Vancouver mayoral candidate pledges affordability push ahead of October vote
With four months until the municipal election, COPE candidate Stephanie Allen is promising over 20,000 affordable homes and free public transit if elected.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stephanie Allen, running as a mayoral candidate for the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE), released a slate of priorities ahead of Vancouver's October election.
Allen, who co-founded the Hogan's Alley Society and formerly served as vice-president at BC Housing, said she would "make Vancouver affordable" by securing over 20,000 affordable homes, using city power to lower everyday costs, and making public transit fast and free. She also pledged to invest in public $10-per-day child care and upgrade libraries, community centres, and public pools.
"For too long, Vancouver has been a playground for the super-rich. Working people are getting sold out, priced out, and steamrolled by the power of predatory wealth," Allen said. "The city doesn't have to be this way."
Allen plans to work with residents, advocates, local shops, restaurants, and neighbourhoods on community-led budgets and planning. She also promised to pursue a ranked-choice ballot for mayor so voters have "an expressive ballot that actually counts."
The mayoral race is crowded. William Azaroff is running under the OneCity banner and recently received backing from the Vancouver and District Labour Council. Pete Fry, a city councillor with the Green Party, is campaigning on public safety and community well-being. Rebecca Bligh (Vote Vancouver) and Colleen Hardwick (TEAM for a Livable Vancouver) are running on affordability and development concerns. Incumbent Mayor Ken Sim is seeking re-election.