Gregor Robertson

Gregor Robertson is a Canadian entrepreneur and politician best known for his three terms as the Mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia, from 2008 to 2018. His leadership marked a period of significant growth and transformation for the city, characterized by a strong focus on sustainability, affordable housing, and technological innovation.

Born and raised in Roberts Creek, British Columbia, Robertson’s early career was steeped in agriculture. He co-founded Happy Planet Foods, a successful organic juice and food company, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable practices and entrepreneurial spirit. This experience provided him with valuable business acumen and a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the private sector, skills he would later leverage in his political career.

Robertson entered the political arena in 2005 as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Vancouver-Fairview, representing the New Democratic Party (NDP). He quickly established himself as a strong advocate for environmental protection and social justice. However, his ambition led him to the municipal level, where he saw the potential to enact more immediate and impactful change in Vancouver.

In 2008, Robertson successfully ran for mayor, campaigning on a progressive platform focused on addressing the city’s growing housing crisis, tackling climate change, and promoting a green economy. His election marked a shift in Vancouver’s political landscape, ushering in an era of ambitious policies and bold initiatives. He led the Vision Vancouver party, which dominated city council for much of his tenure.

During his time as mayor, Robertson spearheaded several key initiatives. He set an ambitious goal for Vancouver to become the “Greenest City” in the world by 2020, implementing policies that promoted renewable energy, reduced carbon emissions, and encouraged sustainable transportation. He championed the development of separated bike lanes and expanded public transit options, aiming to reduce reliance on personal vehicles and improve air quality.

Addressing the affordable housing crisis was a constant challenge throughout his mayorship. While Vancouver continued to struggle with escalating housing prices, Robertson implemented policies aimed at increasing the supply of affordable rental housing, including incentivizing developers to include affordable units in new projects. He also advocated for greater government investment in social housing.

Robertson was a strong proponent of the technology sector, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and create jobs in Vancouver. He actively sought to attract tech companies to the city, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that contributed to Vancouver’s reputation as a hub for innovation.

While his tenure was marked by significant achievements, Robertson also faced criticism. The persistent housing affordability crisis, despite his efforts, remained a major point of contention. Some argued that his policies favored developers and failed to adequately address the needs of low-income residents. Furthermore, his ambitious goals, while laudable, were sometimes seen as unrealistic or unattainable by some sectors of the population.

Following his departure from politics in 2018, Robertson has returned to the private sector, focusing on sustainability and technology ventures. He remains a prominent figure in Vancouver, known for his commitment to progressive values and his vision for a greener, more equitable city. His legacy continues to shape the ongoing conversation about Vancouver’s future.