From Vancouver Mayor to Global Climate Leader: Gregor Robertson’s Vision for Greener Cities

Kitsilano, BC - January 28, 2025 - Did you ever wonder what happened to former Mayor of the City of Vancouver and Kitsilano resident, Gregor Angus Bethune Robertson?

Born on September 18, 1964, Robertson is a Canadian businessman and progressive politician who served as Vancouver’s 39th mayor from 2008 to 2018. As the longest consecutively serving mayor in Vancouver’s history, he led transformational initiatives, including the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan and the city's first comprehensive Economic Action Strategy. Robertson, a member of the Vision Vancouver slate, also served as an MLA for Vancouver-Fairview with the NDP before resigning in 2008 to run for mayor.

During his three terms, Robertson championed cycling infrastructure, significantly enhancing Vancouver's reputation as one of the world’s most livable cities. Projects like the Seaside Greenway and Burrard Bridge bike lane trial were pivotal in promoting active transportation. Despite some controversies, including criticism surrounding his relocation to a Kitsilano home adjacent to a key bike lane, his policies left a lasting legacy. This home, purchased in 2014, sold for $1.98 million, just two weeks after it was listed in the market for sale in 2017.

After stepping down in 2018, Robertson expanded his environmental advocacy. He became Global Ambassador for the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), representing over 13,000 cities tackling the climate crisis. In 2024, he was appointed Special Envoy for CHAMP, focusing on high-ambition partnerships to address climate challenges. His efforts earned him a place on Business Insider's Climate Action 30 list in 2022.

Today, Robertson is married to Eileen Park Robertson, a journalist and climate advocate, and remains active in sustainability initiatives. His legacy intertwines urban innovation, climate leadership, and public service.

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