Mayor Ken Sim

Today’s joint commitment from The City, Province, Federal Government, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and PavCo sends a clear message: we are aligned behind a shared vision for the future of soccer in this city. From improving the game day revenue model to exploring long-term stadium opportunities, partners are working together to build something that reflects the ambition of Vancouver and our region. The Whitecaps belong in Vancouver.

There has been some misinformation and speculation regarding my comments about using AI, so I want to be absolutely clear about the facts. Please see my statement below:

The residents of Vancouver want compassionate care, but they also want safe streets, parks, and neighbourhoods. We will not support a return to open drug use and failed decriminalization policies. We've made progress on crime and we'll continue to ensure residents feel safe in their City. The Province needs to lead with a balanced approach focused on treatment, recovery, and community safety. vancouversun.com/opinion/column…

Today, it was my honour to be present for the opening of the new seniors centre at the Sunset Community Centre. This beautiful new facility will be a place for community members to gather and connect, helping elderly residents stay active and engaged in a space designed around their priorities. The Sunset Seniors' Centre is a long time coming for residents of South Vancouver and would not have been possible were it not for the tireless efforts of community members. We're getting back to basics and back to community, and we're proud to be addressing many of the longstanding community investment inequalities that have impacted South Vancouver. That's why, in addition to this facility, we've approved funding towards the construction of a new pool at Sunset, a complete rebuild of Kensington Community Centre, and upgrades to neighbourhood roads, sidewalks, and parks.

The previous OPS sites on Seymour and Howe became focal points for street disorder and open drug use. Rather than continuing to push failed approaches, we need the Province to get people off the streets and into the care they need. Vancouverites deserve better, everyone deserves better.

Vancouverites need answers from the BC Minister of Health. That's why I have written Minister Osborne to ask several clear and reasonable questions regarding the proposed OPS at 900 Helmcken. The City and community members have been left in the dark throughout this entire process. The City remains ready to work with the Province and VCH, and we look forward to hearing back from the Minister to discuss this further.

It is concerning that the Minister of Health doesn’t recognize the difference between the Road to Recovery program, and Mandatory Care. It’s been nearly two years since Premier David Eby stood at Vancouver City Hall and promised 400 mandatory care beds. Since then, not a single new bed IN or FOR Vancouver has been delivered. Vancouverites deserve better. We all deserve better.

We need to use every tool in the toolbox to block the newly proposed OPS at 900 Helmcken. That's why today, I'm bringing forward an urgent motion that would direct City staff to take all lawful steps available to prevent this new OPS from opening. Vancouver will not support failed approaches, and our city won't see meaningful change or progress until the Premier follows through on his commitment of 400 mandatory care beds. To date, Vancouver has yet to see a single bed. Read my full statement here: vancouver.ca/files/cov/mayo…

40 years ago, #Expo86 helped put Vancouver on the global stage. I still have my pin collection and my old ID badge from working on site — one of my first jobs after graduating from UBC. A small piece of a truly defining moment that shaped our city for the better. Proud to have been part of it, and grateful to reflect on what it meant for Vancouver.

It is incredibly exciting to hear that Canada has been selected to host the headquarters of the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. Congratulations and thank you to Prime Minister @MarkJCarney for your leadership on this file and for helping advance Canada's position on the global stage. Vancouver and British Columbia have submitted a strong bid to become the host city for this new headquarters. Our region is home to the industry, expertise, and connectivity to DSRB member-countries that would make for an ideal location for this critical new institution. As we look towards building a stronger Canada together, Vancouver stands ready to work collaboratively, and will always welcome the opportunity to strengthen our partnership with the Federal Government.

We’re making the largest investment in community centres in the City’s history. Council has dedicated $400 million over the next four years to rebuild five of Vancouver’s aging community centres: Dunbar, Hastings, Kensington, Kerrisdale, and Roundhouse. Why these five? We wanted to deliver the greatest possible benefit within a four year window. That meant prioritizing facilities in need of replacement or significant renovation that were exclusively controlled by the City of Vancouver. By selecting these sites, we’ll be able to get started quickly, and deliver better community centres sooner.

Over the next four years, we’re going to back to basics and back to community. In addition to rebuilding five of Vancouver’s aging community centres, we’re making strategic investments in parks, pools, roads, sidewalks, and so much more. We’re building a better future for Vancouverites, and we’re only just getting started.

STATEMENT FROM VANCOUVER MAYOR KEN SIM: The Whitecaps have been Vancouver’s club since 1974. Many things have changed throughout the years: the players, the logos, the kits, and the stadiums, just to name a few. The one thing that has never changed is Vancouver’s love of this team. The Whitecaps are one of the top teams in the MLS, they were the runners up in last year’s championship, and they sit in the top ten of league attendance at an average of 24,000+ per game. While we understand that professional sports is a complex business, it would be a mistake for any team to leave a market with such a longstanding history and ready-made fanbase. The City of Vancouver has done its part to create a path forward for the team’s future here by offering prime space at Hastings Park for the Whitecaps to construct a new stadium and entertainment district. Now, we face the difficult part. BC Place is owned and operated by the Provincial Government. In fact, it’s the only stadium owned and operated by a government found anywhere in the MLS. In order for the team to stay in Vancouver, the Whitecaps and Province must sign a bridge deal that will allow BC Place to become viable in the near term while a new stadium can be designed and built. That's why today, we are calling on the team’s ownership to publicly and clearly articulate what they need to stay here in Vancouver, and we are calling on the Provincial Government to come to the table and make that a reality. To all Vancouver Whitecaps fans, to the @Southsiders, and to all of the supporter groups, we need you to keep the fight going. We need you to stay strong, and we need you to stay loud. Losing the Whitecaps is not an option. #SAVETHECAPS

Three years ago, I had the honour of welcoming John to City Hall to proclaim May 10th as 'John Garrett Day' in the City of Vancouver in celebration of his long and successful career. I was incredibly saddened to learn of his passing earlier today. Vancouver has lost one of its legends, somebody who made a real difference in our city both on and off the ice. Rest in peace, Cheech.

Please see my statement following yesterday's Park Board meeting: City Council has clear authority under the Vancouver Charter to set the Capital Plan and allocate funding across the city, including to parks and recreation facilities. This plan is backed by staff’s most recent, evidence-based assessment of community facilities, directing the largest investment in Vancouver’s history to the neighbourhoods and amenities that need it most. It’s focused, data-driven, actionable, and long overdue. We are excited about actioning the largest investment into community centres in our city’s history. Vancouver residents expect us to deliver the facilities they’ve been waiting for, now it’s time to get started.

With the approval of yesterday’s motion, now begins an open and transparent process to identify a qualified proponent to bring Major League Baseball to Vancouver. League expansion is on the horizon and we know Vancouver would be the ideal home for a new MLB team. This will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring something really special to Vancouver, stay tuned.

Today, Vancouver City Council took a major step forward in planning for our city’s future. We’ve set clear direction for the 2027–2030 Capital Plan, including a $400 M investment to rebuild or replace five aging community centres across Vancouver: Hastings, Kensington, Roundhouse, Dunbar and Kerrisdale. This is about getting back to basics and back to community: fixing core infrastructure, modernizing recreation spaces, and delivering the facilities growing communities need. This plan also includes the largest-ever investment in South Vancouver including a commitment to bringing a 25M pool to Sunset Park. We’re planning for the future, and delivering quality infrastructure and public spaces. We’re prioritizing projects that are ready to build, that people will feel, and that strengthen neighbourhoods across the city.

BREAKING... Vancouver City Council has approved a City-initiated bid process for a Major League Baseball expansion team. A formal process for "serious proponents" that have come forward. This "did not come out of left field." #MLB #vanpoli #vanre dailyhive.com/vancouver/mlb-…

There should be no conditional sentencing for somebody who stabbed MULTIPLE people. Also politely asking a mass stabber to not possess any knives is beyond delusional. Justice is not being done here. globalnews.ca/news/11803454/…