VIDEO & DISCUSSION:

TWO WATERFRONT CITIES - VANCOUVER AND STOCKHOLM HOUSING

In the postwar period, Sweden has undergone a transformation of its housing model with the goal of making it more affordable. This was done by creating a large inventory of state-owned properties that would be leased at fair prices to Sweden’s residents. Today, the Swedish housing standard is one of the highest in the world with little homelessness. Conversely, Vancouver has been gaining world-wide reputation of one the most expensive cities to live in due to the expensive real-estate market and the unaffordable prices for the majority of Vancouverites. With Vancouver’s soaring real estate prices, Dudoc decided to compare and contrast two waterfront cities – Vancouver and Stockholm, and their distinct approaches to housing. In the video & discussion session, the audience will learn the current models of housing in the two cities from the two presenters, Michael Geller and Wilco van Bemmel. The presenters will then lead a facilitated discussion with the audience on the subject.

Presenters:

Michael Geller is the president of the Geller Group active in planning and real estate consulting; an expert in laneway housing developments around the region; and a builder of small, ‘niche’ residential projects including apartments for people who do not want to live in apartments. Michael also serves on the Adjunct Faculty of SFU’s Centre for Sustainable Community Development.

Michael will speak on the current status of housing in Vancouver and some solutions from around the world that can help create more affordability within the local market.

Wilco van Bemmel has worked as Director of Area Development for several Dutch cities along the North Sea coast. His work involved revitalizing existing neighbourhoods and waterfront areas, including the (re)development of community housing projects in partnership with some of Netherlands’ largest and most innovative social housing providers. In 2011, he moved to Vancouver and now works as a development manager for affordable housing projects in Nanaimo, Quesnel and Canmore AB.

Wilco will speak on the European housing market and the approaches different governments and developers take to provide affordable living to residents.