Urbanism Vancouver

Helen Lui interviews Fern Hahn, a transit advocate and urban planning student, discussing Fern's advocacy for improved public transit and passion for transit network design. Additionally, Helen speaks with Matthew and Emma from UBC CAPACity, a group dedicated to engaging university students in urban planning. Matthew and Emma highlight the club's activities, such as informational nights and debates with city council candidates, aimed at fostering student involvement in urban planning.

Density is a hotly debated topic in urban centres. Is it good? Is it bad? Does it make us more isolated, more lonely, or can it improve our happiness? Helen Lui speaks with Houssam Elokda, from Happy Cities. Their research explores the connection between urban design and happiness, striving to enhance the quality of life in cities through sustainable long-term happiness. By prioritizing people's experiences and emotions, they aim to implement urban interventions that are not only impactful but also tailored to the unique needs and values of each community.

Helen Lui is joined by architects Amit Price Patel and Jill Robertson from DIALOG, to discuss the design of great public spaces. They share insights on the political power of design, the intersection of science and art in shaping communities, and the significance of community engagement in creating inclusive spaces. The conversation emphasizes inclusivity, considering diverse perspectives, and the importance of moving at the speed of trust when engaging with communities. Amit and Jill highlight the impact of inclusive design on community well-being, stressing the role of public spaces in fostering connections and shared experiences.

Reece Martin from the YouTube channel RMTransit joins Helen Lui to discuss the evolving landscape of urban mobility and public transit. Explore the cutting-edge developments and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of our cities.

Helen Lui discusses the interconnectedness of urban development, climate initiatives, and public safety with guest, environmental scientist Rhiannon Fox. Highlighting the benefits of dense, less car-dependent cities, the discussion emphasizes community involvement and personal action as catalysts for change. Rhiannon shares how individual efforts can influence broader societal shifts towards sustainable living and safer, more inclusive urban environments.

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.

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.

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.

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.