Practical Solutions
Vancouver can add housing while still protecting liveability, trees, privacy, and neighbourhood character.
A better policy should measure outcomes.
Housing policy should not measure success only by the number of units approved. It should also ask whether the homes created are affordable, liveable, useful, and compatible with their surroundings.
Smart Density Vancouver supports practical improvements that allow growth while protecting the long-term quality of neighbourhood life.
Neighbourhood compatibility
Height, site coverage, setbacks, landscaping, and placement should better reflect the existing street.
Tree retention
Protect mature trees and require stronger replacement strategies on residential properties.
Flexible zoning
Policy should respond to size, shape, topography, and context.
Parking & infrastructure
Align density with transit access, transportation realities, and neighbourhood servicing needs.
Design standards
Promote better layouts, durable materials, setbacks, insets, massing, and usable green space.
Consultation
Improve notification and consultation so residents understand and can respond to changes on their street.