Can Vancouver Remain The Most Livable City?

Vancouver has once again been named the most livable city in the world. But some fear that the qualities that pushed the city to top honors will be hard to maintain as the city grows.

1 minute read

August 24, 2007, 12:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg


"Vancouver has once again topped the list of the world's most livable cities, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit."

"But even those who tout the city's virtues warn that planners will have to work hard to keep the title as more people flock to the attractive destination."

"The EIU rated Vancouver the top of 132 cities surveyed, citing its low crime, little threat from instability or terrorism and highly developed transport and communications infrastructure."

"It was followed by Melbourne, Vienna, Perth, Toronto and Sydney. Four of the 10 most livable cities were in Australia."

"But as more people come here, Vancouver could find itself falling in the rankings, some say, unless it manages to sustain its way of life while meeting the challenges of housing and transportation."

Friday, August 24, 2007 in The Vancouver Sun

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

2 hours ago - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

34 seconds ago - Smart Cities Dive

People walking down a hill on a steep street in San Francisco, with buildings on the right.

San Francisco supervisor looks to establish city’s first department of housing

The proposed agency would coordinate planning and financing around housing, as well as support affordable housing production.

1 hour ago - Mission Local

Visitors view the Obama Presidential Branch of the Chicago Public Library on the campus of the Obama Presidential Center

South Chicago development proposal would 'upzone' neighborhoods to increase density

The South Chicago Land Use Framework plan also aims to promote pedestrian and transit-oriented developments.

2 hours ago - Block Club Chicago