Straight Talks: Vancouver Before the Vote

Vancouver goes to the polls on October 17. Four days out, the Georgia Straight is putting the city's future on stage and asking the questions that don't fit in a campaign flyer.

For more than five decades, the Straight has covered this city's politics, culture, and growing pains without pulling punches. Straight Talks brings that same approach into the room for one afternoon of frank, public conversation about where the city is headed and who gets to shape it.

Part one: The City We're Building

The afternoon opens with a fast-paced panel on key issues affecting Vancouverites. Three voices from the sectors that keep Vancouver running will take on the questions that matter most heading into the vote:

Jane Talbot, president and CEO of Downtown Van

Ian Tostenson, president and CEO, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association

Max Mitchell, owner of BOOM! Pro Wrestling and long-time local arts organizer and advocate

Can people still afford to live, work, and create here? Is the city keeping pace with the businesses, workers, and artists who give it its character? What's working, what's broken, and what should the next council actually do about it?

Part two: The Record

Then the centrepiece of the afternoon. Georgia Straight editor in chief Nathan Caddell sits down one-on-one with Mayor Ken Sim. Four years in office means four years on the record. This conversation is the mayor's chance to defend it—on housing, public safety, the budget, and the promises made in 2022—in front of an outlet that has never been shy about asking hard questions.

Schedule (subject to change)

1:00 pm: Doors open

1:20 pm: Panel, The City We're Building

2:00 pm: Short break

2:05 pm: One-on-one with Mayor Ken Sim

3:00 pm: Program ends

3:30 pm: Event over

Come curious, bring your questions, and leave knowing more than you did walking in. Straight Talks: Vancouver Before the Vote is a civic event hosted and produced independently by the Georgia Straight. It is not affiliated with, organized by, or endorsed by any candidate, party, or campaign.