Pete Fry elected mayor of Vancouver in progressive sweep

In a significant political shift, Pete Fry of the Green Party of Vancouver has been elected mayor, unseating incumbent Ken Sim. The election, held on October 17, 2026, saw a substantial increase in voter turnout, with approximately 209,000 residents casting ballots.

Fry’s victory marks a decisive move toward progressive governance in Vancouver. The business-aligned ABC Vancouver party saw a major decline, securing only one council seat. In contrast, progressive groups including the Greens, the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE), and OneCity have gained a dominant presence on the city council, the Park Board, and among school trustees.

During his campaign, Fry emphasized issues such as housing affordability, social supports, and governance transparency. He proposed utilizing wood-frame construction for more affordable housing and expressed interest in screening for ADHD in rehab centers and homeless shelters to address underlying causes of substance use and crime. The new administration faces immediate challenges regarding the cost of living, public safety, and housing availability.