Metro Vancouver voters want change on cost of living as October election approaches

A majority of Metro Vancouver residents say it's time for change in city councils as municipal elections approach, with cost of living and housing affordability dominating voter concerns.

Fifty-seven percent of Metro Vancouver residents say the time has come for change in their city council, according to a Leger poll. More than half—51 percent—say their city is on the wrong track. In Vancouver specifically, 62 percent want council change and 62 percent say the city is headed the wrong way. Richmond residents show even stronger sentiment, with 66 percent calling for new council; in Surrey, 64 percent share that view.

Cost of living and affordability top the list of municipal concerns for 47 percent of Metro Vancouver residents. Housing affordability alone is cited by 34 percent. Property taxes and spending account for 27 percent of concerns, while homelessness, poverty, and mental health round out the top concerns at 26 percent.

Voters also show strong appetite for municipal action beyond traditional local issues. Seventy-seven percent of residents want municipalities more involved in homelessness, poverty, and mental health; 76 percent want municipal engagement on cost of living; 75 percent on housing affordability; and 74 percent on the drug and overdose crisis. Seventy percent want municipalities to advocate more aggressively with other levels of government.

In Vancouver's mayoral race, Pete Fry leads Ken Sim 23 percent to 19 percent, with 36 percent of voters undecided. In Surrey, Brenda Locke leads Doug McCallum 24 percent to 12 percent, though 34 percent remain undecided. Burnaby and Coquitlam show lower appetite for change; Coquitlam is the only municipality measured where more residents say the city is headed in the right direction than the wrong track.