Urbanism Vancouver

Helen Lui & Aaron Johnson

Urbanism Vancouver explores the built environment of Vancouver, Canada - how we got to where we are, and what our history tells us about how we look forward to the future. We share insights not only from industry experts, but also from passionate advocates, and residents like you. With each episode, we'll look at different components that shape our urban experience in Vancouver, and we'll discuss how we can make cities more vibrant, affordable, and liveable places. With our shared experiences, industry insight and knowledge, perhaps you’ll learn and even be inspired to be more involved in impacting positive change in your community, even if you don’t call Vancouver “home.” Helen Lui is a seasoned housing and development professional with a fervour for abundant, and affordable housing. With over a decade in both non-market and market developments, her passion lies in sculpting cities that are equitable, sustainable, and livable. She ardently champions civic reforms, targeting exclusionary policies to pave the way for inclusive, equitable urban development. This podcast series is an independently funded project by both The Host, Helen Lui and Producer, Aaron Johnson. We acknowledge that this podcast is recorded and produced on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognize the enduring connection they have to this land. We strive to have our conversations contribute towards reconciliation and work towards sustainability and equity for all the custodians of the lands. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

The Future of Housing
04-12-2023
The Future of Housing
We delve into the pressing issues of housing and city building, revisiting discussions with guests Michelle Cyca and Khelsilem, who have underlined the need for immediate action. We explored root causes of the housing crisis, such as the historical supply limitations as well as city planning that excluded many from accessing housing. Michelle and Khelsilem also addressed attitudes around apartment living, how the public talks and engages about housing, and the importance of embracing diverse housing options.The episode also examines policy changes and the challenges in meeting housing targets, emphasizing the need to rethink city building strategies. We highlight recent changes in British Columbia, including new housing policies like proposed legislation to encourage density near rapid transit, a ban on short-term rentals, and the Vancouver Special 2.0 initiative for efficient multiplex development. The episode also addresses the role of municipalities in implementing these changes and the federal government's efforts to incentivize new housing.Furthermore, we discuss how the various topics discussed are interwoven into the complexities of our built environment, and the importance of embracing a vision for future urban development that is vibrant, inclusive, and liveable.Finally, we express gratitude to our listeners and guests, noting the podcast's evolution and future plans to expand its reach.Links mentioned in the episode:Michelle Cyca - "The End of Homeownership"KhelsilemMark Boardman, MinivillageAlbert Huang, Terra Housing"BC’s new transit-oriented development plan is actually a win for all of us" - Georgia Straight"We don’t need to further subsidize wealthy homeowners in Metro Vancouver" - Georgia StraightBryn Davidson, LanefabMovementDenis AgarVision Zero VancouverBC municipal housing targetsBC Transit Oriented DevelopmentBC New Standardized DesignBC Multi-unit homes across BCBC addressing short term rentalsCity of Vancouver MultiplexesCMHC, 5.8 million homes by 2030  Show Credits:Host: Helen LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver
Ground Work
23-10-2023
Ground Work
In this episode of Urbanism Vancouver, Helen Lui and Aaron Johnson discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, and their backgrounds in urbanism and broadcasting. They explain their goal of providing accessible information about housing and development and shedding light on the complexities of the process. They hope to inspire curiosity and action from their listeners and encourage them to get involved in shaping our built environment.They also address the misconception about the role of the federal government in addressing the housing crisis, emphasizing that local municipalities have the power to shape neighbourhoods through land use and design regulations. They highlight the lack of awareness about local elected officials and the decision-making processes in cities.Later in the episode, Helen is joined by Michelle Scarr who shares her experience with public engagement in housing discourse. Michelle explains her motivations for getting involved in local government and her frustrations with the public hearing process, particularly the dominance of a vocal minority and the lack of representation for those who would benefit from new housing.The conversation then focuses on the need for increased engagement in local politics and the impact of municipal decisions on individuals' lives. Michelle emphasizes the importance of being aware of the issues and having a say in municipal affairs, including voting and getting involved with local parties and volunteering.  Show Credits:Host: Helen LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver
Show Trailer
15-10-2023
Show Trailer
Urbanism Vancouver explores the built environment of Vancouver, Canada - how we got to where we are, and what our history tells us about how we look forward to the future. We share insights not only from industry experts, but also from passionate advocates, and residents like you. With each episode, we'll look at different components that shape our urban experience in Vancouver, and we'll discuss how we can make cities more vibrant, affordable, and liveable places. With our shared experiences, industry insight and knowledge, perhaps you’ll learn and even be inspired to be more involved in impacting positive change in your community, even if you don’t call Vancouver “home.” Helen Lui is a seasoned housing and development professional with a fervour for abundant, and affordable housing. With over a decade in both non-market and market developments, her passion lies in sculpting cities that are equitable, sustainable, and livable. She ardently champions civic reforms, targeting exclusionary policies to pave the way for inclusive, equitable urban development. This podcast series is an independently funded project by both The Host, Helen Lui and Producer, Aaron Johnson. We acknowledge that this podcast is recorded and produced on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognize the enduring connection they have to this land. We strive to have our conversations contribute towards reconciliation and work towards sustainability and equity for all the custodians of the lands. Show Credits:Host: Helen LuiProducer: Aaron JohnsonCover Art By: the Sneaky Artist (https://sneakyart.substack.com/)Covert Art Titles: SpencerWebsite: UrbanismVancouver.comIf you want to support the podcast, you can "Buy Us A Coffee"https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanismvancouver