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An investigation by Vancouver’s integrity commissioner has found that Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC party violated the rules of local government — apparently without consequence. Now, ABC is suggesting that taxpayers could foot the bill for the legal costs they incurred while resisting the year-long investigation.

In late August, the integrity commissioner ruled that Sim and ABC breached the code of conduct and contravened the Vancouver Charter. Much has been said since, but I want to break down the breakdown in democratic process from my perspective as an elected councillor.

Over a year ago, I filed a complaint with the integrity commissioner, as I was concerned that ABC’s council majority was making decisions privately and enforcing whipped votes, both contrary to the laws governing Vancouver.

Tomorrow, the City of Vancouver appears set to approve new by-laws for 30km/h limit on local residential streets. Nearly six years since this — one of my first motions — passed at City Council and UBCM; again unanimously when I brought it back in 2024; building on work of local/global Vision Zero active transportation advocates.

If this motion passes (and I believe it will) it will mean that all residential streets (without a centre line) across Vancouver will be slowed to impact-survivable speeds. The challenge will remain around signage as it related to enforcement . While the by-law changes speeds city-wide, enforcement and likelihood of charges will be predicated by zones and streets that are clearly marked. Nevertheless the law as it is written means residential side streets city-wide are slowed.

CONTENT WARNING Talking about the event that unfolded after the Lapu Lapu Festival on April 26, when a deranged motorist murdered at least eleven people with his SUV.

How do we collectively recover, how do we individually recover? Two weeks later I’m here walking with survivors from that night, neighbours living within a block of the site at East 43rd between St George and Fraser where Kai-Ji Adam Lo deliberately drove his car into a crowd of people. We are walking slowly, the mom’s leg is in a brace from where the SUV struck her. She was separated from her son when they were hit, he was thrown and concussed. The dad shared his terror running from home to the scene to find his family. They all survived.

Last month, Ken Sim told the “Save Our Streets” group he’d propose freezing new supportive housing in Vancouver.
Residents we’ve spoken to are concerned about the ABC party undermining non-profits and punishing the vulnerable. Their motion dropped today.

Most Canadians are still reeling from the apparent betrayal by our supposed closest allies, as President Trump threatens punitive tariffs as a prelude to his not-really-joking aspiration to make Canada a 51st state.

Today, council approved framework for a by-election to replace council seats vacated by Adriane Carr and Christine Boyle. Elections (and by-elections) are a cornerstone of our democratic process of course, but one party has not being playing by the same rules as the rest of us.

To be clear I was always a lousy blogger. While I do like to write, I lack the conviction to put it into a long form written piece when — let’s face it– a cheeky tweetstorm or snappy comeback on Facebook is so much easier and has a much more extended reach.

I’m running for re-election to Vancouver City Council on October 15 and I would appreciate your support!

January 1, 2022 saw the introduction of Vancouver’s new bylaws and fees designed to reduce the use and waste of single use items and very specifically plastic bags and disposable cups.