Urbanism Vancouver

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 LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver

Experts Michelle Cyca and Khelsilem discuss housing crises, root causes, and the need for immediate action. They emphasize the importance of diverse housing options, policy changes in British Columbia, and challenges in meeting housing targets. The podcast highlights the role of municipalities and federal government in incentivizing new housing, as well as the complexities of urban development. The episode ends with gratitude for listeners and plans to expand the podcast's reach.

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 CycaMichelle's Article: “The End of Homeownership”  Show Credits:Host: Helen LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf 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 LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf 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 LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf 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 LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf 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, unravels Vancouver's housing affordability crisis and the complexities of defining 'affordable.' The episode dives into constructing affordable homes, addressing challenges like zoning, regulations, and lack of land. Financial implications, standardized housing designs, and modern affordable housing projects are also discussed.

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 LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver

Urbanism Vancouver explores the built environment of Vancouver, Canada - how we got to where we are, and what our history tells us about how we look forward to the future. We share insights not only from industry experts, but also from passionate advocates, and residents like you. With each episode, we'll look at different components that shape our urban experience in Vancouver, and we'll discuss how we can make cities more vibrant, affordable, and liveable places. With our shared experiences, industry insight and knowledge, perhaps you’ll learn and even be inspired to be more involved in impacting positive change in your community, even if you don’t call Vancouver “home.” Helen Lui is a seasoned housing and development professional with a fervour for abundant, and affordable housing. With over a decade in both non-market and market developments, her passion lies in sculpting cities that are equitable, sustainable, and livable. She ardently champions civic reforms, targeting exclusionary policies to pave the way for inclusive, equitable urban development. This podcast series is an independently funded project by both The Host, Helen Lui and Producer, Aaron Johnson. We acknowledge that this podcast is recorded and produced on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognize the enduring connection they have to this land. We strive to have our conversations contribute towards reconciliation and work towards sustainability and equity for all the custodians of the lands. Show Credits:Host: Helen LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver