16 Facts About Philip Owen

Philip Walter Owen was a Canadian politician and drug reform advocate who served as the 36th mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia from 1993 to 2002.

Philip Owen entered civic politics in 1978 after being elected to the Vancouver Parks Board.

Philip Owen oversaw Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Olympic winter games, which it won in 2003, the Woodwards redevelopment, the public dispute over "harm reduction", the downtown residential population doubling from 40,000 to 80,000, and numerous changes to housing policy.

Philip Owen did not seek re-election in 2002, after being told he would have to compete for the mayoral nomination of his own party, the Non-Partisan Association, a traditionally conservative civic party he had been part of for 25 years.

Years later, Philip Owen spoke about how close and long-time friends stopped associating with him as well as his wife, Brita, following his public advocacy for harm reduction programs.

Philip Owen started the conversation on the "Four Pillars Approach", a novel strategy pioneered in Switzerland that represented a huge shift in public perception from treating substance use as a criminal justice issue towards a public health approach.

Philip Owen used his position in the media to attempt to change the narrative on drug addiction away from crime and towards health policy public opposition to Insite's opening was immediate and loud.

On February 15,2011, Philip Owen published letters in several major Canadian newspapers apologizing for comments that he made blaming former Vancouver Police Department Inspector Kim Rossmo for delays in the investigation of serial killer Robert Pickton, following a defamation case that was settled out of court.

In 2014, Philip Owen was awarded the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster during his lifelong membership to St John's Shaughnessy.

Philip Owen's father was Walter S Owen, was Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia from 1973 to 1978.

Philip Owen completed his education at Prince of Wales Secondary School and later New York University.

Philip Owen started a textile business in his late 20's that later expanded to both Toronto and New York City.

Philip Owen managed the Eaton's store at Park Royal in the early 1960s, eventually resigning his position after refusing to fire an older employee for fear they would not receive their pension.

Philip Owen became a director of the Vancouver Art Gallery, president of the Downtown Vancouver Association, chair of St George's School.

Philip Owen served on the boards of Ovarian Cancer Canada, Opportunity International, the Salvation Army and Vancouver International Airport and was involved with many other local organizations.

Philip Owen died of complications related to Parkinson's disease on September 30,2021 at the age of 88.