Cities

Vancouver mayor outlines strengths of each councillor in first working meeting

Pete Fry used his first public meeting as mayor to offer a personal assessment of each of his 10 colleagues on Vancouver City Council.

By Erin Kowalski, Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2026

VANCOUVER · Vancouver Mayor Pete Fry addressed each of his 10 council colleagues individually during his first working public meeting on Monday. He outlined how their unique backgrounds and interests could positively influence the city's governance over the next four years. The meeting in council chambers followed the swearing-in ceremony held earlier that day at the Orpheum Theatre. Fry stressed that the council's primary duty is to deliver results for residents, not victories for political parties.

The new council is composed of five Green Party members, including Fry, four COPE councillors, and one representative each from OneCity Vancouver and ABC Vancouver. No single party holds a majority. "Partisan politics at the municipal level [should] be the exception, not the rule," Fry said in council chambers. He added that when party politics become the focus, it can hinder good governance, and the job is to work as a team for Vancouver.

Fry began by praising COPE councillor Sean Orr for his advocacy to reduce poverty and support people facing hardship. He said Orr had matured in his responsibilities while keeping the "punk rock dishwasher blogger spirit" that first drew him to politics. Council unanimously approved Fry's recommendation to appoint Orr as the first deputy mayor for the term covering November 2026 through January 2027. For OneCity councillor Lucy Maloney, Fry expressed gratitude for her past kindness and highlighted her passion for street safety. He recalled her checking on his wellbeing when he was often alone on council and noted her enthusiasm for active transportation. "Once and always a Melburnian, you’ve become a truly exemplary Vancouverite," Fry said, referencing her Australian origins.

Fry offered reassurance to ABC councillor Mike Klassen, the sole representative of his party on council. He noted that Klassen was the first person he sought for advice when considering a run for office. "You may be the lone representative of your party at this table, but you are not alone," Fry told him. He highlighted Green councillor Annette Reilly's background in the film and television industry, saying it prepared her to respond quickly and manage competing priorities. Fry said her experience gives her a strong voice for a major local industry and also acknowledged her as a cancer survivor.

Discussing COPE councillor Chloe Leslie, Fry identified shared interests in food access and waste reduction. He expressed confidence that initiatives he worked on as a councillor would continue under her attention. For fellow COPE member Devyani Singh, he emphasized her climate science expertise. "Your expertise will help ensure that our climate commitments are matched by practical action," Fry said. Fry noted his long-standing relationship with Green councillor Stephanie Smith, praising her housing advocacy and experience in co-operative housing governance. Council later unanimously approved her nomination to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities board. He said Green councillor Camil Dumont brings valuable experience from his previous public service roles, including an understanding of natural systems and urban agriculture.

Addressing COPE councillor Solomon Yi-Kieran, Fry cautioned against mistaking youth for inexperience. Yi-Kieran became Vancouver's youngest-ever councillor after turning 21 the day before last month's election. Your Space Hamilton reported in October that the councillor-elect vowed to prioritize public transit. Fry said he would look to Yi-Kieran to help advance Vancouver's interests, particularly in extending SkyTrain to UBC.

Fry concluded his remarks on Green councillor Bridget Burns by focusing on her compassion and commitment to animal welfare. He said her personal experience and empathy would be valuable assets to council. "I hope you’ll continue to be a voice for those vulnerabilities that often go unseen. I’m excited to watch you grow into this role," Fry said. He finished by reiterating his view of the councillors as individuals, not party labels.

With files from Daily Hive