City Debate #17

Who should decide what scale and type of development should go into an existing neighbourhood? Should it be the City which has close relationships and an overall perspective of development and housing needs across all neighbourhoods? Or should it be the Province who understands the urgent need for development and sees that many local governments are not doing their part to allow change and growth?

MODERATED BY Frances Bula

Frances is an award winning journalist specializing in urban issues and city politics in the Vancouver region, which she has covered since 1994. She writes for the Globe and Mail’s B.C. section and Report on Business. She has written for the Vancouver Sun, BCBusiness, Canadian Architect, Canadian Business, Georgia Straight, and more.

THE DEBATERS

PRO: Helen Lui

Helen is a development professional with experience in non-market and market developments. She hosts the "Urbanism Vancouver" podcast and is currently the Director of Development at KPU Communities Trust. She advocates for abundant and affordable housing and her passion lies in sculpting cities that are equitable, sustainable, and livable.

PRO: Russil Wvong

Russil is a software developer. Outside work, he spends a lot of time arguing that we desperately need more housing, volunteering with Abundant Housing Vancouver and the Vancouver Area Neighbours Association. He ran for Vancouver city council with Forward Together in 2022. His daily newsletter is morehousing.ca.

CON: Sarah Ellis

Sarah began her 10+ year career in housing as a volunteer advocate for renters' rights in Boston. She has worked in housing policy in the US and Canada, notably as a housing planner for the City of Vancouver, where she spearheaded the 10-year housing strategy and chaired the Metro Vancouver Housing Subcommittee. Sarah is currently the Executive Director of the Squamish Community Housing Society, and also serves on the boards of Small Housing BC and OurSquamish Placemaking Society. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys climbing and outdoor activities.

CON: Andrew Merrill

Andrew, RPP MCIP is the General Manager of Planning and Development for the City of Coquitlam. Originally from the East Coast, he has a Masters in Planning with a concentration in Urban Design from UBC. Andrew has over 19 years of experience in community planning, development approvals, public engagement, facilitating housing affordability, and urban design. His current work involves leading a team of 130 planners and building officials guiding transit-oriented development and infill housing for one of the fastest growing cities in BC.

Thank you to our CityDebates Series Sponsors: UBC SALA, The Faculty of Applied Science and Wrenwood

Who should decide what scale and type of development should go into an existing neighbourhood? Take the Urbanarium Poll to tell us what YOU think.