Architect and community activist Sean McEwen will present provocative ideas regarding density and affordability as it pertains to Vancouver’s rezoning bylaws and development.  

Currently in Metro Vancouver, the term density is a cautionary signal for many. Rezonings and resulting density increases in existing neighbourhoods are lightning rods for residents to voice concerns about erosion of neighbourhood character. New development typically delivers housing that is unaffordable for most.

Sean McEwen will posit questions that tackle key issues for rezonings in Vancouver. What would happen if a conscious effort was made to utilize our city’s zoning by-laws to provide a more equitable approach to developing new housing? Is it possible to collaborate with the development industry and deliver new housing options that allow moderate and lower income households to access housing in inner city neighbourhoods? Can we tailor densification of our City to allow for economic opportunity, while housing people of all incomes, without drastic erosion of precious neighbourhood character?

Presenter

Sean has been working as an architect for over 40 years in his home city of Vancouver. He consults primarily to the non-profit sector, and has worked in the housing field as an affordable housing advocate. His best-known projects include Mole Hill Community Housing, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House which includes low income seniors housing, and InSite, North America’s first supervised injection facility. As a community activist he has been involved in many development issues in his home neighbourhood of Kitsilano, including local area planning for the Arbutus Lands, often called a model for how new higher density development can be integrated into an existing neighbourhood.