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Vancouver Mayor’s Bitcoin Push Faces Political Setback

Ken Sim’s vision of a crypto-forward Vancouver hits a wall after byelection losses challenge the city’s future as a Bitcoin-friendly hub.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has long envisioned transforming the city into a crypto innovation hub. But a recent byelection result may signal a growing divide between that vision and public sentiment.

On March 27, fresh off a speaking engagement at Coinbase’s “Stand With Crypto” event, Sim privately admitted that his push for Vancouver to embrace Bitcoin wasn’t exactly winning over voters. “It’s not an election winner,” he conceded—a prediction that came true days later when both ABC-party candidates he backed, Ralph Kaisers and Jamie Stein, placed sixth and seventh in a field of thirteen.

“A Hill Worth Dying On”: Sim’s Bitcoin Belief Runs Deep

Despite the setback, Sim has not wavered. Seated in Dapper Labs’ headquarters—a symbol of Vancouver’s Web3 momentum—the mayor called Bitcoin “a hill worth dying on.” He argues that political leadership is most needed when the path forward is complex and unpopular.

Sim is not only ideologically aligned with crypto but financially invested in it. His disclosure lists ownership of Bitcoin and shares in Coinbase, and he’s pledged $10,000 in Bitcoin to the city if it adopts crypto into its financial system.

Facing Resistance from the Province and Council

Sim’s December 2024 motion to explore the feasibility of using Bitcoin in city operations has faced friction. Provincial regulations currently prohibit municipalities from holding financial reserves in cryptocurrency. Moreover, opposition within city council, including environmental concerns and money laundering risks, further complicates adoption.

Notably, the two new councillors elected in the April 5 byelection—COPE’s Sean Orr and OneCity’s Lucy Maloney—ran on platforms critical of Sim’s administration, casting further doubt on the viability of crypto initiatives under his leadership.

Beyond Vancouver: Global Cities Grapple With Crypto Integration

Sim’s motion aligns Vancouver with cities like Zug, Switzerland—nicknamed “Crypto Valley”—and Seoul, South Korea, which have embraced blockchain and digital currencies. However, cautionary tales exist. El Salvador, once a global crypto pioneer, rolled back its Bitcoin-as-legal-tender policy in 2025 amid tepid adoption and IMF pressure.

Even in Vancouver, the city’s own motion hasn’t yielded a report by the first-quarter deadline. Sim expects it in May. The findings could determine whether the city will explore options like accepting Bitcoin payments for services, investing via ETFs, or mining the currency directly.

Innovative Ideas or Risky Experiments?

Proponents like UBC professor Jarrett Vaughan are proposing novel integrations—such as using heat from Bitcoin miners to warm city pools. Yet critics remain skeptical. Councillors have voiced concerns about energy consumption and the potential use of crypto for illicit activities.

“There’s a lot of concern around the use of electricity,” said former councillor Adriane Carr, while Pete Fry questioned the implications of legitimizing a tool associated with financial crime.

A Race Against Time—and Political Will

Mayor Sim warns that Vancouver has a six-month window to act before the global crypto wave moves on. With only 21 million Bitcoins ever to exist—and most already mined—he frames the opportunity as fleeting but transformative.

Whether through direct mining or ETFs, Sim wants Vancouver to claim a leadership position. He believes the move could insulate the city against inflation and elevate its status on the global stage. But he also acknowledges that time, policy, and public support are running short.

Looking Ahead: Political Gamble or Financial Legacy?

With his ABC majority intact—but no longer uncontested—Sim faces an uphill battle. He knows that even some of his own councillors are cautious. Still, he presses on, organizing educational sessions with crypto experts and encouraging dialogue.

“If we get Bitcoin on the balance sheet and it does what it potentially can do, we could set the city up for the next 100 years,” Sim said.

For more updates on tech, politics, and innovation in Canada, stay tuned to Maple News Wire.

Unblocked Secures $27.5M to Decode AI-Written Code

Vancouver-based Unblocked raises $27.5M to help developers bridge the understanding gap in AI-generated code with contextual intelligence tools.

Bringing Context to Code in the AI Era

Vancouver-based tech startup Unblocked has successfully raised $27.5 million CAD ($20 million USD) in a Series A funding round. The company’s mission: to ensure developers fully grasp the intent and structure of AI-generated code—a rapidly growing challenge as artificial intelligence becomes a staple in software development.

From Writers to Curators: The Evolving Developer Role

“AI is transforming developers from code writers into code curators,” said Dennis Pilarinos, CEO and founder of Unblocked. While AI can churn out syntax, it rarely documents the rationale, trade-offs, or system-level implications behind its choices. This missing context creates a significant knowledge gap when teams need to debug, maintain, or scale codebases.

Unblocked was originally built to capture the “why” behind past coding decisions. Now, it’s helping teams understand the “what” and “how” of code written by AI. The platform achieves this by integrating with collaborative platforms like GitHub and Slack, enabling it to track code discussions, decisions, and historical insights.

A Strategic Investment in Developer Enablement

Leading the all-equity Series A round is B Capital, a Manhattan Beach-based venture firm, with additional support from Radical Ventures and Artisanal Ventures. Notable angel investors, including Clio CEO Jack Newton, also participated. B Capital’s general partner, Yan-David Erlich, will now join Unblocked’s board.

The newly secured funds will be used to expand Unblocked’s contextual intelligence engine and deepen integrations with tools developers already rely on. Pilarinos shared that the team plans to grow from 18 to nearly 60 employees, hiring across engineering, marketing, and sales.

From Stealth to Spotlight

Unblocked exited stealth mode in October 2023. Since then, it has been quietly building its capabilities to answer critical developer questions like: “Why does this function exist?” or “How did this architecture evolve?” The company traces its roots back to Buddybuild, a previous venture by Pilarinos that was acquired by Apple in 2018 and folded into Xcode Cloud.

By centralizing the conversation and decisions around code, Unblocked is positioning itself as a vital tool in the new age of AI-assisted programming—where understanding the “why” is just as important as the “what.”

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more insights on transformative tech ventures redefining the future of development.

Propel Soars with Record Q1; Thinkific Posts Steady Growth

Propel Holdings Sets New Records Amid Economic Uncertainty

Toronto-based Propel Holdings delivered a stellar first quarter in 2025, reporting revenue of $138.9 million-a 44% jump from last year-and net income soaring 79% to $23.5 million. CEO Clive Kinross highlighted that this record performance came during the company’s typically slowest quarter, underscoring strong demand from consumers underserved by traditional credit markets. Propel’s strategic moves, including the acquisition of UK fintech Quidmarket and partnerships with Koho Financial, are fueling growth and expanding its lending footprint.

Thinkific Labs Posts Modest Gains with Positive Turnaround

Vancouver’s Thinkific Labs showed steady progress with a 12% increase in Q1 revenue to $17.8 million and a swing to $400,000 net income from a loss the previous year. The company credits growth to a surge in subscription-based annual recurring revenue (ARR), which jumped from $1.8 million to $60.1 million, alongside a 52% rise in commerce revenue. CFO Corinne Hua expressed confidence in the company’s focused strategy and upcoming product launches aimed at boosting long-term shareholder value.

Contrasting Paths: Propel’s Rapid Expansion vs. Thinkific’s Recovery

Founded in 2011, Propel has leveraged its AI-powered platform and strategic acquisitions to capitalize on tightening credit conditions, achieving record originations funded at $154 million in Q1. Meanwhile, Thinkific, launched in 2012, has navigated economic headwinds and workforce reductions in recent years but is now regaining momentum through product innovation and improved customer onboarding.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Innovation on the Horizon

Both companies remain optimistic. Propel expects continued growth driven by challenges in conventional credit markets, while Thinkific plans major product and marketing campaigns this summer to accelerate its transformation. Investors are watching closely as these Canadian tech firms chart their distinct courses in 2025’s evolving landscape.

 

Wildfire Forces Emergency Evacuations in Newfoundland Town

Wildfire prompts state of emergency in Adam’s Cove, N.L., destroying homes and closing roads as officials battle multiple blazes across the province.

Urgent Evacuations as Wildfire Rages in Adam’s Cove

A fast-moving wildfire has triggered a state of emergency in the Newfoundland and Labrador community of Adam’s Cove, forcing urgent evacuations and leaving several homes destroyed. Residents north of Cave Lane were told to leave immediately as flames swept between Adam’s Cove and Western Bay, cutting off the main route and making travel impossible.

Homes Lost, But Residents Safe

Despite the devastation, town councillor Susan Rose reassured the public that while “a few houses are gone,” everyone has been accounted for and is safe. Emergency crews, including firefighters from nearby towns and waterbombers, are battling the blaze as smoke continues to billow over the region.

Province Battles Multiple Wildfires

Adam’s Cove is just one of four wildfires currently being monitored by provincial officials, most of them on the Avalon Peninsula. Fires are also burning near Butter Pot Provincial Park, Fermeuse, and west of Badger, with crews working tirelessly to contain the spread and protect communities.

Roads Closed, Power Cut as Crews Respond

Key routes, including Route 70 between Adam’s Cove and Western Bay, remain closed as authorities urge the public to avoid the area. Power outages have affected hundreds as officials assess the damage and continue firefighting efforts.

High Fire Risk Across Newfoundland

With dry conditions and high fire hazard ratings, officials are reminding residents to stay vigilant and report any signs of wildfire. The fire season in Newfoundland runs through September, making early detection and rapid response critical for community safety.

Ontario Officials Defend Response as Measles Cases Surge Past 1,300

Ontario’s Measles Outbreak Intensifies with Over 1,300 Cases

Ontario is grappling with a worsening measles outbreak, with more than 1,300 confirmed cases since October 2024, many involving children. Despite rising infections, Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Premier Doug Ford stand by the province’s current response, emphasizing vaccination efforts and public health outreach.

Officials Stress Vaccination as Key Defense

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore revealed that the outbreak is concentrated mainly in southwestern Ontario’s rural and farming communities, where vaccination rates remain low. Public health units are actively engaging with these communities, providing educational materials in languages like Low German to improve awareness. Minister Jones highlighted the importance of the measles vaccine, which has been effective for over 50 years, and assured there is no shortage of doses.

Premier Ford Points to Vaccine Hesitancy in Specific Communities

Premier Doug Ford attributed the outbreak’s spread to vaccine hesitancy in certain religious communities, without naming them specifically. He called vaccinating children a “no-brainer” and announced a $2-million government campaign to encourage immunizations, stressing that unvaccinated populations risk wider transmission across the province.

Opposition Voices Frustration Over Government’s Handling

Critics from the Liberal and NDP parties argue the government’s approach falls short. Liberal health critic Dr. Adil Shamji called the response “inexplicable” and urged for a stronger public education campaign. NDP Leader Marit Stiles warned families remain vulnerable and demanded a coordinated, well-funded strategy to protect the public and boost vaccination rates.

Outbreak Traced to Multi-Province Spread from New Brunswick

The outbreak began last fall linked to a large gathering involving Mennonite communities in New Brunswick, spreading to Ontario and Manitoba. Of the cases in Ontario, over 90% of children and adolescents were unimmunized, and hospitalizations have increased, with some patients requiring intensive care.

Ontario Invests in Primary Care Amid Public Health Crisis

At a press conference, Minister Jones also announced a $300 million investment to build and expand primary care teaching clinics in underserved communities, aiming to strengthen healthcare access as the province battles the outbreak.

Ontario’s measles crisis underscores the urgent need for widespread vaccination and targeted education, especially in communities with low immunization rates.

 

Over Half of Metro Vancouver Presale Condos Now Valued Below Original Price

Presale Condo Values Dip, Leaving Buyers Facing Tough Choices

Thousands of Metro Vancouver presale condo buyers who signed contracts in 2022 and 2023 are now confronting a harsh reality: their units are worth less than the prices they initially agreed to pay. More than half of the mortgage-required appraisals are coming in below the original sale prices, forcing buyers to either pay the difference out of pocket or seek refinancing to complete their purchases.

Mortgage Lenders Tighten Financing as Appraisals Drop

With appraised values falling between 5% and 20% below contract prices, lenders are offering smaller mortgages. This shift means buyers must cover the shortfall themselves, putting financial strain on many. Adam Lawrenson, a Vancouver appraiser working closely with banks and mortgage brokers, warns that the long-held belief that presale condo prices always rise no longer holds true.

Market Glut Spurs Immediate Resales, Driving Prices Lower

The drop in value has prompted an uptick in buyers listing their new or nearly new units for sale immediately after closing. This surge in supply, combined with weaker demand, is pushing prices down further. Buyers can often find newer units on the resale market at lower prices than their presale contracts, reinforcing the downward pressure on appraisals.

Certain Areas and Buildings Hit Hardest by Price Corrections

No part of the Lower Mainland is immune, but some neighborhoods and developments are more affected. Langley, for example, has seen overbuilding with units sitting vacant for months. North Burnaby has multiple buildings with numerous one-bedroom units flooding the market. Even luxury presales in downtown Vancouver have seen appraisals drop by $300,000 to $500,000 from their original prices.

Investor Participation Declines Sharply Amid Market Shifts

Research from Rennie Intelligence shows investor involvement in presales has dropped from about 50% in 2021-23 to just 7% in early 2025. This decline contributes to slower absorption of new units, with nearly 4,840 condos either completed and unsold or nearing completion across Metro Vancouver.

Outlook: Absorption Rates Key to Market Recovery

While some absorption of units is expected through 2025, uncertainties around the economy and geopolitical factors may slow sales further. Rennie’s head economist Ryan Berlin cautions that current projections assume steady sales rates, which may not materialize given the challenging market conditions.

Metro Vancouver’s presale condo market is navigating a difficult period of correction and adjustment. Buyers and sellers alike face new realities as values recalibrate and supply outpaces demand. Are you considering buying or selling a presale condo?

Over 800 Special Ballots Left Behind in B.C. Riding, Says Elections Canada

Elections Canada Finds 822 Special Ballots Misplaced in B.C.

Elections Canada has revealed that 822 special ballots, cast in the Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam riding but meant for 74 other electoral districts across Canada, were mistakenly left behind at the local returning officer’s office. The ballots should have been sent to the national headquarters by April 28 to be counted.

No Impact on Election Results, Says Initial Analysis

An early review by Elections Canada indicates that the misplacement did not affect the outcome of any races. Among the mislaid ballots, over 500 were for the nearby Port Moody–Coquitlam district, where Liberal Zoe Royer won with a margin of nearly 2,000 votes over Conservative Paul Lambert.

Human Error and Procedure Lapses Cited as Cause

The agency attributes the error to human oversight and failure to follow established written procedures. All registered political parties have been informed of the situation, and Elections Canada’s Chief Electoral Officer, Stéphane Perrault, has called for a thorough examination of current controls to prevent a recurrence.

Commitment to Election Integrity and Transparency

Perrault emphasized the agency’s dedication to resolving election delivery issues promptly and maintaining trust. “My commitment to candidates, political parties, and Canadians is that when issues arise, we take all necessary steps to address them,” he stated.

Ballots Spanned Across Canada’s Electoral Map

The misplaced special ballots were intended for a wide range of ridings, including Halifax, Nepean, Vancouver Centre, and others spanning the country. Despite the logistical hiccup, Elections Canada remains confident in the overall integrity of the election process.

This incident highlights the challenges of managing a complex national election but reassures voters that safeguards are in place.

Halifax Shines: Two Local Restaurants Make Canada’s Top 100

Halifax Restaurants Take National Spotlight with Top 100 Ranking

Halifax is making waves on the national culinary stage as two of its standout eateries, Bar Kismet and Mystic, have secured coveted places on the prestigious Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2025. Bar Kismet claimed an impressive 21st spot, while Mystic ranked 71st, marking a significant achievement for the city’s dining scene.

Bar Kismet and Mystic: Distinct Flavours, Shared Success

Located on Agricola Street, Bar Kismet offers guests a “refined, relaxed, and a little bit retro” ambiance, with a menu inspired by Mediterranean and French regional cuisine. Meanwhile, Mystic on Lower Water Street invites diners on a “journey through land and sea” with its two eight-course tasting menus, delivering a bold and immersive culinary experience.

Industry Experts Celebrate Halifax’s Growing Culinary Influence

Janick Cormier, vice president of Restaurants Canada, praised Halifax’s breakthrough, noting that the list usually highlights major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. “Having not just one but two Halifax restaurants on the list is fantastic news for the industry and a big boost for these establishments,” she said.

Mystic’s Rapid Rise: A Newcomer’s Triumph

Mystic’s general manager Andrew Flynn expressed pride in their achievement, especially since the restaurant was only open for three months during the judging period. “Being included alongside some of the country’s most influential and long-standing restaurants is a huge honor for us,” Flynn shared. He credited the team’s passion and dedication for their early success.

Canada’s 100 Best: A Trusted Guide to Culinary Excellence

The 2025 list was compiled by 160 judges-including food writers, chefs, and restaurateurs-who each submitted their top dining experiences from 2024. The list aims to reflect the best places to eat across Canada, helping food lovers discover exceptional restaurants nationwide.

Halifax’s culinary scene continues to rise, with Bar Kismet and Mystic proving the city’s restaurants can compete with Canada’s finest. 

Playland Unlocked: Kick Off Summer Fun May 17-18, 2025

Playland Unlocked: Your Ultimate Summer Kickoff

Get ready to Play Your Way as Playland officially opens for the 2025 season on May 17 and 18! Whether you crave heart-pounding thrills, family-friendly fun, or delicious fair treats, this opening weekend marks the start of summer’s best adventures in Vancouver. Expect live DJs, interactive games, and the exciting new Plushie Hunt with prizes like MacBook Airs, PS5s, and season passes.

Ride Canada’s Fastest Electric Coaster and More

Thrill seekers won’t want to miss ThunderVolt, Canada’s fastest electric launch coaster, delivering high-speed drops and supernatural vibes. Fans of classic rides can revisit the iconic 1958 Wooden Roller Coaster, a beloved “Coaster Classic.” With over 30 rides ranging from gentle family favorites to scream-worthy thrillers, there’s something for every adventurer.

Savor Fair Favorites and Test Your Luck

Fuel your fun with mini donuts, cotton candy, coaster dogs, and Triple O’s burgers. Try your hand at midway games and snap your best moments for a chance to win exclusive plushies by tagging Playland on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

Playland’s 2025 Season and Hours

  • May 17–June 26: Open Saturdays & Sundays, 11 AM–5 PM
  • June 27–August 15: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM
  • Extended Hours: Fridays (June 27–Aug 15) and Saturdays (June 7–Aug 15) until 7 PM

Season passes start at $89 (Fun Pass) and $129 (Thrill Pass), with early-bird discounts available until May 21.

What’s Next? PNE Fair and Fright Nights

After Playland’s summer run, the PNE Fair takes over from August 16 to September 1 with live shows, food, and family fun. Then, brace yourself for Fright Nights starting October 3-an immersive Halloween experience packed with haunted houses, terrifying characters, and spine-chilling thrills.

Playland’s 2025 opening weekend is your gateway to summer excitement. Ready to ride, eat, and play? Grab your tickets now and make memories that last all season long!

 

Carney’s Push to End Trade Barriers Faces Tough Road Ahead

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Countdown to Canada Day: Can Carney Break Down Trade Barriers?

Prime Minister Mark Carney has set an ambitious goal: eliminate interprovincial trade barriers by July 1, Canada Day. In his first post-election press conference, Carney reaffirmed his commitment to creating a seamless Canadian market, aiming to boost economic growth and ease trade across provincial lines. Yet, experts warn this promise faces significant obstacles.

Why Removing Barriers Isn’t That Simple

The biggest challenge? Provinces control many of the rules that create these barriers, and the federal government cannot force them to change. Economist Moshe Lander explains that entrenched regulations and protectionist interests have long fueled these trade walls, and some groups will resist, fearing job losses or economic harm.

The High Stakes: Billions and Better Business

According to Canada’s 2024 fall economic statement, eliminating internal trade barriers could raise GDP per capita by up to 4%, or nearly $3,000 per person. Carney plans to introduce legislation by July 1 targeting credential recognition, reducing red tape, and streamlining impact assessments for major projects.

Alcohol Trade Highlights Provincial Protectionism

The wine industry illustrates the complexity. Michelle Wasylyshen, CEO of Ontario Craft Wineries, notes that selling Ontario wines internationally is often easier than selling across provincial borders due to differing mark-up structures and technical regulations. For example, Quebec’s mark-ups are 25% higher than Ontario’s, discouraging cross-border sales.

What Are Interprovincial Trade Barriers?

Trade barriers include regulatory hurdles that restrict goods, services, and even workers from moving freely between provinces. Whether it’s a bottle of wine facing high mark-ups or a licensed tradesperson needing to re-qualify in a new province, these rules fragment Canada’s economy and raise costs.

Transportation Rules Add Another Layer of Complexity

Different provinces impose varying truck weight limits, safety standards, and road regulations, complicating the movement of goods. Dennis Darby, CEO of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, points out that inconsistent rules on tires, safety kits, and driving hours hamper efficient transport.

Growing Momentum Amid U.S. Trade Tensions

The ongoing U.S. trade war has sharpened focus on internal trade reform. Provinces like Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island have introduced bills to ease barriers. A recent deal allows B.C. wineries to ship directly to Alberta customers, signaling progress.

The Mutual Recognition Solution

Experts suggest a “mutual recognition” approach, where provinces keep their own standards but agree to recognize each other’s certifications and approvals. This could simplify trucking regulations and professional licensing, much like how driver’s licenses work across provinces and even internationally.

What’s Next for Canada’s Economy?

While removing internal barriers won’t fully offset losses from U.S. tariffs, it can provide a crucial cushion, giving Canada more leverage in trade negotiations. Carney’s vision of a unified Canadian economy promises lower costs, stronger supply chains, and new opportunities-if provinces can agree to break down their walls.

Investors Sue RBC, B.C. Regulator Over $300M Ponzi Scheme Losses

Investors Launch Class Action Over Massive $300M Ponzi Fraud

Three investors who lost money in a $300 million Ponzi scheme run by B.C. mortgage broker Greg Martel have filed a class action lawsuit against the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and the British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA). The plaintiffs seek to represent more than 1,200 victims who suffered financial losses in the scheme.

Allegations of Negligence and Regulatory Failures

The lawsuit, filed April 25 in B.C. Supreme Court, accuses RBC and BCFSA of negligence, willful blindness, and failing anti-money-laundering duties that allowed Martel’s fraud to continue unchecked for years. The claim argues that despite receiving formal complaints in 2017 and 2021, the regulator did not properly investigate, and the bank ignored multiple red flags such as suspiciously high deposit volumes inconsistent with mortgage brokering.

The Scheme: Fake Bridge Loans and Disappearing Millions

Martel, who operated out of Victoria and later California, promised investors high returns on short-term bridge loans for real estate projects. However, court-appointed receiver PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) revealed no actual loans existed. Instead, the scheme used new investor funds to pay earlier investors, while millions were lost to risky options trading, a failed car-share business, and Martel’s lavish personal spending.

Investor Losses and Martel’s Disappearance

Of roughly 1,800 investors, 1,229 experienced net losses, with total outstanding claims exceeding $316 million. The lead plaintiffs include a building contractor, a military police officer, and an entrepreneur, all facing significant financial damage. Martel fled to Thailand and later Dubai after the scheme unraveled and has outstanding warrants in Canada and the U.S.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Battles Ahead

While RBC has declined to comment and the BCFSA maintains its past investigations found no regulatory breaches, the class action seeks accountability for what it calls “massive and avoidable investor losses.” Meanwhile, investigations by B.C. Securities Commission and Victoria police continue as victims await justice and hope to recover their losses.

This lawsuit highlights the devastating impact of financial fraud and raises questions about the role of banks and regulators in protecting investors

PNE Summer Night Concerts 2025: Full Lineup & Ticket Details

PNE Summer Night Concerts Return with Big Names and Big Hits

Get ready, Vancouver! The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) has unveiled its exciting 2025 Summer Night Concerts lineup, promising 15 nights of unforgettable live music from August 16 to September 1. This year’s concerts will take place at the iconic Pacific Coliseum, offering fans a diverse mix of genres and legendary performers-all included with your concert ticket.

Star-Studded Lineup Kicks Off with Counting Crows and Lynyrd Skynyrd

The series opens on August 16 with Counting Crows performing hits from their acclaimed albums including August and Everything After. The following night, Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd will bring their signature anthems, including the crowd-favorite “Freebird.” These iconic acts set the tone for a summer of musical variety and nostalgia.

Diverse Genres from Flamenco to Hip-Hop and Retro Soul

From August 19 onward, expect Grammy-winning songwriter Jack Antonoff’s band Bleachers to energize the crowd, followed by the vibrant flamenco sounds of Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes. Hip-hop fans can catch Flo Rida’s chart-topping hits on August 22, while soul lovers will swoon to Grammy winner Leon Bridges on August 23.

Canadian Talent and Dancehall Beats Light Up the Stage

Local favorites Marianas Trench return on August 24 with their high-energy pop, while Jamaican dancehall star Sean Paul brings the party vibes on August 26. Alt-country pioneers Wilco hit the stage August 27, followed by classic rockers Foreigner on August 28 and Canadian icon Tom Cochrane on August 29.

Pop Sensations and Indie Rock Close Out the Series

Pop star Meghan Trainor will perform on August 30, delivering catchy tunes including “All About That Bass.” The series wraps up September 1 with indie rockers Rainbow Kitten Surprise, known for their dynamic blend of alternative and folk sounds. Two additional artist announcements are expected for August 21 and 31.

Ticket Info: When, Where, and How to Buy

Tickets go on presale May 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. via TicketLeader, with general public sales opening May 9 at 10 a.m. Prices start at $59.25. Each concert ticket purchased online includes admission to the PNE Fair, held concurrently at the fairgrounds. Note that gate passes to the fair do not grant concert access, and tickets purchased at the venue do not include fair admission.

Venue and Future Plans

All concerts will be held indoors at the Pacific Coliseum (100 North Renfrew St., Vancouver) while the new PNE Amphitheatre (Freedom Mobile Arch) is under construction, slated to open in 2026.

With this stellar lineup, the PNE Summer Night Concerts 2025 promise a thrilling celebration of music across genres and generations. Ready to grab your tickets and enjoy summer nights filled with live tunes and fair fun?