In Vancouver, where debates over housing, development, and public life continue to intensify, a revived civic initiative is asking a simple question: do residents actually feel they have a say?

For Penny, who has spent years working with children, youth, and families, the answer is often no.

“People read about what happened at a city meeting,” she says, “but they don’t feel like they can do anything about it.”

Penny, trained as a psychologist but known for her community-based work, sees the city itself as part of the problem and part of the solution.

“As we build taller and taller towers, children don’t experience neighbourhoods the same way,” she says. “At the same time, we have to ask: are we building systems that actually serve people, or just the market?”

From tenants facing redevelopment to residents trying to navigate complex municipal systems, many people, she says, feel disempowered before they even begin. The idea that you cannot fight City Hall remains very strong.

ThinkCity aims to challenge that.

The organization hopes to act as a hub by connecting people, sharing accessible information, and creating spaces for dialogue across communities. A key focus is reaching those who are not already engaged.

“That’s the hardest part,” Penny says. “How do you involve people who don’t think their voice matters?”

The goal now is to rebuild those connections through conversations, events, and ongoing networks that extend beyond one-time participation.