Five mayoral candidates say how they would handle the St. Paul's plebiscite and public safety
Global News asked all mayoral candidates about the ballot plebiscite question on involuntary care beds at the old St. Paul's Hospital site and their broader plans for public safety.
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Five Vancouver mayoral candidates told Global News on September 30 where they stand on the ballot plebiscite question about converting the old St. Paul's Hospital site for involuntary care, and what else they would do about public safety in the city.
The plebiscite question, one of two on the October 17 ballot, asks whether the City should formally request that the provincial government use part of the old hospital campus on Burrard Street for involuntary care beds. The new St. Paul's Hospital is set to open in 2027.
Allam calls it a prison
Mayoral candidate Kareem Allam, running with the Vancouver Liberals, said the proposal amounts to a prison. "It is prison, let me be clear," he told Global News. "Vancouver needs treatment, not a prison on Burrard Street."
The Vancouver Liberals have already launched a campaign opposing both plebiscite questions. Allam has made that opposition central to his platform.
Sim and ABC support the question
Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC Vancouver party back the plebiscite as part of a public safety plan. According to Global News, ABC's plan also includes requiring drug consumption sites to be located away from schools and parks, and directing police to increase enforcement against drug use in public spaces.
Fry proposes non-police outreach
Green Party of Vancouver candidate Pete Fry told Global News he wants to build a new response team for addiction and mental health calls. He described them as non-police and non-medical, made up of peers who could meet people where they are and direct them to services.
"Low acuity, peer-led intervention teams that can go in and deal with folks who are maybe creating a disruption in a shop because they have nowhere better to go," Fry said.
Hardwick focuses on enforcement and recovery
TEAM for a Livable Vancouver candidate Colleen Hardwick told Global News she wants to bring back block watches and put more weight on enforcement and recovery. "Recovery gives us hope," she said.
Bligh would push the province
Vote Vancouver candidate Rebecca Bligh said she would advocate to the provincial government for more resources. "We are short psychiatric beds across our health-care system in Vancouver," she told Global News. She said she would focus on a comprehensive response to repeat offenders.
What voters can do
You can compare all mayoral candidates' positions on public safety and other issues at /candidates. To find your voting place or check your registration for October 17, go to /where-to-vote.
Questions this story answers
What is the St. Paul's Hospital plebiscite question?
One of two questions on the October 17 Vancouver ballot asks whether the City of Vancouver should formally request that the provincial government use part of the old St. Paul's Hospital campus on Burrard Street for involuntary care beds. The new St. Paul's Hospital is expected to open in 2027, leaving the original building available for a new use. Voters mark yes or no on this question alongside their votes for mayor, council, park board and school board.
What is Kareem Allam's position on the plebiscite?
Mayoral candidate Kareem Allam, running with the Vancouver Liberals, told Global News he opposes the question. 'It is prison, let me be clear,' he said. He argued that Vancouver needs treatment rather than a large secure facility on Burrard Street. Allam has made opposition to both plebiscite questions part of his campaign.
What is Ken Sim's position on the plebiscite?
Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC Vancouver party support the plebiscite question as one part of their public safety plan. According to Global News, ABC's plan also includes mandating drug consumption sites away from schools and parks, and directing police to increase enforcement against drug use in public spaces.
What is Pete Fry's public safety plan?
Green Party of Vancouver candidate Pete Fry told Global News he wants to create new non-police, non-medical outreach teams for addiction and mental health calls. He described them as peer-led teams that could respond to people creating disruptions or without shelter and direct them to services. Fry is running for mayor with the Green Party of Vancouver.
What is Colleen Hardwick's public safety plan?
TEAM for a Livable Vancouver candidate Colleen Hardwick told Global News she wants a focus on enforcement and recovery. She said she would bring back block watches in a meaningful way and expressed concern that public policy has relied too heavily on harm reduction. Hardwick is running for mayor with TEAM.
What is Rebecca Bligh's position?
Vote Vancouver mayoral candidate Rebecca Bligh told Global News she would advocate to the province for more resources. 'We are short psychiatric beds across our health-care system in Vancouver,' she said. She described a need for a comprehensive response to repeat offenders, and said her approach would focus on working with provincial authorities.
What is the second plebiscite question on the ballot?
The October 17 ballot includes two plebiscite questions. The Global News report focuses on the question about using the old St. Paul's Hospital campus for involuntary care. The second question is separate. Both appear on the same ballot as the votes for mayor, council, park board and school board, and voters can answer yes or no to each.
When and where can voters cast a ballot?
The Vancouver municipal election takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Advance voting and mail ballot options are also available. You can find your voting place and check registration requirements at /where-to-vote.
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