---
title: "Five mayoral candidates say how they would handle the St. Paul's plebiscite and public safety"
description: "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."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/news/mayoral-candidates-plebiscite-public-safety-september-30"
last_updated: "2026-10-10T04:01:15.242Z"
---

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](/candidates/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](/candidates/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](/candidates/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](/candidates/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](/candidates/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](/candidates). To find your voting place or check your registration for October 17, go to [/where-to-vote](/where-to-vote).

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.