Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast This is Vancouver

Recently retired Whitecaps players Tosaint Ricketts and Russell Tiebert make their pitch for why a large crowd at B.C. Place could tip the MLS playoffs series in the Caps' favour. Plus, looking ahead to the Surrey Police Service transition.

On this episode, Stephen Quinn debates the rules around trick or treating. He also dives into the other big event of the week, convening an interfaith panel to discuss the importance of Diwali.

At the end of October, families across Metro Vancouver take time to celebrate Diwali and Halloween. Stephen Quinn learns about some of the sweet treats on offer to mark the celebration of lights, and hears from people in Vancouver who claim to have had real encounters with the supernatural.

The B.C. NDP appears to have fended off the Conservative surge to form the next provincial government. But whether the party forms a minority or majority government is still uncertain. Stephen Quinn speaks with B.C. Premier David Eby about his plans to govern after a nail-biting election race.

As the final countdown to British Columbia’s 2024 election results continues, absentee ballots could decide which party forms the next government. Stephen Quinn speaks with representatives from the province’s major parties about how close the race has been, some of the controversial moments, and what to expect when the results are announced.

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

In this episode, we remember the remarkable legacy of Murray Sinclair, former senator and Anishinaabe lawyer, who led Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Stephen Quinn speaks to Judith Sayers, President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, who reflects on her four-decade friendship with Sinclair. Then, as B.C.'s judicial recounts wrap up, we explore a milestone in the province’s political landscape: for the first time, a majority-female legislature has been elected.

Former B.C. Premier John Horgan has passed away. He served as the 36th premier of British Columbia from 2017 to 2022, and left an indelible mark on friends, coworkers, and family. We talk about his legacy with two of his close allies and friends, Moe Sihota and Raj Chouhan. Plus, Vancouver is falling short on its provincial housing targets. Councillor Peter Meiszner discusses the challenges and what lies ahead for the city’s five-year goal.

With a one-in-five chance of a major earthquake hitting Vancouver in the next 50 years, a new city report highlights the seismic risks in private buildings. UBC’s Professor Perry Adebar weighs in on the findings. Plus, we look ahead to the December by-election in Cloverdale-Langley City, a critical test for the federal Liberals following recent losses. Kwantlen’s Shinder Purewal shares his insights.

Stephen speaks with Priscillia Mays Tait, whose grandfather Thomas Gray Tait was just one of more than three-thousand indigenous people who volunteered to fight for Canada in the Second World War. He also speaks to Melissa Karmen Lee, CEO of the Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver about the contributions made by Chinese Canadians in the First World War and the Second World War.

Gary Mason, a reporter with the Globe and Mail, speaks to us about his memory of colourful B.C. businesswoman Faye Leung. Also, the CBC's Charis Hogg talks to kids and the organizer of the "No Stone Left Alone" poppy laying ceremony at Fraser Cemetery in New Westminster. 

In this episode, Gloria Macarenko speaks to Laura Jones with the Business Council of British Columbia to discuss potential impacts of a Trump re-election on B.C.’s economy. Plus, Surrey City Councillor Linda Annis shares her insights on local responses to recent protests at Hindu temples.

As B.C.’s senior population grows, rising housing costs are pushing many into instability or homelessness. Stephen Quinn speaks to B.C. Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt about what’s driving this crisis in Vancouver and what needs to change to ensure affordable housing for aging residents.

In this episode, Stephen dives into two pressing issues affecting our communities. First, about protests outside the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir temple in Surrey, where tensions escalated between supporters of Khalistan and those backing India, leading to multiple arrests. Second, about the challenges and solutions available for Metro Vancouver’s aging population.

The federal government’s funding cuts are set to shut down Vancouver Community College’s LINC program, leaving hundreds of immigrants without critical language and settlement support. Stephen Quinn speaks with two graduates, Goran Jaf Hasan and Galyna Sagan, about how the program helped them integrate into Canadian society—and what its closure means for future newcomers.

Vancouver’s hiring a consulting firm for $4 million to plan False Creek South, but some say city staff could’ve done the job. Former city planner Sandy James shares her take on the cost, the process, and what it means for the neighbourhood.

The B.C. Conservatives are challenging the results of the Surrey-Guildford riding, where they narrowly lost by just 22 votes. Leader John Rustad joins Stephen Quinn to discuss allegations of election irregularities and their petition to the Supreme Court.

The proposed redevelopment of Northeast False Creek could transform a sea of parking lots into a new neighbourhood with skyscrapers and thousands of homes. But what does this mean for the city’s history and its communities? Stephen Quinn speaks with Djaka Blais of the Hogan's Alley Society and Landon Hoyt of the Hastings Crossing BIA to explore the stakes, tensions, and hopes surrounding this ambitious project.

Big plans are in the works for one of Vancouver’s most debated areas. Concord Pacific has unveiled a plan for Northeast False Creek, proposing 5,000 new homes, 12 towers, and the dismantling of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts. But what does this mean for housing affordability, public spaces, and the future of our city? Stephen Quinn talks with Concord Pacific’s Peter Webb to find out how this project could reshape the city. 

Running doesn’t have to be fast or intimidating. Host Stephen Quinn chats with Sydney Hara, founder of Vancouver’s Slow Girls Run Club, about how her group is redefining the joy of running — at your own pace.

A new temporary overnight women’s shelter has opened in the Downtown Eastside, offering support in one of Vancouver’s most vulnerable communities. Host Stephen Quinn speaks with Union Gospel Mission spokesperson Sarah Chew about the services it provides and the impact it hopes to make.

Writer Jordan Kawchuk shares his sobriety story with Stephen Quinn, as told in one of The Globe and Mail's "Top 5 Most Read Essays of 2024."

B.C.'s new home flipping tax will make it more expensive for home owners to flip their properties in less than two years. Professor Tom Davidoff from UBC's Sauder School of Business speaks with Stephen with his assessment.

Vancouver's Lisa Pantages and Prince George's Dave Horton speak with Stephen Quinn about what makes the frozen dip each so alluring and enduring.

Vancouver artist, AIDS and 2SLGBTQ+ advocate Joe Average died on Christmas Day at the age of 67. We speak with Lisa Martella, the executive director of A Loving Spoonful, a charity that Joe frequented. A Loving Spoonful provides meals for people living with HIV and AIDS.

We speak with Omari Newton, head of the acting department at Vancouver Film School, about films and television shows now being set - not just shot - in Vancouver. We also speak with Petunia from the Vancouver band Petunia and the Vipers about their new album.

As Vancouver prepares to host seven FIFA World Cup games in 2026, plans for a training facility at Memorial South Park were suddenly canceled. What led to the city’s decision to relocate to UBC, and what does it mean for Vancouver neighbourhoods? Stephen Quinn speaks with Vancouver Park Board Chair Laura Christensen to unpack the controversy, community pushback, and what’s next for FIFA-related upgrades.

Balancing work, family, and caregiving is hard enough — but add the chaos of the holidays, and it’s a whole new challenge. Stephen Quinn talks with three Lower Mainland caregivers juggling kids, aging parents, and everything in between. They share their struggles, joys, and tips for surviving at this time of year. 

Former Vancouver Whitecaps commentator Peter Schaad talks to Stephen Quinn about the future of the team after ownership announced the Whitecaps are up for sale.

A CBC investigation has uncovered growing concerns about the role of online 'bots' in escalating tensions between Sikhs and Hindus in Canada. 

We get some local reaction to this story from Satwinder Bains, the director of the South Asian Studies Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley. 

After a devastating landslide swept through Lions Bay, the community is grappling with loss and recovery. Gloria Macarenko looks at why B.C. is so vulnerable to these natural disasters — and how communities can better prepare.

The former Dunsmuir Hotel in downtown Vancouver has stood for 115 years, but now it’s at risk of collapse. Gloira Macarenko speaks with local civic historian John Atkin to uncover the building’s history, its significance, and what could come next for the site.

With new tax incentives announced for B.C.'s film and TV industry, is Vancouver ready to reclaim its spotlight? From international competition to streaming cutbacks, we explore whether these changes are enough to revive the industry—and what more needs to happen.

The White Rock Players' Club are celebrating 80 years this season.

Their version of Cinderella runs now through December 29th. And the Deep Cove Stage Society is marking 50 years of performances.

Their panto this year is also Cinderella, they are already sold out.

Vancouver’s mayor wants the city to embrace bitcoin to attract tech and diversify the city's revenue streams. But is the idea practical? What would it even entail? Stephen Quinn dives into those questions with UBC blockchain expert Victoria Lemieux, digital strategist Jesse McKee and OneCity executive director Giovanna Orecchio.

Lisa Christiansen gets some help from Liam Watson, Associate Professor of Mathematics at UBC who studies knot theory to untangle her Christmas lights. 

Taylor Swift wrapped up her record-breaking Eras Tour in Vancouver, delivering more than just unforgettable performances. From a fan-led food bank campaign to a heartwarming act of kindness that got one fan to the show, Stephen Quinn dives into the stories that made the finale truly memorable.

Tackling climate change with materials typically considered trash. That's the aim of B.C. artist Persimmon Blackbridge with her latest exhibit, Speak No (emergency). Stephen Quinn talks to her about the importance of art in raising awareness and the power of creativity in Vancouver.

Violent incidents in downtown Vancouver are making headlines: a fatal police shooting, random stranger attacks, and rising concerns from locals. So, how safe are the streets, really? Stephen Quinn speaks to former police chief Kash Heed and a downtown business owner about how these events are shaping the community.

The Vancouver Art Gallery’s new building project has hit another snag: the design has been scrapped and the architects behind it are out. How did we get here? And what happens to the millions of dollars spent on the project? Stephen Quinn digs into the issue with Vancouver City Councillor Sarah Kirby-Young and art collector Bob Rennie.

Mountain biking is thrilling – but it’s also the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the province, surpassing other high-risk sports like hockey and skiing. Dr. Brian Kwon, a spinal surgeon and researcher, breaks down the risks, how injuries happen, and what can be done to make the sport safer.

Vancouver faces the potential impact of U.S. President Trump’s tariff threat unless Canada takes action on border security. Stephen breaks down local concerns about drug trafficking and undocumented migrants, with insights from Delta Mayor George Harvie and former B.C. Premier Ujjal Dosanjh.

After two weeks, the strike by Canada Post workers is show no signs of letting up.

While the strike is disrupting business across the country- it's hitting small, online retailers particulary hard. 

Most of them rely on Canada Post to get their goods to their customers.

We speak with three local online craft sellers to hear how they are working around the strike.

We're just a week away from the first of three Taylor Swift concerts, and ticket scams are on the rise. We get advice from the Vancouver Police department on how to avoid fraud and keep your purchases safe.

Two pro-Khalistan activists. including one from Surrey, are taking their fight to get off Canada's no-fly list to the country's top court. The CBC's Jason Proctor joins us on the podcast to explain how a case that's moved through the courts for the past six years is now taking on a new signifcance.

A plan to replace a car lane with bike lanes on Mountain Highway has sparked heated debate in North Vancouver. Former councillor Mathew Bond weighs in on why the council rejected the proposal and what it reveals about the city’s approach to transportation.

Surrey council recently voted down a 58-unit townhouse proposal for a single-family home neighbourhood in Fleetwood after vocal opposition from residents. So what does this mean for housing supply in a growing city? We break down the debate over density, neighbourhood character, and the future of housing.

A new report suggests Vancouver could save $7 million a year and add permanent parkland by dissolving its Park Board. But is getting more efficient worth losing an extra layer of oversight? Stephen Quinn hears from Jerry Fast, president of the Kitsilano Community Centre Association, who’s fighting to keep it.

Other cities in Metro Vancouver are already using water meters to conserve water and lower costs, but Vancouver is still holding out. Why is the city lagging behind? And should Vancouver adopt universal water metering? Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung talks about her motion to study water metering.

For years, Hastings and Main has been a hub for stolen items sold in plain sight. Now, the city says it’s cracking down. Councillor Brian Montague explains why it’s time for action.