Why ‘density’ isn’t a dirty word when it comes to housing

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It’s been a heated issue in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood for some time now. A rezoning application to increase the height and density of a building at 105 Keefer Street isn’t sitting well with everyone.

Last night, the decision on the polarizing project was deferred by Vancouver City Council but it raises the question: why is density still seen as a bad word when it’s becoming harder to buy a home?

While not speaking directly about the project, Brendan Dawe with Abundant Housing Vancouver says the negative mindset towards density started way back when the first zoning code was written. “They want to keep the apartments out of the single family homes because they’re parasitic.”

He adds it has been a slow progression but that generational way of thinking is beginning to change and not only because of demand but affordability. “It’s a sentiment that is long established and is only slowly being eroded by the necessity for more space for people to live in.”
While some people may interpret that as building more and more, Dawe insists that simply isn’t the case. “You’ll find relatively few people who would say the only answer is more development. I think a lot of people have some great arguments for why there needs to be a more aggressive approach with social housing, land value taxation and other implements that reduce speculation.”

Dawe suggests a posh West Side neighbourhood as an example where density wouldn’t require building a slew of new condos. “You look at those Shaughnessy mansions, they could very easily accommodate multi-unit conversions and they could be a home for a lot more people in an area that has abundant access to jobs, education, and transit.”

The next hearing on the project will take place at a council meeting on June 13th.