Philip Owen was the mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia from 1993 to 2003, making him one of Vancouver's longest serving mayors.

His political longevity was not matched by widespread popularity, however. His Non-Partisan Association party often publicly split with him on policy disputes, and led to some embarrassing compromises. As well, despite winning three elections (1993, 1996, 1999) he never enjoyed widespread public support, and earned a reputation as a bland politician creating a "No-fun city." Much of his electoral success was attributed to a lack of capable opponents, as well as a general declining interest in municipal politics among Vancouver voters.

In 2002 inter-party conflicts forced him to announce he would not seek a fourth term. His political party's designated successor, councillor Jennifer Clarke lost the following election to opposition party COPE candidate Larry Campbell.