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isabella zavarise

@isabellazavarise.bsky.social
2.1K followers 287 following 465 posts

journalist @CTVVancouver | @USCAnnenberg alum | IG @imzav11 Isabella.zavarise@bellmedia.ca

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Reposted by isabella zavarise
P.O.W.E.R. @policeoversight.ca · 06/10/2026
NEW: Behind the Vancouver Police distortion of hate crime statistics The VPD "altered their posted press release after the publication of my story, and added a new, more accurate graphic that aligned closer to the data obtained via FOI" @brishti.bsky.social www.policeoversight.ca/p/behind-the...
policeoversight.ca
Behind the police distortion of 2023 hate crime statistics
How VPD pushed the (false) claim that antisemitism was rising faster than other hate crimes in 2023
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
Andrea Woo @andreawoo.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Statement from Connor Bildfell, president of the Canadian Bar Association's B.C. branch, on personal attacks on judges following last week's ruling re: the Drug User Liberation Front
Some recent media commentary on the Supreme Court of British Columbia’s decision in R. v. Kalicum has moved beyond criticism of the decision to attacks on the character and fitness of the judge who made it.

 

Court decisions can and should be subject to careful scrutiny and vigorous debate. People who disagree with a decision may speak out and challenge its reasoning, and our justice system gives parties an appeal process for challenging decisions where appropriate.

 

But attacking a judge’s character or fitness—even calling for their removal—goes too far. These kinds of personal attacks risk eroding public confidence in our justice system and collapsing the important distinction between criticizing a decision and attacking the judge who made it. Judges speak only through their decisions and are unable to respond publicly to such personal attacks, making them particularly inappropriate.

 

Judges must make their decisions based on the law and the evidence before them, after lawyers present arguments to them. While a healthy debate about the merits of those judicial decisions promotes democracy and the rule of law, personal attacks do not.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Here’s my story about Lorraine Lowe’s religious social media post which ABC called a “personal prayer.” Sim called it “absolutely incredible.” www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
‘Protect our team’: Vancouver council candidate calls on God as advance polling begins
A Vancouver city council candidate’s social media post where she invoked a prayer while talking about voters heading to the polls is prompting calls to keep church and state separate.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
For the second election in a row, a senior crime analyst with the Vancouver Police Department is running for city council in a partisan campaign—raising new questions about politicization within one of B.C.’s most powerful institutions. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
‘Unusual’ ties between Vancouver police, mayor’s party scrutinized as crime analyst joins campaign
For the second election in a row, a senior crime analyst with the Vancouver Police Department has stepped away from her role to run in a partisan campaign—raising new questions about politicization wi...
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A city council candidate running for Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s ABC party is being sued by a company she helped co-found, which alleges she and two others misappropriated company funds. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Lawsuit accuses candidate for Vancouver mayor’s ABC party of misappropriating funds
A city council candidate running for Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s ABC party is being sued by a company she helped co-found, which alleges she and two others misappropriated company funds.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Zero fines, zero tax hike: Vancouver mayor’s party unveils details on plebiscite and platform
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Zero fines, zero tax hike: Vancouver mayor’s party unveils details on plebiscite and platform
Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC party are revealing new details about their platform and “public safety” plebiscite ahead of October’s municipal election.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Great questions by @michellecyca.com at the Our City Hall forum hosted by @womentcities.bsky.social !
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The Vancouver Police Union says it won’t be endorsing a mayoral candidate in this year’s municipal election. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Vancouver Police Union won’t endorse a mayoral candidate this municipal election
The Vancouver Police Union says it won’t be endorsing a mayoral candidate in this year’s municipal election.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Things you find while working on stories about the PST. A cameo from Mayor Sim in a security company's marketing video from 12 years ago.
Mayor Ken Sim speaking with the president of Provident Security in a marketing video.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
‘Not reliable’: Experts urge caution as prediction markets wade into B.C.’s municipal elections
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‘Not reliable’: Experts urge caution as prediction markets wade into B.C.’s municipal elections
Online prediction markets are taking bets on B.C.’s municipal elections this October.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Tuning in briefly to this emergency meeting. Council is discussing the plebiscite ABC announced yesterday. The mayor reiterated again that the province does not have involuntary care beds IN Vancouver but my colleagues have repeatedly fact-checked this: www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Ken Sim says involuntary care beds outside Vancouver don’t ‘serve’ his city. Is he right?
For the second time in a month, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has issued a public letter slamming the B.C. government for failing to deliver new involuntary care beds within his city—but is that actually a ...
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Saw an orca pod and then ran into the mayor.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
Luke LeBrun @lukelebrun.ca · 31/07/2026
Received this bizarre email out of the blue yesterday from National Post columnist Adam Zivo gloating over my former colleague's layoff notice I'd like to thank Postmedia for looking into it and issuing this statement clarifying Zivo is expected to uphold professional standards for employee conduct
Congratulations Excellent work PressProgress has been put in a pretty dire financial situation because of a major lawsuit, so while this wasn't exactly a total surprise for me, I didn't think it would come to this so soon. 4:10 PM • Jul 27, 2026 Adam Zivo | B.A. M.P.P. Columnist - National Post Founder and Director - LoveisLoveisLove Campaign www.adamzivo.com | www.loveisloveislove.org (+1) 647 703

...

Adam Zivo Jul 29 to me v Emma Arkell @emmaarkell.bsky.social • 7h This is my last working week as the labour reporter at PressProgress. I received notice a little over a week ago that the labour reporter position is being terminated and I'm being laid off. J 26 Emma Arkell @emmaarkell.bsky.social5:11PM

k Hello Luke Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Postmedia maintains professional standards for employee conduct and expects those standards to be upheld in interactions with colleagues and external parties. Those expectations extend to freelance contributors. As this is an internal matter, we will have no further comment. Regards COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST P. POSTMEDIA

to me v
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
When asked whether officers would have reacted the same way if this had happened in other parts of the city, such as the Downtown Eastside, Chief Rai said, it was a fair comment. “I can honestly tell you, you know, we try to train bias out,” he said. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Vancouver E-scooter crew couch surfs out of VPD ticket
A video showing two men using e-scooters to transport a couch has gone viral, but how the Vancouver Police Department responded has drawn some criticism.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The City of Vancouver has altered its public hearing procedures after Mayor Ken Sim claimed there was “foreign interference” at a recent meeting. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Vancouver changes public hearing process following ‘foreign interference’ allegation from mayor
The City of Vancouver has altered its public hearing procedures after Mayor Ken Sim claimed there was “foreign interference” at a recent meeting.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
I ran into the VPD chief today at council and asked him about this because why not. He said a woman runs the account and she likes dogs....
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A house fire that erupted during an armed standoff in B.C.’s Lower Mainland three years ago was “intentionally” ignited by RCMP officers on scene, court documents have revealed. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
RCMP officers ‘intentionally’ set home ablaze during tense standoff, court documents reveal
A house fire that erupted during an armed standoff in B.C.’s Lower Mainland three years ago was “intentionally” ignited by RCMP officers on scene, court documents have revealed.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
Jen St. Denis @jenstden.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Working on a #bcpoli story...
An email from BC Conservative staffer Cosmin Dzsurdzsa that reads: We don’t do interviews with far-left smear outlets that serve as an NDP mouthpiece. The Tyee is literal trash, not journalism.
Thank you for your time,

Cosmin
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Vancouver councillor’s bid to regulate new AI data centers fails
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Vancouver councillor’s bid to regulate new AI data centers fails
A Vancouver city councillor was hoping to establish a regulatory framework for AI data centers, but her attempt to do so failed as the ABC-majority voted against the proposal.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Documents obtained by CTV News through a Freedom of Information request, reveal involvement from Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s office in the location of a temporary public plaza, putting conflict of interest questions back in the spotlight.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
recess after recess after recess today at city council.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
Penny Daflos @pennydaflos.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The mayor said what?? Vancouver mayor Ken Sim threatened the province (without specifics) and made misleading claims today You have to WATCH this story (which is a reminder of the power of broadcast news) My latest: www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/vi...
ctvnews.ca
Vancouver mayor threatens province with ‘unprecedented’ action
Mayor Ken Sim issued a dramatic but vague warning to the province over its handling of involuntary care but refused to provide specifics when pressed.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
Jen St. Denis @jenstden.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I’ve never encountered anything like this in all my years of reporting: a grieving mother being told, during an inquest, that her daughter was buried three years ago without her knowledge or consent. #mmiwg thetyee.ca/News/2026/07...
thetyee.ca
Inquest Paused after Mother Receives Shocking News About Her Daughter | The Tyee
Natasha Harrison learned during testimony her daughter Tatyanna was buried without her knowledge.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Me: posts dog on instagram The VPD: 👀
A screenshot of a photo I posted on Instagram.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The City of Vancouver has parted ways with its chief procurement officer and director of supply chain management. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
City of Vancouver parts ways with chief procurement officer
The City of Vancouver has parted ways with its chief procurement officer and director of supply chain management, CTV News has learned.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
“We used software to edit out the names of the accused. The edited photo has been taken down and replaced with the original photo that has been cropped to exclude the names of the accused,” Sgt. Adam Donaldson wrote in an email. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Vancouver police explain ‘made with AI’ image of seized drugs, cash
The Vancouver Police Department posted an image of seized cash and drugs labelled “made with AI” on social media Wednesday, drawing backlash from some commenters.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
If you grew up playing soccer in Vancouver, you've probably visited North American Sports. It's a great store with even better people.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Speed limit proposal rejected by Vancouver council would have saved lives, group says
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Speed limit proposal rejected by Vancouver council would have saved lives, group says
A group that advocates for safe streets says it’s disappointed with the ABC majority on Vancouver city council for rejecting a staff recommendation they believe would have saved lives.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
The City of Vancouver has parted ways with another senior staffer. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
City of Vancouver lets go of top building official
The City of Vancouver has let go of Saul Schwebs, its chief building official, CTV News has learned.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Coun. Orr called Tuesday’s outcome disappointing. “A letter of apology isn’t much to ask for,” he said. “It seems like the bare minimum, you know, in terms of how sanctions go.” www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Vancouver mayor won’t be sanctioned for harassing, personally attacking councillor
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim will not be sanctioned for breaching the municipal code of conduct by misusing his office to harass and personally attack a newly elected opposition councillor last year.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
karen ward @kwardvancouver.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
guys I found permanent housing but I need some help with the deposit and groceries and basics if you can chip in, everything helps appreciate you so much e-transfer: thefool.ward@gmail.com
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
After asking for three rounds of questions Coun. Montague says he has issues with the investigation and has introduced a motion that council impose no sanctions to Sim. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Vancouver mayor engaged in ‘harassing conduct’ and ‘misuse of the influence of his office’: report
Vancouver’s mayor misused the influence of his office and harassed a not-yet-sworn-in councillor when he held a news conference at city hall after last year’s byelection, according to a report release...
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Vancouver council looks to reprioritize funding for Granville Bridge suicide prevention fence following death
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Vancouver council looks to reprioritize funding for Granville Bridge suicide prevention fence following death
A Vancouver city councillor is hoping to re-establish the city’s commitment to fund suicide prevention measures on the Granville Street Bridge, following a death earlier this month.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
‘I was upset’: Group questions Vancouver mayor’s plan after pool promise
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‘I was upset’: Group questions Vancouver mayor’s plan after pool promise
A Vancouver community centre organization is questioning the mayor’s capital plan, after he promised a new pool to another civic facility in South Vancouver.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Summer house fans, please read this story by my amazing colleague @lisa-steacy.bsky.social
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Gotta love getting a statement from the VPD at 3:45 where they're essentially now walking this back, even though they confirmed the initial tip I got last Friday.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
The Vancouver Police Department won’t be staffing Vancouver beaches with officers on ATVs this summer. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Vancouver mayor, park board chair spar over VPD cutting beach patrols
The Vancouver Police Department won’t be staffing Vancouver beaches with officers on ATVs this summer.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Vancouver parts ways with 2 city clerks
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Vancouver parts ways with 2 city clerks
The City of Vancouver’s two senior clerks have been replaced, CTV News has learned.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Province asks Vancouver mayor to delay changes to building code and climate policies
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Province asks Vancouver mayor to delay changes to building code and climate policies
B.C.’s minister of housing and municipal affairs is weighing in on Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s plan that seeks to change the city’s building bylaw and pause some climate policies.
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Cyclist sues Vancouver Police Department after being hit by stolen cruiser
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Cyclist sues Vancouver Police Department after being hit by stolen cruiser
A cyclist who was hit by a man who stole a Vancouver Police vehicle is suing the department.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
A newly constructed temporary plaza built next to an East Vancouver restaurant is raising questions as to whether it was accelerated due to the business’ connection to the mayor’s office. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Did the Vancouver mayor’s office fast-track a public plaza to benefit a staffer?
A newly constructed temporary plaza built next to an East Vancouver restaurant is raising questions as to whether it was accelerated due to the business’ connection to the mayor’s office.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
“It would avoid us doing drugs in public, doing drugs around children, around elderly folks, just around people who don't want to be around drugs. Right now, we're on the street corners, we're on the sidewalk, and it's inhumane.” www.biv.com/biv-rss-link...
biv.com
Vancouver mayor moves to block opening of downtown overdose prevention site
Vancouver Coastal Health plans to open site in June in building at 900 Helmcken Street
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
I am at Ambleside beach for an interview. I am one of the hordes.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
I’m told Park board staff is now walking this back. They’ve found one-time funding within the budget to support lifeguard staffing at 9 beaches.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
After receiving a $175,000 boost to its budget, the Vancouver Police Board has only scheduled four meetings for all of 2026—half the number held last year, the bare minimum required by provincial legislation, and far fewer than other municipalities. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
Vancouver Police Board’s lack of transparency ‘raises alarm bells’: expert
After receiving a $175,000 boost to its budget, the Vancouver Police Board has only scheduled four meetings for all of 2026—half the number held last year, the bare minimum required by provincial legi...
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Vancouver police department spent $55K on ceremony for incoming chief
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Vancouver police department spent $55K on ceremony for incoming chief
The Vancouver Police Department spent nearly $56,000 on its October change of command ceremony for Chief Const. Steve Rai, CTV News has learned.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Some Vancouver community centres are questioning Mayor Ken Sim’s decision to prioritize certain rec centers, following a comprehensive report published four years ago. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
‘Fully disagree’: Vancouver community centres critical of mayor’s rec centre renewal
Some Vancouver community centres are questioning Mayor Ken Sim’s decision to prioritize certain community centers, following a comprehensive report published four years ago.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
As someone obsessed with skincare, I need to know what the $600 face serum is that was gifted to Mayor Ken Sim.
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isabella zavarise @isabellazavarise.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
The City of Vancouver has eliminated one of two sex worker safety planner positions as it continues to work through “organizational and operational changes.” www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
ctvnews.ca
City of Vancouver cuts sex worker safety planner position
The City of Vancouver has eliminated one of two sex worker safety planner positions as it continues to work through “organizational and operational changes.”
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Reposted by isabella zavarise
CTV News Vancouver @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Vancouver Police Board chair to step down in June
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Vancouver Police Board chair to step down in June
The chair of the Vancouver Police Board will be concluding his term come the end of June, according to a statement by the board.
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