WTC at a Table Near You: Conversations Across the City
This summer, Women Transforming Cities (WTC) stepped outside traditional meeting spaces and met people where they already gather: at community centres, farmers markets, neighbourhood events, and community resource centres across the city.
By showing up in community spaces, we hear perspectives that are often missing from decision-making conversations and help bridge the gap between communities and local government.
At every event, our goal was the same: say hello, listen, and learn what communities are celebrating, what challenges they are facing, and what changes they want to see.
Starting the summer with civic action
We kicked off the summer alongside our friends at Movement and BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, outside City Hall, showing support for a motion to create a low-income transit pass for people earning less than $40,000 a year.
Listening in the Downtown Eastside
We joined the UGM Summer Connect Event in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), where we connected with frontline service providers, unhoused community members, and newcomers.
We also had the opportunity to visit the DTES UBC Learning Exchange for a pop-up in their community space. If you haven’t heard of this incredible community resource, it’s worth checking out! They offer year-round free programs and drop-in activities, including English conversation programs, computer and art workshops, and musical events.
Through one-on-one conversations, we heard about the importance of public washrooms and the need for accessible, dignified, and non-judgmental mental health services.
Top right-hand corner shows words shared by a resident
Summer days at the farmers market
At the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, we spent the day connecting with neighbours while celebrating the local businesses and community spaces that bring people together.
Of course, no farmers market visit is complete without enjoying some local treats! We grabbed fresh berries from a nearby vendor and were lucky enough to sit beside Damaskino Pastry, who shared delicious Syrian cookies and refreshing iced tea with us on a warm summer day.
We also spent time at the Downtown Farmers Market and Trout Lake Farmers Market. Along the way, we shared conversations with volunteers, met new people, reconnected with familiar faces, and, admittedly, consumed more focaccia than we'd like to count.
Beyond the delightful food, one theme stood out at these markets: the importance of arts, culture, and third spaces (places where people can gather, connect, and build community outside of home and work).
Conversations in Champlain Heights
We spent time with residents in Champlain Heights through both a community workshop and their summer community event.
Residents shared how important their neighbourhood connections are, One participant said,
“We connect with neighbours in the tree shade, through picnics and kids playing. More of Vancouver needs tree canopy so they can have that same social connection."
Celebrating culture and community in Burnaby
At the Canadian Cultural Festival at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, we continued conversations about what makes communities thrive.
Beyond the meaningful conversations, it was also a joy to experience the celebration itself from watching the incredible live performances to connecting with the many people who came together to celebrate culture and community.
This event was extra special as we were joined by two new WTC volunteers who were eager to learn, participate, and get involved in our work.
Civic engagement starts young
At Sunset Community Centre’s summer community day, we connected with residents about the issues that matter most to them. Taking place on the same day transit prices increased by 5%, affordable transit was top of mind for many community members.
One of the joys of the day was seeing so many young people engaging with their community. Kids shared their ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and proudly spoke up about the changes they want to see, including calling for cleaner neighbourhoods and reminding others not to litter.
Third space = joy
We wrapped up our summer tabling at the Climate Block Party in Granville Park, hosted by Sword Fern Collective. The event was truly inspiring. We had the chance to connect with incredible organizations doing meaningful work in our communities, listen to local artists perform, and witness moments of joy, connection, and belonging.
As people danced, sang, and gathered on the grass, the importance of third spaces came to life. The Climate Block Party was a beautiful reminder that vibrant, resilient communities are built when people have spaces to gather, connect, and belong.
Turning conversations into action
Our summer conversations are helping shape the work ahead. The ideas, experiences, and priorities shared by community members will inform Women Transforming Cities’ Our City Hall Campaign, turning community voices into clear policy asks for candidates and elected officials.'
Join us for the next chapter of the conversation
On September 1st, we’re launching the Our City Hall Campaign, where you’ll be among the first to hear what we learned from our summer community engagement and the policy commitments we’re asking mayoral and council candidates to make ahead of the October municipal election.
Then, on September 16th, join us for the Our City Hall Council Candidates Forum, an opportunity to hear directly from city council candidates, learn where they stand on key issues, and ask questions about the future of Vancouver before casting your vote in the 2026 municipal election.
