A man who has made his mark on development projects across Metro Vancouver has made it into the upper echelon of Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 2025 list.
Gary Pooni, who was born in New West and raised in Queensborough, has moved up from his number 17 spot in 2024 to number 10 in 2025.
“For knowing everyone who’s anyone,” is how Pooni is described by Vancouver Magazine.
The Power 50 list is the publication’s ranking of the “people who are powering” the city right now.
“If we still used Rolo-dexes, Gary Pooni’s would need its own personal assistant to lug it around,” said the Power 50’s description of Pooni. “He’s a development consultant — his team was key in getting the OK for huge developments around the region, including the Columbia Square plan in New Westminster — but Pooni has everyone from the premier to the mayor to various Canucks and FIFA VPs on speed dial, making him the connector for those who need to get things done in the city, the province and beyond.
“He’s typically behind the scenes, but he’s the wind behind the sails of community events like Broadway Rocks (and soon, a pro-wrestling project),” said Vancouver Magazine. “No surprise that his foray into podcasting this year focuses on folks in town driving positive change; the first Poonicast kicks off with Canucks team ambassador Kirk McLean.”
Pooni may be connected to many of B.C.’s top movers and shakers, but he has never forgotten his New West roots.
While speaking as part of a panel at the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce and Downtown BIA’s recent economic forum, he expressed his love for his hometown and noted that many of his family still reside in New West.
Rich Patterson, chair of the chamber of commerce’s board of directors, said Pooni’s deep family roots in New Westminster have shaped not only his values but also his commitment to giving back in a meaningful way.
“His recognition as one of Vancouver’s most influential people is a testament to his leadership, vision, and dedication — not just to his industry, but to the communities that have shaped him,” Patterson said in a statement to the Record. “Even as he achieves success on a regional and national scale, Gary remains deeply connected to New Westminster, continuously investing his time and expertise to uplift others. We are incredibly proud to see a hometown leader making such a profound impact.”
