Source: American Planning Association, Jan 2007
Vancouver has been praised as one of the most livable cities in the world, and Larry Beasley, who recently retired as the city’s planning director, has now become a proselytizer for high-density living. Meanwhile, Vancouver is getting ready to go to the next level. Mayor Sam Sullivan is convinced that density is ecologically responsible and must be actively promoted. Last June, he launched the “EcoDensity” initiative, which promotes high-quality densification as a way to reduce the city’s ecological footprint. A big problem with density, though, is its unpopularity. Planners may not be czars, but they still have tools. Many cities begin by increasing density in new developments, particularly on former industrial land where there are no existing residents who are likely to object. Both Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver have had great success with this approach.
Vancouver brings the concept of eco-density to North America.
Vancouver loves density. The downtown population has doubled to 85,000 in the last 20 years; most of those residents live in slender, green glass towers sorrounded by snow-capped mountains and ocean views. Shops, community centers, restaurants and parks are within walking or biking distance, and on a sunny day the seawall along the Pacific Ocean attracts parents pushing strollers, bikers, runners, and roller bladers of all ages and income levels.