The Editors, (Vancouver Magazine) — An organic theme always emerges as we put together our annual list of the people who power this city—and this year, philanthropy and community are the threads holding this group of impressive Vancouverites together, after countless weeks of polling experts around the city and even more deep research.
So, yes, you’ll find entrepreneurs and C-suite leaders among the 50 as always, but in 2026, we’re more likely to be celebrating them for what they do beyond their financial reports.
These are folks putting B.C. onto the global stage, developing world-class sustainability initiatives, creating jobs during a tough economic time or raising record-breaking amounts for the causes closest to home.
And alongside these thought leaders, we’re also honouring artists, athletes and activists who are doing their part to make life in Vancouver the best it can be. Whatever industry they’re coming from: this is people power at its finest.
1. Ryan Beedie
For building communities and giving back in equal measure
President, Beedie
Previously 2025
When Ryan Beedie took the helm of his family’s namesake business in 2001 at the age of 33, he didn’t just expand it—he transformed it into something his late father Keith could hardly have imagined. Today, Beedie stands as one of British Columbia’s largest commercial property managers and one of Canada’s leading real estate developers, with a footprint that extends across Western Canada and into Nevada. Operating through three divisions—Beedie Industrial, Beedie Living and Beedie Capital—the company has completed development on more than 35 million square feet of industrial space and manages a portfolio of more than 200 properties.
The company’s “Built for Good” motto isn’t just marketing language; it’s a guiding principle embedded in both its urban developments and its resource-sector partnerships. The ambitious Fraser Mills master-planned community in Coquitlam—5,500 homes across 96 acres of reclaimed waterfront—demonstrates long-term city-building: environmental remediation of a former mill site, major investments in public infrastructure and the creation of a complete community with parks, jobs and public waterfront access. Likewise, Beedie’s partnerships with six First Nations on the Blackwater Mine project near Prince George reflect a commitment to equitable development. By working with Indigenous governments as genuine partners (not mere stakeholders), the company supports shared economic opportunity, local employment and community-led stewardship.
But Ryan Beedie’s impact extends far beyond construction sites and balance sheets. Together with his wife Cindy (a regular on the Power 50 list herself), he’s committed over $140 million to more than 350 charities, with education emerging as a cornerstone of their giving. Beedie Luminaries, the scholarship program he launched for his 50th birthday with a $50-million investment, has now granted over 1,000 scholarships totalling $6.9 million to students facing financial barriers—so far, the program has seen a 95-percent graduation rate. And then there’s his biennial Stanley Park concerts, which have become legendary fundraisers: 2025’s Def Leppard-headlined event raised $2.5 million for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, surpassing even his previous record.
In 2025, Beedie was inducted into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame—just as his father once was—and was given the Order of British Columbia, too. It’s appropriate acclaim for a local boy who has spent a career building a legacy not just for his family, but also for his home province. For Beedie, building for good means building communities—and investing deeply in the people who live in them.
2. Victor Montagliani
For bringing the world’s biggest sporting event home
Vice President, FIFA; President, Concacaf
NEW
East Vancouver’s own Victor Montagliani has spent his career elevating Canadian soccer from local fields to the global stage—and now he’s bringing the world to his hometown. As vice-president of FIFA and president of Concacaf (the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), Montagliani was instrumental in securing Canada’s place as a co-host nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off this summer. Vancouver will host seven matches in what Montagliani calls “a once-in-a-lifetime moment” for the city: a moment he can take much of the credit for.
Though we’re celebrating his work from this past year, the truth is, this achievement represents the culmination of a journey that began at BC Soccer, progressed through his presidency of the Canadian Soccer Association starting in 2012 and led to his election as Concacaf president in 2016. Along the way, he championed Canada’s successful hosting of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and has consistently pushed a strategic, long-term vision for the sport across North and Central America—a vision that will come to life this summer.
To be clear, Montagliani’s influence extends beyond securing the tournament itself. He’s ensured local infrastructure investment, including major upgrades to BC Place—new suites and elevators—and he passionately engaged with Vancouver’s business community to help them prepare for the economic boost (a projected $1.7 billion!) and global spotlight the World Cup will bring. This past September, Mayor Ken Sim even proclaimed “Victor Montagliani Day” in Vancouver, recognizing his lifelong dedication to football and his role in transforming Canada into one of the world’s emerging footballing nations. “My goal has always been to give back by making a positive and measurable impact on our game and our nation in every way possible,” said Montagliani at the proclamation ceremony.
3. Sarah McLachlan
For giving voice to a generation— and giving music to the next
Founder, Sarah McLachlan School of Music
NEW
When Sarah McLachlan founded Lilith Fair in the ’90s, she rewrote the rules of the music business. Today, her most powerful legacy is still unfolding at home: the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, now in its 25th year and serving more than 1,200 young musicians annually across Vancouver, New Westminster and Edmonton. A new partnership with Douglas College widens that pipeline even further, removing barriers for youth who might never otherwise pick up an instrument. This year’s record-breaking $3.3-million Barefoot in the Backyard fundraiser proved the city is still rallying behind her conviction that music education is a right, not a luxury.
But in 2025, McLachlan also reminded fans she’s never shied away from principled stands. While promoting Better Broken, her first album in a decade, she pulled out of the Disney-affiliated U.S. premiere of her Lilith Fair documentary in protest of what she called an “insidious erosion” of free speech—a move that aligned her with embattled host Jimmy Kimmel. Days later, she appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a surprise guest, performing her new single in solidarity after the show’s suspension sparked a national debate over censorship and political pressure.
Three Grammys, 12 Junos, 40 million albums sold and an Officer of the Order of Canada distinction later, McLachlan is still using her platform the way she always has: to make noise where it matters—whether that’s in a classroom or on a stage that others are trying to silence.
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