Vancouver City Councillor Peter Meiszner is facing scrutiny over his council attendance record after revealing he sold his Vancouver home and purchased property in the Okanagan. The non-partisan councillor, who also serves as the deputy mayor, insists his commitment to Vancouver remains unwavering despite the significant real estate move.
The property transaction came to light during a recent council meeting where Meiszner disclosed he had sold his home in the Killarney neighborhood and bought a place in the Okanagan. This revelation prompted questions about how frequently he can attend in-person council meetings while maintaining property outside the city.
Defending His Record
Meiszner strongly defended his attendance, stating he has maintained a near-perfect record since joining council in 2022. "I've missed one meeting due to illness and one due to a family emergency," he told CTV News. "Other than that, I've been at every single council meeting, park board meeting, and council liaison meeting."
The councillor emphasized that his work ethic speaks for itself, noting he often puts in 60-70 hour weeks serving Vancouver residents. He maintains that physical location matters less than dedication to the role.
Remote Work Capabilities
With modern technology enabling remote participation, Meiszner argues that geography shouldn't define a councillor's effectiveness. "We're in a new era where people can work remotely," he noted, pointing to the hybrid meeting system that allows councillors to participate virtually when necessary.
However, the situation raises questions about:
- The expectation of physical presence for elected officials
- How residency affects connection to local issues
- The balance between remote work and community engagement
Community Reaction and Political Context
The property move comes at a sensitive time for Vancouver politics, with housing affordability remaining a top concern for residents. Some constituents have expressed concern about whether a councillor living outside the city can fully understand local housing challenges.
Meiszner, who previously worked as a communications professional and served as chair of Vancouver's LGBTQ+ advisory committee, maintains that his dedication to Vancouver is unquestionable. He continues to participate in community events and council duties while navigating his new property arrangement.
As municipal politics evolve in the post-pandemic era, this situation highlights ongoing debates about what constitutes appropriate presence and engagement for elected officials in modern governance.
