Urbanarium City Debates
City Debate #17: THE PROVINCE WAS RIGHT TO ASSERT ITS AUTHORITY ON LAND USE
Who should decide what scale and type of development should go into an existing neighbourhood? Should it be the City which has close relationships and an overall perspective of development and housing needs across all neighbourhoods? Or should it be the Province who understands the urgent need for development and sees that many local governments are not doing their part to allow change and growth?
Organized by: Urbanarium,
UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Sponsored by: UBC SALA, The Faculty of Applied Science and Wrenwood
Pro
Russil Wvong
Russil is a software developer. Outside work, he spends a lot of time arguing that we desperately need more housing, volunteering with Abundant Housing Vancouver and the Vancouver Area Neighbours Association. He ran for Vancouver city council with Forward Together in 2022. His daily newsletter is morehousing.ca.
Helen Lui
Helen Lui is a development professional with experience in non-market and market developments. She hosts the "Urbanism Vancouver" podcast and is currently the Director of Development at KPU Communities Trust. She advocates for abundant and affordable housing and her passion lies in sculpting cities that are equitable, sustainable, and livable.
Con
Andrew Merrill
Andrew, RPP MCIP is the General Manager of Planning and Development for the City of Coquitlam. Originally from the East Coast, he has a Masters in Planning with a concentration in Urban Design from UBC. Andrew has over 19 years of experience in community planning, development approvals, public engagement, facilitating housing affordability, and urban design. His current work involves leading a team of 130 planners and building officials guiding transit-oriented development and infill housing for one of the fastest growing cities in BC.
Sarah Ellis
Sarah began her 10+ year career in housing as a volunteer advocate for renters' rights in Boston. She has worked in housing policy in the US and Canada, notably as a housing planner for the City of Vancouver, where she spearheaded the 10-year housing strategy and chaired the Metro Vancouver Housing Subcommittee. Sarah is currently the Executive Director of the Squamish Community Housing Society, and also serves on the boards of Small Housing BC and OurSquamish Placemaking Society. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys climbing and outdoor activities.
Pre-debate poll results
Pro
80%
Con
20%
Post-debate poll results
Pro
78%
Con
22%