missing middle,” but some residents argue these buildings present numerous challenges, including concerns around privacy and parking pressures. Stephen Quinn speaks to Stephanie Hungerford and Bryn Davidson about what’s happening and how it could reshape the city’s streets.

Are Vancouver's housing plans starting to stall — and could lifeguard cuts sway the election? 19.03.2026

Vancouver council just rejected two major housing projects, breaking a pattern that rarely changes. So why now? And what does it mean for the upcoming election? Plus, Stephen and Justin talk about a fight over lifeguard cuts and who’s really in charge at the park board.

Did criminals gain access to the VPD's property office? 18.03.2026

A murder case leads to a strange discovery inside the Vancouver Police property office. Two key phones don’t match, and a note hints at something bigger. CBC’s Jason Proctor explains what Project Loyalty found — and why the case is still unresolved.

Is Vancouver ready to host the world again? 17.03.2026

With less than 90 days to go, Vancouver is getting ready to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But it's not the first time Vancouver has welcomed the world for a major event. So what can the city learn from Expo 86 and the 2010 Olympics? Does Vancouver feel ready this time? In this episode, Stephen Quinn and Zameer Karim speak to former Vancouver mayor Mike Harcourt, who led the city during Expo 86, an...

Why the Vancouver Canucks' push for a practice facility could face political hurdles 12.03.2026

There are rumours that an aging community centre on Vancouver's east side could be the site of a deal between the Vancouver Canucks and the City of Vancouver for a practice facility. Justin McElroy and Patrick Johnston from The Province join Stephen Quinn to talk about how possible the plan is.

How could Sean Orr’s lawsuit against Ken Sim play out in court? 11.03.2026

Vancouver city councillor Sean Orr is suing Mayor Ken Sim for defamation after Sim said Orr handed out illegal drugs on Christmas Day — a claim Sim later apologized for. But how does a defamtion lawsuit work? What might it entail in this case? Defamation lawyer Daniel Coles joins us for that discussion.

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