6 August 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver Liberals Announce Former Park Board Chair & 11-year veteran of Park Board
John Coupar as Candidate for City Council
Prominent Civic Leader, Business Executive, and Practical Environmental Advocate joins Kareem Allam’s team to deliver meaningful change at City Hall
Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Liberals are proud to announce that John Coupar, former Park Board Chair and an 11-year veteran of the Vancouver Park Board, will be running for City Council as part of Kareem Allam's Vancouver Liberals team.
Coupar has also been a leading community advocate, serving as Past President of the Friends of the Bloedel Association and Past Governor of the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. A steadfast protector of Vancouver's green spaces, he was instrumental in preserving the Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park – work recognized with the City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Honour in 2013.
Coupar brings business experience to Allam's team. He has served in senior management in Canadian corporations, recently as President of a leading green, carbon-neutral transportation company.
On the Current Mayor's Record
"One of the main reasons I'm running is that I've looked at our present mayor's performance this term, and it's pretty shocking," said Coupar. "The first three years, all he did was try to eliminate the democratically elected Park Board, and he failed at just about every other part of his job."
Coupar was also critical of the city's approach to taxes and fees under the current administration.
"Sim’s ABC cronies have raised taxes 26 percent this term," he said. "Now, in his final year before the election, under his so-called “zero means zero” campaign, he’s now temporarily made no property tax increases , but he's increased fees across the city for everything your family touches."
Eleven Years of Delivering Results
During his 11 years as a Park Board Commissioner, including his term as Chair, Coupar established a strong record of delivering for Vancouver. His leadership secured capital investment for the Bloedel Conservatory's structural restoration, modernized the marine infrastructure at Vanier Park, and delivered specialized facilities for the Killarney Seniors Centre. His advocacy also drove the successful establishment of the False Creek Dragon Boat facility.
On Kareem Allam
Coupar said his decision to run with the Vancouver Liberals was driven in large part by his confidence in Kareem Allam, the party's mayoral candidate.
"What's the deal with Kareem Allam? I can tell you – he's the real deal," said Coupar. "The more I get to know him, the more excited I am about him being the next mayor of Vancouver. He's smart, he's young, he's energetic. With Kareem's leadership, I think we're going to turn this city around."
Building a Big-Tent Coalition
Coupar said he was also drawn to the party's approach to bringing together a range of political perspectives.
"People say, 'Why are you running for the Vancouver Liberals?'" said Coupar. "It's got people from across the political spectrum, including myself. And I think that's what you need in Vancouver to really make things work."
A Focus on Infrastructure and the Environment
Coupar's commitment to the city centres on fostering economic prosperity while improving the quality of life for Vancouver residents. A dedicated environmental steward, he is focused on modernizing the city's aging infrastructure to eliminate sewage contamination in local waters, a priority reflected in his own home in the Olympic Village, one of Vancouver's premier sustainable communities.
Coupar's dedication to parks and natural spaces traces back to his family. His father, Charles (Charlie) Coupar, was a celebrated horticulturist whose tenure with the Vancouver Park Board spanned more than four decades. Raised with a deep appreciation for Vancouver's urban canopy, Coupar has carried that tradition of stewardship into his own career of community service.
A Vision for the City
"Growing up I really believed that anything was possible in Vancouver," said Coupar. "I still think anything's possible in Vancouver. We just need the right leadership to make it happen.”
Combining business leadership with a passion for environmental protection and local advocacy, John Coupar brings a record of tangible results and deep community ties to his campaign for City Hall – with a focus on serving residents while protecting the city's natural spaces for generations to come.
Media Contact:
Vancouver Liberals Communications