Urbanism Vancouver Helen Lui & Aaron Johnson

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.

Lucy Maloney advocates for separated bike lanes, speed regulations, law enforcement, and community engagement for safer streets in Vancouver, Canada.

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.

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.

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.

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.