Councillor Mike Klassen, a lifelong Vancouverite, resides in the Mountain View neighbourhood near Fraser Street. For over 2 decades, he has been a catalyst for building community vitality, spearheading initiatives such as murals, historical plaques, and street banners to enhance neighbourhood safety and wellness. His dedication to innovative and collaborative approaches defines his work as a leader and advocate for a stronger, more inclusive city.
Elected to Vancouver City Council in 2022, Mike is committed to supporting economic growth, small business success, and sustainable housing development. He champions innovation, leveraging creative solutions to address Vancouver’s pressing challenges, including housing affordability and the needs of its growing population. Mike is also a strong advocate for making Vancouver an age-friendly city, ensuring older adults remain active and connected within their communities.
Prior to his time on Council, Mike served as Vice President of Public Affairs for the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA), where he championed improvements in health care and seniors' housing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as Acting CEO of BCCPA, he led the organization through the crisis, prioritizing safety and reuniting seniors in care homes with their loved ones.
Mike has a long history of community leadership. As president of the board for Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) Vancouver, he helped bring together diverse partners to complete a 66-unit housing development for arts and entertainment professionals. He has also served as Vice-Chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, Vice-Chair of the DOXA Documentary Festival, and as a board member for the BC Small Business Roundtable and Canadian Association of Long-Term Care.
In 2015, Mike led a groundbreaking province-wide consultation that resulted in regulatory reforms strengthening BC’s wine and grape-growing sector.
A UBC graduate in English literature and political science and an alum of Killarney Secondary School, Mike is a fitness enthusiast, music lover and wine traveler. He lives in Vancouver with his family, where he continues to dedicate himself to building a safer, healthier, and more vibrant city.
