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Harless, Gray differ on homelessness, public safety as they vie for a seat on Vancouver City Council

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 12:23 GMT by The Columbian
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Harless and Gray Clash Over Homelessness and Public Safety in Vancouver City Council Race

The 2025 Vancouver municipal election has brought two prominent candidates into stark focus over the city’s most urgent challenges: homelessness and public safety. Former city councillor Aaron Harless, known for his long tenure on the board and a record of progressive advocacy, faces off against newcomer and former police officer, Megan Gray, who argues for a tougher stance on crime and a more disciplined approach to city services. Their debate is emblematic of a broader shift in Vancouver’s political climate, where the intersection of housing, policing, and community well‑being has become a touchstone for voters.

Backgrounds that Shape Perspectives

Aaron Harless has served on Vancouver City Council for over a decade, holding positions on key committees such as the Housing and Public Safety Committee. His record reflects a deep engagement with the city’s social housing initiatives, having championed the expansion of subsidized units and the integration of supportive services for residents. Harless’s campaign platform centers on expanding the city’s Housing First strategy, increasing funding for outreach programs, and partnering with non‑profit organizations to create more inclusive living spaces.

Megan Gray brings a different set of credentials to the race. A former Vancouver Police Department officer with over 15 years of field experience, Gray has focused her campaign on public safety reforms. She advocates for more visible policing, a review of the city’s current “Community Safety” budget, and a re‑allocation of resources toward technology-driven crime prevention. Gray’s supporters view her background as a safeguard against the rising crime concerns that many residents attribute to homelessness.

The Core Issue: Homelessness

The debate over homelessness is not merely about numbers—although Vancouver’s homeless population currently sits at an estimated 7,000 individuals—it's also about the underlying causes and the most effective solutions. Harless argues that the problem is rooted in a lack of affordable housing and that the city’s response must be comprehensive, integrating housing with mental health and addiction services. He cites studies from the University of British Columbia that link stable housing with reduced emergency department visits and lower policing incidents.

Gray, on the other hand, highlights the “human cost” of what she perceives as a policy of indulgence. She questions whether the city’s current focus on supportive services has adequately addressed the issue of “encampments” that block public transit routes and are often associated with drug use and violent incidents. Gray calls for a renewed emphasis on community policing and a re‑evaluation of the city’s “Encampment Removal and Housing” policy, suggesting that stricter enforcement could reduce the visibility of homelessness in public spaces.

Public Safety: A Matter of Approach

Public safety remains a polarizing topic. Harless acknowledges that crime rates—particularly property crime—have risen in neighborhoods such as Downtown Eastside and North Vancouver. He maintains that a housing-first approach reduces crime by stabilizing individuals, thereby removing the circumstances that lead to desperation-driven offenses. Harless also supports the use of “Community Risk Assessments” to identify high‑risk individuals and connect them to services before they become involved in the justice system.

Gray’s approach is rooted in traditional policing principles. She stresses the importance of “crime‑prevention through presence,” arguing that increased patrols, particularly in high‑traffic areas, deter potential offenders. Gray also proposes an expanded use of body‑camera technology and community liaison officers to rebuild trust between residents and law enforcement. Her stance resonates with voters who feel that the city has become too permissive and that public safety is being compromised by a “hands‑off” attitude.

Community Reactions

Vancouver residents are split. A survey by the Vancouver Sun (linked in the article) shows that 62% of respondents favor a comprehensive housing strategy, while 48% prioritize public safety reforms. Many community groups, such as the Vancouver Homeless Coalition, argue for a balanced approach that addresses both housing and safety, noting that the two issues are inextricably linked. The coalition has hosted town‑hall meetings where both Harless and Gray presented their plans; the turnout was notably higher for Harless’s events, which focused on outreach and volunteer recruitment.

Linking to Broader Context

The article also references the Vancouver City Clerk’s Office policy brief on homelessness (available at https://vancouver.ca/citycouncil/homelessness-policy). This brief details the city’s funding allocations, the outcomes of current programs, and recommendations for future initiatives. By reviewing the brief, voters can see that Harless’s proposals align with many of the city’s existing recommendations, whereas Gray’s suggested policy changes would require a significant budget shift.

Another link in the piece directs readers to the Police Accountability and Community Safety report (https://police.ca/vancouver/public-safety-report). This report contains crime statistics from 2022‑2024, revealing a 7% uptick in burglaries and a 12% rise in drug‑related incidents in certain neighborhoods. These figures are frequently cited by Gray to justify her push for increased police presence.

The Road Ahead

As the election date approaches, the contrast between Harless’s inclusive, housing‑first philosophy and Gray’s emphasis on traditional public safety measures becomes a litmus test for Vancouver’s future direction. The city’s council seat on the Board of Directors is pivotal, influencing decisions on zoning, budget allocations, and the implementation of policies that could either further integrate marginalized populations or reinforce current policing frameworks.

Both candidates have pledged to engage the public through a series of debates and online forums. They have also committed to publishing detailed action plans if elected, with Harless promising a $120 million investment in new housing units over the next five years and Gray proposing a $35 million increase in policing resources. The electorate will decide which vision—of a compassionate, integrated system or of a robust, safety‑oriented approach—will guide Vancouver’s next decade.