Urbanism Vancouver – Details, episodes & analysis

Uytae Lee from the YouTube channel About Here, joins Helen Lui to chat about storytelling in urban planning, emphasizing the need for effective communication strategies to drive public engagement. They also advocate for diverse voices in advocating for inclusive urban environments.

About Here: https://www.youtube.com/@AboutHere

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

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

Helen Lui interviews Fern Hahn, a transit advocate and urban planning student, who shares experiences that shaped their perspective on public transit. Fern discusses advocating for better transit and their interest in transit network design.

Next, Helen speaks with Matthew and Emma from UBC CAPACity, focusing on engaging university students in urban planning discussions. They discuss the club's events, ranging from urban studies info nights to town hall debates with city council candidates. Matthew and Emma emphasize the importance of involving youth in urban planning decisions and fostering inclusivity across different faculties.

References: 
Fern K Hahn: https://fernkhahn.com/
UBC CAPACity: https://amscampusbase.ubc.ca/capacity/home/

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

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

Host Helen Lui welcomes Ravi Kahlon, MLA for North Delta and British Columbia’s Housing Minister, to discuss transformative approaches to the housing crisis. Minister Kallon shares his political journey and the personal experiences fueling his commitment to driving positive change. They delve into the shift towards embracing density, the introduction of innovative policies under Kahlon's leadership, and the vision for more liveable, equitable, and sustainable cities.

References: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

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

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

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/)
Covert Art Titles: Spencer
Website: UrbanismVancouver.com

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

Michelle Cyca, a seasoned freelance journalist, joins Helen Lui and delves into the complexities of the housing market, touching upon themes like home ownership and the evolving notion of housing wealth. The episode features a candid reflection on the soaring housing prices in Vancouver, discussing the impact on families and the generational wealth disparities it creates. Key topics include the financialization of housing, governmental shifts in housing policy, and the growing divide between homeowners and renters. The conversation critically examines homeownership as a symbol of privilege and wealth, challenging the fairness of the housing system and underscoring the need for policy reform. This episode offers a deep dive into the struggles faced by renters and the societal biases that favor homeowners, highlighting the urgency for significant changes in housing policies and funding.

Links mentioned in the episode:
Michelle Cyca
Michelle's Article: “The End of Homeownership”
 

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

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

This episode explores the importance of including First Nations and Indigenous communities in urban development conversations. Khelsilem, the chairperson of the Squamish Nation Council, shares their insights on land use planning, housing development, including the Sen̓áḵw development, and partnerships with First Nations. The episode explores the unique considerations in First Nations-led initiatives and the need for better involvement in planning. Also touching on the concept of livability and building community.

Links mentioned in the episode:
“Golden Gates”, Conor Dougherty 

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

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

Host Helen Lui continues the conversation with Denis Agar, they unpack the dynamic relationship between housing and public transportation. They delve into the critical role of urban density in shaping transit service needs and discuss the intricate political maneuvers influencing rail network expansions. The conversation also highlights the influential power of grassroots movements in propelling improvements to transit systems.

Links mentioned in the episode:
“Where should new homes go? A map of renter density.” (https://denisagar.com/?p=9)
“Travel and the Built Environmental - Synthesis” by Reid Ewing and Robert Cervero
 

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

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

We explore the impact of zoning on housing and communities. Denis Agar is our guest and we discuss the need for more equitable zoning laws and the importance of considering renter density when adding new housing. Join us as we delve into the potential benefits of increased density near transit stations and ponder the ethical justification for maintaining low-density neighbourhoods during a housing crisis. 

Links mentioned in the episode: “Where should new homes go? A map of renter density.” (https://denisagar.com/?p=9) 

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

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

Albert Huang, a seasoned expert in affordable housing development is the guest on this episode of Urbanism Vancouver. He unravels the multifaceted issues surrounding Vancouver's housing affordability crisis, and the complexities of defining "affordable," influenced by varying income levels, government programs, and housing entities. The episode dives deep into the intricacies of constructing affordable homes, from the selection of appropriate sites to the challenges presented by zoning, regulations, and the lack of available land. As well as touching upon the financial implications linked to design, permits, and fees, debating the potential benefits of standardized housing designs. The episode culminates by addressing the predominant challenges in modern affordable housing projects, offering insights into an essential urban development conundrum.

Links mentioned in the episode:
Abundant Housing Vancouver: https://www.abundanthousingvancouver.com/

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

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

In this episode of Urbanism Vancouver, Helen Lui and Aaron Johnson discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, and their backgrounds in urbanism and broadcasting. They explain their goal of providing accessible information about housing and development and shedding light on the complexities of the process. They hope to inspire curiosity and action from their listeners and encourage them to get involved in shaping our built environment.

They also address the misconception about the role of the federal government in addressing the housing crisis, emphasizing that local municipalities have the power to shape neighbourhoods through land use and design regulations. They highlight the lack of awareness about local elected officials and the decision-making processes in cities.

Later in the episode, Helen is joined by Michelle Scarr who shares her experience with public engagement in housing discourse. Michelle explains her motivations for getting involved in local government and her frustrations with the public hearing process, particularly the dominance of a vocal minority and the lack of representation for those who would benefit from new housing.

The conversation then focuses on the need for increased engagement in local politics and the impact of municipal decisions on individuals' lives. Michelle emphasizes the importance of being aware of the issues and having a say in municipal affairs, including voting and getting involved with local parties and volunteering.

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

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