​Hereditary chief Ian Campbell to lead Vision Vancouver into October civic election

The number of candidates running for mayor of Vancouver is growing ahead of civic elections on Oct. 20.

Vision Vancouver, the party that currently holds the mayor's chair as well as a majority on council, has selected Ian Campbell as its candidate to replace retiring Mayor Gregor Robertson.

Vision co-chair Michael Haack says Campbell, a hereditary chief of the Squamish Nation, has been acclaimed as the Vision candidate.

Campbell will run against Ken Sim, who beat two other challengers on Sunday to become the Non-Partisan Association's mayoral candidate in the upcoming race.

Other declared candidates seeking Vancouver's top job include New Democrat member of Parliament Kennedy Stewart and former Simon Fraser University Centre for Dialogue executive director Shauna Sylvester, who are both running as Independents.

Former Vancouver South Conservative MP Wai Young is running under the newly created Coalition Vancouver banner, while Green Party Vancouver councillor Adriane Carr has said she is considering a mayoral bid, but has not yet made a decision.

Haack says by acclaiming Campbell as Vision's candidate, the party has the opportunity to make history and elect its first Indigenous mayor.

"With his leadership, experience, and passion, Vision will continue to advance a progressive and bold agenda for our city on the issues that matter most," Haack said in a news release.

"For nearly 20 years, (Campbell) has represented Squamish Nation as its lead negotiator, successfully securing complex land settlements, housing, and community economic development opportunities with senior governments," the release says.

Vision Vancouver announces its council, school board and park board candidates on July 8.