A new report suggests that Vancouver, widely regarded as the world's "most livable" city, is facing a growing population of working poor, inaccessibly expensive housing, and increasing social inequities among minority groups.
"Just a year ago, The Economist named Vancouver "The World's Most Liveable City." It has features other cities can only envy: a breathtaking mix of ocean and mountain, a vibrant multi-ethnic population and a culture of innovation and eco-sensitive practices and policies."
"While Vancouver has so much to offer, an increasing number of its citizens are being excluded from enjoying, taking part in and contributing to this vibrant city.
A new report titled Social Sustainability in Vancouver examined the trends and challenges facing the people of Vancouver. The report was prepared for Vancouver City Council to kick-start a planning process aimed at ensuring Vancouver is able to meet its present needs without compromising the needs of future generations.
"There is a lot of good news -- But there is plenty of not-so-good news as well. The social and economic trends suggest that Vancouver is moving away from -- not toward -- social inclusion and social sustainability."
FULL STORY: Vancouver: World's Most Liveable City?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

Can We Please Give Communities the Design They Deserve?
Often an afterthought, graphic design impacts everything from how we navigate a city to how we feel about it. One designer argues: the people deserve better.

Southern Californians Survey Trees for Destructive Oak Pest
Hundreds of volunteers across five counties participated in the first Goldspotted Oak Borer Blitz, surveying oak trees for signs of the invasive beetle and contributing valuable data to help protect Southern California’s native woodlands.

Opinion: How Geothermal HVAC Lowers Costs, Improves Grid Resilience
Geothermal heating and cooling systems can reduce energy costs and dramatically improve efficiency.

Tenant Screening: A Billion-Dollar Industry with Little Oversight. What’s Being Done to Protect Renters?
Reports show that the data tenant screening companies use is often riddled with errors and relies on information that has no bearing on whether someone will be a good tenant.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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