Mayor Gregor Robertson

In November 2008, the people of Vancouver chose Gregor Robertson as their new Mayor. He was elected on a platform of ending street homelessness in the City of Vancouver by 2015, and making Vancouver the greenest city in the world.

Under Mayor Robertson’s leadership, Vancouver has taken swift action on becoming more sustainable by doubling the City’s bicycle infrastructure budget, setting the highest electric vehicle charging standards for new buildings in North America, and approving laneway housing. Since being elected, Vancouver City Council has also expanded the popular ‘car-free days’ throughout the city, doubled the number of pedicab licenses, created more community garden plots, and installed protected bicycle lanes on the Burrard Street bridge.

On his first day in office, Mayor Robertson moved quickly on homelessness and established the Mayor’s Homeless Emergency Action Team (HEAT). HEAT rapidly opened five low-barrier shelters that immediately filled to capacity, providing close to 500 people a night with a safe, secure place to sleep. The Mayor has since secured over $170 million in new funding from the provincial government for social housing throughout the City.

Mayor Robertson is committed to building a sustainable and prosperous future for Vancouver. Prior to entering politics, Gregor co-founded Happy Planet, and grew the Vancouver-based socially responsible company up to 50 employees in 10 years. Happy Planet produces organic juices, promotes health and nutrition, and for his achievements as a successful entrepreneur and community leader, Gregor was named one of Canada’s “Top 40 under 40” by The Globe and Mail in 2004.

Gregor and his wife Amy have four children: Terra, Satchel, Jinagh and Johanna. He is an avid cyclist and loves to play soccer.