Vancouver Mayor promises increased supply, affordability

A new strategy for housing in Vancouver will transform low density neighbourhoods of the city with increased supply, affordability, and variety of housing options.

The city’s Mayor Gregor Robertson says that the Housing Vancouver strategy responds to the increased population, rising housing costs and need for housing diversity.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that Vancouverites expect us to address the fact that vast areas of low-density neighbourhoods are unaffordable for all but the very wealthy – with many of them seeing a decline in families and kids,” says the Mayor. “With the new Housing Vancouver strategy, we can transform our low-density, single-family neighbourhoods with more duplexes and triplexes, more townhouses and rowhouses, and more low-rise apartments - and make sure every neighbourhood across Vancouver is filled with families and kids.”

The city’s strategy includes:

• Identifying areas close to parks, schools, public amenities and main streets for new townhomes and low-rise apartment developments
• Expanding more affordable housing options in communities by initiating planning around shopping areas and neighbourhood centres
• Providing more family housing options by exploring and promoting apartment developments with townhouses with front doors on the ground floor
• Investigating regulatory changes and further incentives for diverse new developments through parking reductions and car sharing

“Housing and affordability must reflect the diversity of our residents and support those most in need of housing,” says Gil Kelley, General Manager, Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability. “Our Housing Vancouver strategy lays the groundwork for change in our city to increase the variety of housing options - the right homes Vancouver residents need and can afford.”