The City of Vancouver is holding a by-election on April 5, 2025. Two Council seats are being contested in the election, and a total of
thirteen candidates have put their name on the ballot.
Public space is central to the life of the city! To help people learn a bit more about the candidates, we’ve prepared a short survey focused on public space-related topics and issues. We’re publishing responses as we receive them. For ease of reading and comparison, answers will be organized both by candidate name/ballot number and question.
We’ve received responses from six candidates to date and have heard from other candidates that their feedback will be coming shortly.
Responses By Candidate
Last Update: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Responses By Question
Question 1. What is your favourite public space in the city – park, plaza, street, community centre, library, etc – and why?
Question 2. In 2013, Vancouver declared itself a “City of Reconciliation”. More recently it approved its UNDRIP Strategy (2022). What role do you think public space should play regarding reconciliation?
Question 3. If you could bring one new thing to the Council table on the topics of public safety and wellbeing in the Downtown Eastside, what would it be?
Question 4. How important is the democratic function of public space to you? How would you ensure public spaces like parks and plazas are accessible and inclusive?
Question 5. What piece of public art do you like the most? How satisfied are you with the City’s approach to public art? Is there anything you would change?
Question 6. There are lots of ways that public space planning can support climate-related objectives, including: protecting and planting street trees; initiatives to support walking, rolling and biking; and the restoration and enhancement of local ecosystems. How do climate matters align with your public space priorities?
Question 7. The city’s shopping streets have been hard-hit in recent years – and face further threats under the current ‘tariff war’ with the US. What will you do to support our ‘main streets’ and shopping areas?
Question 8. In May 2020, City Council approved a goal of transforming 11% of road space into “people friendly public space.” What are your thoughts on the implementation of this ‘road reallocation’ direction? Would you change anything?
Question 9. The City is currently moving ahead with the dissolution of the elected Park Board. How do you think Vancouver’s parks should be governed and stewarded?
Question 10. Creating, maintaining and programming public space takes resources. Does the City do enough to fund placemaking and public space initiatives? Is there anything you would do differently?
