This is Vancouver
This is Vancouver
CBC
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.
Why are public hearings always so contentious?
The province has changed how new housing is approved in cities — but public hearings are still sometimes required and regularly tense. Justin McElroy and Stephen Quinn talk about Vancouver's most recent public hearing, and how they've evolved. 
Jul 16
46 min
Will Vancouver council act now or leave the tough calls until later?
Vancouver council has just weeks to vote on major housing plans, a new downtown tower and other key issues before the election campaign begins. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy break down the biggest decisions ahead and the latest twist in the fight over the Vancouver Park Board.
Jul 14
42 min
Why does the car-free Granville strip extension cost so much?
The cost to keep the Granville strip car-free through Labour Day weekend breaks down to about $700,000 per week. Justin McElroy and Liam Britten break down the why of those numbers with Stephen Quinn.
Jul 9
37 min
What will Operation Hard Ball do to stop organized crime in Vancouver?
Lawrence Bishnoi, the leader of the Bishnoi gang, has been charged along with dozens of others, while 24 suspects linked to two other India-based criminal organizations have been arrested, across Canada, the U.S. and Europe in connection with Operation Hard Ball. 
Jul 8
21 min
Vancouver's $5 million extension of car-free Granville the first big election campaign debate
Vancouver council approved a six week extension of the popular car-free Granville strip last week — but will it work when the World Cup is over? Justin McElroy and Stephen Quinn break down the big debate it's caused.
Jul 7
34 min
Why this will be Vancouver's first Instagram election
Local politicians are acting like influencers, doing short-form videos and talking to strangers with tiny mics. But why? Justin McElroy breaks down the latest trends in politicial comms with Stephen Quinn.
Jul 2
38 min
Why are so many senior staff leaving Vancouver City Hall?
Vancouver City Hall has lost several senior, non-partisan staff in recent months. Stephen Quinn and Justin McElroy look at what we know, what we don’t, and why some councillors say the departures should alarm the public.
Jun 30
29 min
Here's what Vancouver condo developers think of a new affordable housing scheme
Critics say a new plan for the province and federal governments to work together to acquire and convert empty condos amounts to nothing more than a bailout for developers. In this episode, we ask developers what they think. And B.C.'s Housing Minister Christine Boyle defends the plan. 
Jun 25
26 min
The unexpected FIFA World Cup business boom
Canadian soccer fans are getting behind their team. One way that pride is showing? Jerseys. So much so that merchandise retailers are getting behind in their own right. But how could that be, given the advance notice the city's had about the World Cup? CBC's Laurence Watt speaks with sellers to find out why jerseys are so hard to find right now.
Jun 24
13 min
Why Metro mayors are lukewarm on Ottawa's housing deal
Billions of federal dollars are going to housing in British Columbia. But the new money isn't for social or rental housing. It's for converting empty condo units owned by developers that aren't selling. And to provide tax breaks to future developer projects. Critics are calling it a bailout. Why has the federal government taken this strategy? 
Jun 23
34 min
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