Why We're Here

TEAM for a Livable Vancouver was formed in August 2021 by people of all political backgrounds who hoped to create a more neighbourhood-friendly City Hall that would honour electors’ decisive vote for change in the 2018 election.

We chose the name TEAM because we were inspired by the insights and legacies of The Electors’ Action Movement (T.E.A.M.), the party that brought residents together in 1968 to save Strathcona, Chinatown, Gastown and Vancouver’s waterfront from a freeway system. Then, City Hall bureaucrats badly underestimated the desire of residents to have meaningful involvement in the face and future of their city.

We are feeling a similar disconnect today.

We believe Vancouver residents want thriving, livable neighbourhoods for ourselves and newcomers and that, if City Hall listens to us, there is still time to reverse many of the problems that have developed over the past decade.

TEAM will be a voice for all neighbourhoods. We can:

Start valuing the contributions of neighbourhood organizations and commit to genuine consultation with residents instead of surveys and workshops aimed at getting pre-determined results
Start prioritizing the types of housing that residents say they want and need in order to manage the housing crunch, instead of promoting building to maximize developer profits
Establish an evidence-driven City Hall that will make better decisions, both financially and in planning for the future
Overhaul policies that make doing business more expensive and lead to closed shops and services
Stop taking on senior governments’ responsibilities and focus on core municipal ones such as the streets, sidewalks and parks that make a comfortable, functioning city
Reverse the downward trajectory of community safety with initiatives aimed at easing the fear and despair in our streets that are backed by research and funded appropriately
Be realistic about Vancouver’s contribution to climate change and ensure mitigation measures are effective without overburdening already financially-stressed residents
Require Council, School and Park Boards to get out of their silos and work together (For example, the School Board is currently planning to close and sell off schools while the City is planning major increases in population density.)

TEAM's Board of Directors for 2024-25 (contact at info@voteteam.ca)

Michael Fergusson is a long-time Vancouverite, a father of four, a business leader and innovator focused on the intersection of technology and human behaviour. He's founded five companies and contributed extensively to Vancouver’s technology sector, including a six-year term on the Board of InnovateBC. His deep community ties and commitment to fostering innovation make him a respected figure in Vancouver’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Colleen Hardwick (President) is a former Vancouver City Councillor (2018-2022) and TEAM Mayoral Candidate in 2022. A life-long Vancouverite, Colleen is the mother of two daughters and now a grandmother to two, who want to continue living in Vancouver. With an academic background in urban geography, her career has spanned the film and television industry and digital technology as a serial entrepreneur. Colleen’s purpose is to apply her background, knowledge and experience to course correct the City of Vancouver for future generations.

Chris Johnson, K.C. (Vice President) is a lifelong resident of Vancouver. He graduated from high school here before attending the University of Victoria, where he obtained a BSc and a J.D. He is currently employed as a criminal defence lawyer and occasional Special Prosecutor.

Harvey McCormick (Treasurer) is Vancouver born, of Vancouver-born parents. He has worked as a non-designated accountant (CGA educated) for close to 50 years, including in financial institutions, public companies and the entertainment industry. Harvey is past director and treasurer of the British Columbia Country Music Association and co-producer of four years of music festivals.

Stephen Mikicich is a Registered Professional Planner with over 30 years’ experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, including urban design, economic development, heritage conservation, neighbourhood planning, transit-oriented development, business improvement areas, and community engagement. The child of European immigrants, Stephen was born and raised in Vancouver and makes his home in Kitsilano.

Stephen Roberts is a retired investment banking COO who was born and raised in BC. He studied and worked abroad much of his career and brings perspectives on civic governance and policies from a number of the world’s great, successful, and highly livable cities. Since returning home to Vancouver he has been active politically provincially and in the community, serving for a number of years as chair of the board of Vancouver Hospice Society where he was instrumental in opening this critical home away from home that seeks to provide the best care possible for those at the end of life.

Sal Robinson (Secretary) spent 41 years working at Vancouver’s oldest public alternative school, proving resistance is not futile. She is an avid researcher and writer who values truth and accountability. Sal's Vancouver roots are generations deep. Consequently, she takes a keen interest in the city’s history and in its sustainable future.

Bhavna Solecki is a serial entrepreneur with expertise in identifying new business opportunities and creating a vision and valuable partnerships for publicly traded companies. For the past decade she has devoted her time to raising awareness of the need for sustainable communities and been a strong voice for vulnerable seniors. Born in India, she has lived in Kerrisdale with her family for 35 years.

Ward Stirrat