Dec. 4, 2023

The Future of Housing

This episode explores the housing crisis, highlighting the need for immediate action and discussing root causes like historical supply limitations and exclusive city planning. It features insights from guests Michelle Cyca and Khelsilem on changing attitudes towards housing and the importance of diverse options. The discussion also covers policy changes in British Columbia aimed at increasing housing density and the roles of various government levels in these efforts.

We delve into the pressing issues of housing and city building, revisiting discussions with guests Michelle Cyca and Khelsilem, who have underlined the need for immediate action. We explored root causes of the housing crisis, such as the historical supply limitations as well as city planning that excluded many from accessing housing. Michelle and Khelsilem also addressed attitudes around apartment living, how the public talks and engages about housing, and the importance of embracing diverse housing options.

The episode also examines policy changes and the challenges in meeting housing targets, emphasizing the need to rethink city building strategies. We highlight recent changes in British Columbia, including new housing policies like proposed legislation to encourage density near rapid transit, a ban on short-term rentals, and the Vancouver Special 2.0 initiative for efficient multiplex development. The episode also addresses the role of municipalities in implementing these changes and the federal government's efforts to incentivize new housing.

Furthermore, we discuss how the various topics discussed are interwoven into the complexities of our built environment, and the importance of embracing a vision for future urban development that is vibrant, inclusive, and liveable.

Finally, we express gratitude to our listeners and guests, noting the podcast's evolution and future plans to expand its reach.

Links mentioned in the episode:
Michelle Cyca - "The End of Homeownership"
Khelsilem
Mark Boardman, Minivillage
Albert Huang, Terra Housing
"BC’s new transit-oriented development plan is actually a win for all of us" - Georgia Straight
"We don’t need to further subsidize wealthy homeowners in Metro Vancouver" - Georgia Straight
Bryn Davidson, Lanefab
Movement
Denis Agar
Vision Zero Vancouver
BC municipal housing targets
BC Transit Oriented Development
BC New Standardized Design
BC Multi-unit homes across BC
BC addressing short term rentals
City of Vancouver Multiplexes
CMHC, 5.8 million homes by 2030

Show Credits:
Host: Helen Lui
Producer: Aaron Johnson
Cover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)
Website: UrbanismVancouver.com

 

If you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver