I am reaching out today with heartfelt sincerity and urgency, asking for your support in what may be our final opportunity to protect the future of Shaughnessy Restaurant - a cherished, family-run legacy business that has served our city with distinction for over 25 years.

As part of a newly established RFP process that began in 2023 by the City of Vancouver (under Mayor Ken Sim) venues on Parks board properties now have to go through a bidding process to regain their lease (despite the fact that Shaughnessy has held the lease for 40 years).  This decision appears to have been made by a small group of 6–7 individuals — and it may ultimately redefine the identity and soul of this venue.

They’ve remained patient and hopeful throughout this two-year process, trusting in fairness and transparency; however on Wednesday, July 9 at 9:30 AM, the City of Vancouver Council was to hold a hearing in which the Parks Board was to recommend a different company as the preferred proponent to take over this beloved Vancouver institution. The agenda item was withdrawn, and the City of Vancouver won’t provide additional details on why. However, it did say the item would be rescheduled for a future meeting. With the help of the Vancouver community, it is time to ensure that Shaughnessy Restaurant’s deep connection with its patrons and history is not overlooked.

As outlined in the City’s own RFP (PS20241050-VBPR-RFP), the intent of this process was to secure a qualified operator capable of modernizing the facility, enhancing the special events program, be a destination venue, and aligning with the City’s sustainability and community goals. Shaughnessy Restaurant not only meets these objectives — they exceed them.

In a time when legacy businesses are disappearing across Vancouver, this is an opportunity for
the City to lead by example — by supporting continuity, community memory, and the success of a beloved small business that continues to deliver excellent food, heartfelt service, and meaningful social impact.

Shaughnessy is not just a restaurant — it is a Vancouver institution. Operated by the same family for more than 25 years, it has been the setting for thousands of cherished life moments: weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations of life. The City’s RFP prioritizes “social
outcomes” such as community engagement and the support of small and diverse local businesses. There is perhaps no better example of this than Shaughnessy Restaurant.