Unleashing the potential of The Missing Middle will hinge on the economics of land assembly. The pervasive development culture, requiring land assembly, underground parking, presentation center marketing and tendency towards large scale developments begs big questions for this missing housing type.
In the third lecture of this series, we explore the ecological and environmental sustainability dimensions of parks and public spaces in urban environments with two leading experts and a moderated Q&A:
Opening speaker: Melina Scholefield, P. Eng, Manager, Green Infrastructure Implementation, City of Vancouver
Our second lecture of this series delves into spatial distribution, access and equity dimensions of parks and public spaces with two speakers and a moderated Q&A:
Opening Speaker: Aaron Licker on using GIS to investigate cities
Keynote Speaker: Kurt Culbertson on environmental and spatial justice
As the first lecture on our series, we are opening the floor to some of Vancouver's thinkers on the theme of COMMUNITY + VISION:
- Dr Tara Moreau: UBC Botanical Garden
- Jessie Mann: Youth leader
- Ildiko G. Kovacs: engaging children in parks planning
- Andrew Pask: Vancouver Public Space Network
Vienna, one of the world’s most livable cities, has no affordable housing crisis. Four-fifths of new housing is government subsidized. Should Greater Vancouver follow suit?
6:00 Doors Open
6:00 - 7:30 The Vienna Model exhibition + Drinks Bar
7:30 - 9:00 Smart City Debate
Greater Vancouver is gripped by a housing affordability crisis that threatens its economy and livability. What do the three parties pledge to do? Who will earn your vote?
New Democrat Housing Critic MLA David Eby, BC Liberal MLA Sam Sullivan and Green Party Housing Spokesperson David Wong lay out their parties’ positions and answer tough questions.
Should zoning laws be rewritten to protect character homes? Or will that lock in unaffordable, outdated housing?
The Downtown Eastside Plan (2014) was created to protect low-income residents and other community members by restricting new development and uses not specifically targeting the poor. Many believe the DTES is Vancouver's last authentic and compassionate neighbourhood in the city; others see a neighbourhood in decline. Is it time to rethink the DTES Plan to allow for a greater mix of self-supporting uses, residents and businesses? Or, does the DTES Plan effectively protect a vulnerable population and preserve/work towards a cohesive neighbourhood?
Links to the Plan:
Metro Vancouver, a federation of 21 municipalities, one Electoral Area and one Treaty First Nation, relies on consensus decision-making by nominated councillors to direct its planning and activities. The urgent issues of our times—climate change, Land Rights, housing, transportation/transit—require decisive regional action. Would an empowered regional government, directly elected by the region, be more effective and accountable?
First established as a loop around Stanley Park in 1980, the extended Seawall now stretches 28 kilometers. Despite its heavy usage, it is served by few commercial activities. Is the Seawall a beloved public realm success story or boring strip of pavement for single-use recreation? Should the Seawall continue to resist any further “revitalization”, or should more commercial activities be encouraged to foster a greater variety of activities?