Density Plans 'A Hard Sell' in Vancouver

23 February 2008 - 1:00pm

Vancouver's plans to increase density in the city are being called "a hard sell".

"A group called Neighbourhoods for a Sustainable Vancouver -- which itself has said it is in favour of densification, but only if properly planned -- has signed up almost 30 community organizations in every neighbourhood in the city to oppose 'the city's plan to densify neighbourhoods without plans to ensure adequate safeguards or amenities.'"

"In response, Brent Toderian, the city's director of planning, said last week that he would recommend that council delay a vote on EcoDensity to give staff time to make recommendations."

"They even thought it might have a new name -- 'EcoCity' rather than EcoDensity, because of the negative connotations that densification suggests to the public."

"But ultimately, the end result would be the same."

"Whatever you called it, there would be multiple forms of densification taking place in the city -- along arterials, in backyards, on laneways."

Source: The Vancouver Sun, February 19, 2008
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These practices are also inequitable since they force non-drivers to subsidize parking costs, reduce travel options for non-drivers, and reduce housing affordability.