Ken Sim is definitely a different kind of mayor.No suit, no tie, no pretense.
Not even titles are required in personal engagement, and there is certainly no need for the requisite pomp and circumstance often afforded the position. In fact, it’s rare that you meet a political figure as “chill” as Vancouver’s 41st mayor.
“Call me Ken,” is the first thing he says when approached formally as “Mr. Mayor.
”Simply put, Sim is a refreshing breed of political figure in a role where many take themselves far too seriously.“It’s just a job,” he concedes, albeit, one that comes with immense responsibility. After all, it entails overseeing one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Elected mayor in November 2022, Sim brings a business background to council, having co-founded Vancouver-based companies, Rosemary Rocksalt Bagels and Nurse Next Door home healthcare services.
While clearly enjoying his newfound responsibility, Sim concedes politics was never actually in his purview prior to Vancouver’s civic electoral process in 2018.
“We have four boys who don’t see a future for themselves in Vancouver and that didn’t sit right with us,” he says, when asked his reasoning behind initially throwing his hat in the political ring. “In fact, up until April 13 of 2018, I had no desire whatsoever to become a politician.
“I was approached to run for a political party and I said no. Then I drove down to California with my boys and told them about the story of how I was asked to run for mayor and we all had a good chuckle. I came back home and had lunch with one of my mentors and he said, ‘I hear you’re running for mayor.
’”At that point I said, “Alright, I’ll actually look into this and I’ll give you an answer in 48 hours.”Doing his due diligence, Sim sought out the advice of former premiers, former mayoral officeholders, people who had run, and people for whom he held great respect.
“After those 48 hours I told the person, ‘Thanks, I’m honoured, but no thanks.’ Then I went to my physio and told him the story. He looked at me and said, ‘You’re going to regret this, aren’t you?’“When I asked why, he answered that every reason I gave him for not running was selfish – I like my time, I don’t want to be in the limelight, and I want to be with my kids. There were a whole host of reasons but, after that conversation, I picked up the phone and asked if that opportunity was still there. ”Taking office, Sim said there was no official formal process in the transfer of power.
“You’re the Mayor of Vancouver and you have the majority on council – ‘We’ll see you in three weeks,’” he says. “Obviously, I’m over simplifying, as the city manager and his team were great
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“They came and sat down with us, but there was no official transition team. We didn’t even have emails or offi ce space until we came here and, this is not a knock on the previous administration, but there was no organized, ‘Hey let’s get together to meet and here’s how you onboard.’“Whoever the next mayor is, we will make sure we set up that person and that council for success, regardless of party. We’re talking about the City of Vancouver here.
”Despite his initial desire to shun the limelight, Sim has come to realize that you can’t be invisible in such a high profile position.
“Oh yeah, I figured that one out quickly,” he jokes. “I absolutely love being mayor and it’s an honour and a privilege to be in this role. I know when I look back at my life, unless something else changes, this will be the most fulfi lling part of my life beyond building a company. This one’s pretty special.
”Tasked with overseeing a city in major growth mode, Sim acknowledges the reshaping process is well underway.“It’s going to transform, dramatically,” he says of the physical blueprint in the coming years. “Vancouver is a world class city and it’s growing.”Sim notes that by 2050, there will likely be more than a million people in the City of Vancouver alone.
“What people have to realize is, just look back at Vancouver over thirty years ago, and what did the city skyline look like even back then compared to now?” says Sim. “It’s going to change even more dramatically – and that’s a good thing.“At the end of the day that means there are more people who want to live here, are going to be able to live here, and there’s going to be much more opportunity and career growth for our kids and grandkids.
”A fact that relies largely on continued transit expansion commensurate with civic development.“We need a lot of rapid transit,” he adds. “That’s the only way it’s going to work.”
“ …there are more people who want to live here, are going to be able to live here, and there’s going to be much more opportunity and career growth for our kids and grandkids.”
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In his modest digs at city hall, Sim could be referred to as the “HeavyMetal Mayor,” where he routinely spins vinyl from the likes of AC/DC onhis personal turntable. “I’m kind of a heavy metal fan, but I like everything. In March I went to Skid Row and Buckcherry at the Commodore,” he says. “It was awesome, one of the top ten concerts I had ever been to.” And yes, there are those not quite prepared to see the mayor at a rock concert.
“They are surprised to see me, especially when I go to something like Iron Maiden,” he adds. “We’re at the show and having a blast on the fl oor and people are looking at me like, ‘Wait a sec – this doesn’t reconcile.’ At the end of the day I’m just a normal dude like everyone else and I’m not going to change that.
”And despite his reticence to initially run for public offi ce, Sim is most encouraging for those aspiring to follow in his footsteps. “Go for it,” he states, emphatically. “Absolutely go for it.
It doesn’t matter what your political persuasion is, and I’m a great example of anything is possible. “I’m the son of an immigrant family who went to fi ve elementary schools and two high schools growing up in this city. I goofed around a lot and today, I’m the mayor of Vancouver.”Sim equates it to the Mike Tyson quote: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”“So, anything’s possible”.
“ At the end of the day I’m just a normal dude like everyone else and I’m not going to change that.”
