
The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux
The Humble Genius of Uytae Lee: The Creator of About Here
May 7, 2025
Uytae Lee, an urban planner and YouTube creator from Vancouver, dives into the complexities of housing and urban design. He discusses the critical impact of development fees and building codes on housing accessibility. Uytae shares his creative approach to storytelling on YouTube, balancing entertainment with serious topics. The conversation also touches on the political dynamics surrounding the housing crisis and the need for innovative solutions and better governance in housing policy. Tune in for insights and some candid advice for Canada’s new prime minister!
30:09
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Quick takeaways
- Housing taxes in B.C. and Ontario create substantial hurdles for developers, significantly contributing to skyrocketing housing costs and market unpredictability.
- Engaging YouTube content about housing must intertwine informative storytelling with relatable narratives to effectively capture and maintain viewer interest.
Deep dives
The Impact of Housing Taxes
Housing taxes in British Columbia and Ontario substantially burden developers, contributing to escalating housing costs. Up to 20% of a development's total budget can be consumed by these fees in Vancouver, with rates hitting 24% in Toronto. This lack of transparency means buyers are often unaware of how these charges influence prices in the housing market. As cities with significant housing shortages impose higher fees, understanding the correlation between development costs and housing prices is critical in addressing the growing crisis.
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