Vancouver

Study Provides Lessons in Bike Lane Politics

Eric Jaffe examines the successful (on the third try) bike lane on the Burrard Street Bridge in Vancouver as a case study in pushing a difficult project through to completion.

December 6, 2014 - CityLab

Massive Oil-By-Rail Facility Proposed for Port of Vancouver

A proposed oil-by-rail facility proposed for the Port of Vancouver could set a new standard for capacity.

November 26, 2014 - The Columbian

Vancouver Car Free Robson

What Can Vancouver Teach Melbourne?

Melbourne has topped numerous global lists for its quality of life, but it certainly has room to improve. Former Vancouver Planning Director Brent Toderian sees lessons from his hometown for the world class city down under.

November 23, 2014 - 3AW

An Ancient, Neighborhood-Based Technology could Heat Vancouver

A system similar to that which heated Roman baths could become a key cog in the future of heating in Vancouver, British Columbia.

October 15, 2014 - Citiscope

Foreign Investors Driving Up Housing Costs, Creating Zombie Communities

A slew of analysis in recent weeks has examined the negative consequences of foreign real estate speculation in cities like New York City, London, and Vancouver.

May 23, 2014 - The New Yorker

Vancouver transit

First-Day Ridership Projected at 250,000 for Vancouver's Broadway Subway

City staff recently released revised first-day ridership projections for a proposed subway in Vancouver. The numbers seem astronomical and a strong support for the cause. But can the project get the finding it needs?

May 15, 2014 - Globe and Mail

Vancouver Could Remove Parking Minimums for Condo Developments

Vancouver’s Transportation 2040 plan allowed for the easing of parking minimums for residential developments in parts of the city, and now city planners are beginning to explore where and how condos can be built without parking.

March 21, 2014 - The Province

Vancouver Skyline Bikes

Learning from Vancouver’s Planning Successes

Vancouver’s reputation as a beautiful “mini-Manhattan” is well documented and well earned. But how did the city manage to fend off regrettable fashions in planning over the years, and how prepared is it to continue its success in the future?

February 18, 2014 - ULI Urban Land Magazine

Refuting the Most Common Criticisms Against Cyclists

Andrew Cuthbert responds to a few of the recurring accusations leveled against cyclists as posted on the ‘comments’ section of a Vancouver-based news story involving a cyclist-motorist conflict.

February 5, 2014 - Spacing Vancouver

Should Planners Encourage Diverse Neighborhoods?

In an opinion piece for the Vancouver Sun, a trio of academics argue that, contrary to popular belief, socially mixed neighborhoods can be damaging to the supposed beneficiaries: low-income groups.

January 4, 2014 - The Vancouver Sun

Multiple Choice Referendum to Decide Vancouver's Transit Future

British Columbia will proceed with a public referendum on transit spending for the province. In an interesting wrinkle, Premier Christy Clark says the referendum will offer multiple choices. City leaders are concerned about the possible outcomes.

December 14, 2013 - The Globe and Mail

Techniques for Bridging the Activist-Developer Divide

A frank discussion about growth and development at a recent Vancouver forum revealed the extensive common ground shared developers and neighborhood activists, and promising techniques for bridging their traditional divide.

December 2, 2013 - The Vancouver Sun

Does Vancouver Ban Herald the Death of the Doorknob?

Amendments to Vancouver's building code adopted in September will require lever handles on all doors in newly built housing beginning next March. Could such code changes soon be adopted far and wide?

November 19, 2013 - The Vancouver Sun

And the Award for Worst Traffic Goes to…

Vancouver, Canada, has the worst traffic of any North American city according to the latest TomTom Traffic Index rankings. Los Angeles takes second place.

November 8, 2013 - The Huffington Post

Were Vancouver's 2010 Olympics Worth the Investment?

A new report says the investments made in hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver were worth it. But could the area have gotten the same benefits without the Games?

October 24, 2013 - The Globe and Mail

The Corner Store: Mark of a "Dynamic Neighbourhood"

In Vancouver, the presence of corner stores indicates diverse, dynamic, and affordable neighborhoods. But is the disappearance of such stores from neighborhoods across the city a sign that residential areas are becoming unbalanced?

September 17, 2013 - The Globe and Mail

Photo of Calgary skyline from Edworthy Park

Despite Urban Building Binge, Canada Remains a Country of Suburbs

A high-rise residential building boom has transformed the skylines of Vancouver and Toronto over the past two decades. But despite the evident rise in the popularity of urban living, Canada's suburbs and exurbs continue to dominate growth trends.

September 9, 2013 - The Vancouver Sun

Vancouver Car Free Robson

How Did Vancouver Decrease its Traffic While Growing its Population?

With its elegant skyline, walkable streets and stunning parks, Vancouver exemplifies great city-making. Add to the list of achievements the city's ability to reduce traffic by 20 to 30 percent since 2006 while growing its population by 4.5 percent.

August 6, 2013 - DC.Streetsblog

When Debating a Controversial Plan, Does 30 Percent Equal a Majority?

In the face of vocal opposition, Vancouver's city council approved a proposed bike route and greenway. For one former councillor, if a third of the speakers in hostile public meetings support a project, that's enough to indicate a silent majority.

August 1, 2013 - The Globe and Mail

Forgotten Alley Experiment Provides Route to Vancouver's Green Ambitions

Launched a decade ago, Vancouver's 'country lane' demonstration project proved how the city's back alleys could provide attractive and accessible open spaces. As the city seeks ways to provide more green space, it's time to revisit the experiment.

July 22, 2013 - National Post

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