Fry picks COPE's Sean Orr as deputy mayor, names seven to Metro Vancouver board

A COPE councillor is set to become Vancouver's deputy mayor when the new council meets for the first time on the evening of Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.

Mayor-elect Pete Fry has recommended Coun. Sean Orr for the role for the first few months of the term, through January 2027, according to Daily Hive Urbanized. Council is expected to endorse that recommendation, along with several other statutory appointments, at City Hall. The meeting follows the inauguration ceremony at the Orpheum Theatre.

Orr will replace outgoing ABC councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung in the position. The deputy mayor represents the mayor and council at official events, ceremonies and community functions, including when the mayor is unavailable.

Fry told Daily Hive Urbanized he has a good working relationship with Orr and expects to lean on him as COPE's caucus leader. He also said he does not intend to run a hyperpartisan council.

The more consequential picks for residents may be the ones at the regional table. Fry has selected seven members, himself included, for Vancouver's seats on the Metro Vancouver Regional District board, which oversees the regional government. They are Greens Fry, Camil Dumont and Annette Reilly; COPE's Orr and Chloe Leslie; OneCity's Lucy Maloney; and ABC's Mike Klassen.

Under the board's weighted voting system, which is based on population, those seven would carry a combined 34 votes. The remaining four city councillors would serve as alternates when designated directors cannot attend.

Fry would also represent Vancouver on the Union of British Columbia Municipalities executive. Green Coun. Stephanie Smith would be nominated for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities board, subject to that body's internal election.

Vancouver's other elected bodies are starting up as well. The Park Board holds its inaugural meeting on Nov. 2, and the School Board follows on Nov. 9.