What is the easiest way to get from city to city without a car? Well, if you lived in Europe or much of Asia, the answer would be obvious: a train. But in Metro Vancouver, it’s not that simple, even with our single passenger train service, which this week is turning 30 years old. On the Thursday edition of This is Vancouver, we dive into Metro Vancouver politics with Justin McElroy. Today, our main theme is regional transportation: why is it so limited here? What are the challenges to make it better? And could you one day take a train to Abbotsford, Chilliwack or Squamish?

From food banks to smaller grocery baskets, working families are finding ways to get by as food prices keep climbing. The CBC’s Alison Cole has been speaking to shoppers, experts, and food bank leaders to explore how food inflation is reshaping daily life across the Lower Mainland.

The Park Theatre was set to close — until a group of filmmakers,= stepped in to save it. Stephen Quinn speaks with Vancouver directors Zach Lipovsky and Chris Ferguson about the history of the theatre and why they stepped in to save it.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim’s plan to create a new housing corporation was blocked at City Hall — even though his ABC team had more votes. Municipal Affairs Reporter Justin McElroy breaks down what happened, why both sides are blaming each other, and what it means for the city’s next big budget fight. Plus, a conversation about the election campaign beginning in B.C.'s 4th largest city.

The Vancouver Park Board has voted to add new parking fees at several community centres. Some residents say the change will make recreation less accessible. Park Board Chair Laura Christensen joins Stephen Quinn to explain the decision.

A B.C. Supreme Court ruling has recognized Cowichan Tribes’ Aboriginal title to a stretch of land in Richmond — leaving some homeowners uncertain about their property rights. Richmond’s mayor explains what’s next and B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad shares his reaction.

With one year to go before the 2026 municipal election, many Metro Vancouver mayors are already deciding their political futures. Justin McElroy spoke with all 21 of them to find out who’s planning to run again—and who’s ready to call it a day. Stephen Quinn breaks it down on This Is Vancouver.

We look at whether a the peace deal between Hamas and Israel can hold and how local communities most affected by the tragedy in the Middle East are feeling optimistic.

World leaders gathered in Egypt to witness the signing of the first phase of a ceasefire deal.

UBC political science professor Michael Byers is optimistic that this ceasefire will hold.

Jewish Federation of Vancouver president Ezra Shanken told the CBC's Jason D'Sousa the ceasefire is bringing some hope to the Jewish community. And Nariman Ajjur describes what she lived through in Gaza and what her family has experienced since 2023.